Camper Ovens: Choosing The Right Pan Size

RV ovens are smaller than residential ovens, so you may need to use smaller baking pans or adjust your cooking times. A standard-size RV oven will fit a regular-sized pie pan but not a 9x13 cookie sheet. You can find smaller baking pans at some Targets and Walmarts, as well as at restaurant supply stores or most business center Costcos. An 8x8 square pan is usually the same depth as a 9x13 pan, and a bread loaf pan is another good option. Enamelled cast iron is more durable than Pyrex and longer-lasting than flimsy metal.

Pans for camper ovens should be smaller than standard

Camper ovens are smaller than standard residential ovens, so it's important to use smaller pans to fit inside them. The exact measurements of your camper oven will vary depending on the model, but on average, a camper oven can fit a regular-sized pie pan but not a 9x13 cookie sheet. Therefore, it is recommended to invest in smaller bakeware designed specifically for RV ovens.

Smaller pans are not only necessary to fit inside the compact dimensions of a camper oven, but they also help with heat distribution and cooking efficiency. In a smaller oven, there isn't a lot of room around the food for air circulation, which can lead to cold and hot spots. By using smaller pans, you increase the air circulation and allow for more even cooking.

Additionally, the burner in a camper oven is typically very close to the food, which can result in burning the bottom of your dish. Using smaller pans helps to create more space between the food and the burner, reducing the risk of burning.

When choosing pans for your camper oven, look for quarter sheet pans or toaster oven pans, which are designed to fit in compact spaces. Enamelled cast iron pans are also a good option, as they are more durable than pyrex or flimsy metal.

Remember to always measure the inside of your camper oven before purchasing new pans to ensure they will fit properly. You may also need to adjust your cooking times and temperatures accordingly, as smaller pans can affect the cooking time and evenness.

Camper ovens are smaller than residential ovens

The exact dimensions of your camper oven will depend on the size and class of your vehicle. For instance, Class A motorhomes are the largest and most likely to have a pre-installed oven, so they can accommodate bigger ovens with stronger burners. On the other hand, Class B RVs are the smallest and often don't have ovens due to space constraints. Class C vehicles are in the middle and may or may not have an oven, depending on their size.

When choosing a pan for your camper oven, it's important to measure the inside of your oven first to ensure the pan fits. You may need to invest in smaller bakeware designed specifically for RV ovens. Additionally, keep in mind that camper ovens, especially propane-powered ones, can have temperature fluctuations and hot spots, so you may need to adjust your cooking techniques accordingly.

To make the most of your camper oven, consider the following tips:

• Use a baking stone or unglazed tiles to help distribute heat more evenly.
• Monitor the temperature with an oven thermometer and adjust the oven dial as needed.
• Preheat your oven to ensure even cooking and reduce the risk of burning your food.
• Rotate your baking dish midway through the cooking time to prevent uneven cooking or burning.
• Adjust the oven rack if your food is burning on the bottom or not cooking evenly.
• Level your RV to ensure even cooking and prevent spills or lopsided baked goods.

Camper ovens have temperature fluctuations and hotspots

Camper ovens, especially those powered by propane, can experience temperature fluctuations and hotspots. This is due to the small size and lightweight construction of the ovens, which can result in poor air circulation and limited thermal mass. The burner is often located close to the food, making it challenging to cook without burning.

To address these issues, here are some tips to consider:

• Use a pizza stone or unglazed tiles: Place a pizza stone or unglazed tiles directly on the oven rack to help distribute heat more evenly. Ensure there is enough airspace between the stone and the heating element for even heat distribution.
• Monitor oven temperature: Use an independent oven thermometer to accurately monitor the oven temperature and adjust the oven dial accordingly. The thermostat in RV ovens may not be accurate, leading to temperature fluctuations.
• Preheat the oven: Preheating is crucial for even cooking and reducing the risk of burnt food. Allow sufficient time for the oven to reach the desired temperature before placing your food inside.
• Adjust cooking times: Keep in mind that RV ovens may cook slower or faster than traditional ovens. Be prepared to adjust cooking times accordingly.
• Rotate pans during cooking: Even with a pizza stone, your oven may still have hot and cold spots. Rotate your pans 90 or 180 degrees halfway through the cooking process to ensure even cooking.
• Adjust the oven rack: If you notice uneven cooking or burning on the bottom of your food, try adjusting the position of the oven rack. Raise or lower the rack to find the ideal balance between direct heat and even cooking.
• Level your RV: An unlevel RV can contribute to uneven cooking. Use your RV's levelling system or levelling blocks to ensure your RV is as level as possible before baking.
• Embrace alternative cooking methods: Consider using other cooking options in your RV kitchen, such as a microwave-convection oven, an Instant Pot, an air fryer, or outdoor cooking methods like grilling.

By following these tips and techniques, you can improve your baking results and overcome the challenges posed by temperature fluctuations and hotspots in camper ovens.

Camper ovens may need to be lit manually

Camper ovens, especially those that are propane-powered, can be tricky to operate. They may need to be lit manually, and there are a few things to keep in mind to ensure you're doing it safely.

Firstly, it's important to clean the oven before lighting it. Ovens can sometimes fail to work properly if they're congested with dirt and food residue. Use a dry cloth to wipe away any dust or debris from the surface.

If you have a gas oven, you'll need to open the fuel line and pressurise it with propane before lighting. Make sure the oven is turned off, and don't try to light it with water or any other liquid on the stove, as this could cause issues with ignition. Ensure all burners are fully open and unblocked by food particles, then light one side of the oven and move the flame evenly between them.

If your camper oven is electric, you'll need to take a few additional steps. First, remove the faceplate and check the wiring in the door switch connector. Make sure the wires connected to the element terminals show no signs of corrosion or burnt ends. After making any necessary repairs, turn off the power at the breaker panel and check the continuity of the wire leads coming out of the heating elements. Set the timer according to the heating element specifications, which you can find on the oven's label. Check the door switch continuity and replace it if needed. Once these steps are completed, you can light the oven, ensuring both burners are lit before turning it on fully.

For both gas and electric ovens, it's important to ensure proper ventilation by opening the outside vent cover. Additionally, never leave the stove unattended while it's lit, and always turn off the propane after use. Keep a fire extinguisher nearby as a safety precaution.

Now, here are some tips for baking in your camper oven:

• Understand the limitations of an RV oven. They are smaller than residential ovens, so you may need to use smaller baking pans or adjust your cooking times accordingly. Measure the inside of your oven to ensure your pans fit, and consider investing in bakeware designed specifically for RV ovens.
• RV ovens can have temperature fluctuations and hot spots, especially with propane-powered ovens. Use an oven thermometer to monitor the temperature and adjust the oven dial accordingly.
• Preheating is crucial. Even though it may feel like a waste of propane, preheating your RV oven is essential for even cooking and avoiding burnt food.
• Use a baking stone or unglazed tiles to help distribute heat more evenly. Place them directly on the oven rack, ensuring enough airspace between the stone and the heating element.
• Use insulated cookie sheets or nested quarter sheet pans. The airspace between the pans helps to insulate the food from direct heat, ensuring even cooking.
• Rotate your baking dish midway through the cooking time to avoid any burnt or undercooked areas.
• Adjust the oven rack if you find that your food is burning on the bottom or not cooking evenly.
• Ensure your RV is level before baking to prevent uneven cooking and potential spills or lopsided baked goods.
• Be flexible with cooking times and temperatures, and consider adapting recipes for the RV oven environment.
• Embrace alternative cooking methods, such as using a microwave-convection oven, an Instant Pot, an air fryer, or outdoor cooking methods like grilling or using a Dutch oven.

Camper ovens may be uneven, so it's important to level your RV

• Level your RV: Use levelling blocks or wooden boards to raise or lower your RV until it is level. This will not only make your oven work better but also make your overall RV experience more comfortable, especially when sleeping, cooking, or showering.
• Use a baking stone or unglazed tiles: Place a baking stone or unglazed tiles directly on the oven rack above the burner. This helps to distribute heat more evenly and prevent hot spots. Make sure there is enough airspace between the stone and the heating element.
• Monitor oven temperature: The temperature dial on RV ovens is often inaccurate. Use an oven-safe thermometer to monitor the temperature and adjust the oven dial accordingly. This will help you avoid undercooked or overcooked food.
• Adjust the metal rack placement: RV ovens usually have multiple rack positions. Raise or lower the rack to find the perfect balance between direct heat and even cooking.
• Rotate your food: Even with a baking stone and proper temperature control, your RV oven may still have hot and cold spots. Rotate your baking dish 90 degrees midway through the cooking time to ensure even cooking and prevent burnt or undercooked areas.
• Use smaller baking pans: RV ovens are smaller than residential ovens, so you may need to use smaller baking pans or adjust your cooking times. Measure the inside of your oven and invest in bakeware designed specifically for RV ovens if necessary.

Frequently asked questions