Propane or Electric?

Propane stoves do not need to be connected to your vehicle’s power supply, taking load off of your system. Some folks prefer this independent fuel source because it means you don’t have to worry about the draw on your system, if you have less power storage. 

If you opt for a built-in propane stove, you’ll likely be connected to a 5lb or larger, refillable propane tank. These tanks can be filled in many locations: hardware and agriculture stores, fuel distributors, some gas stations, and even campgrounds. If you are using a stow-and-go stove, the smaller, screw-on tanks are sold in even more locations. They’re very easy to replace when they run out - just unscrew the old and connect the new.

As the name suggests, smaller stow-and-go camp stoves can be hidden in a drawer when not in use and utilized on a countertop or table at meal time. This gives you more space on your countertops, which is always a consideration for small spaces.

Some people can be nervous about the idea of open flames in their van – especially when traveling with kids or pets. In a small space, you must be diligent about keeping the area around your stove clear and level to prevent anything from getting too close to your cook stove – both with built-in and stow-and-go stoves.  

Propane stoves release carbon monoxide, nitrogen dioxide, benzene, and formaldehyde. Because your campervan is a small space, proper ventilation when cooking is vital. You’ll need to utilize a ceiling or moveable fan and vents/windows to keep fumes, and condensation, from building up in the van when cooking. Carbon monoxide is a very dangerous gas. It’s odorless, colorless and restricts your body from getting the oxygen it needs. Because you can’t smell it, carbon monoxide can be dangerous or deadly before you realize there is a problem.

When storing propane tanks, whether you’re using smaller screw-on canisters or larger gas growlers, there is risk of leaks. Always make sure your propane vessels are secured during transport. It’s a good idea to have your propane canisters secured inside of their own compartment. This prevents them from rolling or jostling, keeps other items from coming in contact with the valves, and allows you to vent your propane cubby through the floor. Propane is heavier than oxygen, so providing vents through your campervan’s floor inside of your propane storage cubby is important for safety.

Because of the need to vent your van while cooking with propane, you’re going to be circulating outside air in the van. This means that you’ll need to draw in cold air during the winter, making your space colder. In warmer weather, the flames create more heat than an electric stove. Climate control is already a large concern for van-lifers and vehicle dwellers. Propane stoves can add to that concern. 

When space is at a premium in a van, the room taken up by a propane tank means less for other storage space elsewhere. If you’re looking to be off grid for extended periods of time, you may need a relatively large propane growler. The tank and its storage cubby will subtract from the storage space for other necessities.

Cooking with an electric or induction stovetop eliminates the safety concerns around propane stoves - no fire, no fumes, no fuss. They also cool down faster than propane stovetops, reducing the risk of burns.

With a really hefty power system, you have on-demand cooking in our vans without worrying about refilling propane tanks.

Our inset, electric cooktops look clean and don’t clutter your countertops when they’re not in use – a vital consideration for small spaces.

Electric and induction stovetops save you all of the storage space that a propane tank would use.

Electric stove tops don’t need vented and better preserve the temperature inside your van.

At Raft Tiger Vans, customer satisfaction is our top priority. We strive to provide the best possible experience for our customers, from the moment they walk into our showroom to the moment they drive off in their new RV or trailer.

Electric and induction stovetops can take up a lot of energy from your battery, and you need to ensure that it’s compatible with your system when installed.

Electric and induction cooktops can be more expensive than propane systems, depending on the model you purchase and how you install it. You will also need to purchase specialized cookware if you choose to go with induction.