Cooking in a caravan can completely change the touring experience when the setup actually works for the way you travel. A quick breakfast before driving, dinner under the awning, a roadside coffee stop, or a full BBQ dinner with the family all become easier when the cooking equipment is practical, compact, and designed specifically for caravans and RVs.
Modern caravan cooking setups now range from traditional LPG gas cooktops through to induction cooking, integrated sink and stove combinations, portable BBQs, and full slide-out kitchens. Some travellers want a simple off-grid gas setup, while others prefer induction cooking powered by lithium batteries and solar systems.
This guide covers the main caravan cooking options available through the NCE caravan cooking range , including gas cooktops, induction cooktops, sink and stove combinations, slide-out kitchens, and caravan BBQ solutions.
Contents
Why caravan cooking appliances are different
Caravan kitchens work differently to household kitchens because space is limited, appliances need to stay secure during travel, and bench space needs to work harder. That is why many caravan cooking products include compact burner layouts, integrated sinks, glass lids, and lighter-weight construction.
Products like the CAN 2 Burner Gas Stove & Sink Right combine both cooking and washing functionality into one compact installation, helping smaller caravan kitchens remain practical without wasting bench space.
- Glass lids help reclaim bench space when not cooking
- Compact layouts suit smaller caravan kitchens
- Gas appliances remain practical for off-grid travel
- Induction systems suit lithium and inverter-equipped vans
- Outdoor kitchens and BBQs help keep heat and cooking smells outside
Caravan gas cooktops
Caravan gas stoves remain one of the most practical options for touring because they provide reliable cooking performance without placing heavy demand on the electrical system. LPG cooktops continue to be popular for both off-grid caravanning and general touring because they deliver strong controllable heat and simple operation.
The CAN cooking range includes one-burner, two-burner, and three-burner gas cooktops designed specifically for caravans and RVs. Many models also include integrated sinks and soft-close glass lids to maximise space efficiency.
CAN 2 Burner Gas Stove Piezo Ignition
The CAN 2 Burner Gas Stove Piezo Ignition combines a compact caravan-friendly footprint with two gas burners, piezo ignition, and a soft-close glass lid. The unit weighs 4.9kg and measures 410mm x 225mm x 595mm.
The compact design suits caravans where bench space is limited while still providing enough cooking capacity for everyday meals on the road.
CAN 3 Burner Gas Stove Electronic Ignition Square
The CAN 3 Burner Gas Stove Electronic Ignition Square is designed for larger caravan kitchens needing additional burner space. The unit weighs 6.2kg and measures 520mm x 150mm x 510mm.
The three-burner layout provides greater flexibility for families or travellers regularly cooking larger meals inside the van.
Why gas still works well
Gas cooking remains one of the best solutions for extended off-grid travel because it does not rely heavily on battery capacity or inverter systems.
Installation matters
Gas appliances must be installed by a licensed gas fitter in Australia and require suitable ventilation during use.
Caravan induction cooktops
Caravan induction cooktops have become increasingly popular in vans fitted with lithium batteries, solar charging, and inverter systems. Induction cooking provides fast heating, easy cleaning, and no open flame, making it attractive for modern touring setups.
Unlike traditional gas cooking, induction heats compatible cookware directly through magnetic energy. This creates fast efficient cooking with less wasted heat inside the caravan.
NCE Portable Induction Cooktop
The NCE Portable Induction Cooktop is a lightweight portable cooking option designed for caravans, campers, and RVs. The cooktop weighs 2.25kg and measures 320mm x 90mm x 390mm.
The portable layout makes it practical for both indoor and outdoor use where flexibility and storage efficiency are important.
NCE 3000W Induction Cooktop
The NCE 3000W Induction Cooktop provides dual-zone induction cooking in a compact caravan-friendly design. The unit weighs 4.9kg and measures 370mm x 110mm x 570mm.
The dual-zone layout suits travellers who regularly cook full meals and want a more home-style cooking experience inside the caravan.
Induction cooktops can draw significant power at higher settings, so battery capacity, inverter size, and charging systems should be considered carefully before installation.
Sink and stove combo units
Combination sink and stove units are popular because they maximise functionality within smaller caravan kitchens. Instead of separate installations for the sink and cooktop, the entire kitchen setup is integrated into one compact footprint.
Products like the CAN 1 Burner Gas Stove & Sink Left and CAN 2 Burner Gas Stove & Sink Left are designed specifically for compact caravan layouts where bench space is limited.
CAN 2 Burner Gas Stove & Sink Right
The CAN 2 Burner Gas Stove & Sink Right combines a two-burner gas cooktop with an integrated sink and soft-close glass lid. The unit weighs 7.5kg and measures 400mm x 205mm x 810mm.
The combined layout helps create a cleaner more practical caravan kitchen without needing separate sink and stove installations.
Caravan slide-out kitchens
Caravan slide-out kitchens are designed for travellers who prefer cooking outdoors. Instead of using the internal caravan kitchen for every meal, the cooking system slides out from a tunnel boot or rear storage area.
Slide-out kitchens are especially popular with outdoor-focused travellers because they help keep heat, grease, and cooking smells outside the living space while creating a dedicated outdoor kitchen setup.
CAN Slide Out Kitchen Long Slide
The CAN Slide Out Kitchen Long Slide is a stainless steel outdoor caravan kitchen featuring an integrated sink and soft-close glass lid. The unit weighs 29.3kg and measures 440mm x 340mm x 860mm.
The slide-out design creates a practical outdoor cooking station suited to caravans, RVs, and off-road touring setups.
Portable caravan BBQs
Caravan BBQs remain one of the most popular outdoor cooking options because they create a flexible cooking setup away from the internal kitchen.
Portable BBQs are ideal for family touring, outdoor entertaining, beach camping, and travellers who want to keep stronger cooking smells outside the caravan.
SMITHāS Portable Stainless Steel BBQ
The SMITHāS Portable Stainless Steel BBQ is designed specifically for caravan and RV travel with compact dimensions and stainless steel construction. The BBQ weighs 17kg and measures 480mm x 260mm x 620mm.
The portable layout and flame failure safety make it practical for outdoor cooking while touring.
SMITHāS Caravan BBQ Slide 800mm
The SMITHāS Caravan BBQ Slide 800mm is a heavy-duty galvanised BBQ slide designed to securely mount portable BBQ systems in caravans and RVs. The slide weighs 10.6kg and measures 520mm x 60mm x 897mm.
The slide system provides smoother BBQ access while helping keep the cooking system secure during travel.
Caravan cooking comparison table
| Cooking Option | Power Source | Advantages | Considerations | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Gas Cooktop | LPG | Reliable heat, strong cooking performance, off-grid friendly | Requires ventilation and licensed installation | Touring and off-grid caravans |
| Induction Cooktop | Battery / inverter | Fast heating, easy cleaning, no open flame | Higher power draw | Lithium and solar-equipped vans |
| Combo Sink & Stove | LPG | Space-saving kitchen layout | Requires correct cut-out dimensions | Compact kitchens |
| Slide-Out Kitchen | LPG | Outdoor cooking station | Needs storage space | Outdoor-focused travellers |
| Portable BBQ | LPG | Flexible outdoor cooking | Requires setup and storage space | Family touring and outdoor meals |
Buying checklist
- Choose gas for simple reliable off-grid cooking
- Choose induction only if your electrical system can support the load
- Check overall appliance dimensions before ordering
- Look for glass lids to maximise bench space
- Consider combo units for smaller kitchens
- Choose slide-out kitchens if you cook outdoors regularly
- Add a portable BBQ for flexible outdoor meals
- Check ventilation requirements for gas appliances
- Use licensed gas installers where required
- Match the cooking setup to the way you actually travel
FAQs
What is the best caravan cooking option for off-grid travel?
Gas cooktops remain one of the most practical options for off-grid travel because they do not rely heavily on battery capacity or inverter systems.
Are induction cooktops good for caravans?
Induction cooktops work well in caravans fitted with lithium batteries, inverter systems, and suitable charging setups.
Why do caravan cooktops have glass lids?
Glass lids help protect the cooking surface and create additional usable bench space when the appliance is not being used.
What is a caravan sink and stove combo unit?
A combo unit combines a cooktop and sink into one compact installation to help maximise kitchen space in caravans and RVs.
Are slide-out kitchens worth it?
Slide-out kitchens are popular because they keep heat, cooking smells, and grease outside the caravan while creating a dedicated outdoor kitchen area.
Can caravan BBQs connect to caravan gas systems?
Many caravan BBQs can connect to compatible LPG bayonet fittings where the caravan has suitable gas connections installed.
Do caravan gas appliances need professional installation?
Yes. Gas appliances must be installed by a licensed gas fitter in Australia.
What cookware works on induction cooktops?
Induction cooktops require cookware with a magnetic base compatible with induction cooking.