Visit our Popular Forums

Suzzeee · 03-10-2014, 10:23 PM

After owning the new-to-us 2012 Serenity 28 for 9 months now and having taken at least 10 trips (including a week for Alumafandango) in it, we agree that we love having the oven and don't miss a microwave. We have plenty of room to stash a microwave and we kinda planned on getting a small one, but we still haven't done that and I don't know that we would unless we started full timing down the road. Another huge plus is the oven works when we're boondocking without having to start up the generator!! We are also thoroughly enjoying the extra space as well - we went from 22' to 28' and a half a foot wider so huge difference...we also did a cool mod -- took out the dinette and had a custom countertop with huge cabinet underneath one end installed - gave us more storage and even more space to move around!!

When you're not using the oven, it's also a great place to stash your skillets!!

aftermath · 03-10-2014, 10:43 PM

Bottom line, if you want a microwave you have to be plugged in. If you camp without hookups the oven will make more sense. We like and use our oven.

Sneakinup · 03-11-2014, 06:27 AM

I'm not anywhere near deciding on an oven or not for my 77's renovation, but I found this cool portable propane oven on Amazon (of course). A viable alternative for those without a built in oven that like to cook outdoors.

Amazon.com: Camp Chef Camping Outdoor Oven with 2 Burner Camping Stove: Kitchen & Dining

Skater · 03-11-2014, 06:45 AM

My wife likes to bake, so we definitely want an oven.

But, our trailer doesn't have the gas oven option. So, we bought a toaster oven that we keep in a closet when we're not using it. The only down side is that it doesn't work without electricity so we have to plan our meals around that limitation (or fire up a generator, but it's easier to just plan to not need it). One up side is that when we know we're going to be camping without electricity, we can leave the toaster oven at home to free up some space in the closet.

SteveH · 03-11-2014, 06:54 AM

We have an oven, and wouldn't have it any other way. However, "they say" that you can do everything in a convection microwave you can do in a regular oven, but you do have to learn how to use it, and it seems talking to friends that have them that learning is not so easy. But, there is no getting around needing AC power with a microwave.

BAB · 03-11-2014, 04:32 PM

I posted this in another thread....but, I ordered my trailer with a Sharp microwave/convection oven. I hated it. Had to have hookups. So, last year I bought an Amana on scratch and dent at JC. After installing it, I found I had room UNDER it for a microwave/convection....Yes, you have to get on your hands and knees to use it (which I had to do with the Sharp anyway), but I've got the best of both worlds. Think oven/no oven really boils down to cooking preference. (I also have a portable induction cooktop!)

John&Vicki · 03-11-2014, 05:04 PM

It really is a personal thing. We have an oven and a microwave and we use them both all the time. My wife and I eat the same menu in the trailer as we do at home - including chocolate chip cookies.

It's also a good place to store our giant toaster.

Poppy

orange kayak · 03-11-2014, 07:18 PM

Warm brownies on a rainy day, baked potatoes, pizza, fresh cornbread with chili.....just sayin'

Globie64 · 03-11-2014, 10:14 PM

We replaced the old range with a Seward Princess, which I'm loving.

Foiled Again · 03-12-2014, 12:54 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by RMB

My wife and I have been talking about another mod to our 23' International ...Removing the flimsey Dometic stove/oven and replacing with a better quality cooktop ( Force 10 three burner) and using the new space under it to install two new drawers. We wonder if we are being precipitous! Are we infected with the Modificacious virus?

So the question is, how many chefs out there actually use the oven? Has anyone else done this and rued the decision?

Thanks!

It's ALL personal preference. Do what suits your personal preference. Personally I could probably do without either a microwave or an oven. Living alone means meals for one. I cook for 4 to 6, then vacuum seal the extra portions. They can be warmed in a skillet, pan or just simmered in the bag.

Oddly I seem to get the bug to cook in an oven during warmer months - which is Stoopid in an Airstream. There are lots of really decent alternatives. Mine? A dutch oven and charcoal outside. You can also buy a portable propane "camp oven" which is great to use outside. IMHO any outside cooking keeps smells outside and that is great ... well not so much in bear country maybe.

I actually use the microwave in my new one more than I did the ovens in the older ones. And don't forget that the microwaves Airstream installs are also convection ovens. (bit of a pain... I read the instructions every time I want convection mode.)

Paula

kswelsh · 03-12-2014, 05:59 AM

Love my oven! Wouldn't have a trailer without one.

StreamNTyme · 03-12-2014, 06:39 AM

I am excited about getting a range w oven and new euro vent soon, at the end of Mar. I will have the standard aluminum vent, 3 burner cook top and micro/convection (in excellent condition) for sale after we install.

Globie64 · 04-10-2014, 05:57 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by StreamNTyme

I am excited about getting a range w oven and new euro vent soon, at the end of Mar. I will have the standard aluminum vent, 3 burner cook top and micro/convection (in excellent condition) for sale after we install.

What kind of vent are you getting?

KJRitchie · 04-12-2014, 07:13 AM

Most of our camping is in the warmer months so the oven makes our Classic 25 too hot so we cook outside or on the stove if the weather doesn't allow outside cooking We carry a toaster oven to bake cookies etc. Maybe if we boondock in the future we'll change our minds about the oven but I'd rather have drawers or cabinets where the oven is located. Too bad our microwave that hangs below the cabinet above the sink can't be replaced with a convection/microwave.

Rich W · 04-12-2014, 10:20 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by orange kayak

Warm brownies on a rainy day, baked potatoes, pizza, fresh cornbread with chili.....just sayin'

Ah, there's the post I was looking for

. How can you possibly go camping and not have cornbread for the bean soup and chili? It's a "must have".

AtomicNo13 · 04-12-2014, 06:34 PM

Just imagine garlic toast in the microwave or local berry cobbler in the number oven! An oven is a deal breaker for sure!
Our classic came with one, installed one on the PanAm the first week.

m.hony · 04-12-2014, 08:26 PM

I have used the convection microwave 2 times. Once I made toast just to learn how to use the convection microwave. Then we baked some cookies.

Globie64 · 04-13-2014, 05:09 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by richw46

Ah, there's the post I was looking for

. How can you possibly go camping and not have cornbread for the bean soup and chili? It's a "must have".

Or fresh bread... I know it's not everybody's idea of a good time, but baking and cooking is something we enjoy, and stuff tastes even better camping.