Choosing the right campervan appliances can make life on the road far more comfortable, especially if you enjoy longer trips, off grid camping, or weekends away without relying too heavily on campsite facilities.
However, power is one of the biggest things to think about when choosing appliances for a campervan. Standard household appliances often use too much energy for a leisure battery or limited hook up supply, which is why low wattage appliances and efficient compact designs are usually the best choice.
With that in mind, we look at six must-have low wattage campervan appliances and the key things to consider before you commit to adding them to your setup.
6 must-have low wattage campervan appliances
The best campervan appliances are practical, compact, easy to use, and suited to the way you travel. Whether you’re planning simple weekend breaks or longer off grid adventures, these appliances can make cooking, storing food, and day to day living much easier.
1. Slow cooker
A slow cooker is one of the most useful low wattage appliances you can have in a campervan. It allows you to prepare simple, hearty meals with very little effort, which is ideal after a long day of walking, exploring, or travelling.
Many compact slow cookers use relatively low power compared with larger kitchen appliances, making them a good option for campervan cooking when used sensibly. You can prepare stews, curries, soups, chilli, pasta sauces, and one pot meals without needing to stand over a hob.
A slow cooker is especially useful if you’re staying on a campsite with electric hook up, but it can also work as part of a well planned off grid setup if you have the right battery and inverter system.
2. Microwave
A microwave might not be the first thing you think of when choosing campervan appliances, but a compact low wattage microwave can be a helpful addition to some campervan setups. It’s great for reheating meals, warming drinks, defrosting food, or preparing quick snacks when you don’t want to use the hob.
The main thing to remember is that microwaves can draw a lot of power when starting up, even if their listed wattage appears manageable. For this reason, they’re usually best suited to campervans with electric hook up.
If you want convenience while travelling, a microwave can be worth considering, but it’s important to check that your electrical system can handle it safely.
3. Kettle
A kettle is one of the most used 12 volt appliances for campers, especially for anyone who loves a morning coffee, evening tea, or quick hot water for cooking. A standard household kettle can use a lot of power, so it’s better to choose a low wattage camping kettle or even a hob kettle, depending on your setup.
Low wattage electric kettles are useful for when you have hook up supply or a suitable powerbank. Hob kettles are often better for off grid camping, as they can be used with your gas hob and don’t put pressure on your battery.
For many campervan owners, having a reliable way to boil water is essential, whether it’s for drinks, washing up, or simple meals.
4. Toaster
A toaster is a small comfort that can make campervan mornings feel much easier. A low wattage toaster allows you to prepare quick breakfasts without using much space, making it a popular choice for campers who want convenience on the road.
As with kettles and microwaves, it’s important to choose a toaster designed for lower power use. Compact two slice models are usually the most practical choice for campervans, as they take up less room and are easier to store.
If you regularly stay on campsites with electric hook up, a low wattage toaster can be a simple but worthwhile addition to your campervan kitchen.
5. Air fryer
Air fryers have become extremely popular at home, and smaller versions are now being considered by many campervan owners too. They can be used to cook quick meals with less oil and less mess, making them appealing for compact kitchens.
However, an air fryer is a campervan appliance you need to choose carefully. Some models use high wattage and will not be suitable for off grid use unless your campervan has a powerful electrical system. If you want to use one, look for a compact, lower wattage model and check whether your inverter, battery, and hook up supply can support it.
For those with the right setup, an air fryer can be a handy way to cook chips, vegetables, chicken, pastries, and simple meals without relying fully on a hob or oven.
6. Fridge
A fridge is one of the most important 12v camping appliances. Unlike other appliances that you only use for short periods, your fridge may need to run throughout the day and night, so efficiency is key.
A 12v compressor fridge is often the best option for campervans because it’s designed for mobile use and can run efficiently from a leisure battery. It keeps food fresh, reduces the need for daily supermarket trips, and makes longer journeys much easier.
When choosing a campervan fridge, think about size, energy usage, noise level, and where it will sit within your layout. A well chosen fridge can make a huge difference to the comfort and practicality of your campervan.
Key considerations to keep in mind when choosing your campervan appliances
Before buying any campervan appliances, it’s important to think about how you’ll power them and how often you’ll use them. Not every appliance will suit every campervan, especially if you plan to camp off grid regularly.
The main things to consider include:
- Power usage – always check the wattage before buying. Low wattage appliances are usually better suited to campervan life, but you still need to make sure your system can handle them.
- 12v vs 230v appliances – many essentials, such as fridges, work well as 12v camping appliances. Other items, such as microwaves or air fryers, may need 230v power through a hook up or inverter.
- Battery and powerbank capacity – if you plan to use 12v camping appliances away from campsites, your leisure battery and powerbank need to be powerful enough. Higher demand appliances can drain a battery quickly.
- Space and storage – campervan kitchens are compact, so choose appliances that are small, lightweight, and easy to store.
- How you travel – if you mainly stay on campsites, you may be able to use more electric appliances. If you prefer off grid camping, efficient 12v camping appliances and gas powered options may be more practical.
- Safety – always make sure appliances are suitable for use in a campervan and that your electrical system has been professionally installed or checked.
Browse our range of campervans for sale today
The right campervan appliances can transform how you cook, relax, and travel. From a reliable 12v fridge to a low wattage kettle or compact slow cooker, choosing appliances that suit your lifestyle will help make every journey more comfortable and convenient.
At camper_versions, our conversion packages can include a range of practical appliances and features designed to make your campervan feel like a true home on wheels. Whether you’re looking for a ready-to-drive-away VW campervan or a bespoke conversion tailored to the way you travel, we can help you find the right setup.
Take a look at our range of campervans for sale today or get in touch with our team to discuss our conversion packages in more detail and fine tune the features you’d like in your next campervan.
Campervan appliances FAQs
What are the best low wattage appliances for a campervan?
Some of the best low wattage appliances for a campervan include a compact kettle, toaster, slow cooker, 12v fridge, and low power microwave. The best options will depend on your campervan’s power setup and whether you usually stay on campsites or travel off grid.
Can I use normal household appliances in a campervan?
You can use some household appliances in a campervan, but you need to check the wattage first. Many standard appliances use too much power for a leisure battery or powerbank, so low wattage campervan appliances or 12v alternatives are usually a better choice.
Do I need a powerbank to use campervan appliances?
You only need a powerbank if you want to use 230v appliances, such as a microwave, toaster, or air fryer, while away from electric hook up. For off grid camping, it’s important to make sure your powerbank and leisure battery are powerful enough.