Complete Buyers Guide to Caravan Stoves
A reliable gas cooker is the heart of a caravan kitchen and a compact camping stove is the fastest way to boil, fry, and simmer on the road. This guide explains formats and layouts, how to pick the right model for your bench, what to know about installation in caravans, lighting and daily operation, deep cleaning for burner parts, safety and ventilation, plus fixes for common issues.
Why gas stoves matter in caravans and campsites
Fast heat and precise control
Open flame responds as you turn the knob. That helps for quick boils and steady simmering. A visible flame also makes output easy to judge.
Compact footprints
Built-in units with a folding lid and sink keep cooking and washing in one neat cutout. When the lid is down, the bench doubles as prep space.
Fuel is easy to source
LPG is widely available across Australia. With the right regulator, hose, and certified fittings, your system stays simple to run and maintain.
Simple care routine
Trivets lift off, burner caps soak clean, and ports clear with a soft tool. A weekly check keeps ignition reliable and the flame blue.
Key types explained
Formats range from a compact one burner with sink, up to two and three burner cooktops for couples and families. Shapes match bench geometry. Square suits straight runs. Triangular suits a corner where handle clearance and easy control access matter. If your van uses a slide out kitchen, a single burner with an integrated sink saves space and plumbing effort.
Caravan & camping gas stoves (at a glance)
Typical configurations
Compact tourers often choose a one burner with sink because it combines water and flame in one cutout and the lid adds prep space. Couples who cook most meals pick a two burner so a pot and pan can run together. Families benefit from a three burner. For straight benches, the square unit is easy to place. For corner galleys, the triangular unit protects handle swing and keeps the controls within reach. If depth is tight, a one or two burner unit avoids crowding the aisle.
Installation in caravans
Plan the cutout and clearances
Use the manufacturer template, check lid lift if a glass lid is fitted, and keep safe gaps to walls and overheads. Confirm airflow around the cavity so heat can dissipate.
Gas supply and regulation
Use a compatible regulator, certified hose, and fittings. A licensed gas fitter must complete gas connections and certification. After the install, pressure test and use a soapy water solution on each join to confirm there are no leaks. Secure the bottle upright in a ventilated compartment.
Water for sink and tap models
Route cold feed and waste with smooth bends and proper clamps. Use food grade hose. Seal threaded joints with PTFE tape where specified and support hoses so vibration does not work joints loose.
Mounting the appliance
Fix through the correct mounting points and add anti vibration washers if provided. Recheck fixings after the first trip and add this check to your quarterly maintenance list.
Browse caravan cooking appliances
How to turn on a gas stove
- Open the LPG bottle valve fully, then back it off a quarter turn so it is easy to close later.
- Ventilate the galley. Open a window or hatch. Switch on a rangehood if fitted.
- Press and turn the burner knob to the ignition position. Keep gentle pressure so the safety valve opens.
- Use the integrated igniter or a long match. Keep sleeves and utensils clear of the burner.
- Once lit, hold the knob for two to five seconds so the thermocouple warms, then release and set the flame size. Aim for a steady blue flame.
- Turn off when finished. Let parts cool before lowering any glass lid. Close the bottle valve.
How to clean gas stove top burners
Daily wipe
Let the top cool. Remove trivets. Wipe with warm soapy water and a soft cloth. Dry to prevent spots. Clean sugary spills promptly so they do not bake on.
Weekly burner care
- Lift off burner caps and rings. Keep track of positions for reassembly.
- Soak metal parts in warm water with a little dish soap for ten to fifteen minutes. Use a soft brush. Rinse and dry fully.
- Inspect burner ports. If clogged, clear with a wooden toothpick or nylon brush. Do not enlarge ports.
- Wipe the igniter electrode and thermocouple tips gently. Remove soot so the spark and sensor work correctly.
- Reassemble and test for an even blue ring of flame across all ports.
Glass lids and trims
Use glass cleaner for lids and microfibre for stainless trims. Avoid harsh abrasives and chlorine bleach. Do not lower a glass lid onto hot trivets or burners.
Safety and ventilation
- Cook with ventilation. Open a window or hatch, or run a rangehood. Do not use a cooker to heat a van.
- Install a gas detector and a carbon monoxide alarm. Test monthly and replace batteries on schedule.
- Match pan size to the burner. Use a non slip mat or pot restraints if parked off level.
- Store LPG bottles upright in a ventilated compartment. Check hose dates and regulator condition. Replace perished or out of date parts.
- Keep tea towels, paper, and sprays clear of the flame zone.
Troubleshooting
Igniter clicks but no flame
Confirm the bottle valve is open and there is gas in the bottle. Check another appliance on the same system. Reseat the burner cap. Clear blocked ports. Clean the electrode and ensure the spark jumps near the edge of the burner.
Yellow or lifting flame
Yellow shows incomplete combustion. Clean ports and seat the cap. Lifting can be drafts or pressure issues. Reduce drafts. If it continues, have a licensed gas fitter check pressure and air supply.
Flame goes out when the knob is released
Hold the knob longer so the thermocouple warms. If it still fails, have the thermocouple or safety valve tested by a technician.
FAQs
How do you turn on a gas stove
Open the bottle valve and ventilate. Press and turn the control to ignition, light with the igniter or a long match, hold for a few seconds so the safety device warms, then set a steady blue flame.
How to clean gas stove top burners
Cool the surface. Remove trivets and burner parts. Soak in warm soapy water, brush residue gently, rinse and dry, clear ports with a wooden toothpick, wipe the electrode and thermocouple, reassemble, and check for an even blue flame.
Which size or layout suits my van
One burner with sink for compact vans and slide outs. Two burners for most couples. Three burners for families. Square suits straight benches. Triangular suits a corner where handle and control access need space.
Can I install a caravan gas cooker myself
Bench cutout and mounting are DIY for many owners. A licensed gas fitter must complete gas connections and certification and a pressure test should follow.
Do I need extra ventilation
Yes. Cook with a window or hatch open, or run a rangehood. Fit a gas detector and a carbon monoxide alarm and test them regularly.
Can I use cast iron or heavy cookware
Yes, if the trivet supports the weight and the base suits the burner size. Lift heavy pans rather than sliding across glass. Turn handles inward in tight galleys.
Where can I compare models and buy
See the product pages: 1-burner + sink (left), 1-burner folding + sink + tap, 2-burner, 3-burner square, and 3-burner triangular.
