Every RV microwave gets a score from 0 to 100% built from six factors, which maps onto the 5-point rating shown on the site (a 0% score would be 1.5 stars; a perfect score, 5). Each factor is scored against fixed reference points, not against the other products in the list, so adding a new model never moves another model’s rating. Microwaves are grouped as built-in, convection and air fry, and over-the-range, and use the same scale in every group.
| Factor | Measures | Weight |
|---|---|---|
| Value | price per cubic foot of oven capacity | 25% |
| Capacity | oven capacity in cubic feet | 15% |
| Cooking power | microwave output wattage | 15% |
| Input draw | rated input wattage, lower is easier on an inverter or generator | 15% |
| Features | convection, trim kit included (or over-the-range mounting) and air fry | 20% |
| Warranty | warranty length | 10% |
Where the numbers come from
Capacity, wattage, dimensions, trim kit and warranty come from the maker’s product page or manual, from a retailer’s spec listing, or from the maker’s own copy on a retail listing. When two of the maker’s own figures disagree (for example a spec table that gives 900 W and a title that gives 1,000 W), the figure is left out rather than guessed. Prices are checked at Amazon, the maker’s own store and other stores the page links to, and the lowest is used.
The factors
Value is the current price divided by the oven capacity, in dollars per cubic foot, on a log scale, so halving the price always counts the same. $500 per cu ft scores zero and $150 per cu ft full marks.
Capacity is the oven capacity: 0.8 cu ft scores zero and 1.8 cu ft full marks.
Cooking power is the microwave output wattage: 700 W scores zero and 1,000 W full marks.
Input draw is the maker’s rated microwave input, the power the unit pulls from shore power, a generator or an inverter. Lower is better: 1,650 W scores zero and 1,300 W full marks.
Features is 45% for a convection oven mode, 35% for installing with no extra parts (a built-in that includes its trim kit, or an over-the-range unit, which needs no trim) and 20% for an air fry mode.
Warranty is the maker’s warranty: none scores zero and 2 years full marks, so a 1-year warranty scores half.
What isn’t scored
Outside and cutout dimensions, size with trim, turntable size, vent fan airflow, weight, convection wattage, rated current, voltage and release date are listed but not scored.
Missing data
If a figure isn’t published, that factor gets the neutral middle score (50) and the product page marks it as estimated. A feature the maker doesn’t mention counts as absent. The exception is warranty: a maker that doesn’t publish one gets no warranty counted, so that factor scores zero and is marked estimated.
Ties and discontinued models
Products are ranked by score within each group. Discontinued models stay listed but rank below every current model and can be hidden with the “Hide discontinued” filter.