For many, the idea of living or traveling in a campervan brings up one major concern—how do you cook properly without a built-in oven? When I first started vanlife, the thought of never being able to bake fresh bread, roast potatoes, or make homemade pizza was almost enough to put me off.
But then I discovered the Omnia stovetop oven. This simple yet brilliantly designed piece of equipment transformed my tiny kitchen into a fully functional baking setup—with just a gas stove.
In this article, I’ll cover everything you need to know about the Omnia, including:
✅ How it works and what makes it unique
✅ What you can cook with it
✅ How to avoid common cooking mistakes
✅ Answers to all the most common questions
What is the Omnia Stovetop Oven?
The Omnia stovetop oven is a non-electric, portable oven that sits on top of a gas burner or ceramic stovetop and uses heat distribution to mimic the effect of a conventional oven.
How Does the Omnia Work?
The Omnia is designed in three parts:
- Stainless Steel Base – Directs heat from the burner upward, creating an oven-like environment.
- Aluminium Baking Pan – A circular pan with a hole in the middle, allowing heat to distribute evenly around the food.
- Domed Lid – Traps heat, just like a traditional oven.
When placed over a flame or heat source, the heat rises through the hole in the centre, circulates under the lid, and cooks food evenly from all sides—without needing a built-in oven.
✅ What stoves does the Omnia work on?
- Works perfectly on: Gas stoves, portable gas burners, and ceramic hobs.
- Not recommended for: Standard induction or electric coil stoves, as they don’t provide enough direct heat.
What Can You Cook in the Omnia?
The Omnia is incredibly versatile—if you can bake it in a conventional oven, chances are you can bake it in the Omnia.
| Category | Examples |
|---|---|
| Baked Goods | Fresh bread, muffins, cakes, scones |
| Pasta Dishes | Baked mac & cheese, lasagna |
| Roasted Dishes | Potatoes, vegetables, chicken thighs |
| Pies & Pastries | Quiche, fruit pies, puff pastry dishes |
| Gratins & Casseroles | Potato gratin, vegetable bakes |
✅ Can I bake in the Omnia?
Yes! It’s designed specifically for baking on a stovetop, making it perfect for bread, cakes, and even pizza.
✅ Can I roast meat and vegetables in the Omnia?
Yes—roasted chicken, potatoes, and vegetables come out just as crispy and golden as they would in a traditional oven.
✅ Can I use the Omnia for cooking pasta dishes?
Absolutely! Baked mac and cheese or lasagna cook evenly inside the Omnia, with a nice crispy top layer.
How to Get the Best Results with the Omnia
To make the most of your Omnia oven, follow these key cooking tips:
1. Use the Right Heat Source
- Gas burners provide the best heat control.
- Ceramic hobs work well but take longer to heat up.
- Induction stoves require an adapter plate to work with the Omnia.
2. Control the Heat for Even Cooking
- Preheat the Omnia for 2-3 minutes before adding food.
- Always cook on low to medium heat to avoid burning the base of your food.
✅ How do I stop food from burning in the Omnia?
- Keep the burner on low to medium heat—too high, and the bottom will burn. Low and slow is the key to perfect stovetop baking.
3. Use the Right Accessories
To make cooking and cleanup easier, consider these Omnia accessories:
- Silicone Baking Liner – Prevents food from sticking and makes cleaning easy.
- Baking Rack – Raises food slightly to allow more air circulation.
- Muffin Ring – Perfect for baking smaller portions or cupcakes.
✅ Is the Omnia dishwasher safe?
No—the aluminium pan and lid should be hand-washed to protect their surface. The stainless steel base should be dried immediately to prevent discoloration. Who has a dishwasher in their van? I want to feature how you’ve done this!
Common Questions About the Omnia Stovetop Oven
Can the Omnia oven replace a full-size oven?
Yes and no. While it doesn’t work exactly like a traditional oven, it produces oven-like results for baking and roasting on a stovetop. It’s perfect for vanlife, boating, or small-space cooking.
Can I cook frozen food in the Omnia?
Yes! You can bake frozen meals, reheat leftovers, and cook frozen pies or pastries just like in a regular oven. Cooking time may be slightly longer.
Can I use parchment paper in the Omnia?
Yes—lining the baking pan with parchment paper can help with cleanup and prevent food from sticking.
Does the Omnia come in different sizes?
Yes, the Omnia is available in two sizes, the standard has a capacity of 2 litres—large enough to cook for 2 people and the Maxi Pan has a capacity of 3 litres for larger family cooking.
Can I use the Omnia inside my campervan?
Yes! However, ensure proper ventilation when using a gas stove to prevent fumes from building up.
Can I use the Omnia outside my campervan?
Yes! The Omnia stovetop oven works perfectly on any gas based outdoor cooking stove.
How do I clean the Omnia after cooking?
- Wash with warm, soapy water—avoid abrasive scrubbing.
- Soak in warm water if food is stuck to the bottom.
- Never put it in the dishwasher.
Is the Omnia Worth It?
For anyone who wants to bake, roast, or cook without a built-in oven, the Omnia stovetop oven is an essential tool.
✅ It allows for real oven-style cooking on a simple gas stove.
✅ It’s lightweight, portable, and perfect for campervan cooking.
✅ With the right techniques, it produces amazing results—without needing electricity.
If you’re looking for a simple, reliable, and effective way to cook in a campervan, the Omnia is one of the best investments you can make. We’ve been using ours for 7 years and it has become an essential and loved peice of equipment in our van.
Frequently Asked Questions Recap
🔹 What stoves does the Omnia work on? Gas and ceramic. Not ideal for induction and electric coil stoves.
🔹 Can you bake, roast, and cook full meals in the Omnia? Yes! It works for bread, pizza, roast potatoes, casseroles, and more.
🔹 How do you stop food from burning? Use low heat, a heat diffuser, and preheat for a few minutes.
🔹 Is the Omnia easy to clean? Yes, but it must be hand-washed—no dishwasher.
🔹 Is it worth buying? If you want oven-like cooking on a stovetop, absolutely.
