Sailing into the Future: Embracing Electric Cooking on Our Sailboat
Sailing is a journey of constant innovation and adaptation, and this philosophy extends to every aspect of life on the water – even cooking. In a bold move away from traditional propane systems, many sailors are now embracing electric cooking methods as a cleaner, more efficient, and forward-thinking solution. Today we’ll share our own experience of transitioning from propane to electricity for cooking on our sailboat, detailing the setup and benefits of our electric kitchen powered by LiFePO4 batteries.
From Propane to Electric: A Paradigm Shift
The decision to ditch our propane oven and cooktop was not taken lightly, but the advantages of switching to an all-electric cooking setup were too compelling to ignore:
- Eco-Friendly Choice: Cooking with electricity significantly reduces our carbon footprint compared to burning fossil fuels like propane. It’s a small yet impactful step towards sustainable sailing.
- Cleaner and Safer: With no open flames, the risk of onboard fires and gas leaks is greatly reduced. Electric cooking offers peace of mind and a safer environment for both crew and vessel.
- Efficiency and Precision: Electric cooktops, such as induction stoves, offer rapid and precise heat control. This means quicker cooking times, less wasted energy, and less heat and humidity in the boat.
- Versatility: Our electric air fryer oven provides an array of cooking methods in a single appliance – from baking and roasting to frying and dehydrating. It’s a true culinary Swiss Army knife.
Our Electric Cooking Setup
Our sailboat’s galley is now a testament to the possibilities of electric cooking, featuring:
- Induction Cooktop: The heart of our galley, the induction cooktop, harnesses electromagnetic technology to heat pans directly. With efficient heat transfer and instant temperature adjustments, it’s a game-changer for cooking on the water.
- Electric Air Fryer Oven: Our electric air fryer oven is a versatile addition, allowing us to bake, roast, toast, and even air-fry our favorite dishes. Its compact size and multifunctionality make it a perfect fit for our sailboat.
Comparing Two Meals
In the video below we cook two meals. The first one was a bit elaborate utilizing our sous vide to cook some steaks, the induction cooktop to cook some cauliflower risotto, and the air fryer oven to toast some crusty bread. The day was partly cloudy, but we were able to get some electricity from the solar panels. The sous vide ran for about an hour and took about 12 amp hours from the battery bank, but this also included running the electric water heater, the refrigerator, lights etc. For this meal we used about 50 amp hours.
For the second meal we made tacos. This included browning some ground turkey and heating up some store-bought tortillas. This meal used about 20 amp hours from the battery bank and also included all of the other things that consume electricity (fridge, lights, fans, etc.)
LiFePO4 Battery Power
Our decision to go all-electric for cooking is complemented by our robust power source – 800 amp hours of LiFePO4 batteries. These batteries provide ample energy storage, ensuring that our electric cooking appliances run smoothly without draining our power reserves. The LiFePO4 batteries’ longevity, safety, and efficient charge-discharge cycles make them an ideal companion for our eco-conscious cooking endeavors.
Transitioning from propane to electric cooking on our sailboat has been a transformative experience. By embracing new technologies and adapting our galley setup, we’ve redefined the way we prepare meals onboard. The combination of an induction cooktop and an electric air fryer oven, powered by our LiFePO4 battery bank, has brought efficiency, safety, and culinary delight to our sailing adventures. As sailors, we understand the importance of innovation, and our shift towards electric cooking is a small but significant step towards a greener and more sustainable future on the water.