Given that there are more energy choices out there now, it begs the question ‘are we still cooking on gas?’ Let’s have a look….

In times gone by most types of recreational vehicle would have used gas for cooking. It is still there, but of course it does have its own problems. Safety being the major issue.

It is likely that gas will still be the major fuel for smaller R.V.’s, caravans, and boats for the near future where there is no external mains supply where you park your van or moor your boat. Where there is mains power there is a hybrid solution available. Our boat does have a gas hob, but I am happy to say that the gas is off 99% of the time. In fact, the 13kg propane bottle we have on board has not needed to be replaced in the last four years, and we live full time onboard.

Where we would previously have used the gas hob, instead we use an electrical induction hob. We can use this from the mains on our mooring, or through the inverter if we are sailing or if there is a power outage. This may not be so practical in a caravan or motorhome (R.V.). Things are changing though.

With the introduction of Lithium Iron Phosphate batteries, also known as LFP batteries, it is becoming increasingly practical to ditch the gas and go all electric. The problem though with Lithium technology, is the price. It is still in its infancy, I hope that with time, the cost of this technology will reduce substantially. When this happens we’ll all be able to afford to ask ‘why are we still cooking on gas?’

One of our favourite ways of cooking is barbecue. Obviously, it is weather dependant, but when the weather permits there is nothing better. We choose to use charcoal when we barbecue, simply because we find it more convenient. Also of course, it is extremely easy to close the lid and use whatever type of wood we want to smoke the food.

Hickory and various fruit woods are always a good option. Also of course, it does not need any gas! I have owned a couple of gas barbecues and never been impressed. We always came back to charcoal.

Because we do live onboard full time, we are fully prepared to cook a varied menu. The oven we use is a Panasonic microwave, oven, and grill. When we bought this, our second Panasonic, we made sure that the oven had the 40C degree oven setting. I make bread regularly and this setting allows bread proving in any weather conditions. It also makes excellent Pork pies that taste great, although I am trying to improve my pastry crimping skills!

I am seriously thinking about writing about my versions of successful recipes that we cook regularly. None of it is cordon bleu, but all of it is delicious. It really is surprising how tasty food can be even when we only have an exceedingly small space to cook in.

If you want to know more about Lithium battery technology check this sister article ‘Lithium batteries on boats’. Note: whether on a boat or any other mobile vehicle, Lithium Iron Phosphate are the most stable and safest choice.

Additionally, there will be some of you who will enjoy this Wikipedia examination of (LiFePO4) batteries. As production costs drop the high capacity of these batteries have will eventually make their use practical for the vast majority of boat and RV applications. Most of the new boats being built even now are being fitted with solar asisstance and LiFePO4 batteries. I doubt that gas will disappear any time soon, but its use will eventually reduce drastically.

With the introduction of Lithium chemistry and induction grills etc., it makes you wonder how long it will be before only a minority of boaters and RV’ers will be asking ‘are we still cooking on gas?