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catkins's avatar
catkins
Explorer II
Aug 19, 2014

Crock Pot while Boondocking?

We have a new solar system and I was wondering if we can use a crock pot while boondocking? I have no idea of the amps per hour a crock pot might use. In sunny AZ, we will be getting great power in on a sunny day and have four batteries. Anyone do this? Thanks for your experience or thoughts!
  • Even in Southern Wisconsin there is sometimes enough sun to heat a CI skillet to where I can fry eggs.

    I have also used the CI DO in the sun as a slow cooker.
  • Being in AZ why not try SOLAR cooking? Seen it done down there a few years back and very effective. The other alternative is Dutch oven. You save power and it just might take as long, and its more enjoyable, if your able to have brickets
  • Hi Catkins,

    Mine draws 300 watts when the element is on. There are 12 volt crock pots.
  • Not a real practical idea. Assuming you need more power for other purposes, you will need a very large solar array and battery bank.

    Some alternatives for boondocking:
    - Pressure cooker: makes a lot of similar meals but really cuts down on cook time. With a small propane burner outside, it won't heat up the RV and won't use a lot of fuel.
    - Since you are in sunny arizona, consider a solar stove. They basically use mirrors to concentrate sunlight on the pot and generally achieve slowcooker type temperatures. (google for premade units or home built units)
  • If your crockpot is 400 watts, you will need a 500 watt inverter and probably about a 600 watt solar panel. These figures may be a little high but you will have losses.

    Adjust the figures higher or lower based on your actual crock pot.