The Rise of Induction Cooktops in Caravan Cooking

Induction cooktops are known for their superior speed, control, and convenience. Demand is now extending to the RV sector, where these attributes are ideally suited for caravan cooking.

Space in a caravan is a rare commodity, especially bench space. Induction cooktops, with their sleek surfaces, not only clean as easily as a bench but also effectively expand this valuable space. This feature alone makes a significant difference in my opinion. After experiencing this convenience, the thought of continually cleaning oil splatters from under gas trivets becomes untenable.

Safety is paramount in a caravan's compact environment. Unlike gas cooktops, induction cooktops pose no fire risk and don't excessively heat up the living space. Remember those frustrating moments when a breeze blows out your gas flame? With induction cooking, that's a problem of the past.

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Caravan Induction Cooktops - Thetford vs Dometic

Thetford was among the first major RV suppliers to adapt this new technology, offering a vertical style (front & back) 2 burner induction cooktop as part of their Topline Range. Dometic has now released their own induction cooktop, a side-by-side (left & right) two-burner unit with very competitive pricing in comparison, assumingly to compensate for their delay into the market.

One notable advantage of Thetford's vertical design is its compatibility with their matching 922 two-burner gas cooktop, allowing for the creation of a 4-burner gas/electric cooktop. This offers total convenience, enabling you to enjoy the benefits of induction cooking when connected to mains power, while also having the option to conserve your battery bank when traveling off-grid for extended periods. While these units could be rotated at the expense of the control panel, this design choice might be a significant factor in your decision-making process.

Thetford's Induction Cooktop features a larger (220mm) and a smaller (160mm) cooking zone, while Dometic has opted for two equal (180mm) zones. The Topline cooker seems to have a higher rated output of individual zones (1.4kW & 1.8kW) when compared with the Dometic (1kW & 1.3kW); however, both models have a maximum total output of 2.3kW.

Both models feature boost modes. However, the Dometic Induction Cooktop has a single boost (1.7kW), while Thetford has boost available on both zones (1.8kW & 2.3kW). While at first glance the Thetford model seems to outperform the Dometic (and it can if utilising a single burner on boost), the 2.3kW combined limit of both models is the great equaliser, and "bang for buck" may enter the equation.

A final difference is that the Thetford cooktop is supplied with a 15A plug rather than a standard 10A as with the Dometic. While this difference does not affect performance, as both are rated at 10A, it could influence the ease of installation, potentially requiring an electrician.

Model	Thetford Topline 902	Dometic CVI1525
Dimensions (WxD)	305mm x 500mm	525mm x 350mm
Cooking Zones	2	2
Zone 1: Size & Power (Boost)	160mm - 1.4kW (1.8kW)	180mm - 1kW
Zone 2: Size & Power (Boost)	220mm - 1.8kW (2.3kW)	180mm - 1.3kW (1.7kW)
Total Max Power	2.3kW / 10A	2.3kW / 10A

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Camec Induction Cooktops

Joining the market, Camec has also released a range of induction cooktops. Opting for a vertical configuration, they offer two models: a 2.3kW (10A) and a 3.3kW (15A) induction cooktop. Both models share identical dimensions and feature two cooking zones; one larger 220mm - 1.8kW and a smaller 200mm - 1.5kW. The Camec 2.3kW Induction Cooktop aligns with the Thetford and Dometic models, wherein the combined output of both zones is limited by the overall capacity. On the other hand, the 3.3kW version allows both cooking zones to function at maximum power simultaneously, if required. While the Camec 3.3kW Induction Cooktop offers more power than most RV induction cooktops, its larger draw could potentially complicate some electrical installations, a factor worth considering for RV owners.

Model	Camec 2.3kW	Camec 3.3kW
Dimensions (WxD)	300mm x 520mm	300mm x 520mm
Cooking Zones	2	2
Zone 1: Size & Power (Boost)	200mm - 1.5kW	200mm - 1.5kW
Zone 2: Size & Power (Boost)	220mm - 1.8kW	220mm - 1.8kW
Total Max Power	2.3kW / 10A	3.3kW / 15A