Propane stoves and cooktops are commonly used in RV models. But some people don’t like traveling with propane or being concerned about having enough propane on board if they’re boondocking. Luckily, there are also induction cooktop options, which could be a useful alternative, depending on your specific needs.
How Do Induction Cooktops in RVs Work?
Induction cooktops in RVs use electricity to heat and create a magnetic field to heat a pot or pan. In an instant, only the pot or pan itself is heated up while the cooktop surface remains cool.
Why Choose an Induction Cooktop for Your RV?
Your propane stove works, right? So what’s the big deal about an induction stove or hot plate? How can having one benefit you? Let’s review some reasons:
- You can cook faster – Induction cooktops heat up fast, meaning you can get meals going and cooked faster than other forms of heating.
- It will keep your RV cooler – Traditional stoves and cooktops can generate a lot of heat, gas, and moisture, which can increase the temperature in your rig. In turn, lots of energy is required to keep the inside of the RV cool. But an induction cooktop only heats the surface it’s in contact with and cools down instantly once it loses contact with a pot or pan. So it will help keep the interior of your rig cooler and reduce the energy needed to cool the inside.
- The surface is easy to clean – An induction cooking surface is ceramic glass and cools immediately once a pan or pot is removed from the surface, so spills and drips are less likely to burn onto the surface like they might with other cooktops. All you need is a mild dish detergent and a non-abrasive cloth or sponge to keep it looking pristine.
Other Things to Consider
If you opt for an induction cooktop or range in your RV, you’ll want to consider power usage. You’ll need electricity to run the cooktop, so if you mostly boondock without shore power, you’ll want to have plenty of battery and solar power on hand for your trip.
In addition, induction cooktops only work with magnetic pots and pans that are specifically engineered for induction surfaces. If you don’t have those types of cooking items already, you’ll need to work those into your budget.
Have you had an induction cooktop or hot plate in your RV? What did you like or not like about it? Let us know in the comments or contact us today!
