We have never bothered with an electric camping/ caravan kettle, using a Russell Hobbs one from Asda, but it seemed to trip our electrics several times last year. I'm thinking, its either on its way out or we need to invest in a low wattage kettle. We don't have anything else running when its on and the electrics are all fine in the van. Any recommendations for a camping or otherwise low wattage kettle would be greatly appreciated.
------------- 2026
Various weekends, weather and time permitting
April - Yorkshire and Yorkshire
June - Wiltshire and Oxfordshire
Autumn - North and Scotland
we have had a Swisslux electric caravan kettle, 700watts i think, been using it about8 years now ,with no trouble at all, takes a little longer to boil " obviously , theres a fill window on the side and an orange light whilst boiling
We just use what’s marketed as a “travel kettle”. Small but it’s never tripped anything in the MH. Cost peanuts. It was either from a supermarket or Argos.
Go to any caravanning accessory shop as they only sell low wattage electric kettles which most are around 1 kw. power output. It's just a matter of choice and picking one that feels comfortable to handle.
Asda kettles are all domestic appliances which will consume more energy and more likely to trip the campsite electrics. I have been informed recently that some campsites are reverting back to 10 amps again from 16 amps due to the fact that some inconsiderate campers are bringing small appliances from home which are tripping onsite electrics more frequently which is an inconvenience for the site owner having to reset the power supply.
Quote "I have been informed recently that some campsites are reverting back to 10 amps again from 16 amps due to the fact that some inconsiderate campers are bringing small appliances from home which are tripping onsite electrics more frequently which is an inconvenience for the site owner having to reset the power supply."
That is self defeating as it is more likely to result in the site bollard tripping even more frequently as most caravans have 10A MCBs.
I used a 1500W kettle and never tripped any supply.
saxo1
I use a Lidl/Aldi (centre aisle/periodic special) 'Caravan kettle', 1kW/1.7L, cheap and 3 yr warranty, it's a 'cordless' one where kettle simply lifts off corded base, no need to unplug cord, what's not to like! Had it a few years now, but TBH tend not to use it much these days, it stays in the cupboard as very limited worktop space in caravan, I generally use a small 'gas' kettle on the electric hob of caravan stove most of the time!
Importantly, at 1kW it's light enough load not to trip even a 5A EHU (no other appliances at same time!), boils reasonably quickly considering nearly 1/3 the power of a domestic kettle, and a complaint levelled at many plastic kettles, it hasn't given any noticeable taint to the taste of the water!
Quote: Originally posted by gailbonney on 29/12/2023
We have never bothered with an electric camping/ caravan kettle, using a Russell Hobbs one from Asda, but it seemed to trip our electrics several times last year. I'm thinking, its either on its way out or we need to invest in a low wattage kettle. We don't have anything else running when its on and the electrics are all fine in the van. Any recommendations for a camping or otherwise low wattage kettle would be greatly appreciated.
What is the wattage of the kettle?
Some kettles suitable for the home are too powerful for camping use.
For example, a 3kW run of the mill kettle will trip 10A EHU supply.
I just checked Asda's website and the cheapest/most basic kettle is rated 3kW!
I have only used electric kettles up to 2kW for 10A supply, no good if a site only has 6A EHU and there are still sites with only 6A supply.
Therefore, I would strongly advise to check the EHU supply and do not assume it is 10A if you decide to opt for a lower wattage kettle.
Currently, I use a 1L 2kW kettle with a separate base in my van, similar to the ones that can be found in hotel rooms, and it is just the right size for camping on my own with the dog.
If I were to camp at a site with only 6A supply, I would have to bring a small gas burner with me to boil a small pan of water to make a hot drink.
So far I had only stayed at one site with 6A supply, a pub site, and I purchased hot drinks along with beers and ciders when I stayed there.
DK
------------- Apple The Campervan - A Van For Work, Rest & Play!
- 2027: ? NL+DE+FR
- 2026: FR+DE
- 2025: 17/77
'24: 10/49; '23: 9/47;'22: 8/46; '21: 9/34
* Ex-tenter
* Treat life events like a dog: if you can't eat it, play with it or hump it, p1$$ on it and walk away!
when on a site that has any power less than 10 amp. we get the gas kettle out, the remaining power being left for running the charger and fridge our ehu kettle is a cheapie from tescos, its a 2000 watt thing, in fact its the same kettle as we use at home
Amazing family weekend with old steam engines, classic car displays, market stalls, and full catering and bar. And camping on site - Save £25 by booking in advance.