When it comes to cooking at home, we can cook on a range that is either electric or gas (natural).

Occasionally we’ll use the grill on the porch or the crockpot on the counter, but more often than not, we’re using the range and oven powered by one power source or another. As at home, there are pros and cons of your cooking heating source for your RV, too. Here are the choices for interior cook tops and heating sources for making meals on the road.

Propane: A lot of RVs come ready-equipped to power cooking surfaces and ovens with propane. The advantages include there’s no need to run electricity, propane is easy to light, and there’s no reason to get a load of wood. However, you need to keep in mind that propane isn’t sold everywhere so you need to plan ahead to make sure you don’t run out in the middle of cooking dinner. Second, propane is flammable – plus you’re cooking with an open flame – and can emit dangerous carbon monoxide if not handled properly. There are safeguards against this, of course, but the danger exists nonetheless.

Diesel: These RV stoves are easy to clean, but since there is no open flame, it’s safer than a propane stove. Other pluses include a stove that heats up quickly and without using much fuel, and diesel is easy to find so you don’t have to worry as much about running out.

Electric: Some people prefer the safety and convenience of an electric stove. If you have an electrical hookup at a campground, then this is the easy way to go. The cooktop can be either electric or induction. There are pros and cons to each.

Convection: RVers have enjoyed the convection oven because it’s a microwave and oven all in one that provides easy, even cooking – usually in less time than other types of ovens. This means it takes some getting used to (reduce cooking temps and times) at first. Also, it does draw electricity so you need to be plugged in or have a large battery bank. On the plus side, you can use regular bakeware since convection ovens use a heating element. Make sure you read the manual to get the most out of your convection oven.

 

Make cooking in the RV easier…

  • Buy only what you need so that the ingredients are fresh and don’t take up room for longer than needed. However, keep a small mix of canned, powdered, instant, and frozen meals prepared.
  • Stock carefully and intentionally so that nothing breaks or falls, especially after transit.
  • Use the interior of your oven as storage space, such as for the cast iron skillet.
  • Plan your meals!
  • Keep the number of cooks in the kitchen to one. Kids often want to help but can make a big mess, so give them jobs that take them out of the kitchen but that still allows them to participate.
  • Use a crock pot or pressure cooker from time to time to have convenient, delicious meals ready from when you return from your latest activity.
  • Clean up as you go along and put away ingredients immediately after using them. This keeps your work space clean.
  • Add more counter space with a sink insert.
  • Don’t be afraid to branch out and try recipes that are considered more gourmet. There are tons of recipes from fellow campers that have been shared on Pinterest.