Sterling Power induction hobs provide gas-free electric cooking for caravans, motorhomes, and campervans, using electromagnetic technology to heat compatible cookware directly without heating the hob surface itself. The company manufactures both portable and fixed-installation models in single-ring and twin-ring configurations, specifically designed for recreational vehicle use with power management features that prevent overloading electrical systems. Single-ring models are rated at 1500W maximum with eight variable power settings from 200W up to full power, allowing precise control over energy consumption when operating off-grid from battery systems. Twin-ring models are available in two layouts - front-to-back (IHFB) with 1200W front ring and 1800W rear ring, or side-by-side (IHSBS) with two 1800W zones - both sharing a total 2800W power allocation that intelligently distributes between the rings to prevent exceeding the overall limit. The hobs feature black crystal glass cooking surfaces with zinc alloy or PP housing construction designed to withstand the knocks and vibration of mobile living. Integrated safety systems include automatic pan detection that shuts off power after one minute if no compatible cookware is present, overheat protection that reduces power if surface temperature exceeds safe limits, and over-voltage and over-current protection to prevent damage from electrical faults. Each Sterling induction hob includes a digital display showing real-time power consumption in watts, which is particularly useful for off-grid users monitoring battery drain, plus timer functions and child lock features for additional safety and convenience.
The electromagnetic induction technology works by creating a rapidly alternating magnetic field beneath the glass surface, which induces electrical currents in the base of magnetic cookware, generating heat directly in the pan rather than the hob. This method achieves 85 to 90 percent efficiency compared to 40 to 55 percent for gas hobs, meaning more energy goes into cooking food rather than heating the surrounding air. Water boils approximately 50 percent faster on induction compared to gas, and temperature control is more precise with instant response to power level changes. Only cookware with magnetic bases works with induction - easily tested by checking if a fridge magnet sticks to the pan bottom - which includes most stainless steel and cast iron pans, whilst aluminium and copper require special induction-compatible versions. Sterling's variable power settings allow energy-conscious cooking by simmering at 200W to 400W rather than cycling a ring on and off at full power, which makes much better use of limited battery capacity. The power consumption for typical meals is around 25Ah from a 12V battery system for cooking pasta with sauce for two people, or approximately 3 percent of a 300Ah battery bank to boil water for tea. Running induction hobs off-grid requires substantial electrical systems including lithium batteries (minimum 200Ah for occasional use, 400Ah plus for regular cooking), high-capacity pure sine wave inverters (2000W for single rings, 3000W for twin rings), and robust charging methods like 400W plus solar panels or high-amperage battery-to-battery chargers to replenish the batteries daily.
Sterling induction hobs are particularly popular with campervan converters building all-electric systems, motorhome owners who wild camp extensively and want to eliminate gas bottles, and users concerned about gas safety or the difficulty of obtaining LPG refills abroad. Installation of fixed models requires a standard twin-hob cutout with dimensions provided in the specifications, whilst portable models simply plug into UK 230V sockets making them convenient for outdoor cooking or temporary setups. One significant consideration is that unlike gas hobs, induction surfaces cannot accommodate traditional camping techniques like making toast directly on the hob or using non-magnetic camping cookware. The hobs also require proper ventilation as they generate steam and cooking odours just like gas, though they don't produce combustion gases or water vapour from burning. Sterling induction hobs work best on mains hookup where electrical supply is unrestricted, and whilst off-grid operation is possible with adequate battery and solar capacity, many users find they need to supplement with generator charging or regular driving to maintain battery levels when cooking frequently. The 1.5m power cable on fixed models allows flexibility in mounting location relative to electrical connections. Sterling provides detailed power consumption information and electrical system requirements with each hob model to help customers determine compatibility with their existing setup. The combination of precise power control, safety features, and efficiency makes Sterling induction hobs an increasingly popular alternative to traditional gas cooking, particularly as lithium battery systems become more affordable and solar panel technology improves.
This Sterling portable induction hob tucks away in a drawer when you'r
This Sterling single induction hob works well whether you're mounting
This Sterling twin induction hob slots into a standard sized cutout an
This Sterling twin induction hob puts both cooking zones side by side
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use a Sterling induction hob off-grid in my motorhome?Yes, but you need substantial electrical capacity. Minimum requirements are 200Ah lithium batteries for occasional use or 400Ah plus for regular cooking, a 2000W pure sine wave inverter for single-ring hobs or 3000W for twin-ring models, and robust charging from 400W plus solar panels or high-amperage battery-to-battery chargers. A typical pasta meal for two uses approximately 25Ah from a 12V system. Many off-grid users find they need to supplement battery charging with generator use or regular driving when cooking frequently, particularly in winter when solar output is reduced.What cookware works with Sterling induction hobs?Only magnetic cookware works with induction hobs. Test your existing pans by checking if a fridge magnet sticks firmly to the base. Most stainless steel and cast iron pans work, whilst aluminium, copper, glass, and ceramic require special induction-compatible versions with magnetic bases. The pan base should match the size of the cooking zone for efficient heating. Look for cookware marked with the induction symbol. Non-magnetic camping pans like traditional aluminium billies will not work. Induction-compatible cookware is widely available at supermarkets and homeware shops.How much power does a Sterling induction hob actually use?Power consumption varies with what you're cooking and at what setting. Boiling water for tea at maximum power uses approximately 3 percent from a 300Ah battery (about 10Ah). Cooking a full pasta meal for two including boiling water for ten minutes and sauteing vegetables uses around 25Ah total. The digital display on Sterling hobs shows real-time wattage, allowing you to monitor consumption. Using lower power settings extends cooking time but doesn't significantly reduce total energy used. A single-ring hob maxes at 1500W whilst twin-ring models can draw up to 2800W at full power, though typical cooking rarely uses maximum continuously.Will a Sterling induction hob work on my campsite hookup?UK campsites typically provide 10A hookup which supplies 2300W total. A single-ring Sterling induction hob at 1500W maximum fits comfortably within this limit with headroom for other appliances. Twin-ring hobs at 2800W maximum will trip a 10A breaker if both rings run at full power simultaneously, though the intelligent power sharing and typical cooking patterns rarely cause problems. Many European sites provide 16A hookup which easily accommodates twin-ring hobs. Avoid running electric kettles, heaters, or other high-power devices simultaneously with induction cooking on 10A hookup.What inverter do I need for a Sterling induction hob?You must use a pure sine wave inverter as induction hobs will not operate correctly on modified sine wave. Single-ring Sterling hobs rated at 1500W require a minimum 2000W inverter to handle continuous load plus startup surge. Twin-ring hobs rated at 2800W need a 3000W inverter for reliable operation when both rings are used. Size the inverter with at least 15 percent headroom above the hob's maximum rating. The inverter must be properly installed with adequate cable sizing and fusing rated for the high current draw.Are induction hobs safer than gas for caravan cooking?Induction hobs offer several safety advantages including cool-touch surfaces that don't get hot like traditional electric hobs, automatic pan detection that prevents operation without cookware, and no open flames or gas leak risks. They don't produce carbon dioxide or combustion water vapour, eliminating ventilation concerns associated with gas burners. There's reduced risk of burns from touching the cooking surface. However, induction hobs require high electrical current which needs proper system design including correct cable sizing and fusing to prevent fire hazards from electrical faults.Can I make toast on a Sterling induction hob?No, you cannot make toast directly on an induction hob surface like you can with a gas flame. The glass surface doesn't get hot enough, and bread is not magnetic so won't trigger the hob to turn on. You would need a separate electric toaster, sandwich toaster, or use a cast iron ridged grill pan on the induction hob to toast bread. Some users employ George Foreman-style electric grills which work from the same electrical system. This limitation is one consideration when moving from gas to induction cooking in campervans.What is the difference between Sterling's portable and fixed induction hobs?Sterling's portable induction hob (IHP) is freestanding at 282mm x 311mm x 72mm and can be stored in a drawer when not in use, placed on worktops, or even used outdoors. It plugs directly into a UK socket. Fixed models (IH1, IHFB, IHSBS) are designed for permanent installation into standard hob cutouts with flush-mounted surfaces and wired-in connections. Both types offer the same 1500W single-ring power or 2800W twin-ring power with identical features including auto shut-off, power display, and safety systems. Choose portable if you have limited counter space or want flexibility, or fixed for a permanent built-in kitchen installation.How do I clean a Sterling induction hob?The black crystal glass surface cleans easily with a damp cloth and standard glass cleaner or ceramic hob cleaner. Because the surface doesn't get as hot as traditional hobs, food spills are less likely to burn on. Wipe spills whilst the hob is cool. Avoid abrasive cleaners or scourers that could scratch the glass. For stubborn marks, use a ceramic hob scraper held at a shallow angle. The glass surface is sealed so liquids won't penetrate into the electronics. Clean the surface regularly to maintain the sleek appearance and ensure the pan detection sensors work correctly.Why does my Sterling induction hob beep and not turn on?The hob beeps and refuses to operate if it doesn't detect compatible cookware. Check that your pan has a magnetic base by testing with a fridge magnet. The pan must be placed centrally on the cooking zone and must be large enough to cover the induction coil area. Small pans may not be detected. If using the correct cookware and the hob still won't work, check the power supply voltage is correct at 230V, ensure the hob isn't displaying an error code on the digital display, and verify the child lock isn't activated. After one minute without detecting a pan, the hob automatically shuts off as a safety feature.
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