Hot food changes a passage. This collection covers marine cookers and hobs for boats and campervans: single and twin-burner gas hobs, combined hob-grill-oven cookers, spirit (alcohol) stoves that need no gas installation, gimballed models that stay level while the boat heels, plus pan clamps and spares.
Choosing comes down to fuel and motion. Gas gives instant, controllable heat but requires a properly installed system with shut-off and ventilation; spirit stoves are simpler and popular on smaller boats. If you cook under way, a gimballed cooker with pan clamps and a crash bar is transformative - and on any boat, a gas alarm and regular checks of hoses and regulators are non-negotiable. Measure your galley cut-out before ordering a replacement; sizes vary between makers.
Frequently asked questions
What is a gimballed cooker and do I need one?
A gimballed cooker pivots to stay level as the boat heels, keeping pans safely on the burners - essential if you cook while sailing, less critical for boats that cook only at anchor or in the marina.
Are spirit stoves better than gas on a boat?
Spirit (alcohol) stoves avoid the installation, regulations and explosion risk of gas, making them popular on small boats - but they heat more slowly and fuel costs more. Gas remains the choice for serious galley cooking.
What safety checks does a boat gas system need?
Inspect hoses and regulator for age and perishing, ensure the locker drains overboard, fit a gas alarm at bilge level, and test connections for leaks with soapy water - never a flame. Replace hoses by their printed date.