6 Best Propane RV Stoves For Tiny Kitchens That Nomads Swear By

That moment you realize your beautiful two-burner induction cooktop drains your battery bank before the water even boils is a rite of passage for many new nomads. Propane is still the undisputed king of off-grid cooking for its efficiency, power, and reliability. Choosing the right propane stove isn’t just about cooking; it’s about designing a functional, sustainable kitchen that works for you day in and day out.

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Choosing the Right Stove for Your Tiny Galley

The first question isn’t "which stove?" but "how do I cook?" If you’re a baker at heart, sacrificing an oven is a non-starter, and a full range is your only real option. But if you primarily pan-fry, boil water, and use a grill outside, a simple drop-in cooktop will save you precious cabinet and counter space.

This decision dictates your entire galley layout. A full range, like the Furrion or Suburban, demands a significant vertical and horizontal footprint. A drop-in cooktop, on the other hand, frees up the entire cabinet below for pots, pans, or even a small fridge. Don’t just think about the appliance; think about the space the appliance creates or consumes.

Many people get hung up on having three burners, but in a tiny kitchen, you can rarely fit three pans on them simultaneously. A powerful two-burner cooktop is often more practical than a cramped three-burner. Be honest about your real-world cooking habits, not your idealized ones.

Furrion 17" Range: Sleek, Modern Performance

Furrion stormed the RV market by bringing a residential look to mobile appliances, and their 17" range is a prime example. With its glass door, cast-iron grates, and sleek knobs, it simply looks and feels more premium than many of its competitors. It’s the stove for builders who want a modern, cohesive aesthetic in their rig.

But it’s not just about looks. The burners are powerful, and the oven performance is surprisingly consistent for an RV unit, thanks to better insulation and design. The built-in spark ignition is responsive, and the whole unit feels solid. This is a stove that can handle everything from a quick morning coffee to baking a batch of cookies on a rainy day.

The tradeoff is price and size. Furrion products command a premium, and this is no exception. It’s also a full-size unit for a small space, so you must be willing to dedicate a significant chunk of your galley to it. For those who cook extensively and value high-end finishes, the investment is often worth it.

Dometic Drop-In Cooktop: Maximize Counter Space

For the ultimate minimalist or the nomad who prizes workspace above all else, the Dometic Drop-In Cooktop is a game-changer. Its defining feature is the flush-mount glass lid. When not in use, you fold it down, and poof—you have your counter space back. This is invaluable in vans and small trailers where every square inch counts.

This design philosophy forces a different approach to cooking. Without an oven, you’ll rely more on stovetop meals, outdoor grilling, or a countertop appliance like an Omnia oven or an air fryer. For many, this is a welcome simplification, pushing them to cook simpler, faster meals that fit the nomadic lifestyle.

The Dometic is well-built, with sealed burners that make cleanup easy and a reliable ignition system. It’s a specialized tool designed for one purpose: to provide an excellent stovetop cooking experience while disappearing when you don’t need it. If you’ve ever tried to prep a meal on a tiny sliver of counter next to a bulky stove, you understand the genius of this design.

Suburban 3-Burner: The Reliable RV Workhorse

If you’ve ever been in a factory-built RV, you’ve probably seen a Suburban range. They are the industry standard for a reason: they are simple, incredibly reliable, and parts are available in practically every RV shop in North America. There’s a certain peace of mind that comes with knowing you can fix your stove with readily available parts in the middle of nowhere.

This isn’t the prettiest or most powerful stove on the list. The design is dated, the metal is thin, and the oven can have hot spots you need to learn. But it is a true workhorse that will light up and cook a meal, day after day, without complaint. It’s a testament to function over form.

Choosing the Suburban is a pragmatic decision. You’re not buying it for its looks or its high-performance burners; you’re buying it for its proven track record and serviceability. For full-timers on a budget or anyone who values reliability over aesthetics, the Suburban is often the smartest choice.

Camp Chef Camp Oven: A Versatile Freestander

Not every rig is designed for a built-in appliance. For skoolie builders, van dwellers with modular setups, or anyone who wants ultimate flexibility, the Camp Chef Camp Oven is a brilliant solution. It’s a self-contained unit with two burners on top and a small oven below, all running off a 1 lb propane canister (or adapted to a larger tank).

The key advantage here is versatility. You can use it on your countertop, then take it outside to the picnic table to keep the heat out of your rig on a hot day. It doesn’t require permanent installation, complex gas lines, or cutting into your cabinetry. You just need to secure it for travel.

Of course, it has its limitations. The oven is small, and the overall build isn’t as robust as a dedicated RV range. It also takes up valuable counter or floor space when in use. But for the right person—someone who needs a temporary or multi-purpose cooking solution—it’s an incredibly clever and effective piece of gear.

RecPro 2-Burner Cooktop: Compact & Affordable

Sometimes, you just need a couple of burners, and you don’t want to spend a fortune or sacrifice a lot of space. The RecPro 2-Burner Drop-In Cooktop is the answer. It’s a no-frills unit designed for maximum space efficiency and affordability, making it a favorite among DIY van converters.

This cooktop is about as simple as it gets: two burners, two knobs, and a small footprint. It’s perfect for the nomad whose cooking consists of boiling water for coffee, heating up soup, and maybe scrambling some eggs. It gets the job done without the cost or complexity of its larger counterparts.

The build quality reflects the price—it’s not a heavy-duty appliance. But for its intended use, it’s more than adequate. By choosing a simple two-burner like this, you save money, gain counter space, and simplify your propane plumbing. It’s a minimalist choice for a minimalist kitchen.

Greystone 17" Range: Solid All-Around Value

The Greystone 17" Range sits in a sweet spot between the premium Furrion and the utilitarian Suburban. It offers many of the modern features people want—like a glass top cover for extra counter space, electronic ignition, and a sleeker look—but at a more accessible price point. It’s the value leader in the RV range category.

Performance-wise, it’s a solid mid-tier option. The burners are powerful enough for most tasks, and the oven is a definite step up from older, basic models. It feels more substantial than budget options and provides a great balance of features for the cost. For many people, this is all the stove they’ll ever need.

Think of the Greystone as the sensible upgrade. If the Suburban feels too basic but the Furrion feels too expensive, the Greystone is the perfect compromise. It delivers a modern cooking experience and improved aesthetics without breaking the bank, making it a fantastic all-around choice for a tiny kitchen.

Key Factors: BTUs, Ignition, and Installation

When comparing stoves, you’ll see "BTUs" listed. This stands for British Thermal Unit, and it’s simply a measure of heat output. A higher BTU burner will boil water faster and give you a better sear on a steak. Look for at least one "power burner" around 9,000 BTUs for high-heat tasks.

Ignition systems are another key differentiator.

• Piezo Igniters: These are the push-button clickers that don’t require batteries. They are simple and reliable but can sometimes wear out.
• Battery-Powered Sparkers: These are common on higher-end models and provide a more consistent spark with the turn of a knob. You just have to remember to change the battery occasionally.
• Manual Light: The most basic option, requiring a lighter or match. It’s foolproof but less convenient.

Finally, never underestimate the importance of proper installation. Propane appliances require adequate ventilation to the outside for safety. All gas lines must be properly sealed and leak-tested, and the unit must be securely fastened to prevent it from shifting or breaking loose on rough roads. If you’re not 100% confident in your skills, this is a job for a professional.

In the end, the best stove is the one that aligns with your cooking style, your space constraints, and your budget. Don’t get sold on features you won’t use. The right choice will feel less like an appliance and more like the reliable heart of your tiny, mobile home.