I know how important it is to bring along all the essentials for a successful trip. And one item that often goes overlooked but can greatly enhance the camping experience is a small microwave oven!
With a compact microwave for camping, you can easily heat up your meals with minimal power consumption, making your camping adventures even more enjoyable. But not all small microwaves are created equal, as some may consume too much power or lack portability.
That’s why I’ve got you covered! In this article, I’ll share my top picks for the best small microwave oven for camping that is available on the market, so you can choose the perfect one to bring along on your next camping trip.
Best small microwave oven for camping: Make the most out of your camping trip with a must-have essential: a small microwave oven! Spend less time cooking and more time enjoying the great outdoors.
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7 Best Small Microwave Oven for Camping: Reviews 2023
Here, I have compiled a list of 7 best small microwave oven for camping:
- Best Drawer Microwave Oven – Sharp SMD3070ASY
- Best Family Size Oven – Nostalgia Retro Electric Breakfast Station
- Best Microwave Oven – Panasonic NN-SN686S Inverter Technology
- Best RV Microwave oven – RecPro Trim Kit | 900 Watt
- Best Retro Microwave Oven – Galanz GLCMKA07BER-07
- Best countertop Microwave Oven – COMFEE’ EM720CPL-PM
- Best Portable Oven – Real Nature 12V Personal Food Warmer
1. Best Drawer Microwave Oven – Sharp SMD3070ASY
Key Features:
- A concealed control panel that opens to an easy-to-read and operate 45° angle
- Product dimensions of 30″D x 15 7/8″W x 23 1/64″H, with a capacity of 1.2 cubic feet
- Holds a 9″ x 13″ dish, making it suitable for various cooking needs
I can confidently say that this built-in microwave has been a game-changer in my kitchen. The sleek stainless steel design and convenient dimensions of 30″D x 15 7/8″W x 23 1/64″H make it a perfect fit for my kitchen set up. The microwave has a capacity of 1.2 cubic feet, which easily holds a 9″ x 13″ dish, making it ideal for my cooking needs.
One of the standout features of this microwave is the easy touch automatic drawer system that smoothly opens and enables hands-free close. This makes it convenient to access and use, saving me time and effort in the kitchen. The concealed control panel opens to an easy-to-read and operates 45° angle, providing easy access and visibility while cooking.
Overall, the SHARP stainless steel microwave drawer has been a convenient and efficient addition to my kitchen, providing ease of use, stylish design, and reliable performance.
Sample Customer Review:
“This is a super sexy product. I love it. Definitely on the expensive side, but a cool purchase if you can afford it. You can buy microwaves that work just as well for a fraction of the price. But they won’t dress up the kitchen like this one.”
2. Best Family Size Oven – Nostalgia Retro Electric Station
Key Features:
- Spacious toaster portion fits 4 slices of bread or a 7-inch pizza
- Coffee maker can brew up to 3 cups at a time
- Large nonstick skillet for frying omelets, pancakes, sausages, and more.
I can confidently say that it is a fantastic addition to any camper’s kitchen setup. The 3-in-1 feature, which includes a breakfast station that covers your complete breakfast, is incredibly convenient and saves time and effort in preparing multiple meals parallel to each other.
The coffee or tea making option in the side chamber, toast heating in the front compartment, and egg or kebab cooking on the top provide versatility and ease in cooking different items simultaneously.
The Retro Red color of the Nostalgia BST3RR adds a touch of vintage charm to your camping van, making it even more visually appealing. Its compact dimensions of 19.25 x 11.75 x 11.5 and lightweight design of 7.4kg make it easy to fit inside your vehicle without taking up too much space.
The internal compartment of the microwave is spacious and can easily accommodate four slices of toast or bread, as well as a 7-inch pizza or other meals. The large nonstick skillet on top provides ample room for frying eggs, pancakes, sausages, and other breakfast foods.
Cleaning the microwave is also a breeze due to its nonstick material and a built-in indicator light that lets you know when the unit is ON, ensuring safe usage.
Overall, if you’re looking for a convenient and versatile microwave oven for your camping adventures, the Nostalgia BST3RR 3-IN-1 is a great choice.
Its multiple features, retro design, compact size, and easy cleaning make it a practical and efficient option for campers who want to enjoy delicious meals on the go.
Sample Customer Review:
“This is a fabulous product!!! The easiest thing is to use the coffee side. To use the toaster oven the top griddle part comes on too but it’s not a huge deal. Must be used on a flat surface or the stuff on the griddle will slide!!! The toaster oven gets hot enough to make cake in!!! You can’t use the toast side and the coffee side at the same time but that’s minor for us!!! We are really happy with our purchase!”
3. Best Microwave Oven – Panasonic NN-SN686S Inverter Technology
Key Features:
- Ten selectable power levels for precise control
- Compact design suitable for camping
- Abundance of advanced cooking features for customization
My Sister has personally used the Panasonic NN-SN686S Microwave and she absolutely loves it! This mini microwave is packed with modern features that make cooking a breeze. The patented Inverter
Technology is a standout feature that preserves the flavor and texture of my food, which is something other small microwaves for camping sometimes struggle with. It’s worth noting that this technology works more efficiently at lower power settings, which helps to avoid overcooking.
One of the highlights of this microwave is its impressive 1200 watts of power, which is quite high for its size. The ten selectable power levels allow for precise control over the cooking process, and there are plenty of advanced features that I can use to customize my cooking experience.
It’s perfect for someone who loves having control over their cooking settings and wants to experiment with different cooking techniques while camping.
Overall, The Panasonic NN-SN686S Microwave is a beloved choice for its modern features, including patented Inverter Technology, high power delivery, and selectable power levels, making cooking easy, efficient, and convenient.
Sample Customer Review:
“This is the best Microwave I’ve ever owned the price was a little high but it’s worth every penny the size is great you can put large microwaveable bowls in it I haven’t used the Inverter function yet but I’m pretty sure it will work just fine The Best Microwave I Have Ever Own So Far ”
4. Best RV Microwave oven – RecPro Trim Kit | 900 Watt
Key Features:
- Touchpad with 10 power levels for precise control
- 8 express cook options for quick and convenient cooking
- Instant start function for instant cooking
My Uncle has personally used this small built-in microwave with a trim kit, and it has been a fantastic replacement for my old Greystone microwave. With 900 watts of power, it cooks my food quickly and efficiently. The touchpad with 10 power levels, 8 express cook options, and instant start feature provides me with easy and convenient cooking options.
What’s even better is that the same brand also offers a larger model, the RecPro RV Convection Microwave, which is a direct replacement for Greystone and High Pointe microwaves. This over-the-range convection microwave also runs on 900 watts, providing me with versatile cooking capabilities.
Overall, My Uncle found this small built-in microwave with a trim kit, running on 900 watts, to be a convenient replacement for Greystone in our RV kitchen.
Sample Customer Review:
“Arrived packaged really well, and on time. Replaced my old RV microwave and fit in place with no hassle.”
5. Best Retro Microwave Oven – Galanz GLCMKA07BER-07
Key Features:
- Compact design, perfect for limited space, and portable for car or jeep travel during camping trips.
- Beautiful Cream Compact Retro color adds a touch of style to your camping setup.
- Chrome handles and dials provide a stylish finish, enhancing the overall aesthetic appeal.
I have personally seen my neighbors use the Russell Hobbs Retro Digital camping microwave, and it’s truly a gem! As a renowned company in manufacturing portable microwaves for camping, Russell Hobbs has once again delivered this beautiful creamy-colored microwave.
With dimensions of 36.6 x 45.1 x 25.6 centimeters, it easily fits into their camping van and adds a touch of style.
The 17-liter storage capacity may be small in size, but it’s perfect for cooking for a large audience, making their camping journey worry-free. The 5-level power system allows for enhanced cooking control and versatility. What’s even better is that cleaning this microwave is a breeze, saving them time and effort.
Overall, my neighbours are extremely satisfied with the Russell Hobbs Retro Digital camping microwave, as it offers efficiency, convenience, and style for their camping adventures.
Sample Customer Review:
“So I was thinking I’d receive this microwave and be disappointed by the size or quality of it. But to my surprise it’s fantastic!! It’s WAYYYY smaller than the microwave we put into storage. It doesn’t take up a ton of counter space. If you are space-challenged like we are but still need the convenience of a microwave this one’s for you!
Even the materials the microwave is made of are shockingly not bad! I was afraid this would come to be completely composed of plastic and cheap crap. But for the price, it looks great in our kitchen. Definitely recommend it to anyone looking for a small microwave!!”
6. Best countertop Microwave Oven – COMFEE’ EM720CPL-PM
Key Features:
- Easy one-touch button for convenient cooking.
- Sound on/off option for personalized experience.
- Six auto cooking functions for easy meal preparation.
My bestie recently introduced me to the COMFEE’ EM720CPL-PM Countertop Microwave, and I must say it’s a super popular option with amazing features! This small microwave offers all the great features of microwaves made by big companies, but at a lower price point, making it a must-have for all campers.
The easy one-touch buttons, sound on/off option, ECO mode, 11 power levels, and six auto cooking functions make cooking a breeze. The turntable plate size is surprisingly big for a compact microwave, with a 10-inch turntable that can accommodate standard plates. The control panel is also easy to read, even for beginners, making it user-friendly.
One of the best things about this microwave is that it comes with a one-year limited warranty, providing added peace of mind. Considering the price and features it offers, you won’t regret getting this item!
Overall, COMFEE’ EM720CPL-PM Countertop Microwave is a popular and affordable option with great features for campers, including one-touch buttons, ECO mode, 11 power levels, and a 10-inch turntable, backed by a one-year warranty.
Sample Customer Review:
“My grandma really wanted a white microwave. I could only find one on Amazon, in all the stores I went to I only saw black or silver ones. The microwave is compact and fits perfectly in a small kitchen or small spaces. My grandma was very very happy with it.
It is easy to use and doesn’t have too many buttons. Funniest thing though, is all my grandma’s friends at her senior home are obsessed with her white microwave!”
7. Best Portable Oven – Real Nature 12V Personal Food Warmer
Key Features:
- 700W power output for quick and efficient cooking
- Integrated alarm system to indicate end of cooking cycle
- Simple manual control dial for easy program selection
In my brother’s personal experience, the Daewoo Manual Control Camping Microwave is an excellent choice for camping. Its compact size of 31.8 x 44.9 x 25.9 centimeters and 20 liters capacity makes it perfect for fitting in a camping van without taking up extra space. The 700 W power output ensures rapid and efficient cooking results, saving time and energy.
The dual-speed timer and integrated alarm system make it convenient to schedule cooking periods and be alerted when the cooking cycle is complete, allowing my brother to relax and enjoy his camping trip without constantly monitoring the microwave.
The simple control dial for manual operation makes it easy to choose desired cooking programs, even for those who are not familiar with microwaves.
Overall, my brother found the Daewoo Manual Control Camping Microwave to be a reliable and convenient option for camping trips, providing efficient cooking results and ease of use.
Sample Customer Review:
“Easy to use, we took it on our trip to Florida so that we didn’t have to eat out. You just need to plan accordingly if you want to eat at a specific time. It does take time to warm the food items, but that is expected. LOVE THIS ITEM. We heated up cinnamon rolls for breakfast 1 day. Eggs bite another day and beef stew 1 evening”
Is it possible to bring a microwave for camping?
Absolutely! If your campsite has access to electricity, you can bring a microwave along for your camping trip, even if you’re tent camping without an RV. Having a microwave can make camping more convenient, especially when camping with kids, as it provides a quick and easy way to heat up food and beverages.
Is a microwave with a power rating of 600W considered to be of good quality?
Microwaves with a power rating of 600W are typically smaller in size and are often used for camping or other portable purposes. They can be a good choice for those who need a compact microwave for limited space, and they also tend to use less energy when cooking, which can help save on electricity bills.
What are the steps to power a microwave for camping using a 12V battery?
To power a microwave for camping using a 12V battery, follow these steps:
- Check the wattage of the microwave: Make sure the wattage of the microwave is compatible with the power output of the 12V battery. Most small microwaves for camping require a significant amount of power, so choose a battery with sufficient capacity.
- Purchase a power inverter: You will need a power inverter that can convert the 12V DC power from the battery to 110V AC power, which is the standard power supply for most microwaves. Choose an inverter with a wattage rating higher than the microwave’s wattage to ensure it can handle the load.
- Connect the inverter to the battery: Follow the manufacturer’s instructions to connect the power inverter to the 12V battery. This typically involves connecting the positive and negative terminals of the inverter to the corresponding terminals of the battery using appropriate cables.
- Connect the microwave to the inverter: Plug the microwave’s power cord into the AC outlet of the power inverter.
- Turn on the inverter and microwave: Switch on the power inverter and then turn on the microwave to start using it.
Factors to Consider When Choosing a Small Microwave Oven for Camping
Choosing a small microwave oven for camping requires careful consideration of several factors.
Size and Portability:
When choosing a small microwave oven for camping, consider its compactness and lightweight design, ensuring that it won’t take up much space in your camping gear and won’t add unnecessary weight to your load. It should be easy to carry and transport, making it convenient for your camping adventures.
Power Source:
The power source of the microwave oven is crucial for camping. Look for options that are battery-powered or rechargeable, allowing you to use it even in remote camping locations without access to electricity. Alternatively, check if it can be connected to a camping generator for added convenience.
Cooking Functions:
Consider the cooking functions of the microwave oven for camping. It should have microwave cooking capabilities for basic heating needs, but additional options like grill or convection cooking can provide more versatility for cooking various types of meals during your camping trip. Defrosting and reheating options can also be useful features.
Durability:
Since the microwave oven will be used in outdoor camping conditions, it’s essential to choose one that is built to withstand the rigors of camping. Look for models that are designed to withstand outdoor conditions, with durable materials and construction quality that can withstand the elements and bumps during transportation.
Top Features to Look for in a Small Microwave Oven for Camping
When searching for the perfect small microwave oven for camping, there are several key features to consider:
Wattage:
Optimal wattage is a crucial feature to consider when choosing a small microwave oven for camping. It should provide enough power for your camping cooking needs while balancing the power consumption to extend battery life. Look for a microwave oven with wattage that matches your camping requirements.
Cooking Capacity:
Consider the cooking capacity of the microwave oven for camping. It should have sufficient space to accommodate your camping meals, allowing you to heat up food or beverages easily. Adjustable shelves and trays can provide added versatility and convenience for different types of camping meals.
Control Panel:
The control panel of the microwave oven should be user-friendly, allowing you to easily set cooking time, temperature, and other settings. Consider whether you prefer a digital or manual control panel, based on your personal preferences and convenience during camping.
Safety Features:
Safety is paramount, even during camping trips. Look for a small microwave oven for camping that includes safety features such as a child safety lock to prevent accidental usage, a heat-resistant exterior to prevent burns, and overheat protection to safeguard against overheating during prolonged use in outdoor conditions.
Tips for Using a Small Microwave Oven for Camping
When using a small microwave oven for camping, keep these tips in mind:
Proper Power Management:
Managing power usage is crucial when using a small microwave oven for camping. Keep a close eye on battery life and be mindful of energy consumption. Utilize energy-saving features if available, such as adjusting power levels or using power-saving modes, to extend the battery life and ensure uninterrupted usage during your camping trip.
Cooking Techniques and Recipes:
Cooking in a small microwave oven for camping may require some adjustments to cooking times and temperatures compared to traditional ovens. Experiment with different techniques and recipes that are suitable for camping, such as quick and easy meals that require minimal preparation. Look for camping-friendly recipes that can be easily adapted to microwave cooking.
Cleaning and Maintenance:
Proper cleaning and maintenance are essential to ensure the longevity and performance of your small microwave oven for camping. Keep the microwave oven clean from food debris and spills, and follow the manufacturer’s instructions for cleaning.
During camping trips, store and protect the microwave oven in a safe place to prevent damage from harsh outdoor conditions, such as dust, moisture, or extreme temperatures.
FAQs:
Q:1 Is a specialized microwave required for use in a camper?
In general, a regular microwave can be used in an RV, but some household models may be too big for the limited space. If your RV has solar power, you may want to choose a microwave with low wattage to conserve energy. Some campers also prefer microwaves with convection ovens, which can serve multiple purposes.
Q:2 Are there any manufacturers that produce 12-volt microwave ovens?
The Samsung 12 Volt Microwave Oven is a reliable and efficient microwave that is specifically designed for use in caravans, motorhomes, and boats. It’s perfect for cooking meals on the go in your recreational vehicle or boat.
Q:3 What distinguishes an RV microwave from a home microwave?
The main differences between an RV microwave and a regular microwave are that RV microwaves are typically smaller in size, have lower power levels to conserve space and electricity, and may use convection heating instead of radiation.
This is because RV microwaves are designed specifically for the limited space and energy requirements of recreational vehicles, and often offer convection cooking options for more versatile use.
Q:4 Can a microwave be used while camping?
When selecting a microwave for your campervan, it’s best to look for one with low wattage, typically between 500W and 700W. It should also be small and compact in size.
Opting for a microwave with low power consumption allows you to use it at campsites with electric supplies of 10W or higher without tripping the residual current device (RCD), ensuring safe and hassle-free operation during your camping adventures.
Q:5 What is the typical wattage range of a compact microwave designed for use in an RV?
A compact microwave for RVs or hotel rooms typically uses a range of 600-800 watts, while a standard microwave for homes or break rooms usually operates at 800-1000 watts.
Conclusion:
In conclusion, when it comes to finding the best small microwave oven for camping, the Panasonic NN-SN686S with its Inverter Technology and the Galanz GLCMKA07BER-07 are two excellent options to consider.
The Panasonic NN-SN686S offers advanced features such as inverter technology for precise cooking and reheating, a large 1.2 cubic feet capacity, and a sleek stainless steel design that will complement any camping setup.
The Galanz GLCMKA07BER-07, on the other hand, boasts a compact size, a stylish retro design, and user-friendly controls for easy operation.
Both microwaves are suitable for camping with their compact design, efficient cooking performance, and convenient features like turntable plates, multiple power levels, and timer settings.
We hope you will be well aware of the best small microwave oven for camping, after reading this comprehensive article. If you have any questions, feel free to comment below!