Forum Discussion

bluwtr49's avatar
bluwtr49
Explorer II
Feb 11, 2016

Induction Cooktops

I have read glowing reports regarding installing an induction cook tops as a replacement for the propane units but I have no personal experience with them.

Glowing reports aside I would be very interested in hearing about the drawbacks to the replacement. Also, if one were to undertake such a project what are the best brands available.

Thanks for any input.

19 Replies

  • It's no different than a portable electric heater. It's max draw is 15 amps. The two burner models only allow a total combination of 15 amps.

    No matter how hard you fight it or disagree, the wave of the future in large coaches will be all electric.
  • "bluwtr49".....At first we bought and tried a portable unit to see how it works and to use outside for cooking. We liked how it worked.

    When we bought our coach, it was all electric with the exception of a two burner cooktop. The two burner top was small and was difficult to put anything larger than a medium pan on it.

    Last year, I bought the True Induction cooktop, the same one that Newmar installs as standard equipment, and replaced my propane cooktop. This made my coach all electric and allowed me to remove my propane tank and gain a nice storage compartment. I had a huge built in propane tank for a tiny two burner stove.

    Here is a picture of the install. True Induction makes a countertop and insert model. I bought the insert and it fit perfectly over my opening. I already had a spare outlet under the sink, so connecting it was easy. We now have a much larger cooking area and really looks more modern.

    It should be noted that I'm a big believer in NEVER using my microwave or high energy draw units, like the cooktop, on an inverter, even though I have a PSW inverter. If I don't have power and need to cook, which isn't often a part of the way we camp, I start the generator. For the few occasions that we boondock and just need to heat water or a cup of coffee, I bought a small portable cooktop (butane).

    I had a custom cutting board made that just fits over the perimeter of the cooktop and protects it when not in use.



  • I love this nu wave as it goes outside and cooks up my bacon, doesn't splash up my RV countertop.
    We also have used it as a crock pot, with a cast iron crock pan and lid, you can set the temp and forget it. People are always coming by to see what we have in the pot that smells good.
    The only downside, getting used to the fact that if you remove the pan, it shuts off automatically.
    I am used to it now, but it took a long time, because I am Polish.
  • Thanks for the replies. At the moment I have no intention of buying an additional thing to cook with so it will either be replace the cook top or do without. Outside of the cookware are there any issues with the actually cooking, simmering, frying bacon or ???
  • We use our portable outside to reduce heat inside when we are in hot climates like the coast of Southern Mexico. The only caveat is your cookware; It MUST be iron or ferromagnetic, ie react to magnets.

    Aluminum will NOT work. Copper will not work. Some stainless steel will not work. If a magnet will not stick to your cookware it won't work. We also have a very small sauce pan which will not work, I think it may be too small. I would suggest getting a portable and trying it out.
  • We use the Nu-Wave portable induction unit and it does a great job. It works well on the counter top.
  • I havent seen any direct replacement induction cook tops to replace the standard RV cook top/oven.

    I have a portable induction burner which I love and use for long recipes and outside. I dont think I would replace my gas unit unless it enabled me to lose propane entirely, which it doesnt as I still use it for the fridge and heat.

    Propane cooking is fine; change heat levels fast, etc. Plus on 30A sites now you have a problem.

    Replacing an electric cook top is a whole different conversation. I would not hesitate to do that. I dislike electric cooktops.
  • We use a portable induction cook top. When not in use, it stores inside the microwave. Since we got the induction cook top we very seldom have to use the propane cook top for anything. The portable units can be bought for less than $100 so I saw no reason to remove the propane cook top.