By Jenny Mills · rural nurse & homesteader · health, safety, law and the paperwork of going bush
“After a week without power, I learned the hard way that a 240V induction cooktop is useless on a 12V battery bank.”
By Jenny Mills · rural nurse & homesteader · health, safety, law and the paperwork of going bush
“After a week without power, I learned the hard way that a 240V induction cooktop is useless on a 12V battery bank.”
Induction stoves are the new hotness. They're fast, clean, and don't burn gas. But they need serious battery power. If you're running on 2kWh of solar, you're fucked. You need 5kWh+ minimum.
Pros: Fast boiling, no open flame, safe for kids. Cons: Needs big batteries, noisy, expensive.
Best for: Homesteads with serious solar (5kW+ panels, 10kWh+ batteries). Don't buy one if you're on a $2k budget.
Suppliers: Energy Save (Induction cooktops from $499). Solar Hub (complete kits from $1,200).
Price range: $400-$1,500 (stove only). Add $800+ for battery/solar upgrade.
Propane is the workhorse. Cheap, simple, no power needed. But gas bottles are heavy, need refilling, and can be dangerous if you're not careful.
Pros: Works in any weather, no batteries, cheap upfront. Cons: Bottles need replacing (costs $50-$70 each), risk of leaks, smells like a fart in a wind tunnel.
Best for: Everyone. Especially if you're on a tight budget or in a windy area where solar is unreliable.
Suppliers: Bottle Gas (20kg bottles from $55). Hayes Gas (delivery across Australia).
Price range: $50-$70 per 20kg bottle. Runs a stove for 3-5 days.
Manual means no electricity, no gas. Just you, a pot, and a fire. It's the only option if you're truly off-grid with no solar/battery.
Pros: Zero cost, zero maintenance. Cons: Takes 3x longer, burns your hands, and you'll curse every time you boil water.
Best for: Emergency kits, tiny cabins, or if you're too broke for propane. Not for daily cooking.
Best tools: Bunnings (camping stoves from $25). Kookaburra (manual grills from $40).
Price range: $20-$100 (stove + pot).
Bottom line: Propane is your friend. Induction is a luxury. Manual is a pain. Stop overcomplicating it. Get propane, cook your food, and stop reading this.
Worth a watch: Grid Down Emergency Cooking Challenge - Week 3 - Carbon Monoxide Alert · The Provident Prepper
While many off-grid projects are achievable as DIY, certain situations require licensed professionals:
Always check local regulations and obtain necessary permits before commencing work.