Built-In Cooktops

Built-in Cooking Appliances

Cooking appliances come in different shapes and sizes for installation in campers, caravans, or boats. You can choose from various materials for the cooktop and the heating technology. If you have limited space and need a cooking appliance and a sink on your countertop, check out our combination cooking and sink. It integrates a sink and a cooking appliance into a single unit.

Camping Cooking Appliance

A camping cooking appliance differs slightly from the built-in cooktop we often use at home. These cooktops are usually smaller to fit perfectly into the smaller kitchen units of campers or caravans. This allows for some workspace on the countertop. Keep in mind that the smallest caravan cooktop or camper cooking appliance may not work as well with the pans you use at home. Camping pans are often taller and fit more easily on the cooktop.

Cooking Appliance Materials

The material of the cooking appliance largely determines its appearance. In the Speelberg Kamperen assortment, you will find cooktops made of stainless steel and glass. This way, you can choose a stylish cooktop that perfectly matches the interior of your camper.

Stainless Steel Cooking Appliance

A stainless steel caravan cooking appliance or stainless steel camper cooktop matches well with a stainless steel sink and is also robust. The stainless steel design is timeless and can be a beautiful design element in your camper or caravan. Many stainless steel cooktops come with a luxury black glass cover, allowing them to be neatly concealed in the countertop.

Black Glass Cooking Appliance

A black glass cooking appliance looks luxurious and is easy to clean. The smooth black glass surface can be easily wiped clean with a cloth. The glass itself is the main design element, combined with the stainless steel burners. As a result, they often don't have a separate cover, which may be less practical in smaller campers.

Gas Cooking Appliance

A gas cooking appliance is still the most commonly used in campers or caravans. This cooktop operates by burning gas. A gas cooking appliance is suitable for butane or propane gas. With a full gas cylinder, you can cook for more than a month if no other appliances are connected. Gas is easy to carry and exchange. Therefore, you are not necessarily dependent on a power source or campsite when you're on the move, allowing you to cook wherever you are.

Induction Cooktop

An induction cooktop works by creating a magnetic field. Placing a pan on the cooking zone generates the magnetic field. The resistance in the bottom of the pan causes it to heat up and allows you to cook. Among electric cooktops, induction cooktops are the most energy-efficient. It's a good option if you prefer cooking with electricity in your camper or caravan. One drawback compared to a gas cooktop is that you depend on a reliable power supply in the camper or are limited to campsites.

Ceramic Cooktop

There are also ceramic cooktops that work by heating up a coil. The cooking zone itself also becomes hot. Ceramic-electric cooking appliances are less energy-efficient than induction cooktops. Additionally, there are gas ceramic cooktops that work with gas and are not dependent on electricity.

Cooking Appliance with Cover

A cooking appliance with a cover can be helpful in a small kitchen as it increases workspace when the cover is closed. The cooktop is set slightly deeper so that it is approximately level with the countertop. When cooking is not required, simply close the cover and gain extra space for cutting or spreading.

Installing a Cooking Appliance

Before purchasing a cooktop, it's advisable to consider the exact space available on your countertop. Often, there are compartments and drawers in your kitchen cabinet, so take that into account when looking for a suitable model. A gas line will need to pass through the cabinet, connecting to the gas cylinder. Additionally, the knobs of the cooking appliance may be set deeper or the cooktop as a whole may be set deeper. The latter is often the case when there is a cover on the cooktop.

A gas cooktop has a fixed 8mm connection. A gas line can be connected to it using a compression fitting. This gas line can then be connected to a distribution block if there are multiple gas appliances. Otherwise, it can be connected to the gas cylinder through a pressure regulator. Pay attention to the working pressure of the cooktop (typically 30 mbar).

If the cooktop has an electric ignition or if it is an electric cooktop with induction or ceramic technology, it needs to be connected to the battery (12v / 24v) or the camper's electrical system (230v). Use a cable with the appropriate core diameter, especially when connecting to low voltage. An electric cooktop consumes a considerable amount of power and is sometimes placed far from the battery. The cable must have the correct core diameter to prevent it from overheating and to ensure it delivers enough power for the device to function.

One last consideration when installing a cooking appliance in a camper or caravan is ventilation. When cooking, you will likely want to ventilate to remove cooking fumes. This can be achieved through a camper extraction hood or a caravan extraction hood. Alternatively, you can open a window to keep the living space of your camping vehicle smelling fresh.