Gas Cooker help!
Camping enthusiasts know that having a reliable cooking setup is essential for enjoying a hearty meal or a hot cuppa while embracing the great outdoors. When it comes to cooking off grid, two common options are high-pressure and low-pressure gas cookers. Additionally, many campers use bayonet fittings for caravans and BOM cartridges as sources of fuel. In this blog, we'll explore the differences between high-pressure and low-pressure gas cookers, as well as discuss the role of bayonet fittings and BOM cartridges in enhancing your camping experience.
Let’s quickly run through a couple of Gas bottle options that you may come across before we talk gas cookers.
3/8th LH Bottle
This type of gas bottle is a very common one that you will see a lot, they come in sizes from 1.24kg up to 4kg. They are what we call 3/8th LH thread bottles. That’s the type of connection on top of the bottle. Most used by campers who do not have a caravan or camping trailer.
POL/LCC27
This is a POL bottle it comes in 4kg, 4.5kg and 9kg sizes. Its
connection is called POL. This is what 99% of caravans and camping trailers will have on the front of their van. They are versatile and can be used in a wide range of applications while camping. Recently new regulations have added
the LCC27 connection to all new bottles built after 2021. So, you will notice this new connection being added to all gas hoses and bottles. You can not buy an adapter from POL to LCC27 as they want you to upgrade to the new style connection. So, for example you may buy your self a new gas cooker, pizza oven, or BBQ and
find that when you open the box you can not connect it to your existing POL bottle. You can find adapters online, but they are not certified in Australia, and
this means if something happens, and you are using this adapter you may be held liable and you also will void any insurance that you have. To overcome this issue there are 2 options, you will have to purchase or swap your gas bottle (if you don’t own it and use swap n go) for one that has the LCC27 connection
OR you will have to purchase a hose and regulator with the POL connection on the regulator. The new bottles are backwards compatible, meaning if you get a new bottle your old regulator and hose will still screw into the centre part of the connection like it used to.
Disposable BOM Cylinders
This is what we call a BOM cylinder. It’s a
disposable gas cylinder used on certain types of cookers. It offers the freedom
of a small, light and compact cylinder for travelling. It can only connect to a
BOM connection cooker.
Disposable Gas
This is a disposable butane gas canister. Very commonly used on the cheaper Gasmate travel stoves. Light weight, easy to find, bang for buck, and does the job.
High Pressure Gas Cookers
High-pressure gas cookers connect directly to a gas bottle WITHOUT a regulator and are known for their power and efficiency.
Here are some key characteristics and advantages of high-pressure gas cookers for camping:
1- Rapid Cooking: High-pressure cookers generate intense heat, allowing you to boil water and cook meals quickly. This is especially useful when you're hungry after a long day of hiking or outdoor activities.
2 - Wind Resistance: High-pressure cookers are less affected by windy
conditions, thanks to their powerful flame. This makes them a great choice forcamping in exposed or windy areas.
3 - Durability: These cookers are built to withstand rugged outdoor conditions and are often made from durable materials like stainless steel or cast iron.
Some disadvantages of high-pressure cookers:
1- They contain Jets that control the gas flow, these can be found behind the control knob on most cookers, these jets tend to get blocked, and once blocked renders the cooker unusable. To unblock the jets requires something very fine (we
suggest a dog hair). You can unblock it by gently working the hair into the small hole in the centre of the jet. DO NOT USE ANYTHING METAL as you will change
the size of the Jet hole which will change the flame style and could possibly render it unusable.
2- High pressure Gas hoses have a maximum length of 1.2m in Australia. So, you may be limited as to where you can set your cooker up and your bottle. Please be
aware if you have a longer hose than the regulations allow, and something happens you can be held liable and your insurance will become invalid.
3- You can not connect a high-pressure stove to your caravan through a bayonet fitting. Most caravans and camping trailers have a regulator setup, so your entire van or camper runs on a “Low Pressure” system, connecting a high-pressure
stove will not work.
Types of Threads and connection on high pressure stoves:
The Connection to the cooker. There are 2 types of threads on high pressure cookers they are Coarse thread and Fine thread. If you are trying to source a replacement hose for your cooker best to take it into the store so
they can identify if it is Coarse or Fine thread. If you have lost the hose altogether then take the entire cooker into the store.
Connection to gas bottle: 99% of high-pressure stove hoses
will come with a 3/8th Left Hand thread that will connect to a gas bottle.
If you have a POL or LCC27 gas bottle, then an adapter is available off the shelf to go from 3/8th to POL/LCC27
Low-Pressure Gas Cookers
Low-pressure gas cookers, on the other hand connect to a gas bottle through a regulator. They are often used with bayonet fittings for caravans as this offers the versatility of direct connection to the van or camper. A standard BBQ that you would normally cook your snag or steak on at home is typically low pressure. Webbers are an example of these.
Here are some features and benefits of low-pressure gas cookers:
1- Fuel Efficiency: They are highly fuel-efficient, allowing you to cook for an extended period with a small cylinder.
2- Safety: Low-pressure cookers are considered safer for indoor or enclosed cooking spaces in caravans or tents because they produce less heat and have lower
gas pressure.
3- Cost-Effective: Operating on smaller cartridges or cylinders, low-pressure cookers tend to be more cost-effective in terms of fuel consumption.
Some disadvantages of low-pressure cookers:
1- They are not as powerful as a high-pressure cooker but offer a very constant and controllable flame.
Types of Threads and connection for Low pressure cookers:
Connection to the cooker. There are 2 types of threads on low
pressure cookers, they are 3/8” SAE (5/8” UNF) or 1/4 BSP.
Connection to gas bottle: 99% of low-pressure cookers and BBQ’s
will come with an LCC27 connection if purchased in the last couple of months, you may have an older hose that has just the POL connection. The LCC27 connection screws on externally and the POL screws on internally. As we said at the start of this bog in the gas bottle section the LCC27 is taking over from the POL. You will find all new cookers coming with the LCC27.
Bayonet connections for Caravans and Campers: These allow you
to connect your cooker straight into the low pressure system of the van. Bayonet Oblique Male (BOM) cartridges are small, portable gas containers designed forlow-pressure appliances. They are lightweight and easy to transport, making them a popular choice among campers and backpackers. BOM cartridges typically
come in various sizes and can be disposed of responsibly when empty. They provide a convenient and reliable source of fuel for low-pressure gas cookers. ****
Please note that any low-pressure cooker that you connect to your bayonet fitting must have an FSD. Flame Safety Devices are part of the gas burner system, and automatically shut off the gas supply should the flame accidentally extinguish. The FSD will activate to prevent an unsafe build-up of unburnt gas.
Conclusion
Choosing between high-pressure and low-pressure gas cookers for camping depends on your specific needs and preferences. High-pressure cookers offer power and versatility, while low-pressure options are known for their portability and fuel efficiency. Additionally, bayonet fittings for caravans provide secure and convenient ways to connect and supply gas to your camping
appliances. Whichever option you choose, a well-prepared cooking setup will undoubtedly enhance your camping experience, allowing you to savour delicious meals while enjoying the beauty of the outdoors.