Induction cooktop?

[shermantic]

Has anyone had any experience with an induction cooktop? Is 30a enough? Is 50a a must?

[Foiled Again]

Originally Posted by shermantic

Has anyone had any experience with an induction cooktop? Is 30a enough? Is 50a a must?

I got the cheapo-cheapo ones from the infomercial - and they are GREAT. I also have 30 amp service. There are better ones I suppose, but at $100 for 2 of them they're virtually disposable (watch out for all the freebies that you pay big $$$ for shipping on!).

With 30 amp you have to think before you flip a switch on any resistance element appliance. Use anything... just not all at the same time. If the heat pump and the microwave are both running, wait til the microwave is done, then use your induction burner. It's FAST for simple stuff like heating a tea kettle - and the temperature control is EXCELLENT - fondue or queso anyone?

OTOH if you're cooking outdoors and have full hookups - simply run a heavy duty extension cord from the 15 amp outlet on the post for the burner(s). NOTE: I once had a 30 amp cord stolen. My sister and I made it through the chilly night by running a heavy duty cord in through the fantastic fan opening and running a space heater. You can remove a screen, crack a window and run a cord or use the fantastic fan with the lid closed down to minimum to get more than 30 amps inside. (I have the Eddie Bauer with extra vents - on under the front dinette.... I may look at that as a port for extra amps too. )

Happy trails,

[murreywalker]

I use the Max Burton extensively.

http://www.amazon.com/Stainless-Stee...uction+cooktop

You'll have to make sure your cookware is induction friendly (a magnet will stick to the bottom of the pan), or buy an additional transfer plate (which will loose a bit of heat in the process).

We ALWAYS use a 12 gauge extension cord and hook it up to the shore power directly.

Can't beat the cooktop!

[SteveSueMac]

We have the cheapie infomercial ones Paula mentioned and I second her advice. With a 30a system we've found you don't really want to have everything on at the same time.

The suggestion to plug in to the post is a great one - why didn't I think of that? 😳

[Zil]

I have one and use it a lot. The inexpensive ones are designed to work on 120V, 15 amp outlet. I would not use the MaxBurton at 220V as much if traveling.

[kswelsh]

We have a NuWave and I love it! We always carry a long extension cord so we can use the power at the post. I love to be able to cook outside so the smells are not in my camper and with a long extension cord, it offers us the ability to cook right at the outdoor table area. I bought a set of nesting cookware that is induction capable and a good cast iron skillet and I'm set.

[dkottum]

We use a NewWave portable whenever on external power. With a 30 amp Airstream we plan on using no more than two major heating items at a time. NewWave and electric water heater mode, or NuWave and Microwave , for example.

We like the way it worksl, it only heats the cookware and thereby its contents so the heat is very concentrated. We can take it outside easily for cooking.

I don't know if you can get a 120v built-in induction cooktop with multiple heating surfaces, but I believe you would need 50 amp service if so.

A consideration is many campgrounds have marginal power at the pedestals during high usage times or seasons. A voltage drop is common when you put your own high demands on it, which will increase the amperage draw to power your equipment. So we don't plan on a full 30 amps at 120 volts available.

[bunni]

Originally Posted by dkottum

I don't know if you can get a 120v built-in induction cooktop with multiple heating surfaces, but I believe you would need 50 amp service if so.

True Induction makes a 2 burner induction cooktop that plugs into a 110 outlet. It's self regulating to use only 1800 watts between the 2 burners. In other words, you can't use both burners on "High" and it won't let you. It comes in a portable version and a counter inset model. We just purchased the inset model and plan to install it next month with a new counter top.

[dkottum]

Originally Posted by bunni

True Induction makes a 2 burner induction cooktop that plugs into a 110 outlet. It's self regulating to use only 1800 watts between the 2 burners. In other words, you can't use both burners on "High" and it won't let you. It comes in a portable version and a counter inset model. We just purchased the inset model and plan to install it next month with a new counter top.

Terrific for RV use, good to know. Do you have a model number?

[bunni]

Originally Posted by dkottum

Terrific for RV use, good to know. Do you have a model number?

This is the one we got -- S2F3.
Amazon.com: True Induction S2F3 Counter Inset Double Burner Induction Cooktop, 120V, Black: Industrial & Scientific

The counter top model is S2F2.