Cooktop
Your cooktop choice is really a power choice. Off-grid? Gas runs without electricity. On a big solar/battery system? Induction is clean and efficient. Pricing is shown per country; regions marked "being researched" are coming soon.
Cooktop options
LPG / Gas (off-grid favourite)
Burns bottled LPG gas — so it works with no mains power at all. The go-to for off-grid tiny homes, and instant heat control.
Advantages
- Works completely off-grid (just a gas bottle)
- Instant, precise heat
- Cheap to buy
- Works in a blackout
Disadvantages
- Needs a licensed gas fitter to connect
- Requires good ventilation + CO awareness
- Carrying/storing gas bottles
- Open flame
Indicative pricing
Induction (most efficient, high power draw)
Heats the pan directly with electromagnetism — about 90% efficient, fast, and the surface stays cool. Safe and clean, but it pulls a big electrical load.
Advantages
- Very efficient and fast
- Surface stays cool — safe
- Easy to clean (flat glass)
- No flame or fumes
Disadvantages
- High power draw (~1,800–2,000W+ per burner) — heavy on solar/battery
- Induction-ready (magnetic) cookware only
- Dearer than basic electric
Indicative pricing
Electric Ceramic / Coil
A traditional electric element under glass (ceramic) or exposed (coil). Cheapest to buy, but slower and a heavy, constant power draw — tough off-grid.
Advantages
- Cheapest to buy
- Works with any cookware
- Simple and familiar
Disadvantages
- High, sustained power draw (hard off-grid)
- Slow to heat and cool
- Coil types are inefficient
Indicative pricing
Portable Single Burner (induction or butane)
A benchtop unit you store away when not cooking — freeing up precious bench space. Butane camp-style or a portable induction plate are both popular in tiny homes.
Advantages
- Stores away — frees bench space
- Very cheap
- Butane needs no install or mains power
- Flexible — cook anywhere
Disadvantages
- Usually one burner
- Butane canisters to buy and store
- Less powerful than built-in
Indicative pricing