Saving Propane, using electricity

Cruising outside the US brought another problem, how to refill our propane tanks. Every country, it looks like, have their own style and their own regulations on propane and/or butane use. Many countries have exchange systems, so you are not allowed to refill your tanks. (when/if we figure out the perfect system, we'll write about it).

We got the idea from another Outbound owner, who had an electric kettle aboard. First we thought that was a crazy idea, "you just do not do that on a boat". But thinking about it, and calculating how small part of our total battery bank capacity was needed to boil a liter of water. It all made sense. And if worst came to worst, we could always start the engine to replenish that energy (witch we seldom need to do).

So we are trying to use as little of our propane as possible for the daily cocking by using an electric kettle (1 liter, 1000W), and electric induction stove top "burner" (1300W max) and a normal toaster (800W). All these devices make life easy, and save a lot of propane. Adding to that, most marinas have electricity included in the price, so we "cook for free" during our time on shore power. We also add less heat in the cabin when in hot weather.

The cock-top fit perfectly in one of the aft cabin drawer if not in use. It also fits perfectly on top of the Force 10 stove. We even use it whilst under way in choppy seas. We've added a couple of bungee cords, just in case. We also added a silicone mat on the top, which sticks to the top and prevents anything from sliding. The silicone mat is for baking, but is heat resistant and have worked very well for years. Just cut it to fit.

Bought it on Amazon:

Cooktop https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00404OLUM/ref=ppx_yo_dt_b_asin_title_o05_s00?ie=UTF8&psc=1

Silicone mat: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B07Z372LSV?psc=1&ref=ppx_yo2ov_dt_b_product_details

So the only time we use propane today is if we need more than one burner to cook, or when using the oven. And it's amazing how quickly one learns how to cook on one burner and make a great meal.

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