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Quote: Originally posted by spiritburner on 17/11/2020

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What van you got?   I find our needs are a lot less than many with bigger vans.

With our small van I often cook outside but when I do cook inside I mostly use Ridgemonkeys, regular & XL. They cut down on mess from splashes or spitting & clean up easily.

Post last edited on 17/11/2020 22:13:31

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Quote: Originally posted by Capt Lightning on 19/11/2020

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I still recommend a low wattage electric kettle. I have a 750 Watt one that is just right for the van. A kettle for the gas hob is fine, but you can always use a saucepan. I'm not a fan of BBQ's, but they seem to go with the territory. When you have little enough room, you have to think on what you need, not what you want.

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Quote: Originally posted by franbee on 19/11/2020

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We try to cook outside as much as possible, mind you, we tend to mostly camp in France in the better weather. So we carry the small suitcase stove that we used with the tent, cook on the table outside. We only cook inside if the weather is too bad. We do use the inside gas rings for brews, very handy when travelling, or on days out. And the small leccy kettle for on site with EHU.

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Quote: Originally posted by franbee on 19/11/2020

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Anywhere you like in France, they don't care.
In the UK, we've brewed up in many a lay by, promenade space, paid car park, motorway services. Would do so in an NT car park too.

We do try to support local shops though, so would buy teas from there if possible.

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Quote: Originally posted by spiritburner on 19/11/2020

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Ford Transit - they range from small to huge! Parring down to the essentials while still being comfortable & having fun is the crux of camping or vanning to me.

If I don't think the place I'm parked would welcome me using a stove outside I use the van's hob or camping stove in the van doorway.

I don't bother with a leccy kettle.   It would mean carrying two kettles as we are usually off-grid.   Waste of space, especially in a small van. Our gas lasts ages as the 2 gas rings are the only thing run off it. I appreciate on ehu the elec is often 'free' but I'd rather not waste space than save pennies. Everything else in our van is 12v from solar-backed leisure battery.

Our van kettle has a heat exchanger on the bottom & is very efficient.




Long wheelbase high top tranny so reasonably big for a van but not removal lorry motorhome sized! (Someone in my family has one of those!)
Thanks for the advice. All guidance much appreciated.

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Quote: Originally posted by spiritburner on 19/11/2020

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Aye - a neighbour has one like that. I was amazed when I saw the Transit badge on it.

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