RV Stove Improvement Made Easy

For some, the factory installed stove is more than sufficient for their culinary needs. For some, it is a waste of space that could be used for something else, as they usually choose to eat out or cook out. For others, however, it leaves something to be desired. Since many, RVs are now equipped with a microwave/convection oven combo, having the traditional oven is somewhat redundant. For these reasons, many RVers with at least minimal DIY skills choose to remove their existing stoves and replacing them with something that better suits their needs.

Depending on why you want to update your cooking space, you can turn your regular camping experience into a glamping one. With a bit of ingenuity and a couple of new appliances, you can make your kitchen more modern, more glamorous, and even more energy-efficient in the space of an afternoon. It's actually much easier than it sounds.

Induction/Propane Cooking Range

Using an induction cooktop is one of the most efficient ways of cooking with electrical heat. This method uses coils constructed of a magnetic material. The coils produce a magnetic field when a current passes through them that is then transferred to the pan above it. Although the dish and its contents warm, the stovetop and surrounding areas stay at room-temperature. Then, when the pan is removed from the cooking surface, the transfer of energy stops. This makes this energy-efficient method of preparing food increasingly popular.

Having one or two propane burners as well is important for cooking any time you aren't hooked up to shore power. This allows you to cook in a variety of scenarios, such as when boondocking, without using a generator. A combo unit like the True Induction and Gas Combo Cooktop is an excellent option.

In many countertops, the space needs to be cut-out a bit in order to accommodate the propane section of the new, wider cooktop.

Related Read: 10 Tips for Cooking in Your RV Kitchen (without losing your patience)

Alternative Appliance
If you replace your stovetop with an induction cooktop that has propane burners, there is going to be an opening where the oven part of your original stove was. There are several things you can do with the hole. Some people choose to use the space to install a washer/dryer combo unit or an automatic dishwasher.
For a full glamping-experience, however, you could replace the remaining space with a deluxe wine cooler. These allow you to have a designated space to keep your favorite vintages chilled, as well as safe while in transit. A freestanding electric wine cooler is an easy option, but for a bit more effort, you could install a built-in wine refrigerator.

Related Read: Must-Have Cooking Gadgets for Your RV

Begin by Removing Your Existing Oven
Before doing anything else, make sure to turn off your propane gas supply. This is necessary any time you're working on items that use gas. Then, lift the stove top and disconnect the line. Don't forget to properly cap the propane line at the end. If you aren't sure how to do this, consult your owner's manual or contact your RV Manufacturer to find out the best methods.

Then, look directly under the stove top. Most stoves are mounted on screws found on each side. Locate these and remove them. The stove will easily slide out so you can remove it.

Installation Instructions

Depending on the size of your previous stove, you might need to cut out the opening in order to fit the new stovetop. Carefully measure the space with a tape measure and draw small lines on each side indicating where you need to trim. Don't forget to wear safety glasses. Next, use a small circular saw to cut away the extra wood and widen the opening, as needed. Use a router tool to round the corners, and then wipe away the sawdust with a damp cloth.

Remember, if you don't have power tools (and don't have anyone from whom to borrow them), you can often rent them at a hardware store like Home Depot or Menards. If you aren't comfortable using power tools, however, you should probably consider hiring someone for this part of the process.

Install supports, such as L-brackets underneath for the range to sit on. Just measure carefully and follow the provided instructions. Then, feed the power cord through the hole and connect to the nearest outlet. Use butyl tape rather than the provided adhesive foam in case it needs to be removed at a later time. Place the tape on the bottom of the gasket under the "h" overhang of the induction section of the cooktop. Then, place the propane part of the stove within the lip of the opening. Gently press down on the induction part of the stove to secure it to the countertop. Then, reconnect the propane line underneath and turn the gas back on.
Whatever you plan to use the space underneath for, you need to leave at least a 3-inch clearance so you don't block the airflow and exhaust. With a wine cooler, merely slide it in place and plug in the power cord. A built-in option is more complicated. Just follow the instructions provided with the unit, as they vary per model.
In Conclusion
As you can see, replacing your original stove with a more efficient, updated cooktop is remarkably easy. The rest of the project might be easier or more complicated than the range replacement depending on whether you want to install a free-standing or built-in wine cooler, another appliance, or even shelves.

Keep in mind, that you may need to replace your pots and pans, as well. Induction burners require that you use magnetic or copper-bottomed options. Aluminum cookware doesn't allow for the induction process.

When renovating your RV, the possibilities are nearly endless. They are basically restricted only by how much you want to spend, how skilled you are with various tools, and your imagination. For this DIY project, the biggest problem may be choosing which wines you want to chill or who you want to invite to dinner first.