Touring Caravanning

Cookers for static caravans and touring caravans – what’s the difference?

Can you put a normal gas cooker in a caravan? How does a caravan cooker work?

Static caravan cookers

The majority of modern static caravans use a combination of gas and electricity to power lights, heating and cooking facilities, but there are all-electric models available too.

Electric cookers for static caravans

Where your static caravan has an electric cooker, this can be replaced quickly and easily by simply unplugging the old one and plugging in a new one. Please note though that if you have any doubts about doing this yourself, or if your oven is a wired-in model, always use an appropriately qualified tradesperson to carry out the work.

Gas cookers for static caravans

LPG or liquid petroleum gas remains the main fuel source for static caravan cookers and LPG ovens and cookers can be built-in or freestanding. Most LPG gas cookers for caravans feature the integral, basic features you would expect from a cooker at home, such as oven, grill and hob. LPG cookers are ideal for static caravans with 230V ignition but are also available with a 12V supply for touring caravans.  It is possible to install a domestic cooker into a static caravan (space permitting) and operate it with LPG bottles but the gas jets on the burners will need to be changed, as will the hose connections on the back of the appliance. Any work of this nature should only be done by a qualified Gas Safe engineer. Note also that not all cookers can be converted in this way and you should check with the manufacturer that they have a certified kit for the conversion.

What’s the difference between electric cookers and LPG cookers?

Unlike electricity, LPG gives an instant, controllable heat making it more energy efficient. As it is supplied at a greater pressure than domestic supplies of natural gas, it means that less fuel will be used than you might expect if you have gas at home. 

Touring caravan cookers

The cooking facilities in a touring caravan can vary wildly from a simple two-burner hob to a full cooker or a microwave. Most touring caravan ovens and hobs will operate with LPG which is available as butane or propane. Which form of LPG you choose will depend on preference; butane’s high freezing point means it is only suitable for outdoor use in warmer months, making it ideal for those who caravan or camp in the summer. By contrast, propane can be used outdoors all year round so if you go away in the winter, this is the one for you.

Meals in your caravan

If you spend a lot of time away from the caravan park or campsite during the day, and don’t want to spend long preparing an evening meal, a slow cooker is an option either in the static caravan or for pitches with electric hook-up, and alongside a gas stove, will provide sufficient facilities to produce a hearty meal. Our blog articles, 6 easy campfire recipes and How to make the perfect BBQ feast will give you lots of inspiration!

At BEC Ingoldmells, we understand that caravan cooking can be challenging so we stock a wide selection of accessories to make life easier. From barbecues and slow cookers, to gas hobs and replacement LPG cartridges, as well as utensils and cooking equipment, we have everything you could need. And if you’re looking for spare parts, we have those too! As authorised Calor Gas suppliers, we have established a network of local, reliable and professional tradespeople who are qualified to carry out work in your static caravan and we always recommend that you take advice from a registered gas safe engineer, particularly where fixed installations are concerned. If you need help to find a trustworthy tradesperson, simply contact us in-store, by email or on the telephone; all our contact details can be found here.