The Smart Buyer’s Guide to Caravan Cooktops and Kitchens

 

Cooking in a caravan can be one of the best parts of the lifestyle — as long as your setup works. Whether you’re heating up a quick cuppa or making dinner after a big day on the road, having the right cooktop or kitchen makes the process safer, simpler, and a lot more enjoyable.

But with so many options available, from gas burners to 12V induction systems and full slide-out kitchens, it’s easy to get overwhelmed. This guide walks you through the most popular types of caravan cooking appliances, key features to look out for, and how to choose something that suits your space, power setup, and travel style.

 

Types of Caravan Cooking Appliances

There are more options today than ever before, and that’s a good thing. It means you can build your kitchen around how you actually travel. Some setups are simple and portable. Others are built-in, fully plumbed, and designed for full-time touring. The right solution depends on your power supply, space, and where you like to cook — inside or outside.

 

Gas Cooktops

Gas is still the most reliable cooking option for off-grid travel. It doesn’t rely on power, heats quickly, and works in all weather. Most caravans use LPG for fixed installations, but smaller vans and campers often use butane canister stoves instead.

If you want a clean, flush look inside your van, the CAN Rectangular Hob Unit is a great dual-burner option. It mounts into your benchtop and includes a glass lid, giving you back your workspace when you’re not cooking. For weekend setups or outdoor cooking, portable can cooktops are easy to use, affordable, and take up next to no room.

Look for features like:

• Flame failure protection
• Piezo or electric ignition
• Sturdy trivets or pan supports
• Glass lids that double as prep space

Make sure you have adequate ventilation if cooking indoors. A nearby window or rangehood will help remove steam and fumes. Gas cooktops must always be installed by a licensed gas fitter.

 

12V Induction Cooktops

For travellers running lithium batteries and solar, a 12V induction cooktop is one of the cleanest and safest ways to cook. Induction heats the pan directly, not the air around it, which makes it fast and energy-efficient. You’ll get instant heat, precise control, and no open flames to worry about.

The NCE Induction Cooktop is purpose-built for RVs. It fits neatly into tight spaces, is easy to wipe clean, and includes temperature controls designed for van living.

If you’re running an older battery system or rely on 240V hookups, make sure your power supply can handle the draw. Induction cooking is efficient, but it still pulls significant current, especially at higher heat settings.

Helpful features to look for:

• Adjustable power levels
• Overheat protection
• Residual heat indicators
• Touch or dial controls that are easy to use on the move

Induction works best with flat-based pots and pans that are induction-compatible. If a magnet sticks to the bottom of your cookware, you’re good to go.

 

Portable Stove Tops

If you’re not ready to commit to a fixed setup, or you prefer cooking outside, a portable stove top is a great option. Butane canister stoves are compact, affordable, and perfect for vanlifers who like keeping the mess and heat out of the van.

These stoves are easy to store, don’t need professional installation, and can be set up in seconds. They’re especially useful for picnics, camp kitchens, or as a backup when your main cooker isn’t available.

Just remember — these should only be used outdoors or in well-ventilated areas. Never cook with a portable butane stove inside your van with the windows shut.

 

Complete Caravan Kitchen Solutions

For travellers who want a fully integrated setup, there are some excellent options that combine multiple functions into one unit. These are ideal for saving space and making the most of your van’s interior layout.

Built-In Combo Units

Combination units that include a sink and cooktop in one are perfect for smaller vans or camper trailers. They keep your kitchen footprint small while still giving you all the essentials.

The CAN Cooker Range with Built-in Sink includes two gas burners, a stainless steel sink, and a folding glass lid. It’s tidy, functional, and ideal for travellers who want to minimise bench clutter without losing functionality.

Top features to look for:

• Folding lids for dual use as prep space
• Single gas line connection
• Integrated tap cut-out
• Deep sink design to reduce splash

This kind of setup works well for solo travellers or couples who want everything in one compact location, especially if you only have a single benchtop to work with.

 

Slide-Out Kitchens

If you cook outdoors most of the time — or want to keep smells, heat, and mess out of your van — a slide-out kitchen is worth serious consideration. These units mount into a rear or side drawer and roll out to reveal a complete cooking station.

The CAN Portable Slide-Out Kitchen includes a double gas burner, sink with fold-down tap, prep area, and water hose fittings. It’s built tough for touring and designed to be set up quickly without any compromise on functionality.

Slide-out kitchens are especially useful for families or off-road rigs with large awnings or rear annexes. They let you keep cooking outdoors no matter where you’re camped, and they pack away clean when you’re on the move.

Key features to consider:

• Smooth drawer slides
• Integrated gas and water lines
• Foldaway taps and lids
• Stainless steel for easy cleaning

 

What to Consider Before You Buy

Before choosing a cooktop or kitchen system, take a moment to think about how you actually use your van.

If you’re on the road full-time, a fixed indoor kitchen with a gas hob or induction cooktop might make the most sense. It’ll give you convenience, structure, and weather-proof cooking.

If you spend most of your time in campgrounds or under the awning, a portable setup or slide-out kitchen might suit your style better. It also keeps cooking smells and heat out of your living space.

If you’re building from scratch or doing a retrofit, combination units and flush-mount appliances can help maximise space and simplify installation. A single cut-out for both sink and stove saves time, materials, and money.

Power supply is a big factor too. If you’re running lithium and solar, induction opens up a lot of possibilities. If you’re not, stick with gas and only use electric cookers when plugged into 240V power.

Always check appliance dimensions, cut-out sizes, and clearance requirements before buying. And don’t forget — any gas appliance must be installed by a licensed gas fitter in Australia. For 12V or 240V appliances, it’s best to use a qualified sparky.

 

Final Thoughts

There’s no one-size-fits-all caravan kitchen. What works for a solo weekend camper might not cut it for a family on the road full-time. That’s why choosing the right cooking setup comes down to understanding how you travel, what you eat, and how much space and power you’ve got to work with.

From slide-out kitchens and flush-mount gas hobs to modern induction cooktops and all-in-one combo units, there’s never been more choice for caravan cooks.

To explore the full range of appliances, check out our collection here:

Browse Caravan Cooking Appliances at Home & RV

Need help choosing? Reach out to our team — we’re happy to guide you toward the right fit for your setup.