How to Retrofit Induction Cooking into an Older Van

In older caravans, gas cooking is gradually going out of favour. Regulations are tightening. Compliance checks are stricter. It has better paid and a slower gas certificate approval. For many renovators, it could make sense to simply get rid of gas altogether.

Induction cooking, the new kid on the block. More secure, cleaner, and easier to manage. You can even retrofit it into an older van but only if you do it right.

Why When Your Getting on in Years Makes Sense for Induction

Induction cooks the pan, not the air around it. So, less heat in the van, quicker to cook.

Key benefits include:

• No open flame
• Reduced ventilation requirements
• Better temperature control
• Easier cleaning

Induction suits modern off-grid upgrades, making it a great choice for caravan renovations.

Check Your Electrical Capacity First

This is a very important step. Induction cooktops draw serious power.

Before removing gas, confirm:

• Battery type and capacity
• Inverter size and rating
• Existing wiring thickness
• Circuit protection and isolation

The majority of the induction units require at least 1500W inverter. Some require more. If your system is too small, it will either trip or fail.

Professional caravan repairs in Melbourne specialists provide added value here. Electrical upgrades are not a DIY guessing game.

Choosing the Right Induction Cooktop

Please note that not all induction units are suitable for caravans. Compact, single-burner models work best.

Look for units with:

• Adjustable power levels
• Automatic pan detection
• Flat glass for easy cleaning
• Low standby power draw

Portable induction cookers are popular. They simplify installation, and their modularity permits use when power is available.

Removing the Gas System Safely

Do not just cap a gas line and leave. It has to be gas removal, and it has to be done correctly.

Proper decommissioning usually involves:

• Removing the cooktop and lines
• Sealing and pressure testing connections
• Updating compliance plates where required
• Confirming ventilation changes

A lot of owners do gas removal along with much larger caravan renovations to bring the layout up to modern standards and reduce the costs for a future certification.

Wiring and Installation Considerations

Induction cooking demands safe wiring. Dangerous if poorly installed; heat, vibration, and movement within a van.

A safe retrofit includes:

• Dedicated circuit breakers
• Correct cable sizing
• Secure mounting for cooktops
• Proper inverter ventilation

Caravan upgrades take place in Melbourne by licensed technicians who can keep your insurance intact and keep your home on wheels safe!

Cookware Compatibility Matters

Not every one of your pots and pans will work with induction, however. Your cookware might need to be changed.

Compatible cookware must:

• Be magnetic
• Sit flat on the cooktop
• Match the burner size

Now, test the pots you already have with a magnet. If it sticks, they will work.

Power Management While Travelling

Induction is at its strongest when you leverage the right heuristics.

To avoid overload:

• Drive while systems permit and cook
• Use induction, while on shore power
• Avoid running high-draw devices together

Solar and lithium upgrades go hand in hand with induction setups and are frequently found in new-age caravan renovations.

Not Every Van Should be Induction

For the tiniest of battery setups or off-grid travel without sun, induction is less than ideal. The answer is: yes, it does − at least for touring vans and new layouts with no-brainer advantages.

Consult experienced professionals before committing. Good caravan repairs in Melbourne operators will check if your system can handle the transition.

Final Thoughts

Older vans are likely to continue having induction cooking installed in a retrofit by 2026. It results in lower costs for compliance, enforced safety, and an upgraded infrastructure.

When done right, it changes your way of cooking on the road. When done badly, it creates electrical migraines. Think ahead, choose your upgrades carefully, and enjoy a much-improved caravan life in all its cleaner, simpler glory.