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RV Microwave vs Regular Microwave – What’s the Difference?

    Updated February 12, 2023

    On the go heating is quick, easy, and efficient with RV microwaves. They increase the variety of options you have for the items you can bring and prepare with your cuisine, making any RV more comfortable. But what sets them apart from standard microwaves?

    RV microwaves differ from standard microwaves in that they typically operate at lower power levels and are smaller to save on both space and electricity. Additionally, they have a higher propensity than standard microwaves to heat by convection as opposed to radiation.

    In this post, ordinary microwaves and RV microwaves will be compared and contrasted, with their functions and many market possibilities discussed as well as the distinctions between them highlighted.

    Differences Between RV Microwave and Regular Microwave

    An RV convection microwave removes the possibility of cold air surrounding the food, which can be an issue with normal microwaves, by heating the air inside the food compartment. This means that RV convection microwaves use heat more effectively overall by heating food more quickly at a lower temperature.

    RV convection microwaves may bake, broil, and perform a variety of other cooking techniques in addition to the traditional application of reheating meals. A convection microwave is typically more adaptable than a regular microwave. Even in microwaves of the same size and capacity, RV microwaves often use less electricity than standard microwaves.

    Although conventional microwaves and RV microwaves are often approximately the same size, larger microwave units that range from 1.5 to 2.2 cubic feet are available for use in the house. All RV microwaves should be secured in some way to prevent movement while the RV is in motion, even if certain countertop units don’t necessarily need to be installed. As a panel that extends from the microwave to enable installation into a cabinet or wall space, RV microwaves frequently come with trim.

    Similarities Between an RV Microwave and a Regular Microwave

    Both the normal microwave and the RV convection microwave function as portable heaters helpful for quickly reheating food. Both an RV convection microwave and a regular microwave heat food much more quickly than most other heating techniques, especially a big oven. Although they can be used to produce excellent popcorn or pasta, both are more frequently used to reheat previously cooked food than to bake or prepare new items.

    Both RV microwaves and regular microwaves come in a variety of capacities that vary from 0.5 cubic feet to 1.5 cubic feet. However, especially for microwaves of the same price, RV microwaves are considerably more likely to be small and compact. An RV microwave often costs more than a standard microwave, in part because installation fees are included.

    RV microwaves typically require additional parts for installation in order to remain secure, despite their tendency to be smaller. Countertop models are offered that don’t necessarily need this. There are countertop microwaves that don’t need installation in either an RV or a home kitchen, but over-the-range microwaves have comparable installation requirements in both.

    Why Do RV Microwaves Need to Use Less Power?

    Even when connected directly to a power line, an RV cannot use the same amount of electricity as a house. A regular home can typically support an electrical system at 200 amps, however an RV can typically only manage 30 to 50 amps. Even a 900-watt microwave may use 25% of the RV’s available power on a 30 amp system.

    In an RV, attempting to consume excessive amounts of electricity at once might overwhelm the system, break the electrical circuit, and result in a power outage. Fortunately, this can be changed. In order to avoid having to park at locations with electrical outlets, many RVers opt to run on a battery, in which case issues concerning the amount of amps remain the same.

    However, in order to prevent the battery from discharging too quickly, energy utilization is further constrained.