When we were designing the Link campervan, we made a conscious decision to go against the grain. A lot of RVs and campervans feature built-in glass-top stoves. Sure, they look great, but from a usability and maintenance standpoint, we saw a better option: a portable induction cooktop for RV living.
Why? Because we wanted a kitchen setup that was efficient, space-saving, and easy to maintain. A countersunk glass induction unit might look sleek, but if it cracks or fails, you’re looking at a complicated and expensive replacement process. With a portable RV induction cooktop, like the Nuwave PIC Flex we include in the Link, replacement is as simple as ordering a new unit and plugging it in. That flexibility just made more sense for the kind of rugged, real-life adventures our vans are built for.
But don’t just take it from us. Helge and Lisa, two of our Grit Fam Link owners, have been using this exact setup during their travels in their Link 148 Adventure Van. Here’s what they say it’s really like cooking with a portable induction cooktop in an RV, and why they wouldn’t go back.
Quick, Easy Meals After Big Days Outside
After a long day spent hiking, climbing, biking, or just exploring new places, I want food fast. Cooking isn’t exactly my hobby, and I don’t want it to become a chore when we’re supposed to be out here enjoying life. One of the biggest perks of vanlife is being self-contained. You can pull over nearly anywhere and whip up a hot meal. But to do that efficiently, you need the right gear.
Enter the Nuwave PIC Flex induction cooktop. This compact powerhouse makes meal prep fast and fuss-free, which is exactly what I need after a full day on the trail.
It’s compact and light (just 10.2” x 11.8” x 2.3”), so it doesn’t hog precious countertop real estate. When it’s not in use, I can easily slide it into a drawer, leaving the counters clean and open. That clutter-free setup matters when you’re cooking in a compact space like the Link’s galley.
Why Not a Built-in Cooktop?
Initially, I wondered why the Link didn’t come with a built-in induction unit. Wouldn’t that look cleaner? But once Jake (one of the team at Grit Overland) explained the logic, it clicked.
A built-in unit is harder to replace, especially if the glass top breaks. This can happen with vibration, temperature shock, or just bad luck. With the portable Nuwave, if something goes wrong, I can just swap it out. No stress, no tools, no downtime. That’s the kind of practicality that matters on the road.
Cooking Performance: Better Than Propane?
I’ve cooked with propane in past vans. It works, but it’s slow and a little finicky. Not to mention the requirement of having propane on-board.
With the Nuwave, I noticed the difference immediately. When I set the unit to 1300 watts and selected a “medium-high” temperature, I had boiling water for pasta in a third of the time compared to our old propane setup. That’s a game-changer when you’re hungry and tired. Plus, no need to carry “greenies” or a larger propane tank, and no concerns about running out of fuel unexpectedly.
Induction cooking uses electromagnetic energy to heat the pot directly, so it’s incredibly efficient. The surface of the cooktop stays relatively cool, with only residual heat from the pan itself. And the heat is evenly distributed, which means no hot spots or scorched food.
Tech Features for the Detail-Oriented Cook
I’ll admit, I’m not someone who fiddles with kitchen tech. But if that’s your thing, the PIC Flex has you covered. It offers:
- Adjustable wattage (600W, 900W, 1300W)
- Precise temperature settings (from 100°F to 500°F in 10-degree increments)
- Programmable cook times
- A built-in safety shut-off if the pan is removed
I mostly used the manual settings, but if you like dialing things in or cooking with precision, the features are there. The unit also comes with a Quick Start Guide and recipe book, which helped me get up and running quickly—even as someone new to induction.
What We Cook on the Road
Helge is vegan, so our meals tend to center around grains, legumes, pasta, and fresh vegetables. The induction cooktop handled everything we threw at it: soups, stews, stir-fries, even porridge for breakfast.
We only used two pieces of cookware during our five-week trip: a small 4-quart nickel-free stainless steel pot (with a base that matched the 8” heated ring on the cooktop) and the Nuwave frying pan. That’s it. No extra pans needed. Not only did this save space in our galley drawers, it kept cleanup easy.
Smart Space Use Makes All the Difference
One of my favorite features in the Link’s kitchen is the flip-up butcher block extension. When I set the cooktop on this extra surface, it frees up the main counter for prepping ingredients. That’s a huge win for a disorganized cook like me. I need to lay everything out before I can decide what I’m making.
We also relied on the built-in vent fan, positioned right above the kitchen area. When set to “out” mode, it pulled steam and cooking odors out fast, and it also doubled as a shower vent. I love when features in the van do more than one thing. It’s the kind of thoughtful engineering that really shows Grit’s attention to detail.
Refrigerator Setup: Surprisingly Spacious
I have to give a shoutout to the Dometic refrigerator/freezer we have in the Link. We use it solely as a fridge, and the storage space is phenomenal—way more than we had in our old van.
It holds everything we need for several days of off-grid travel: almond milk, apples, carrots, spinach, leftovers, a loaf of bread, jam… you name it. The plastic-coated wire racks are fully adjustable, so you can configure the space however you want.
My only regret? Not bringing better containers. The ones we used had lids that flared out too much and wasted space. Next time, I’m investing in stackable, space-efficient food containers.
Tips for First-Time Induction Cooktop Users
If you’re new to using an RV induction cooktop, here are a few quick tips:
- Use induction-ready cookware (look for stainless steel or cast iron with flat bottoms).
- Only the 8” inner ring on the cooktop heats up, so make sure your pot base fits that.
- The cooktop shuts off automatically if you lift the pan off, which is great for safety and energy savings.
- Even though the surface doesn’t get hot like a traditional stove, the ceramic top stays warm from residual heat. Don’t touch it right away after use.
Final Thoughts: Is It the Best Induction Cooktop for RV Use?
After five weeks on the road, I can say the Nuwave PIC Flex has completely won me over. I didn’t love cooking before, but now, I kind of enjoy it. At the very least, I don’t dread it. That’s a big win in my book.
It’s efficient, compact, easy to use, and safe. It’s also much faster and cleaner than propane. For my money, it’s the best induction cooktop for RV living, hands down.
If you’re considering upgrading your van’s cooking setup or just starting your campervan journey, I highly recommend going with a portable induction cooktop for RV use. It’s flexible, practical, and surprisingly powerful for such a small package.
Thank you for this informative article. The tips you provided about cooking and storage are very helpful.