12V and Electric Camping Stoves — Alternatives to Gas

Can You Camp Without Gas?

Gas stoves dominate UK camping, but they are not the only option. Electric and 12V camping stoves offer flameless cooking that suits specific situations — motorhome hook-up pitches, powered campsites, and campers who are uncomfortable with open flames. As electric hook-up becomes standard on more UK campsites in summer 2026, these alternatives deserve a closer look.

Electric Camping Stoves (Mains Hook-Up)

Mains-powered electric hotplates and induction hobs run from campsite hook-up supplies, typically 10A or 16A. They offer the same cooking experience as a kitchen hob, with precise temperature control, no gas canisters and no carbon monoxide concerns.

The practical limitation is power. Most UK campsite hook-ups provide 10 amps at 230V — that is 2,300 watts total. A single electric hotplate draws 1,000–1,500W, so running one is fine but running two alongside a fridge and phone chargers may trip the circuit breaker. Plan your power budget before relying on electric cooking.

Induction Hobs

Portable induction hobs are efficient, fast and safe — the surface stays cool to the touch because the magnetic field heats the pan directly. They are popular with motorhome owners who have mains hook-up. Downsides: they require ferrous (magnetic) pans (aluminium camping cookware will not work), and they draw significant power (usually 1,800–2,000W), leaving little headroom on a 10A hook-up.

12V Cooking Appliances

12V appliances run from your vehicle's leisure battery or a portable power station. They are low-powered by design — typically 100–200W — which means they heat slowly. A 12V kettle takes 20–30 minutes to boil a litre of water, compared to 3–4 minutes on a gas stove. 12V slow cookers exist and can produce excellent results over several hours while you are driving or exploring.

Practical 12V cooking is best suited to:

• Boiling water for drinks (with patience)
• Slow-cooking stews and soups during a travel day
• Warming pre-cooked meals
• Supplementing a gas stove, not replacing it entirely

Portable Power Stations

Lithium power stations (from brands like EcoFlow, Jackery and Bluetti) have made off-grid electric cooking more viable. A 1,000Wh unit can run a 1,000W hotplate for roughly an hour — enough for a simple meal. However, these units cost £500–£1,000+ and weigh 10–15kg. For the same weight and cost, you could carry a Campingaz or Coleman stove and enough gas for an entire summer of camping. The economics only work if you already own the power station for other purposes.

Electric vs Gas: Honest Comparison

• Speed: Gas wins decisively. A Campingaz or Jetboil boils water in 2–4 minutes. Electric hobs take 5–8 minutes. 12V takes 20+ minutes.
• Convenience: Gas stoves work anywhere, anytime. Electric requires hook-up or a power station. No electricity = no cooking.
• Safety: Electric eliminates open-flame risks and carbon monoxide concerns. For families with young children, this can be a meaningful advantage.
• Cost per meal: Campsite electricity is usually included in the pitch fee, making electric cooking effectively free. Gas canisters cost £3–8 each.
• Versatility: Gas stoves work in fields, on beaches, at festivals and in the wilderness. Electric is campsite-bound.

Our Recommendation

For most UK campers, gas remains the most practical primary cooking method. Electric makes sense as a supplement on powered pitches — especially for motorhome owners who already have hook-up. If you prefer electric, ensure your campsite offers adequate amperage before relying on it for all meals.

Browse gas stoves from Campingaz, Coleman, Trangia, Jetboil and Go System in our camping stove collection for reliable cooking wherever summer 2026 takes you.

Recommended For You

Featured Product: Outdoor Revolution Kettle Premium Low Wattage Electric 1.7L Camping Caravan