Can You Get a Camping Microwave?

Can You Get a Camping Microwave? Yes, you can get a camping microwave — compact, low-wattage models (typically 700-900W) work perfectly at sites with electrical hookups, while portable power stations, inverters, or specialized options like battery-powered units enable off-grid use for reheating meals and quick convenience.

Why Consider a Camping Microwave?

Camping microwaves bring home-like convenience to outdoor trips, especially for families or those who prefer fast reheating over traditional cooking. With over 87 million people camping in North America annually and growing interest in glamping and comfortable setups, these appliances help reduce cooking time and cleanup compared to stoves or fires. Low-wattage models suit limited power sources, while innovations like portable power stations make them viable even when boondocking.

Types of Camping Microwaves

Camping microwaves fall into three main categories based on power and portability:

Standard Compact Countertop Models — These are regular small microwaves (0.7-1.2 cu ft) adapted for camping. They run on 120V AC and excel at powered sites.
Low-Wattage Portable Options — Designed for efficiency, these draw less power (700-800W) and pair well with inverters or generators.
Specialized 12V or Battery-Powered Units — True off-grid solutions include portable food warmers (often called “mini ovens”) or rare battery-operated microwaves for vehicle/RV use.

For most campers, compact 700-900W models offer the best balance of performance and portability.

Power Requirements and How to Run Them Off-Grid

Traditional microwaves require 120V AC and draw 1000-1500W input (due to inefficiency), so they won’t run directly on 12V batteries without help.

With Shore Power — Plug in at campgrounds with electric hookups — the simplest and most reliable option.
Using an Inverter — Pair a 1500-2000W inverter with a strong battery bank (lithium recommended). A 700W microwave might need a 2000W inverter to handle startup surge without overload.
Portable Power Stations — Units like Jackery or EcoFlow (1000W+ output) power low-wattage models for short bursts. Many campers report success with 700W units for quick reheats.
12V Alternatives — Portable food warmers (e.g., 12V/24V lunch boxes) heat pre-cooked meals slowly (up to 300°F) via vehicle plugs — not true microwaves but popular for truckers and minimalists.

Tip: Opt for inverter-technology microwaves for even heating and better efficiency on variable power.

Best Camping Microwaves in 2025

Here are top-rated compact options suited for camping:

Toshiba EM131A5C (or similar 800W models) — Reliable, versatile, and compact (around 1.2 cu ft). Great for RVs with multiple power levels and sensor cooking.
Comfee or Magic Chef 700W — Affordable, lightweight, and low-draw — ideal for inverters or power stations. Many users praise them for car camping and National Park tours.
Panasonic Inverter Models (950W) — Efficient continuous power for consistent results, compact enough for campervans.
Portable Warmers (e.g., RoadPro 12V or Aotto 3-in-1) — For true off-grid, these heat meals via 12V/110V plugs without microwave tech.

Statistics show compact low-wattage microwaves remain popular among RV and van lifers, with many opting for 700W units to minimize battery drain.

For more on compact models, check reviews on high-authority sites like CNET’s Best Microwaves.

Pros and Cons of Using a Microwave While Camping

Pros:

Quick reheating (minutes vs. 20+ on a stove)
Minimal cleanup and no open flames
Ideal for kids, leftovers, or frozen meals
Enhances comfort in bad weather

Cons:

High power draw limits off-grid runtime
Requires planning for inverters/power banks
Bulkier than basic stoves
Not ideal for raw cooking (better for reheating)

FAQ

Can you run a microwave while boondocking?
Yes, with a large enough inverter (2000W+) and battery bank, or a portable power station. Short bursts work best to avoid draining power quickly.

What size microwave is best for camping?
0.7-1.0 cu ft models (700-900W) fit most RVs/campers and use less energy than full-size units.

Are there true 12V microwaves?
True 12V microwaves are rare and expensive; most “12V options” are food warmers. Use inverters for standard microwaves.

How much power does a camping microwave use?
700W models draw ~1000-1200W input; run times vary but expect 5-10 minutes per session on portable power.

Final Thoughts

A camping microwave transforms trips from basic survival meals to convenient, hot food — perfect for powered sites or well-equipped off-grid setups. Prioritize low-wattage, compact models and pair them with reliable power solutions for the best experience. As camping grows more comfortable with tech like portable stations, these appliances are becoming a staple for modern adventurers. Happy camping!