Cooking with Electricity

Cooking with induction in a motorhome or camper has become increasingly popular in recent years, mainly thanks to powerful and high-capacity leisure batteries. We also cook with induction in our camper van and never want to go back to a gas stove!

Advantages of Induction Cooking

1. Speed and Efficiency: Induction cooktops are known to heat up much faster than conventional electric or gas cooktops. This is because energy is transferred directly to the pot or pan, rather than heating the surrounding air. This allows for shorter cooking times and thus higher efficiency.
2. Safety Aspects: Since induction cooktops only get hot when a pot or pan is on them and cool down quickly after they are removed, there is a lower risk of burns. Additionally, there is no open flame, which reduces the risk of fire.
3. Easy to Clean: The surface of an induction cooktop remains relatively cool, so spilled liquids do not burn on as easily. This makes cleaning after cooking simpler and faster.
4. Comfort: Cooking is part of everyday camping life. If your hob is not in the vehicle, with an induction hob you no longer have to fiddle with flimsy windbreak solutions.

Disadvantages of Induction Cooking

1. Acquisition Costs: The costs for motorhome-suitable induction cooktops are now at an acceptable level, but you also need an inverter that converts the onboard voltage into clean 230 volts and a leisure battery with sufficient capacity.
2. Power Dependence: For the induction cooktop, a stable power supply is necessary – without power, the warm meal is off. If you only cook at the campsite, you usually have no problem connecting to shore power. If you want to cook more than just coffee on the go or even be self-sufficient for several days, your leisure battery must be dimensioned accordingly.
3. Special Cookware Required: To use an induction cooktop, special magnetic cookware is needed. Pots and pans made of stainless steel or cast iron are generally suitable, while those made of aluminum or copper often do not work.

Why Induction Cooking in a Motorhome is Advantageous

1. Space and Weight Savings: Induction cooktops are often more compact than conventional stoves and can therefore save space in the limited area of a motorhome. They are also often lighter, which is an advantage given the weight restrictions of a motorhome.
2. Energy Efficiency: In a motorhome, efficient use of energy is particularly important, as resources are often limited. Induction cooktops require less energy than gas stoves, which conserves the motorhome's battery.
3. Safety on the Road: Due to the absence of open flames and the rapid cooling of the cooking surface, induction cooktops offer increased safety, which is particularly advantageous in a mobile environment, especially if curious children are on board.
4. Availability: Empty gas tanks or cartridges no longer matter when you cook with electricity. The search for suitable cartridges on your travels is eliminated.
5. Hygiene: The surface of an induction cooktop is much easier to clean than the grate of a gas stove.

We use the IH1 induction hob from Sterling in our camper, which you can purchase here in our shop.