Do tiny houses have stoves?
I installed a stovetop in a tiny house and learned a lot along the way. In a tiny house or RV your choices will be either an electric or a gas stovetop. Either way you will need an accessible counter top with a hole cut in the top. The stove will be installed into the hole in the countertop.
If you want to install an electric stovetop you will need a reliable and high amperage electricity source. Electric stove tops are not a good choice if your tiny home or RV is on solar, limited electricity, or running on batteries. Check how many amps your panel allows before deciding which way to go. If you decide to install a propane stove top you will also need to source a propane tank and hoses.
Can you have a gas stovetop in a tiny house?
Yes a gas propane stove top can be installed in a tiny house or RV. A few things to keep in my is you want the stovetop to be installed on a stable counter area. Tiny houses and RVs are smaller spaces. This means you want to be aware of carbon monoxide or propane gas build up in the area. To solve this problem I would advise installing carbon monoxide and propane leak detectors. You will also want for the area above the stove top to be clear for 4 feet in the event of a fire.
Is a propane stovetop in a tiny house safe?
Yes they are safe when installed correctly. The stovetop will come with a lid that has back and side protectors to contain anything in the event of a fire. The stove must be installed in an area where there is nothing directly above in the chance of a fire. The propane tank that feeds the stovetop must be placed outside and connected by a mesh hose.
Carbon monoxide and propane detectors
To ensure safety makes sure carbon monoxide and propane leak detectors are installed near to the propane stovetop. The stove must be installed near a window in the event carbon monoxide or propane concentrations become too high. It is also necessary to have a fire extinguisher near by if there is a fire on the stove top.
How do I install an electric stovetop in a tiny house?
Find where on your countertop you will place the stovetop and consider the safety precautions mentioned above. The electric stove also must be close to the electric outlet that will be powering it. Place the stove top on the counter and make sure it is square and running parallel with the edges of the counter. Draw a line on the counter around the edge of the stove top. This will mark where you will cut the hole.
How to cut the hole
Use a circular saw to make the first cut into the counter and cut any straight lines. Use a jigsaw to make the cuts that are curved. You want to make sure you don’t mess up these cuts as the stove must fit snug. Be careful there cant be any visible cuts in the counter top. All cuts will be under the lip of the stove.
Apply a bead of silicone sealant along the edge of the where the hole was cut. Place the stove top into the hole securely into the silicone sealant. The lid of the stovetop will have holes drilled where screws go through and drill directly into the counter top. A smoke and carbon monoxide detector should be installed above the stove in the event of a fire.
How do I install a propane stovetop in a tiny house?
The process for installing a propane gas stovetop is the same as an electric stovetop with a few tweaks. Refer to directions above for cutting the hole in the counter top and installing the stove into the counter. You have to cut an extra notch in the counter for where the gas hose will be plugged into the stove. For safety precautions the propane tank must be stored outside. In the event there is a leak in the tank it will safely dissipate into the air.
The propane tank should be stored in an area that is dry and moderate temperatures. My tank is stored under my porch with a hose running under the house. I had to drill a hole in the kitchen counter and the subfloor of the house to run the hose from the tank. It’s smart to invest in a propane gas leak detector that I have placed below stove top. I placed it lower than the stove because propane is heavier than air. In the event of a leak you will want the gas detector below the stovetop.
How much to install a stove top in a tiny house?
| Item | Stove | Gas hose | Propane tank |
| Cost | $113 | $28 | $52 |
Conclusion
A stove top is a great choice for a tiny home or RV. There are a plethora of food choices that can be cooked or reheated on a stove top. A gas stove top is a great choice for cooking if you don’t have access to much electricity or space. Other cooking options like stoves microwaves, toaster ovens and air fryers require high levels of electricity or are bulky.
More resources: https://flameking.com/products/rv-trailer/