Stirring Things Up: The Latest RV Kitchen Appliance Trends

Some say the kitchen is the heart of a home — and the appliances within it keep things running smoothly. To learn what’s new for kitchen appliance trends, RV PRO spoke with RecPro and InVision for insight.

What are the latest trends in kitchen appliances for RVs?

Corey Johnson, senior writer and product researcher, RecPro: With cookout season approaching, we’ve noticed an increase in people searching for efficient and compact multifunctional kitchen appliances. These usually include items like cooktop and oven combos or convection microwaves. People want the most effective and easy-to-use appliances for the least amount of space and power consumption.

Chris Greer, business unit manager, InVision, an Airxcel brand: Recent trends in RV kitchen appliances emphasize sleek, multifunctional designs that maximize space and efficiency. For example, our 10.7-cubic-foot Dual Swing Door Refrigerator features dual swing hinges, allowing it to open from either side, so it can fit into any RV kitchen layout. Additionally, contemporary finishes and coordinating styles attract RV owners seeking to elevate their kitchen aesthetics without compromising on functionality.

What have customers been asking for most regarding their kitchen appliances?

Johnson: Our customers seem to be gravitating toward appliances that offer a more “residential” aesthetic or design and look like they’d fit in with a traditional brick-and-mortar home. Especially those that are compatible with solar power. Making an RV look nice and functional is great but being able to make your RV look and feel more like a home is even better.

Greer: Customers have always demanded space-saving solutions and high-quality products that fit their RV lifestyle. However, a notable modern trend is the desire for matching kitchen appliances for a coordinated style. At InVision, we recognize this shift and offer high-end, matching kitchen suites that not only maximize space but also enhance the aesthetic appeal of RV kitchens.

What tech advancements have you seen for RV kitchen appliances recently?

Johnson: We’ve seen a lot of advancements in RV kitchen hardware lately. Many appliances are now designed to fulfill multiple functions, such as one of our microwaves that also works as a convection oven or air fryer. Many of these multifunctional appliances also double down on efficiency, offering things like eco-modes or solar and battery integration. We’ve even seen new kitchen appliance designs beginning to integrate smart technology.

Greer: Recently, we’ve seen importance placed on advancements in safety tech for RV appliances, not only in new features being developed for safer RV experiences but also the standardization of safety tech in RV appliances. For example, InVision’s flame detection technology for our ranges enhances safety by automatically shutting off gas when no flame is detected.

What products do you offer in the aftermarket?

Johnson: At RecPro, we’re all about aftermarket RV parts and the lifestyle that comes with it. That includes things like refrigerators, sinks, faucets, cooktops, ovens, microwaves and backsplashes. Some of our more popular aftermarket RV parts that don’t include kitchen stuff would be our low-noise air conditioners, powered and manual awnings, and our Charles line of modular furniture.

Greer: InVision presents a collection of RV appliances that blend multifunctional designs with modern aesthetics, including innovative refrigerators, versatile ranges, sleek hood vents, efficient washers and dryers, and advanced water pumps.

How do you work with dealers or customers to help them install your aftermarket products?

Johnson: We make continual efforts to improve our written installation guides and manuals using feedback from sources like our customer reviews, customer Q&A, customer service team and more. We take that feedback, identify where people are encountering difficulties or confusion and use that information to better explain or simplify the installation process. Recently, we’ve also been doing a lot more instructional and installation-type videos for our YouTube channel so customers can physically see how a product is used or installed.

Greer: As part of the Airxcel family, InVision offers customers access to a network of dealers and service centers nationwide through the Airxcel Dealer & Service Center Locator: airxcel.com/service-locator.

Do you recommend any maintenance for these appliances, and if so, do you offer maintenance/repair training to dealers?

Johnson: Maintenance can vary from appliance to appliance, so we can’t give any specific recommendations. The only maintenance we can recommend for any appliance is following the maintenance instructions found in the manual or as stated by the manufacturer. Currently, we do not offer maintenance or repair training to dealers.

Greer: As with any appliance, a comprehensive care routine should include regular inspection, cleaning and maintenance. Detailed instructions for routine maintenance and care are provided in our Installation, Operation and User Guide.

What are some of the challenges that dealers or customers may face with their kitchen appliances, and what would be your advice for them?

Johnson: A big challenge for most customers and dealers is the limited space available in an RV in combination with power usage. The best bit of advice we can give to people looking for new appliances is to measure carefully and measure twice [and] look for appliances that are designed to be compact. Multifunctional appliances will usually fit the bill, and with the benefit of serving more than one purpose, you’re only taking up space with one appliance instead of two. The last bit of advice is to be aware of the power requirements of your appliance and how that will impact the power limitations of your RV. Try to prioritize appliances that offer low wattage, energy-saving modes or ones that are compatible with 12-volt DC or solar power.

Greer: Dealerships and customers often face challenges such as limited space for appliances and the need for energy efficiency. Additionally, compatibility issues with power sources can arise. My advice is to prioritize compact, multifunctional appliances that maximize utility while fitting within space constraints. We also believe that the after-sales service is a very important aspect and pride ourselves in working with OEMs, dealerships and end users to provide the best experience possible.

Is there anything else our readers should know about kitchen appliances for RVs?

Johnson: Just be sure to thoroughly research the appliance you want, no matter who you purchase it from. Also, when you’re shopping for an appliance of any kind, it’s important to keep your RV’s limitations in mind, such as its available power and space. You wouldn’t want to end up purchasing a new gadget just to discover that your RV doesn’t have the space for it or can’t supply enough power. Keeping the limitations of your RV in mind before you commit to a purchase will help you know if an appliance will work for your particular setup or if you might need to make some modifications to your RV.

Greer: At InVision, we are always working on innovation, so be on the lookout for the latest appliances to help you build the best RV.