Are you planning on cooking in your caravan?
If this is the case then you should prepare. Most recreational vehicles already have stoves, but perhaps you want to upgrade your caravan cooktop. Or maybe an alternative option like a convection oven is attractive.
In this guide, we’ll look at a range of products to help you find the best caravan stove for your needs. We’ll check out gas grills and hobs as well as other products so you can cook up a feast. There’s an option for everybody.
Let’s get started!
| Dometic 2 Burner Cooktop w/ Glass Lid & Piezo | Dometic MC102 Grill and 3+1 gas/electric hob | Thetford Spinflo MK3 Hob 3 Burner | Devanti 45L Black Convection Oven with 2 Hotplates |
|---|---|---|---|---|
 |  | Our pick  | Budget PICK  | |
*Using coupon CRCSAVE20 | ||||
1 x 1.1kW | ?? | 2 x 1.5kW | 1 x 1kW | |
2 | 3+1 (gas/electric) | 3 | 2 | |
Universal LPG | Universal LPG/Electric | Universal LPG | Electric | |
480 x 80 x 370 mm | 497 x 206 x 514 mm | 570 x 110 x 470 mm | 550 x 340 x 370 mm | |
3.5 kg | ?? | 8 kg | ?? | |
3 years | 3 years | 3 years | 3 months |
Best Caravan Stoves & Cooktops Australia
Dometic 2 Burner Cooktop w/ Glass Lid & Piezo
High-quality Cooktop
Dometic is one of the biggest names in camping appliances and accessories.
This caravan gas cooktop is an excellent product with many benefits. The stove has a pair of hot plates. One has an output power of 1.1 kW while the other has an output power of 1.8 kW.
It’s an efficient and powerful product with an easy Piezo ignition.
Meanwhile, there are lots of other features. A heat-resistant safety glass lid provides more workspace when you’re not cooking. The overall aesthetic is also pleasing.
The detachable trivets are simple to clean. It has a slick stainless-steel finish that wipes easily. It weighs just 3.5kg and requires a cutout of 466mm (W) x 358mm (D).
There aren’t many downsides unless you want a caravan gas stove with three hotplates instead of two.
It’s reasonably priced at about $450 with an industry-leading three-year warranty.
Dometic MC102 Grill and 3+1 gas/electric hob
Premium Option
If you’re looking for a bigger caravan gas stove, then the Dometic MC102 may be appealing.
It utilizes a 3+1 gas/electric hob for an impressive total of four hot plates. There’s also a grill for even more cooking options. This is an all-in-one appliance that offers more flexibility than the other stoves.
The cooktop requires a 12V connection for ignition and uses LPG gas.
However, there are two main cons.
Firstly, this is a large appliance that may not be suitable for all caravans. Also, Dometic doesn’t disclose the weight of the caravan stove.
Another issue is the cost. It’s very expensive at over $900 but comes with the same three-year warranty as the previous Dometic cooktop.
Thetford Spinflo MK3 Hob 3 Burner
Our Top Pick
Thetford is a UK-based manufacturer of caravan ovens and stoves.
Their Spinflo MK3 hob has an impressive three burners. Two of them have an output of 1.5kW while the third is more powerful at 2.5kW.
It has many fine features including detachable pan stands as well as enamelled burner lids. There is a smoked glass lid to provide extra workspace when you’re not using the caravan stove.
Furthermore, it has excellent safety features. These include an automatic shut-off and a flame-failure device. Caravans are enclosed spaces so this is very important.
One potential con is the large size at 570mm x 110mm x 470mm. The caravan cooktop weighs in at 8kg.
The price comes in at the mid $600 range, complete with a three-year warranty.
Devanti 45L Black Convection Oven with 2 Hotplates
Budget Option
This Devanti Convection Oven is a great alternative to a regular caravan gas stove.
As well as the oven, it has two hotplates on top. It requires a 220-240V AC connection. The larger hot plate is 1,000W while the smaller is 600W. These are considerably lower than the hotplates on the other models we have looked at, so keep that in mind.
Meanwhile, the convection oven has a 45L capacity with a temperature range of 100°C - 230°C. This means it’s suitable for baking and roasting anything you want.
There’s a 60-minute timer so you can easily keep track. Also, the heat-resistant glass door and built-in light make it easy to check on the contents. It has a zinc coating cavity as well as top and base heating tubes.
Devanti provides a range of accessories such as rotisserie options, a baking tray and other useful items.
The main negative is that it’s expensive to run a fully-electric appliance like this dual-function convection oven. Gas stoves are much more economical.
On the bright side, it’s relatively cheap at about $220. However, it only has a short three-month warranty.
Points To Consider When Buying A Caravan Cooktop
Now let’s look at some important points to consider before buying a caravan stove or cooktop.
Number of Burners
One of the main aspects to think about is the number of burners you’ll need. Several factors will influence this decision.
Firstly, the amount of space available in your caravan will restrict the size of the caravan cooktop you can install. After all, if there’s no room, then it simply won’t work!
However, you should also think about how you plan to use your caravan stove. If you are cooking for multiple people (eg. a family) then three or four burners will be attractive. It also gives you more space to work with multiple pots and pans.
But if you mostly grill outside on your BBQ, you might not need the best caravan stove. Consider your lifestyle before spending too much money on an expensive product you might not need!
Gas or Electric
Most people prefer a caravan gas stove because they save money.
Electric appliances tend to be cheaper upfront compared to gas alternatives. However, over time they may cost you more money. In short, gas is more efficient than electricity and less costly to operate.
Another benefit is that gas stoves are less temperamental.
It’s easy to control the flame output with the turn of a knob. Even if you reduce the power on an electric stove it can take time for the hotplate to adjust. As a result, there’s a greater chance of accidentally burning the contents of your pot or pan.
On the other hand, there are some interesting electric products on the market. The Devanti convection oven/hotplate combo offers more flexibility than standard gas options.
However, they can only be operated when you are at a powered site, unless you have a big enough caravan battery to operate the unit.
Remember that any gas appliances must comply with the relevant gas regulations for caravans.
Dimensions
We already mentioned that it’s important that the caravan stove fits into your caravan. Otherwise, it’s useless.
As well as the cooktop’s actual dimensions, you must check the required cutout. Just because you can squeeze the stove into place doesn’t mean it’s safe to use. Remember, that they emanate heat.
There must be space for this heat to move, otherwise, you risk damaging your appliance. In the worst case, it can become a fire hazard.
If all of this sounds too hard, a slide out kitchen might be a better bet for you!
Additional Cooking Options
You may wish to buy a caravan stove with additional cooking options.
The Dometic MC102 also has a built-in grill as well as four hot plates. This gives the user extra flexibility. Meanwhile, the Devanti product is primarily a convection oven.
These features may be very appealing to prospective buyers who want an all-in-one appliance.
With one of these, you just need to add a caravan microwave and you are all set!
Safety Features
You must follow all of the legal safety requirements when installing gas systems.
When it comes to using the products, consider the features. The Thetford Spin-Flo performs highly in this category because of its automatic cut-off as well as its flame-failure device, which are nice touches.
If the caravan gas cooktop has a glass lid, it should be heatproof. Usually, this is standard, but you never know if you’re buying cheaper products. Meanwhile, don’t block the appliance’s vents because this is dangerous in an enclosed space.
Don’t take any risks here!
Caravan Stoves & Cooktops - FAQs
Can you use a regular stove in a caravan?
It is possible to use a regular stove in a caravan.
You may even choose to install another option like a wood-burning stove. However, these systems are expensive. They also require professional assistance to change the gas hose connection.
Consider the value of such an appliance before investing in them!
How do you light a caravan gas stove?
Caravan gas cooktops ignite easily. They either have a piezo electric starter, or require starting with a lighter.
If starting with a lighter, ignite the lighter and hold it against the stove. Then simply push the appropriate knob and turn it to your desired temperature range. Hold it down briefly until the flame ignites.
Use an extended flame lighter so that you don’t risk burning your fingers!
Final Thoughts
One of the joys of owning a caravan is being able to cook on the road.
If you want a new caravan stove you’ll need to choose between an electric or gas system. Most people prefer the latter because it’s more economical. However, the Devanti convection oven is a great combi unit with two hot plates.
However, if you plan on cooking frequently, it’s advisable to invest in a gas stove with three or four hot plates. Thetford’s cooktop is a standout in this category for value and efficiency. That’s why it’s our top pick.
Both of the Dometic appliances are also great products. If you want something smaller or larger, either will suit your needs.
Remember to stay safe while using gas appliances. If you have any questions about these products or caravan cooktops in general, please leave a comment!
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Note that while every effort is made to ensure the accuracy of the information on this page, there may sometimes be errors. Check all specifications with the manufacturer before purchasing any product.
