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Last Updated on June 22, 2022 by Jessica Lauren Vine
Do you wonder, “How long does it take an
Cooking in an RV can significantly lower the cost of your camping experience. If you are a full-time RV-er, you will likely need to cook most nights to avoid eating out. When using an
When cooking in an RV, it is essential to preheat the oven, which takes longer than a regular oven. An
If you are organizing a trip in your RV, planning is essential. Packing enough frozen meals to last the trip may be tempting, but there is something to be said for cooking your own meals on the road. Knowing how long to preheat your
How Long To Preheat An RV Oven ?
Preheating an
If you are taking your RV on the road, your location and the weather could affect how long your oven takes to preheat.
The main factor to consider is the heating element; however, there are a few other factors to consider, too. Some of the factors to consider include:
- The heating design of an
RV oven - The weather outside
- Your altitude
- Your energy-source
1. The Heating Design Of An RV Oven
In an
The heating system in an
The heating rod is situated at the bottom of the oven, so you could find that the oven is a great deal warmer at the bottom than at the top.
Cook’s Tip: When baking in one of these ovens, consider raising the rack a little to avoid having the bottom of your baked goods burn!
2. The Weather Outside
Never knowing what weather will greet you on your camping trip is part of the adventure, but did you know that forces of nature can also affect your cooking experience?
Since RVs are limited in space, the oven is placed against the outer wall. Having an oven on the outer wall of any structure means that the weather affects the heating process.
When planning how long to preheat your
The weather will also affect how long your entire cook takes. Keep this in mind as you follow recipes with time-sensitive cooks.
Cook’s Tip: Consider using an oven thermometer in your
3. Your Altitude
Depending on how high up you and your RV are, your altitude can affect the heating time needed in your
The boiling point of water is generally lower at high altitudes. That means the time needed to cook at high altitudes is more extended than if you are on the coast.
The general rule for high-altitude RV cooking is to increase your cooking time, not the temperature, by 25%. What would take you two hours to cook at sea level will take you two and a half hours at a high altitude.
The same applies to preheating your
Cook’s Tip: Altitude affects the length of the cook, not the temperature needed. Be wary of raising the temperature at high altitudes, as this will likely dry your dish out instead of helping it cook more quickly.
4. Your Energy-Source
RV ovens typically use propane for heating. Some models use electricity, and others use a combination of electricity and propane.
If your
Cook’s Tip: Taking the time to adequately preheat your
5. Using Trial And Error
It may seem like an expensive exercise, but the truth is that the only way to understand your
Just like conventional ovens, each
Use an oven thermometer to assess how hot the oven gets, and record how long it takes. Take note of factors like the weather outside and your altitude, which could affect your cooking experience if you move around.
Once you have tested and recorded cooking and preheating times in various locations and weather conditions, you may wish to keep the recorded information near your
When you begin preheating your
Conclusion
RV ovens take different times to preheat, depending on the weather, altitude, source of power, and your particular oven. It is best to get to know your specific oven by experimenting with well-known recipes in various locations. Record how long your oven takes to preheat, given different variables, to learn how best to use it.
In general, propane ovens need less time to heat up than electric ones. Still, there is no convection in an
Before you head off, you should check out these other great RV posts to help you on your journey.