There is much to love about having a home on wheels, and one feature that makes an RV feel like home is the ability to cook meals wherever you travel, using your RV’s stove. Several types of RV stoves are available, each with its own pros and cons. In this post, we look at gas, induction, and diesel RV stoves. The best type for you depends on several factors, including your preferred RV style.
What Kind of Stove Does an RV Use?
There are generally four different types of RV stoves (or RV ranges or cooktops) — propane-fueled, diesel-fueled, alcohol-fueled, and induction. In this post, we examine three of the four, focusing strictly on the stove component rather than ranges with stove/oven combos (see our post on RV ovens if you’re looking for information specific to that topic).
Although ovens are often found in RVs, in this post we’re specifically covering RV stoves/cooktops.
We also won’t be covering alcohol stoves in this post because they’ve become difficult to find. Alcohol stoves were quite popular, especially for marine use. However, two-burner alcohol stoves like the popular Origo models, which Dometic once sold, have been discontinued. Even West Marine no longer carries Origo stoves. Most of the alcohol stoves that remain are tiny portable units with small Sterno cans for heat.
So, we’ll focus on the three types of stoves that are most commonly available for RVs, two of which run on liquid fuel and a third that uses electricity. These can be “drop-in” style stove tops that sit down into an opening in the countertop, or “slide-in” style RV stoves that slide into the counter from the front.
Let’s take a look at each of the three types of RV stoves and the pros and cons of each, along with some of the most popular examples.
LP Gas RV Stove
An LP (liquid propane) gas stove represents the most common type of RV stove. Obviously, it requires the presence of a propane tank onboard the rig. In RVs that use other propane-fueled appliances like fridges, heaters, and water heaters, you can also expect to find a propane-fueled stove. Generally, you’ll find propane RV stoves with either two, three, or four burners, usually depending on the size of the RV.
Pros of Propane Stoves
Propane heats well and quickly and is an economical option. It’s generally convenient, especially if you have other propane-fueled appliances. It’s also easy to obtain portable DOT propane cylinders for any size camper and to replace or refill them when they’re empty.
It’s also easy to see how high the heat/flame is set, making it easy to monitor and adjust the temperature up and down as you cook. Propane is also a robust source of energy, so an LP cooktop pretty much sips propane.
Cons of Propane Stoves
If an RV doesn’t already require a propane tank to fuel additional appliances, then the need to carry a propane tank solely for cooking would likely be viewed as a negative by most RVers. Also, safety concerns around propane need to be considered. When propane appliances are in use (particularly those that don’t vent outside, like a cooktop), the RV should be appropriately vented. Turning on a range hood that vents to the outside is also a good idea, as is opening a window, roof vent, or fan.
And you must always have a working RV propane detector onboard. Propane detectors are required safety equipment for any vehicle that carries propane. These devices are designed to detect a propane gas leak in your RV. If a leak is detected, they emit a loud warning tone to alert everyone inside the rig to the fact that there’s an LP gas leak. This is important because a leak can be deadly. For more information, see our post, “What Is an RV Propane Detector?“.
Lastly, running out of propane when you’re in the middle of cooking dinner is no fun. The video below shares our simple trick for making sure that never happens to you!
Propane Stove Options
Here are three popular options for propane RV stoves. Note that the first is a drop-in style, while the other two are slide-in models.
- TWO BURNERS STOVE - This Dometic Drop-In Cooktop is a versatile cooking solution, featuring two burners with multiple ignition types, including...
- VERSATILE COOKTOP: Choose between cast iron or flat wire grates to suit your cooking needs. The cast iron grate provides even heat distribution and...
- Provides a stylish, sophisticated look for your RV
- Glass cover fits slide-in cooktops and ranges
- POWERFUL COOKING - Three burners with a heating output of 21,000 BTUs total give you the flexibility to become the master chef of your mobile kitchen
- GLASS COVER - The glass cover acts as extra counter space while the cooktop is not in use and helps keep your RV kitchen clean, serving as a...
Induction (Electric) Cooktop
Induction cooktops have become increasingly popular in the past several years. This is partly due to concerns over health issues related to open flames in enclosed spaces and the hydrocarbons that are released (and are potentially dangerous). Induction is typically the choice for all-electric RVs with 120V AC or 12V compressor refrigerators, and most often, diesel-powered hydronic heating and hot water systems. Those features on an RV mean that a propane tank isn’t needed at all. So why bother installing propane just for the cooktop?
Since those all-electric RVs already have to be equipped with substantial battery banks to power a residential or 12V fridge, they also have enough power for a cooktop too. Induction cooktops look and function a lot like glass-top electric stoves. However, they generate their energy from an electromagnetic field below the surface of the glass cooktop.
Pros of Induction Cooktops
Induction cooktops heat up quickly and can be used both indoors and outdoors. Regarding cooking ability, induction units offer fast heating and excellent simmering. They’re safer than propane, as there’s no open flame that could start a fire. Induction cooktops are even safer than traditional electric stoves because the heat is concentrated directly under the pan, rather than being distributed around the rest of the surface. And when you remove the pan from the cooktop, the surface cools very rapidly, making it safer, especially when kids are around.
The smooth surface of an induction RV stove is also super easy to clean. If something boils over, it won’t burn onto the surface, which you can simply wipe clean. And because induction cooktops heat using magnetic current, there’s no need to carry a liquid fuel source, such as propane or diesel, as long as your other appliances don’t use one of these fuel sources.
Finally, other types of RV stoves generate significantly more heat in the room where you’re cooking. That can be a real negative in the heat of summer. There’s also no need to worry about venting for safety. (You still may want to vent when you cook for other reasons.)
Cons of Induction Cooktops
The high power draw is the most significant negative of an induction cooktop for an RVer. They use a significant amount of electricity. If you’re connected to shore power, that may not be an issue (as long as you’re on a 30- or 50-amp connection). If you’re boondocking, that might present a problem, especially if your battery and solar system (or your generator) capacities are already somewhat taxed. Therefore, induction cooktops may not be the best option for RVers who frequently boondock, unless their rigs are equipped with sufficient auxiliary power to handle it.
Another potentially significant drawback — you may need to purchase all new cookware if you upgrade to an induction RV stove. They require pots and pans that contain ferrous (magnetic) metals. If you already have compatible cookware, this may not be an issue for you. To test your pots and pans, hold a magnet up to the bottom. If the magnet adheres to the pot, it will work on an induction cooktop.
Health Note: As Doug S. commented below, if you have a pacemaker, you should exercise caution when using an induction cooktop. Since it uses electromagnetic energy to heat the pot, it can interfere. Doctors recommend keeping your pacemaker at least 24″ (60 cm) away from the cooktop and to be sure that any pot(s) are properly centered on the induction surface. And, as always, if you’re unsure… check the information your doctor provided when your pacemaker was inserted or call them. The important thing is: if you’re in doubt, be sure to ask!
Induction Cooktop Options
- MAKE ADJUSTMENTS ON-THE-FLY – Want hotter temperature or need to cook it longer? No problem. Simply adjust on-the-fly any time. No need to start...
- 96 PRE-PROGRAMMED TEMPS - Select from the 6 convenient preset temperature settings or fine tune your own temperature from 100°F to 575°F in 5°F...
- MAKE ADJUSTMENTS ON-THE-FLY – Want hotter temperature or need to cook it longer? No problem. Simply adjust on-the-fly any time. No need to start...
- 94 PRE-PROGRAMMED TEMPS - Select from the 6 convenient preset temperature settings or fine tune your own temperature from 100°F to 575°F in 5°F...
- DUAL HEATING ZONES: This professional digital countertop induction cooktop by Duxtop is equipped with two independent heating zones that allow you to...
- SAFE & EASY TO USE: Child safety lock system helps protect from injuries such as scalding. Touch control panel is simple to operate, and the rapid...
Diesel Fuel Stove
Diesel-powered RV stoves are often found in smaller motorhomes, such as Class B vans, where the propane tank has been eliminated to save space and weight. Diesel-fueled RV stoves are somewhat rare but are gaining popularity. They resemble an electric or induction stove but use diesel fuel to heat the cooking surface. The difference is that there’s no open flame, unlike propane stoves, making them a safer alternative when set up and used properly.
Pros of Diesel Stoves
Diesel RV stoves offer another viable option for boondockers who typically camp without hookups. They’re fuel-efficient, and diesel fuel is readily available nearly everywhere.
Cons of Diesel Stoves
A diesel RV stove can heat the galley (and the whole RV), just like propane stoves. They also need to be vented for safety.
Of course, a diesel stove requires having diesel fuel on board. These are best suited for rigs with other diesel-powered appliances. Diesel stoves can have difficulty functioning at high altitudes. And finally, a big disadvantage of diesel RV stoves is that they’re not easy to find in North America.
Diesel Stove Options
While diesel RV stoves are rare in North America, this Whale 2-in-1 Diesel Cooktop and Air Heater, available through General Components in Vancouver, Canada, is a nice option.
These diesel ceramic cooktops can be used in RVs and boats equipped with diesel fuel.
Have You Upgraded Your RV Stove?
Have you upgraded your RV stove? If so, what was your choice, and how happy you are with it? Leave a comment below and share your experience!
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Douglas Schramm
Sunday 6th of July 2025
Be aware that induction stoves can not be used safely by people with implanted pacemakers. If you have a pacemaker consult your doctor if you are considering getting an induction stove.
TheRVgeeks
Monday 7th of July 2025
Good note, @Douglas Schramm! We're adding that warning to the article to make sure people see it!
Jay
Sunday 6th of July 2025
We went from a motorhome with a 3-burner LP range and a real oven plus a microwave oven to a totally electric one coach. The prior one had a huge LP tank that we filled every 5 years or so. We were so accustomed tonit that in our newer motorhome, I considered converting the 2-burner induction range to LP. We had questioned RVers with all electric coaches and remarked that they probably didn't do a lot of cooking because they didn't have LP. We remained unconvinced about the practicality of having an all electric coach until we acquired one ourselves.
The 2-burner induction range has been quite adequate. We also have a microwave convection oven that has worked extremely well. Initially, I looked into placing an LP tank in an outside compartment, but in Texas, that requires certification from the Texas Railroad Commission, so no one was able to do it, at leadt in state.
All of our cookware from our old coach was aluminum and of rather cheap quality. That required replacing all of it. We bought a nice set of Tramontina cookware with thick steel bottoms. Although they don't recommend placing them on the highest heat selection, that really hasn't been a serious limitation. The entire cooktop uses about 1,800 watts, which means that the combination of both burners cannot exceed that wattage. If the front burner is placed on high to boil or fry something and you turn on the rear burner, the power to the front burner is automatically reduced. If you turn on a burner and don't place induction cookware on it, it will start beeping until either you do or you turn it off. Immediately after cooking something, the glass is hot for a short while and the control panel appropriately warns you so. Cooking on it is a pleasure and we don't miss the LP stove and oven.
TheRVgeeks
Monday 7th of July 2025
That's great, @Jay... thanks for sharing your experience.
Teresa
Sunday 6th of July 2025
Last year I purchased our Diesel Pusher and it is all electric and I love the induction cooktop. I already was using cast iron cookware in our travel trailer so I didn't need to buy any extra cookware for the MH. I love not having to worry about running out of propane when camping also.
tirod3
Sunday 8th of September 2024
Propane canister fuel gauges are now commonly sold for the 20# grille tanks and also the green tanks used for camping. Which leads to, a lot use a 2 burner camp stove running the green tank as their primary. It sits on the counter and works just fine - same as in the kitchen at home during a power outage. We went a week of no power in an ice storm and our propane camper gear filled in quite nicely, including the catalytic heater.
Im finding it interesting that the RV club seems to be underinformed of their performance, yet the off road RV segment is quite adept at incorporating them. I can see where the disconnect is coming from - some approach the RV as another suburban home, just on wheels, others as an upgrade to the years spent under canvas. I started my path in a shelter half, so primitive roots and upgrades are fully acknowledged on my part.
The camping industry as a whole hasn't given on on white gas, propane, generators, or even campfires as an appliance, they are still in common use, reliable, with safety mechanisms, and plenty of lifespan left. Add diesel heaters, iso butane backpacker equipment, and options are expanding to move away from electricity - which is the root of the camping experience. Getting away from a telephone, the TV, and leaving the beeper on the dresser was the 1980s. Now it seems one element is trying to drag it all along with microwaves, flat screens and more. I've seen more as an expression of lifestyle than camping, almost flaunting modernity rather than reaching for our roots. It's been less than 100 years since farmers got rural electric and moved from oil lanterns to flipping a switch. Some still maintain that lifestyle and while they seem to be an anachronism they don't suffer many of the ills of modern life, either.
Goes to "getting away from it all." I wonder if I'm creating a new sect by considering no 110V power at all in a mini camper. There are so many good workarounds on the market for the off grid life - and quiet campsites without blaring stereos, leaf blowers, or 2AM arrivals - y'all might consider it.
Chris
Sunday 9th of July 2023
We like our two-burner propane cooktop in our class B van. The bonus is we use an Omnia stove-top oven (stored in the microwave) for baking since we don’t have a gas oven. The van already has an onboard LP tank for the Truma air furnace/hot water heater (which sip propane) so we have a lot of flexibility. And if we wanted, we could easily bring along a 120V induction cooktop if we think we ever needed one.