We hear this all the time gas or induction?. What do we recommend you should fit in your campervan? Let’s put this great debate in another relatable way… jam first or cream first?
With lithium batteries becoming more affordable, the rise of fully electric powered campervans has made induction hobs more popular than ever. But is ditching gas really the way forward?
Let’s break it down properly—pros, cons, costs, and share our real-life experiences of cooking in a campervan.
Induction Hobs
Induction hobs are popping up in new builds everywhere, and there is good reason for it.
Why is Induction Great in a Campervan?
✔ No open flame = No risk of burning your van down while flipping pancakes.
✔ Fast cooking = Instant heat, instant off, this helps bringing pans to temperature quickly and efficiently.
✔ Safer for small spaces = No gas leaks, no carbon monoxide worries!
✔ No LPG stress abroad = Gas refills can be challenging when traveling abroad.
Sounds like induction is a no brainer right? But here’s the reality check…
The Downsides of Induction:
❌ Power-hungry – Even with a big lithium battery, an induction hob can eat through your power supply pretty quickly!
❌ Sun-dependent – Winter vanlifers, (and British vanlifers) take note: When there is no sun, your solar panels don’t charge as well, and suddenly power becomes very precious. Boiling your kettle for a hot cuppa on a winter morning may be off the menu!
❌ Battery stress – Even a chunky 400Ah lithium battery (like mine) feels the strain when you rely solely on electric cooking.
Let’s Talk Power Consumption
Induction hobs are energy-efficient compared to traditional electric stoves, but that doesn’t exactly mean they’re camper-friendly.
| Appliance | Average Power Usage | How Long Will a 400Ah Battery Last? |
|---|---|---|
| Induction Hob | 1,500W – 2,000W | 2-3 hours of high heat cooking 4-5 hours of low heat cooking |
| Low Watt Electric Kettle | 650W | 14-15 boils |
| Hairdryer | 1,800W | Say goodbye to your battery after 30 mins |
| Laptop (Charging) | 60W | All-day power, no stress |
Let me be realistic here, you will not be cooking on full power for 3 hours. You are likely to be cooking for 20 minutes on a high heat or 1 hour on a very low heat to simmer. And unless you are rapunzel will you really blow dry your hair for 30 minutes?
So 3 meals cooked on the hob, 3 boils on the kettle and one 10 minute blow dry will take your 400ah battery down by about 50%. With some charge from a good drive (with the correct B2B installed and some solar) you should recoup most of that back. In the winter less so.
For off-grid campers, induction is amazing in summer but a struggle in winter, unless you have a serious solar + battery setup.
Gas Hobs
Now, let’s talk about gas baby—the OG campervan cooking method.
Why Gas is Still Used in a Campervan:
✔ No electricity needed – Cook whenever, wherever, even when your battery power is low.
✔ Efficient fuel use – A single 11kg gas bottle lasts 6-12 months, depending on how much you cook.
✔ Works in all weather – No worrying about solar panels, cloudy days, or running out of battery in the middle of a cook.
The Downsides of Gas Cooking:
❌ Gas refills can be a challenge – Especially in different countries where LPG connectors vary.
❌ Needs proper ventilation – Gas hobs release carbon monoxide, so knowledge of proper ventilation and a carbon monoxide alarm is non-negotiable.
❌ Safety concerns – Gas leaks are rare but possible. You’ll need a gas-safe engineer to install or check everything correctly.
The Vanlife Eats Choice of Carbon Monoxide / Smoke Alarm
Google Nest Protect – Dual Smoke Alarm And Carbon Monoxide Detector (Battery)
The Cost of Running a Gas Hob
A typical 11kg FloGas bottle costs around £36 and lasts 6-12 months for a full-time vanlifer. Even if you’re cooking every day, gas is one of the cheapest energy sources for a campervan.
There are some hidden costs of gas cooking
- Gas-safe engineer certification: £50-£100
- Carbon monoxide alarm: £20-£30
Gas vs. Induction – Which One’s Right for Your Campervan?
Let’s put it all together in a quick pros and cons table:
| Feature | Induction Hob | Gas Hob |
|---|---|---|
| Power Source | Requires a juicy lithium battery & inverter | Uses a refillable gas bottle |
| Safety | No carbon monoxide, no flames | Needs proper ventilation, risk of leaks |
| Cooking Speed | Very fast, instant heat | Slower but consistent |
| Weather Impact | Needs solar power or hook-up | Works in any conditions |
| Setup Cost | High (battery + inverter) | Moderate (gas install + alarm) |
| Running Cost | Can drain battery fast | £36 per 6-12 months |
So, which is better?
Go for induction if…
- You only cook when on electrical hookup (EHU).
- You have a big battery (400Ah+) and lots of solar panels.
- You like instant heat and want a flame-free cooking setup.
- You travel abroad and want to avoid LPG refilling issues.
Stick with gas if…
- You prefer a reliable, all-weather cooking system.
- You don’t want to stress about power limits in winter.
- You like the traditional feel of cooking with a flame.
What’s My Setup?
Even with a massive 400Ah battery, I still prefer cooking with gas. Here is why?
- I am rarely on an electrical hookup as I travel full-time
- I love the way gas cooks food—it feels more natural to me and I feel I have better control.
- It’s way more energy-efficient for full-time vanlife.
- Refilling my 11kg gas bottle costs me about £36 every 6-8 months, which is nothing compared to the stress of power management.
- I live in the UK and winter vanlife can write off solar panel charging.
Yes, induction is cool, modern, and stress-free. But when I’m off-grid in the middle of nowhere, the last thing I want is to ration my battery just so I can make a cup of tea.
Final Thoughts
So cream first of jam first? The truth is that both options work and give the same results but it’s how you want to go about it that is the question. What do you prefer? What makes you feel more comfortable? What can you afford? What do you need?
For the campervan weekend warrior you are very likely to be jumping from campsite to campsite so why not go hassle free and use a hookup to power your induction hob. If you go off grid a lot then you most probably want to stick with the classic gas hob.
Have a good think about your needs and requirements and if you have any questions why not ask in our campervan cooking group on Facebook.
Whichever you choose, happy cooking and tasty travels! 🚐
