We got a 12v Electric Car Kettle for Our Van and we love it! 
Using a gas burner to boil water is great and often the most versatile option. But in some cases using 12v might be better. Consider a 12v car kettle for boiling water on your van adventures.
Keep reading to see our thoughts on 12v kettles and this convenient way to boil water in your camper van conversion.
12v Kettle For Campervan and Van Camping
See this Kettle in use with coffee in 30 seconds. Shorts Reel Video. Scroll Down 👇
After adding more power by upgrading our Van battery bank, we decided to try out this 12-volt Auto Kettle as an easy way to boil water when out and about on our numerous van adventures.
A Watched Pot Never Boils
Boiling hot water any time without using a burner or fire. So convenient? Well not really.
12v Kettles are awesome. We use ours almost daily. They do however have some downsides that may not work for some. Let’s touch on some of the challenges we conquer when using ours.
12v Kettle Does Not Boil As Fast As Gas
12v Kettles take a long time to come to temperature and boil. Because of this, you need to be strategic about when you use it. To speed up boiling, we try to start with pre-heated water. We fill an insulated growler with hot water before our trip for use in the kettle later that day.
Uses A Lot Of Energy
Be careful with battery levels as the element inside a kettle uses a lot of energy. If you are not careful, you can drain down your battery very quickly. Again, use some strategy, by only using the kettle before a certain recharge. i.e in the morning before a drive, or while the van engine is running and actively charging the house auxiliary battery.
Reasons We Love Using A 12V Kettle In Our Car And Camper Van
- Can be used while driving. (Secured from tipping of course) This had to be my number one favorite thing about our 12 Volt kettle. We have a secure spot in the back of the van where the kettle can sit when driving.
- The thermostat keeps the water at the perfect “boiled” temperature. When boiling the status light glows Red. Once the water has reached temperature, the light turns green.
- Sealed lid and spout valve. While it’s not leak-free, an accidental knock-over won’t end with a complete spill of the contents. Just a small leak.
- This 12v Kettle is Insulated. Similar to an insulated coffee mug, this kettle is insulated. It’s cool to the touch, meaning, less burn risk. And it keeps water hot for longer after being boiled.
12v Kettle For Campervan and Van Camping – Video
The Sum Up
While it won’t work for everyone, in our situation, this 12v Kettle works perfectly. We can have the water heated ready upon our arrival. Would anyone like a cuppa tea? ☕️🫖
Do You Use a 12 Volt Kettle or Other 12v Appliances? Share your experience in the comments box below.
Other Components of Our Weekender Van Kitchenette
- Campervan Kitchen Pod – Mini-Prep Area
- Blackstone Tabletop Griddle Review
- Growlers Are Great For Van Life
- Yeti Water Bottle Review
You Have to See These Three Fun Van Build Projects
Check Out These Major Exterior Projects
- DIY Van Conversion Window Installation
- Van Roof Vent Installation
- DIY Unistrut – Superstrut – Powerstrut Van Roof Rack
Thanks for reading, I hope you get some value from this post. Take the road less traveled, stay sideways, and always keep it fresh.
Weekender Van Life – Van Life Blog – weekendervanlife.com
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