Although you can cook just about anything without an oven (see bread and no-oven baking), plenty of people really miss being able to bake in the motorhome: a gratin, some cookies, a proper pizza, a roast. There are ways to have an oven in the camper, each with its own pros and cons. Here's a rundown so you can decide if it's worth it for you.
The options
- Built-in gas oven: some motorhomes (especially higher-spec ones) come with a small gas oven, sometimes combined with a grill. It runs on the gas from your cylinders, using no battery power at all, which is great for your runtime. It does take up space, though.
- Mini electric oven (countertop): a small 230 V oven. The problem: it draws a huge amount of power, so it's only viable plugged into a campsite hook-up or with a very powerful electrical system; on a normal battery, it's simply not practical.
- Portable gas countertop oven: there are compact ovens that run on gas cartridges or a cylinder; an option if your camper doesn't have a built-in oven and you don't want to rely on electricity.
- "Stovetop" ovens: accessories like the "Omnia oven" that sit on the hob and work as a mini oven with no extra gas or electricity; very popular in the camper world for their simplicity.
The key factor: gas vs. electricity
The big decision comes down to energy. A gas oven (built-in, portable, or a stovetop model like the Omnia) uses no battery power at all, which is perfect for your runtime. An electric oven draws so much that it only makes sense plugged into a campsite hook-up or with a large electrical system (see how much each appliance uses and the calculator). For most people, a gas oven or the "stovetop oven" option is the most practical and freedom-friendly choice.
Is it worth it?
It depends on how much you value baking. If it matters to you (you love baking treats or roasts), a built-in gas oven or an Omnia-style accessory is worth it. If baking is more of an occasional thing, you might be fine with no-oven methods (pan, pot) and save the space (see kitchen tools). Think honestly about how much you'll actually use it.
In short
For baking in the camper, gas options (a built-in oven, a portable one, or a stovetop accessory like the Omnia) are the most practical because they use no battery power; electric ovens draw too much for a battery setup. The step you can take today: if you love baking, consider a gas oven or a stovetop oven accessory (they use no battery power); if it's occasional, no-oven methods will save you the space. Pair it with the camper cooking guide.