Home » portable induction cooktops » Portable induction cooktops for Campervans

Portable induction cooktops for Campervans

The best induction cooktops for fabulous Van life meal preparation!

The best portable induction cooktops mean easier campervan cooking and better meals all ’round.

I love to cook and one of the things I miss the most when on the road in my van is a full sized kitchen.

So I’m always looking for kitchen gear that can help me create great food while traveling.

Of course portability, storeability and simplicity are requirements of nearly every piece of campervan gear.

Since induction cookers tend to be compact, this means more precious counter space, and easier storage when you need it out of the way.

While there are some cons, the pros of induction cooktops are many and we believe you’ll find them to be an excellent addition to your campervan and campsite cooking equipment.

Our Top Picks for best portable induction cooktops

Single Burner

Copper Chef Low Power 1300 Watt Induction Cooktops

Double Burner

Duxtop Double Burner Induction cooktop

  • 1,300W low power campervan induction cooktops
  • Precision time and temp controls
  • Adjust 10° at a time between 100° 500° F
  • 5 Presets from warm to sear and between
  • Works with 8″ through 12″ induction cookery
  • Built in accurate meal prep timer
  • Accurate, easy to read digital display
review vansage Duxtop portable induction cooktops

  • Two heating zones
  • Two power modes with 20 preset levels each
  • Built-in digital timer to program cooking times up to 10 hours
  • Lightweight for easy campervan storage
  • Safety features: Pan detection, over hot protection, diagnosis error system, low and high volt warning

Our rating

Our rating

12v induction cooktop

Unfortunately, DC or 12 volt or 24 volt portable induction cooktops for Campervans and RVs are not available.

This is due to the fact that induction cooktops require high wattage to function efficiently and effectively.

A low power induction cooktop just isn’t possible without loosing all the advantages that come with induction cooking.

Because of the strict power requirements of induction cooking, a 12v induction cooktop for van cooking is not possible.

This is one of those situations where a Campervan power inverter can make a big difference in your Vanlife kitchen setup.

Since portable induction cooktops commonly used in Campervans use a range of wattage between 1300 watts and 2000 watts, a larger inverter (over 2000 watts) would be best.

But if a single burner, low power induction cooktop like the Copper Chef 1300 Watt will work for your food prep needs, you can use a mid-range wattage inverter like the GoWise 1500 Watt Pure Sine Power inverter.

How much power does an induction cooktop use?

Smaller induction burners typically use between 1,200 to 1,800 watts. Those with larger burners can use as many as 3,200 to 3,800 W.

1800 watts is a common induction cooktop size.

These wattages allow for a wide range of cooking temperatures from very low to very high so you can reheat some leftovers on low heat, simmer on medium for long periods..

1800 watts is also enough power to do common, high heat tasks like quickly boiling water. or quickly searing a steak on high heat.

There are more powerful units available and you might consider one if you plan to do a lot of cooking while connected to shore power or you just have lots of high quality campervan battery juice to spare.

What are the advantages of portable induction cooktops?

  • Efficiency: As you’ll see below…
  • Speed: The induction elements heat up and delivers almost instantly
  • Temperature control: The best portable induction cooktops provide infinite temperature control
  • Size and portability: Single and double burner units are thin,compact and easy to store
  • Cost: Compared to an entire gas system, they’re a bargain
  • One, two or more burner options
  • Simplicity: Set it on the counter or cook table, plug it in and start cooking
  • Brand and product options: A multitude of stable brands and models available with many high ratings
easy campsite recipes best portable induction cookers Vansage
Check out our easy campsite recipes for this delicious noodle soup. Image courtesy of Sharon Chen.

Are induction cooktops energy efficient?

The short answer is, absolutely!

Due to a fundamental difference in how portable induction cooktops generate heat, they use less energy than both electric element cooktops such as hotplates and traditional element stoves, and they’re more efficient than propane gas (LP in the UK) and other natural gas cookers.

The U.S. Department of Energy states that induction heating transfers energy at nearly 85% efficiency.

Furthermore, power usage of induction cooktops is over 89% efficient

Induction cooktops use 2.8 kW of power to create 2.52 kW of equivalent heat.

Compare that to electric coils using nearly 2.0 kW to create 1 kW, or to gas which requires over 3.4 kW to create only 1.75 kW of heat.

Why are induction cooktops more efficient than electric element stoves and gas cooktops?

The primary reason that induction cooktops are more efficient than gas or electric coil (including glass top ranges) is because the induction system only heats the metal pan that contacts the cooktop.

More technically in the Wikipedia article on induction cooking:

“Induction cooking is performed using direct induction heating of cooking vessels, rather than relying on indirect radiation, convection, or thermal conduction. Induction cooking allows high power and very rapid increases in temperature to be achieved, and changes in heat settings are instantaneous.”

So no energy is dissipated in the air around the cooktop or the air.

Another, less intuitive reason these units are more efficient: By not heating the air in your campervan while you cook, your air conditioning unit doesn’t have to compensate for extra heat in the air.

This also reduces the need to use roof top fans and vents for air cooling.

Duxtop two burner vansage portable induction cooktops
Click to see pricing for the brilliant Duxtop two burner induction cooktop.

Can I run my induction cooktop with my power inverter?

If you’re relying on battery power, any electric heating appliances, whether for comfort or cooking, can be painful in a campervan.

Furthermore, converting power from 12/24 volts DC to 110/240 AC is inefficient and results in wasted power.

While we’re big fans of campervan power inverters, you’ll need to give serious thought to whether or not an induction cook top is best for your build.

Here are some considerations

  • Do you have ample battery power to prepare meals on an induction cooktop?
  • Do you have enough solar panel power to keep batteries charged while using an induction cooktop?
  • Induction cookers require grid quality power, so you’ll need a pure sine inverter. A modified sine wave inverter will cause problems for your cooktop.

Many people equip their camper vans with an induction cooktop AND a gas portable camping stove so they’re never without the ability to prepare a meal.

Since there are many small, portable gas stoves available and induction cooktops tend to be compact as well, having two stoves on board is not a burden.

Portable induction cooktop vansage Easy campsite recipes pancakes
Easy campsite recipes as created on a portable induction cooktop. Image courtesy of Ala.

 

The Campervan Podcast Episode #087: Portable Induction Cooktops

What is the best cookware for induction cooktops?

As detailed in this Wikipedia article, any pan used on an induction cooktop needs to have a high iron or steel content in order to transfer heat from the heating element into the pan bottom.

Some very thin metal pans don’t work because they don’t allow the cooktop to concentrate enough heat at the surface for cooking.

Some pans are available that are specific to induction cooking, but they are not necessary and some are even over priced gimmicks.

As long as your pans have a reasonably thick bottom and a high iron or stainless steel content, they will work fine on your induction cooker.

We suggest buying your cooktop and then testing your steel pots and pans on it, only replacing cookware if necessary.

Can Aluminum and copper pans be used on induction cooktops?

Pans with all aluminum, all copper or glass bottoms that contact the cooktop surface cannot be used with induction cooktops.

Some manufacturers have created aluminum cookware with iron, steel and magnetic cladding specifically to be used with induction cooktops.

Another option is a flat steel plate that sits on the induction cooktop and functions as an activator andb any cookware can be heated on it. While this somewhat defeats some of the novelty of induction cooking, it would allow for use of copper or other specialty pans.

Induction cookware suggested products

Duxtop Induction Cookware Set Cuisinart Induction Cookware Set Gourmia Induction Cooktop Plate

Our rating

Our rating

Our rating

Pros and Cons of induction cooktops

Of course every item of campervan gear has it’s ups and downs.

Here are the major pros and cons of portable induction cooktops we’ve discovered.

Pros

  • Fast, efficient heating
  • Easy to store
  • Easy to use, simple design
  • Easy to clean with very few nooks and crannies for food to get stuck in
  • Long lasting and durable
  • Safe: No flame and the element only heats when in contact with a metal pan
  • Availability: Reasonably priced, tried and tested units are available from a number of manufacturers

Cons

  • Require consistent, grid quality electrical supply, so if you don’t have a large battery bank and solar, you may need to rely on shore power more often.
  • Can use a lot of power, as can any electrical heating device
  • Cooking on an induction cooktop can feel strange at first as the heating method is different from the element burner or flame that most of us are used to
  • Only iron and steel clad cookware can be used with an induction cooktop. See above for details.

The best single burner portable induction cooktops

If you’re a Vanlife solo traveler, you may find that a single burner is enough for all your cooking needs. Especially if you also have a gas cooktop, a microwave, a water boiler or other auxiliary cooking gear on board.

Personally, I love to chef it up, and whether I’m throwing together some easy campsite recipes or something more complex, I use a double burner induction cooktop, also included below this section.

SUNAVO Portable Induction Cooktop

iSiLER Portable Induction Cooktop

vansage sunavo Portable induction cooktops
  • Electromagnetic coils heat at 1800W at high power
  • A quart of water can boil in 3 under minutes
  • 15 Levels of Temperature
  • Temp range from 100 °F to 450 °F .Power from 100 Watts to 1800 Watts
  • LED Touch Panel to adjust temperature
  • Child lock, timer can be set up to 300 minutes
  • If cookware is not detected within 30 seconds the cooktop shuts down automatically

Our rating

  • 9 levels of power:from 100 W to 1800 W
  • 1800 W power
  • 8 Temp presets
  • Adjust temperature from 140°F to 460°F
  • Cooktop surface measurements: 6.7 inches
  • 3 hour timer and safety lock
  • Wear resistant, premium glass surface for easy clean up

 

Our rating

 

Duxtop Portable Induction Cooktop

Copper Chef Low Power 1300 Watt Induction Cooktops

  • Lightweight & compact for easy storage.
  • Digital control panel
  • Built in digital timer up to 170 minutes
  • 10 temp ranges from 140 °F to 460 °F
  • 10 power levels from 200 to 1800 Watts.
  • Durable fan dissipates heat to ensure a longer life
  • Unit will shut off after 60 seconds if no cookware is detected
  • Diagnostic error message system and  low and high voltage warning system

Our rating

  • 1,300W low power campervan induction cooktops
  • Precision time and temp controls
  • Adjust 10° at a time between 100° 500° F
  • 5 Presets from warm to sear and between
  • Works with 8″ through 12″ induction cookery
  • Built in accurate meal prep timer
  • Accurate, easy to read digital display

Our rating

 

The best double burner portable induction cooktops

If you’re traveling with a crew of family and/or friends, you’l want a double burner induction cooktop.

As mentioned above, I like to have a double burner on board. That way I can boil water for pasta while cooking the sauce, simmer a pot of soup while toasting a cheese sandwich…

The double burner units just feel more like a “normal” kitchen experience.

Of course you’ll need the power supply, whether shore supplied or large battery bank, to power two, 1800 watt burners, so keep that in mind.

Sandoo Double Burner Induction Cooktop

NutriChef Double Portable Induction cooktop

  • Dual Induction Burners
  • independent control panel
  • Energy efficient power distribution of 1000 watts per burner
  • 8 Levels Temperature and Smart Timer from 140°F to 460°F
  • Security: overheating, over-pressure, current protection.
  • Auto shut down if no pot detected after 1 minute
  • Light weight and portable for indoor and outdoor cooking
  • High quality ceramic surface
  • Features touch control and LED display

Our rating

  • 2 Circular Top Panel Heating Zones
  • Independent temperature zone settings
  • Digital LCD Display Screen
  • Automatic warming function keeps your food warm
  • Child Safety Lock
  • Compact andeasy to store

 

Our rating

 

Duxtop Portable Double Induction Cooktop

Inducto Portable Dual Induction Cooktop

vansage two burner portable induction cooktops Inducto
  • Professional digital induction cooktop
  • Two independent heating zones
  • Set each one separately using LCD display
  • Child safety lock
  • 20 preset levels
  • Works with cast iron, magnetic steel, enameled iron, stainless steel manufactured with a magnetic bottom
  • Lightweight and compact design
  • Low and high voltage warnings

Our rating

  • Large glass surface
  • 26″ x 15.25″ x 3.25″.
  • Two 8″ burners on a large single piece flat glass
  • Two independent cooking surfaces
  • 8 power settings from 140°F to 460°F
  • Up to 90% less energy than traditional gas or electric stoves
  • 1-year manufacturer warranty

 

Our rating

 

Conclusion

  • Fast heat, compact and storable, easy to clean, reasonably priced, durable, great safety features…
  • If you love to cook, they’re a great addition to the vanlife kitchen
  • 1800 Watts is the most common size and plenty for most users
  • You’ll need a grid quality power supply (pure sine inverter or shore power) and plenty of it
  • As cooktops go, induction units are highly efficient
  • If you’re running solo, a single burner may be enough for you
  • If you love to chef it up, or traveling with two or more, get the double burner
  • You’ll need some iron or steel pans
  • Buy the cooker, test your existing pans, buy new pans as needed
  • The best portable induction cooktops can be a great addition to your campervan

2 Responses

  1. Samantha Nichols
    | Reply

    We use the Duxtop item for everyday cooking needs. We’ve had the cheaper brands and to be honest, we’re pleased with them. We only give some thought to induction within the kitchen and have opted for a higher-quality device over the cheaper ones. This cooktop is of excellent quality. Very robust and intensely pleasant to use. I will be able to visit Duxtop again anytime. I feel that’s well worth the money.

  2. Samantha Nichols
    | Reply

    Thank you for a very informative article. Now I feel empowered to shop for a suitable cooktop for home use.

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

This site uses Akismet to reduce spam. Learn how your comment data is processed.