INDUCTION COOKING & Camping | Is it sustainable | Electric vs Gas | Overland Cooktop | Pots&Pans

INDUCTION COOKING & Camping | Is it sustainable | Electric vs Gas | Overland Cooktop | Pots&Pans
An ever-increasing topic in the camping and overloading scene. But is it really viable for long term use and is it worth the cost? $$$
In today’s episode we cover everything induction cooking. From what it is, how it works, power consumption, efficiency, what pots and pans to use and conduct some tests to compare heating speeds and debunk some popular myths.
I hope you enjoy the episode and let us know what you think.
00:00 - Introduction
00:44 - What is it / How it works
01:34 - Common cooktop tests
06:56 - Safety / Features
09:53 - Testing the myths
13:34 - Cookware
15:01 - Lunch cook up
16:23 - Biggest disadvantage
18:21 - How I make it work in my vehicle
22:36 - Power replenishment
24:16 - The biggest advantage
27:27 - Conclusion / Is it worth the cost? / is it viable?
Bluetti AC200P Overview and Review - • BLUETTI AC200P Portabl...
Bluetti SP200 Solar Review - • IS THIS THE BEST OFF-G...
Coleman Dual Burner (new model) - ebay.us/1AjDxe
Coleman Dual Fuel Burner - ebay.us/xozDcm
JetBoil Flash - ebay.us/kfMR7W
Westinghouse Induction (single) - ebay.us/NnFiLM
Westinghouse Induction (Dual) - ebay.us/stSafm
Stanley Compact Pot Set - ebay.us/D16Uas
Tefal Induction Cookware - ebay.us/pJNafw
Infrared Thermometer - ebay.us/fTKn83
Bluetti Products can be found here - www.bluettipower.com.au/?ref=...
Use the coupon code ‘XPLORINGOZ’ to get a further discount on your purchase.
Bluetti AC200P Power Station - www.bluettipower.com.au/colle...
Bluetti SP200 (solar) - www.bluettipower.com.au/colle...
Bluetti SP120 (solar) - www.bluettipower.com.au/colle...
Here is some of the camera and audio gear used to film and produce our videos:
Sony A6400: ebay.us/Vk6dD6
Sony 24-105mm G Lens: ebay.us/317T9c
K&F Concept Tripod: ebay.us/KnDMW9
GoPro Hero 8: ebay.us/RolXxy
GoPro Mic Adapter: ebay.us/TavATp
Rode Videomicro: ebay.us/ZIagAa
Rode Videomic Pro: ebay.us/T8jep7
Rode Videomic Pro Deadcat: ebay.us/WUeLy6
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[@mrspoont7294]

Well done! I have been using induction cooktops for a few months now and love them. The biggest adv is no reliance on gas, space, no flames in canopy, and a timer. Safe as!

[@XploringOz]

For sure, agree with you there mate. Glad you enjoyed the video. Cheers, Nathan.

[@offroadingfoz]

But reliance on inverter and battery. Pros & cons…

[@felixn5415]

@@XploringOz 6iz5

[@williamscoggin1509]

I get so tired to clickbait titles. The title said this was about induction cooking and house sustainable it was for some reason. But now it is about three other types of cooking also which we already know about. Coleman stoves or anything that has a flame outdoors becomes a disaster it's a wind is blowing because it is non-stop trouble. I just hate having my time wasted when I thought the video was going to be something else. 👀

[@The_Tradie_Trainer]

@@williamscoggin1509 then you wasted even more time typing this comment, and will probably waste even more time reading/replying to mine!

[@berndmuffe5681]

We have used the kzbin.infoUgkxOTeIs0vv4_9B5hsmnLsk9r930uDQLu_Y for probably 30 hours with our camper and it’s been great! The noise level is really only noticeable when running the AC and other appliances like the microwave, hair dryer, or coffee pot. It’s not huge like other ones and it has wheels so even at 90lbs, I can move it!

[@XploringOz]

Awesome, good to hear. My unit is still going strong after a couple of years now. No problems 👍

[@nordic5490]

I am surprised that some people still take generators out to the bush to enjoy the serenity. They really are unnecessary now, and every one else hates them. You may as well be playing death metal, or doof doof music. My 240AH LFP + dcdc charge controller + inverter costs approx $1k AUD now. Some price as your genny, but without the noise.

[@michelaudet7799]

Great and complete review. We've been using induction in the house for over 11 years and would not go with anything else. I recommend using culinary parchment paper over the cooktop to keep it absolutely clean, and that will not have any effect on performance. I was happy to see the outdoor comparison under wind conditions.

[@XploringOz]

Thanks mate, glad you enjoyed the video. I agree, the induction is a great way to cook and now having the ability to use it 'off-grid' is awesome. Thanks for the tip, I'll have to give this a go. Cheers, Nathan.

[@larrymcgraw5133]

Same concept, I just use newspaper on the top, it won't catch fire and catches spatter. Works great.

[@Endless_Skyway_Adventures]

Great idea, We’re gonna do that.

[@rehashediting1824]

The biggest advantage for me when cooking outdoors with induction is that it is not affected by wind. If it's too windy when I want to use the gas hob on the barbie, I switch to induction. ☺

[@XploringOz]

Definitely, I agree this is one of the biggest and best advantages for induction cooking!

[@gadgetphilosophy8290]

Nice to hear an Aussie who isn’t a hobo. Well done.

[@XploringOz]

Haha, thanks mate. Hopefully this was helpful. Cheers, Nathan.

[@AshleyRobjohns]

This has to be one of the most comprehensive and well put together reviews I have ever watched. Great work and thank you.

[@XploringOz]

Thanks mate, glad you enjoyed it! 👍

[@greeneyedggirl]

Oh my, I can do this! I'm building out my van and had already planned on a 3000watt inverter tied to 300ah of Lithium giving me 3600 watts of available power. Couple of induction cooktops like those and I'm set! Thanks Mate!

[@we.r.1t993]

Thanks for the in-depth reviews it’s been really helpful thank you

[@Mike-kr9ys]

Thanks for posting this. I appreciate you for doing this research. Good stuff! Sounds like induction is a smart way to go, as long as you have the power supply worked out.

[@dmwi1549]

One of the most comprehensive reviews on this topic I’ve seen. Thank you!

[@XploringOz]

Thanks mate, I'm glad you enjoyed it and hope it was helpful. Cheers, Nathan.

[@donnanorth7324]

When there is fire restrictions in National parks you can still use electric! Great review!

[@XploringOz]

Absolutely, another great advantage to induction cooking 👍

[@robertdavenport7802]

Wow, amazingly comprehensive video - thanks!

[@pmurphy12667]

one of the best all around tests I have seen..job well done mate!

[@XploringOz]

Cheers, thanks mate. Appreciate the time taken to comment 👍

[@carldurham5879]

I found that using a bbq mat that you use on public bbqs to cook food on , I put it on the induction cook top and it saves any scratches to the glass top of the induction cook top and helps to keep the induction cook top clean and protects them as well. I like the induction cook tops during high fire risk times of the year when camping.They are handy when staying in a powered camp site, and give you options when out bush as well.

[@XploringOz]

Thanks for the tip mate, I might have to give that a go moving forward. Cheers, Nathan.

[@fransoldman841]

I'm a fan. My wife and I are building a skoolie. We didn't want a dedicated stove taking up counter space. I thought about these induction units, and you just convinced us. Great comparison and review. Thank you for taking the time to do this. Outstanding!!!

[@XploringOz]

Thanks mate, I'm glad to hear that this video could help you out! All the best with your setup. Cheers, Nathan.

[@Telamonster2]

Awesome video, covering all of my questions about portable induction cooking at this point. Thanks for the effort!

[@XploringOz]

Awesome, glad to be able to help. Cheers, Nathan 👍

[@Atarix777]

Great and complete Video, exactly what I was looking for :)

[@XploringOz]

Awesome, glad it was helpful. Cheers, Nathan.

[@benranger3980]

Great video, one thing missed which is one of my biggest reasons for going to induction cooking is the ability to cook anywhere anytime regardless of fire bans. Never having an issue of if you can stop and cook is a huge factor. definitely good to see your tests in a real world situation outside to see the difference with open air.

[@XploringOz]

For sure, a very important for those who live in certain parts of Australia. Cheers mate, Nathan.

[@sommeone4582]

Still allowed to have a coleman / gas stove just no open fire cooking

[@johnnyclark4548]

Wow you are amazing with all the info and this is the most comprehensive review I have ever come across. I loved it and had no questions just options and know now what I need for my family's individual needs. Thank you

[@XploringOz]

Awesome, thanks for the feedback mate and I'm glad you enjoyed the video. Cheers, Nathan.

[@WittyOne]

I'm running a 280ah litium cell with a 3000w inverter with the twin plate Westinghouse induction, works great ! Can also run a sandwich press, coffee machine, air frier etc. Charging is managed via a 30/60amp DC DC charger, 30 in idle and 60 at speed above 60ks an hour. A typical 2 X pot cook up runs about 40-50amps, spag bowl for example, single cookup, bacon and eggs about 25 amps, hardly use my solar, as I get higher rate of charge driving, and I do more traversing then base camping. However can get 2-3 days being sensible without charge. However can also run the car for an hour or go for a drive for a couple hours. I love it. Built my own battery using prismatic cells. Lost power at home for a week due to storms and I just wanna lead from the car inside, kept my lamps, tv and fridge running the whole time, ran the car at idle for about an hour a day, however was gas cooking during that time as I had it. It's a 10+ year investment. I still carry a butane cooker as an emergency. I was running 2 X 100ah AGM, so by doing this I now have 250ah usable as oppose to 100 and also shed about 35kg of weight. Well worth the time and effort to investigate.

[@XploringOz]

Awesome mate, that sounds like a great setup you have there. Those results would be somewhat similar to the results I got during my testing. Like you said the solar and charging setup would be heavily based on each individual style of driving/camping and time doing each. I agree with Lithium being an investment, it's just a large amount of 💰 upfront for most... can be hard to justify to those who only camp a few times a year. Cheers, Nathan.

[@overlandphotography]

Hi Nathan. A very detailed and honest review on what is becoming an increasingly hot topic. From what I have experienced, comments are being made ( both for and against ) induction cookers based on here say. Your vid is going to help clarify a lot of unknowns. Thanks for the huge effort in putting it together.

[@XploringOz]

Thanks mate, I do hope this video can bring some awareness to the market and debunk some of those myths. It might not be for everybody, particularly with those high initial costs, but it might be worth looking at. Thanks again.

[@gatecrasher1970]

best instruction video of gas v induction cooking ever on youtube , thanks

[@ashfield001]

Another great review. Thank you.

[@XploringOz]

Thanks mate, glad you enjoyed it. Cheers.

[@ScientistInvests]

And such a good point about wind! I remember days when it was very windy that it was taking me ages to just cook a meal, induction just don't care about wind.

[@XploringOz]

For sure, definitely one of the biggest benefits for me!

[@vin6455]

wow what an excellent professional review awesome job Nathan

[@XploringOz]

Cheers mate, appreciate it.

[@fragranthills]

Thanks for the analysis of options available. I love the pullout shelf!

[@XploringOz]

No problems mate, glad you enjoyed it. It is a good storage design in the rear, works very well for car camping 👍

[@rmuhlack]

A very informative and detailed review. I've been thinking about moving to induction cooking on my boat, and this video with the demos and test comparisons you showed has been very helpful in thinking through some of the issues i'll need to consider. thanks :)

[@XploringOz]

Thanks mate, appreciate the feedback, glad it could be of help 👍

[@admiralking]

Fantastic review. Very comprehensive. Thank you for your efforts.

[@XploringOz]

Thanks mate, glad you enjoyed it. Cheers, Nathan.

[@LKN4WAR]

Just got a induction for this use. Mostly pan frying. Nothing boils as fast as MSR Reactor stove that I’ve seen so far. They are amazingly fast.

[@justwannasay5454]

I love my little induction cooktop. I like it for easy cleanup. I just keep a spray bottle of distilled vinegar and spray it lightly after each use. It also heats up extremely fast. I use it at home. I do have 400 watts of solar with two lithium batteries on my 24' Ho-Lo trailer. I want to get the Bluetti solar generator. You are definitely on to something here.

[@XploringOz]

For sure mate, they are great units and provide so many benefits over tranditional gas, albeit with a few con's too. The Bluetti unit has been great so far to power these units no problems. Cheers, Nathan.

[@Endless_Skyway_Adventures]

We’ve been using a Duxtop 8100 for a few years. It can cook by watts or by temperature. We rarely use it on high, usually on watts and it cycles up to 660 watts and immediately drops as read on our Bluetti EB70. We are currently upgrading our power system but we traveled 100 days across the United States with two 400 watt systems with 200 usable amp hours of battery storage each. One in our van and one in our cargo trailer conversion. We charged the Bluetti from the solar panels with a 2000 watt Xantrex Prowatt inverter. I frequently heat with low watts and then once it’s hot switch to temperature control. We use it for 75% of our cooking and we use a gas grill for the rest. For really high heat we use a single burner Coleman stove. After our system upgrade to 600 Ah of EnduroPower Lithium Iron Phosphate batteries and 1200 watts of solar we won’t need the propane anymore. Good job on your video. Very thorough.

[@VideoShowMeHow]

Great vid mate👍 Reckon it's one of those finishing returns things, how often are you using/getting away etc.

[@XploringOz]

For sure, probably not worth the expense or the hassle for the occasional camper. Really is a individual case by case basis. Cheers, Nathan.

[@lonestarlaurel8620]

Outstanding demo. Thank you so much! Subscribed! Answered all the key questions. Will be following up on the Bluetti system and compare with Jackery’s. Happy and safe trails for you and your family. 🐾💫

[@XploringOz]

Thanks mate 👍 Glad you enjoyed the video and it was able to help out. Cheers, Nathan.

[@vinoewhines]

Cheers Mate!

[@yooperdog]

Great video. Thank you for the information.

[@XploringOz]

Awesome, thanks. Glad you enjoyed it! Cheers, Nathan.

[@richardstephenson4575]

Very informative as always 10/10

[@XploringOz]

Thanks mate, glad you enjoyed it Cheers

[@hildabambiriggsbeesmith6588]

Oh... This is soo tempting

[@andrewmcdougall489]

Great information and very thorough. Thanks for the video.

[@XploringOz]

Glad it was helpful! Cheers, Nathan

[@pauloakden1180]

Great review, soo much neccessary information that you have given. Please continue your reviews.

[@XploringOz]

Thanks mate, appreciate the feedback and glad you enjoyed the review. Cheers, Nathan.

[@GR8Tmate]

Nathan, I am really enjoying working my way through your reviews, for some reason you seem to answer all my questions. This is fast becoming my favourite channel 👍 I am really looking forward to 2022, a new Landcruiser 78 series & subsequent fit out. I had been agonising over what to do regarding cooking as I don’t want to carry gas inside the Troopy & don’t like hanging bottles off the vehicle either. You also made me think about throwing my bluetti into my Troopy as a backup to the in vehicle Lithium system, I won’t always do that but at least I have the option. At the end of the day, some part of my meal nearly always gets cooked over the camp fire anyway, so the induction might just become an easy was to cook the sides or extras.

[@XploringOz]

Awesome mate, I’m glad to hear that your enjoying the channel 👍 I try to research my topics in an attempt to answer as we questions people may have on a particular area. For sure, the Bluetti systems are great and work very well and would be an awesome backup system if required. And I also agree, this won’t replace open fire cooking, but it sure compliments it well and works perfectly for our family setup 👍

[@barrymurphy3554]

Thanks so much I learnt heaps, safe travels

[@XploringOz]

Awesome, thanks for the feedback mate and I'm glad you enjoyed the video. Cheers, Nathan.

[@richlittlewood516]

Excellent video and very informative, as others have mentioned, replacing the gas bottle that would last a week of cooking with a big lithium set that lasts 1.5 meals and takes up more room when including the solar and the additional cost too makes this a non starter for most, though for a dedicated camping trailer with onboard lithium and solar having both the gas and induction would give all the benefits. Thx for all your hard work, For the 4x4 only I will stick with the gas and for the trailer will add the induction.

[@nordic5490]

Well... it is not recommended to carry a gas bottle inside a vehicle. Where do you have it ? Out the back ? On your roofrack ? My 240AH lithium + dcdc charger + 2000w inverter costs about $1k now. Works great. For an entire overnight, cooking + breakfast toaster + kettle several times uses approx 80ah, or 1/4 of the battery charge. It takes less than 1hrs of driving to recharge my battery. I measured my solar blankets in full sun @ 17A, this means 5.7hrs of sun would replace that 80ah. But, I dont even take the solar, driving is enough to charge the batts.

[@lazzasamuels3722]

@@nordic5490You can carry up to 9kgs inside the vehicle. So long as the cylinder is well maintained and the cylinder(s) are kept upright it won’t be a problem.

[@pmcalister6884]

Great Review! Thanks Mate 😊👍

[@XploringOz]

Thanks mate, appreciate the feedback. Cheers, Nathan.

[@xhogun8578]

Thank you, very informative.

[@XploringOz]

Thanks mate, glad you enjoyed it. Cheers, Nathan.

[@freetasman4271]

Very good video, thanks for posting. A good addition to the induction plate will be an Instant pot. I have a single plate induction and supported by 240 amps lithium battery bank charged by a DC to DC charger MPPT solar controller. In a cmpervan or enclosed camping set-up also the humidity that lpg brings into the space is an important factor to consider. People have to also be aware of the legal requirements of transporting gas bottles in a vehicle when making a choice of the cooking system to be used.

[@XploringOz]

For sure, all good points to consider as well. Thanks for sharing, Nathan.

[@Susieandchris]

This video really helped me Thankyou

[@XploringOz]

Awesome, that great to hear. Cheers, Nathan.

[@StaleCookies]

Fantastic video!

[@XploringOz]

Thanks, appreciate that 🙏

[@XabooAlex]

Just what I have been looking for. Very comphensive

[@XploringOz]

Thanks mate, glad you enjoyed it 👍

[@christianjorgensen7192]

Great presentation. Thank you.

[@XploringOz]

Glad you enjoyed it! 🙏

[@1WHATSUP1]

A very well-done video. Thanks

[@XploringOz]

Thanks mate, appreciate it 👍

[@briangudger3466]

Fantastic review!

[@XploringOz]

Thanks mate, appreciate it.

[@xtrax38]

Excellent video 👏🏿👏🏿 I plan build my own campervan and was 50/50 on whether to use an induction hob or go gas. You've just made up my mind with this review to go induction. Will need a good solar and battery setup though as I live in the not so sunny 🇬🇧

[@XploringOz]

Thanks mate, glad it was a helpful video! I'm finding it great at the moment and reckon it might be more of a 'standard' thing in the future, particularly as lithium and solar technology improves. Cheers, Nathan.

[@jimadams6159]

Very full and interesting review. I think I am with you on the induction cooking.

[@XploringOz]

Thanks mate, glad you enjoyed it. Time will tell to see whether or not this is the future of camp cooking 🤷‍♂️ Cheers, Nathan.

[@mahakaalkalikavatar3449]

thanks mate for the video. Love ❤ from Panjab !!

[@XploringOz]

Thanks mate 👍

[@agj.7331]

Great video, Great review.

[@XploringOz]

Thanks mate, glad you enjoyed it. Cheers, Nathan.

[@The404169]

I have induction cooktops in my motorhome- Love it - works Great

[@XploringOz]

Awesome mate, certainly has some great advantages 👍

[@adamtaniasargent1386]

Another very informative video.. Not only about the cooker and time but the requirements to actually run it .. Stay safe ..

[@XploringOz]

Thanks mate, glad you guys enjoyed it. Hopefully it can debunk some of the induction cooktop myths out there. Cheers.

[@tageauferden]

Thanks for the great vid.

[@XploringOz]

No problems, glad you enjoyed it 👍 Cheers, Nathan.

[@christinawilcke8060]

Awesome breakdown of induction cooking and comparison to other cooking methods... Have the 3 burner coleman and its a rock star but wind and elements with the induction could be a game changer .

[@XploringOz]

Thanks mate, appreciate the feedback. Yeah, each to their own, I guess this just provides another option. The benefit in higher wind is awesome though! Cheers, Nathan.

[@AndrewAliferis]

Excellent intro to induction cooking.

[@XploringOz]

Thanks mate, appreciate it. Cheers, Nathan.

[@WILEY67]

I like the review, you touched on so many things that concern me about induction Cook top. I have a butan stove but now I'm going to invest now that you've educated me clear and precisely

[@XploringOz]

Thanks mate, its great to get this kind of feedback 🙏 Much appreciated

[@Justusrabbits]

I know I am a little late, but this is a great video. I am applying your information to a backup power plan. Thanks

[@XploringOz]

Awesome, that's great to hear. Glad this could help 🙏

[@V8LC100]

Another great video, love your work. Dual lithium for the 200 could be another good option. I’ve just purchased a replacement under bonnet lithium for my old aux and might dabble with a single induction cooker now I can run it.

[@XploringOz]

For sure, a fixed lithium setup would also be awesome. I guess it depends on what type of setup you're looking for and whether or not you wanted the option of portability. I do like how these Bluetti units also come with the hardware for inverters and MPPT chargers include though, they really are a neat little package. Cheers Nathan.

[@KevinSmith-os5yz]

Inverters can be hooked up to the starter battery also, just run the engine while cooking. Great if you have an aux battery, but can be done without it. I also have a microwave that runs on 12v.

[@kpd3308]

Induction adapter plates are commonly available. You simply place it on the cooktop and then you place your non magnetic pot on it. Works great.

[@pdan62]

Useful information, thanks.

[@pdan62]

I have a Prius with a 2k inverter. This will work.

[@XploringOz]

No problems mate, glad you enjoyed it. All the best with your setup. Cheers, Nathan.

[@ItchyFeetOz]

wow kudos to you, you've done a lot of work to make this video.

[@XploringOz]

Thanks mate, glad you enjoyed it. Cheers, Nathan.

[@Bigchaser01327]

Enjoyed the video, about to go induction cooking myself.

[@XploringOz]

Glad to hear it mate, all the best with your setup! I'm sure you'll love it just as I have.

[@CliffordDive]

Great video. Wish we had your sunshine here in England!

[@XploringOz]

Yes, we are very lucky here. There are many times in the summer than I wish is was a bit cooler, but the majority we are lucky to have such great weather! Cheers, Nathan.

[@davidpatrick1813]

I enjoyed this.

[@XploringOz]

Glad to hear it, thanks 👍

[@darylzampese1855]

Excellent review👍

[@XploringOz]

Thanks mate, glad you enjoyed it. Cheers, Nathan.

[@ozavros]

Great review! We have been living on the road for 12 months using only induction cooking and love it

[@XploringOz]

Awesome, great to hear. We are trying to setup something up to use induction in our up coming van too, but great to hear that you are using this long term without issues. Cheers, Nathan.

[@neilocoop]

Excellent video very well explained 👍

[@XploringOz]

Thank you, appreciate the feedback and glad to hear you enjoyed it. Cheers, Nathan.

[@paulmarsh7123]

As a 200 owner have valued your content, just upgraded my setup to 200ah DCS battery in the rear deleting both front battery’s installed a safari twin burner induction cooktop with a Victron battery protect will disconnect all accessories at 20% for vehicle startup (have a jump start pack just in case tech fails) had a driveway test cooking dinner and breakfast used 50% battery. COVID restitution finish next week 1/11/21 so us sydney folks can get back out on the tracks again, won’t to see how long to recharge from 50-70% battery use as this setup charges direct from alternator

[@XploringOz]

Awesome, sounds like you have an awesome system there. Upgrading my vehicle batteries to lithium might be something I look into I the future as well, there are so many benefits to this. Glad to hear you guys are finally free again, all the best with the testing and your adventures on the tracks! Cheers, Nathan.

[@boxheadmr]

Do you have the dcs twin in the front or a dcs 200ah in the rear. Just wondering as if the rear are you just running cable to the front for the engine/alternator?

[@paulmarsh7123]

@@boxheadmr yes cables to the rear no front battery’s

[@curlyhairdudeify]

I bought an iSiler one from Amazon for $50 dollars... And let me tell you... I'm in love.

[@sandienochs6132]

I know it sounds unbelievable, but I have interviewed every single cook on earth, and each and every one, picked gas. Love your videos.

[@XploringOz]

Haha, been busy! Cheers mate 👍

[@descowan5410]

Great video mate

[@XploringOz]

Thanks mate, appreciate it.

[@guringai]

I find the induction way better because it works really well when it's windy. & it's much faster & cheaper to run in the long term. It's good for cooking in the van, without the risk of CO2, or CO poisoning.

[@XploringOz]

For sure mate, I agree with you. There are soo many benefits long term and the fact that your power source provides benefits past just the induction cooking, it can do so much more.

[@FarqueKnowsWhere]

Cooking with the towel over the hob bleeew my mind. I’ve had a standard solar set up with fridge, panels, agm and gas cooker in my 4wd for 15 yrs, it’s cheap simple, very very reliable and you’re not relying on electricity and electronics to do everything, especially in the outback, but I’ve been binge watching videos on panels, lithium, induction and inverters and I’m warming up to it very quickly and will fit out my new off road camper with this system, but I’ll keep old system in the fourbee until I’m happy with reliability, then upgrade it. Top review and comparison and I’ll probably go with two single hobs as well, might need more research on twin hobs..

[@XploringOz]

Awesome mate. Yeah I hear your concerns and rightly so. You don't want to be stuck out in the middle of nowhere with a broken inverter or something silly like that. Saying that, the advancements that technology has made is mind blowing and awesome! All the best with your off road camper 👍

[@farstrider79]

Nice vid. The cost of induction for camping is a nonstarter for me since I paid $20 for my Coleman 425 at a thriftshop and I've still not exhausted my cooking options with it. Might be buying a travel trailer in the next year or so and can definitely see the advantage of an induction burner, especially if your at a campground with shore power since I've never been to one that meters your electric. We've already used an electric space heater so we didn't waste propane heating an RV.

[@XploringOz]

I hear you! The initial costs are probably a little restrictive at the moment. Hopefully as batteries and electrical equipment improve and cost reduces, they will become more viable! Nothing wrong with propane systems. I still use my Coleman 533 Dual fuel stoves and they work a treat!

[@chickmagpunk]

Nice video mate! I guess with anything you get what you pay for, and the initial high cost pays for itself over the long run.

[@XploringOz]

For sure, not cheap but the benefits, convenience and efficiency has been a big positive so far. Cheers, Nathan.

[@iamrodos]

Another tip. To just boil water, a $35 collapsible kettle works amazing. 900 watts power draw. Easier to get out and use than induction and a pot, for a quick roadside boil. I boiled water in a saucepan until I upgraded after seeing someone else do it. Got mine from Snowies.

[@XploringOz]

Definitely and personally I don't use the induction cooktop for a roadside coffee/tea stop. I still and always will carry my JetBoil for this. The JetBoil is super quick and easy to use and boils that water in no time and uses very little gas.

[@williamgoode9114]

It’s not just cooling down the water , why ? It’s cool to pack and put away and no gas leaks, try microwave and no Saipan washing up if soup or milk is used in the cup. Try eGO for a chainsaw you can put away cold with no spill or leak

[@williamgoode9114]

Yes immersion heating would but only for pure water so once you move past tea and coffee not great

[@Tastewithnewdrinks]

Great video.

[@XploringOz]

Thanks mate, glad you enjoyed it. Cheers, Nathan.

[@RemusKingOfRome]

Excellent review. I want a induction cooker too..

[@XploringOz]

Thanks mate, they are awesome pieces of equipment!

[@PaulFoley]

Thanks for such a well presented and thorough review. It answered, in a practical way, many of the questions I had about induction cooking.

[@XploringOz]

Thanks mate, I appreciate the feedback and glad to hear you enjoyed the video. Cheers, Nathan.

[@viveviveka2651]

Just watched the video. Thank you. Yesterday I ordered my first induction hotplate. After doing some hours of research I opted for the single-burner am z chef, in part because of good reviews, and in part because of the compact thinness. We'll see how she does. I noticed that most people's experiences are that these induction devices typically don't last very long. There are a few exceptions, but they are exceptions. Usually people end up replacing them within a little over a year, on average. One reviewer had tried various models, replacing one after another over a six year period. At that point he went back to an old-style, more reliable electric stovetop. Some induction units offer temperature control down to five-degree increments. Others are ten, twenty, or forty degrees. Some offer power settings down to 200 or 300 watts, and mention compatibility with lower-wattage power stations, like the Jackery Explorer 300. I don't know how quickly those can boil water, though, at the low-wattage settings.

[@XploringOz]

No problems, glad you enjoyed the video. You bring up some good points here and I guess this is some of the unknowns when it comes to using this technology in this industry. It's still relatively new and determining whether it will work with off-grid setups and vehicle travel is something that is still being investigated. I'll be travelling full time soon with induction cooking and hopefully I'll be able to do a follow up coming in the future regarding it's long term suitability 👍

[@nordic5490]

I own 3 different types of induction cooker and have been using these on the bench continously for a yr now. Tips: Dont be at all concerned with temp control Do by a cooker with a low minimum power for simmer, eg the Ikea has a minimum 100w, some are 200w which is too much for simmer. Dont buy a cooker that a has long period beween power pulses. Eg, the Westing house hasa boom bust simmer, were the simmer dies in the off priod, then the power pulse boils it over. Once again, the Ikea unit has short cycle times and your simmer is much more consistant. Do buy heavy base induction cookware, eg the pots and pans at Ikea are relatively cheap, and very well made. The heavy base gives much more consistant results.

[@milesbuckhurst504]

Great video and very complete! I have a portable induction hob on my sailboat and I can have in the galley or in the cockpit where it can be windy - excellent. What I would suggest rather than the inverter, run a DC cable back from the starter battery connect on the positive side a Cyril-Li-Charge to protect the starter battery and the liO2 battery *these are cheap- then terminate the cable with a XT60 plug which can go straight into the Bluetti. That way you safely skip the loss of the inverter. A little more complicated, you have to take care. But it is cheaper and more efficient - just a thought ;-)

[@XploringOz]

Cheers mate, glad you enjoyed the video 👍 Thanks for that suggestion, I'll definitely look into it as this would run more efficiently without the inverter loss. Cheers, Nathan.

[@maxgermasi3302]

Nice video Nath, I like how much efforts you put into these videos. Well Done! As far as the induction cooking goes it is just not for me like many other "must have" nowadays. When I go camping I have this thing called campfire which I enjoyed a lot mainly because I can't really use it at home. Each to their own... I do think that inside a caravan it would be a much better option with far more benefits than in the back of a car. Thanks for the video, keep them coming mate! Cheers🍺

[@XploringOz]

Cheers mate, glad to see you’re still enjoying the channel content 👍 For sure, everyone is different and this doesn’t replace an open fire, but definitely compliments it well 👍 It sure would be awesome in a van, more battery capacity and space for storage

[@stephenbrickwood1602]

@@XploringOz people who think that the Lithium battery is not for them need this video to confirm that their choice is valid, so 'good one'.

[@XploringOz]

@@stephenbrickwood1602 Cheers mate. The improvement and innovation in technology is certainly coming along quickly.

[@Keith80027]

I love my induction cook top inside of my house and it is just wonderful, so glad I got induction instead of a gas or electric range. But the elephant in the room or should I say campsite is that huge battery bank in your truck and the solar cells don't work in shade or cloudy days that we have in my neck of the woods. My two burner Coleman stove works off car gas that I can get any where while camping.

[@iandibley2985]

Hi Nathan another interesting vid,whilst the induction units certainly have advantages but as you mentioned a day or two of not travelling everyday over cast weather it is all over. The lithium power unit is still quite bulky. In the van I have 300 watts of solar &300 amps of Lithium with the combination of induction cooking ,refrigeration and lighting 2 days of bad weather would the end of it. Some guys with vans with 1000 watts of solar and 650 amps of Lithium are getting away with just Lithium. Cheers Ian.

[@XploringOz]

For sure and these are things that still have to be taken into consideration. Particularly if looking at fitting into the rear of a vehicle like in my case, space is a premium. Hopefully as technology advances, battery capacity will become small, lighter and most importantly cheaper! Cheers.

[@virgilsettle1237]

The one thing people forget to mention in regards to propane is that it should never, ever be placed in a closed vehicle. Interior temps in a closed truck can get very high, and what can happen is the over pressure valve starts releasing propane inside your closed truck. No bueno. Lithium batts have their temperature issues as well, but I would prefer them over propane any day. That said, we actually have both on our truck but the propane tank is mounted externally.

[@XploringOz]

For sure, this is another major safety consideration, thanks for sharing. Cheers, Nathan.

[@richardsandwell2285]

Induction suffers because in the main people do not understand it and realise its massive advantages, I have a single pan induction hob purchased many years ago from a budget German supermarket, I use it in our works hut everyday and it is fast and easy to use.

[@XploringOz]

Yes, people don't like what they can't understand sometimes. Hopefully this video can enlighten a few people and help them to understand some of the benefits. Cheers, Nathan.

[@ianaustin7092]

Great video, answered most of my questions except how do you cook toast?

[@XploringOz]

Thanks mate, so yes. Good question. Not really going to work with toast, however I did light toast buns in the frypan after cooking up some bacon and eggs, this worked to some extent I guess... Cheers, Nathan.

[@pavel9652]

You can try Instant Pot pressure cooker for efficient cooking, simmering and steaming with electricity. They have also air fryer covers, so baking and roasting is an option too. I am testing off-grid lifestyle and considering electric kettle, induction single hob, contact grill to replace my old sandwicher, pressure cooker with air fryer cover and my old blender. In the future I might expand, food processor would be nice. I have 2.3 kW of solar and ac200max with 2x b300 extensions, so full stack, and it is more than doable. For winter a good backup power generator might be useful, depending on location.

[@HimmelbergerBus]

100%, is much rather use electricity vs propane. Great video.

[@XploringOz]

For sure, completely renewable resource in a ideal situation as well. Cheers, Nathan.

[@surfinwaves4769]

Thanks for excellent review. Can the Westinghouse heat small pans/pots or does it require a pan that covers the whole heating surface?

[@detectiveofmoneypolitics]

Great content 👌 cheers Frank Gardiner Melbourne Australia

[@XploringOz]

Thanks Frank, appreciate it.

[@davidmorris2234]

I bought a pair of single burner induction burners a few years ago and mine have digital temperature settings that you can use to choose which temperature you want the pan to heat up to and the unit will cycle on and off automatically to maintain that temperature. I haven’t used them for camping yet, but plan to in the near future. I have a pair of Anker 2048 watt hour power stations and 1000 watts of solar panels to keep them both charged up, so I think that I’ll be okay with my electrical setup.

[@seankearney6915]

I got a portable induction top while replacing the kitchen at home and am a real convert. I now use one in the house and have one for the van I am building admittedly I am in the UK where solar isn't good especially if carrying kayaks too, but I do tend to use sites with hook ups and carry a small back up slimline stove with the aerosol style gas cylinder. One thing you didn't mention was that simmering is easier in a breeze with induction. I often can't keep the side sliding door open with gas especially if trying to simmer. Correction you mentioned it right at the end.

[@XploringOz]

For sure, I hear you. We also use induction at home and it's definitely a good thing. There are so many benefits, however it's just that power management that has to be considered when setting up a system for portable and RV type use. I'm glad to hear that you have got a system working well for you, albeit with a alternative back up (as I do). Cheers, Nathan.

[@waynehobbs5175]

Thanks for the great video. Another great feature of induction is it can be used indoors which portable gas fuels cannot. Also, I believe in some States it is illegal to carry LPG cylinders inside a station wagon like yours. I have now just subscribed znd will check out your Bluetti review. FYI we are part time campers with a 21ft6 Jayco Sterling slider behind our Pajero Sport 4x4. We make the van our base camp then explore in our perfectly standard Pajero Sport only varying tyre pressures as needed.

[@XploringOz]

Thanks mate, glad you enjoyed this video. For sure, the legality of total fireballs and indoor cooking are also two great advantages to this style of cooking. I hope you enjoy the other videos I've created. I'm glad to hear that you have found a great setup that works for you and maybe we'll see you out there sometime. Cheers, Nathan.

[@waynehobbs5175]

@@XploringOz thanks Nathan. Cheers mate.

[@kparker4894]

Great review. I use a bit of everything depending on situation. As you said there is no perfect setup for the average camper, unless you spend 10K on a lithium setup but that's out of my reach for a while. Cheers.

[@XploringOz]

Thanks mate, glad you enjoyed it. For sure, everyone is different, has different needs and requirements. Each to their own, but hopefully this review can debunk some of the myths and confusion around this topic. Cheers, Nathan.

[@Mark-wv6sg]

Maybe try a campfire

[@XploringOz]

@@Mark-wv6sg Maybe try induction cooking? What's the problem with this? Have you seen the consequences of lighting a campfire in Australia in January, probably isn't the best advice...