Lakeshore RV Center
Ah yes, propane. We of the RV and general outdoor lifestyle love it and hate it, but we can’t deny its functionality in our everyday living. When you have an appliance like a stove that runs on propane, there are advantages and disadvantages, so we thought a general operating guide might be in order.
If you have a stove in your RV, it's most likely a 3 burner stove. The propane can also heat the oven of your unit if it has an oven. Frequently, you’ll have a central burner that is bigger and used more often than the others. Depending on the size of your RV, you’ll have more or less burners.
The propane that generates a flame inside the oven, produces a lot of heat. Most RV ovens lack any built-in fan to circulate the hot air. There are tips for using your stove for the best experience.
Often your RV stove will have a cover for use as part of the counter when you are not cooking. Be sure to wait until your stove top is cool before closing this cover.
RV stoves and ovens are small and you may need to make adjustments when cooking to ensure your food comes out how you like it. It's helpful to use a thermometer to keep any eye on the temperature. Because rv stoves and ovens are small, it’s common to run too hot or cold. Pizza stones are also helpful to evenly distribute the heat.
Direct Spark Ignition
Direct Spark ignition propane stoves have an automatic ignition for starting the pilot light, but others need to be manually lit with a match. In either case, make sure you have a clean oven, free of food, dirt, or dust that might clog up the workings. Use a clean, dry cloth or mild soap and water to clean and wipe the connections and surfaces down, just as you would at home. Get some ventilation before cooking by turning on your range fan or cracking a window.
Step 1 Turn on the propane running to the stove.
Step 2 Find and push the control button on the stove (it should be labeled near the burner controls). Turn the button until it starts clicking and you should see a blue flame appear.
Step 3 Once ignited, turn the button until it stops clicking to stop the gas going to the burner. Adjust the burner knob for desired flame or heat.
Manual Lighting
Step 1 Turn the propane gas on that runs to the oven.
Step 2 Lift the stove top and look for the pilot light.
Step 3 Push the pilot light control in while holding a lit match over the pilot light hole. Make sure you are keeping the control pushed in at the same time. After the pilot light is lit, keep the control button held for at least 30 seconds to make sure that the pilot light stays on. Turn the knob on the stove to the desired temperature.Propane is great and very efficient for cooking, just make sure you are staying safe when using the stove. Be aware that propane can leak, and keep that in the back of your mind because carbon monoxide poisoning is no joke. Get everyone out if someone starts feeling dizzy, unusually sleepy, or gets a sudden headache. Make sure you have a propane detector installed in your RV, as well as fire alarms.
Use your head, and you’ll be just fine when whipping up your famous dinner dish. Any tips to share with our audience? Feel free to post them below!
