How to Decide Between Gas and Electric on Your Sailing Boat
Choosing between gas and electric systems on your sailing boat is a key decision that affects your safety, comfort, and independence at sea. Whether you're fitting out a new boat or upgrading an older system, it's important to weigh the pros and cons of each option carefully, to make sure you get the one that is best for your needs.
This guide will help you decide which setup best suits your cruising lifestyle — whether you’re coastal hopping on weekends or preparing for extended blue-water passages.
Cooking: Gas vs. Electric
Gas (LPG cookers and ovens)
Pros:
- Reliable, especially when off-grid
- Doesn’t require a large battery bank
- Cooks quickly with good temperature control
Cons:
- Requires proper installation, ventilation and regular safety checks
- Gas leaks can be dangerous
- Replacing and refilling LPG bottles can be a hassle, especially internationally
- Different countries use different adaptors/regulators
Electric (Induction cooker or electric ovens)
Pros:
- Safer (no open flame)
- Easy to clean – wipes clean with a cloth
- Works well if you have a large battery bank and/or solar setup
- It is safer all round – limited chance of fire/explosions onboard
- Avoids moisture and heat caused by gas cooking
- Can be run directly from shore-power or, if you’re already living with renewable energy systems, allows easy integration
Cons:
- Needs investment in the system
- Not practical without significant electrical storage and charging capacity (e.g. solar, wind, or generator)
Verdict:
If you’re coastal cruising with limited power storage, as it stands today, gas can be more practical. However, if you’ve invested in a robust electrical system or want to avoid gas for safety reasons, electric cooking can work well. Trends towards electric sailing and yachts are also increasing, so we see a rise in demand for electric cookers that isn’t likely to stop. Investing in an electric system will no doubt be an investment for the future of your boat, and will keep you sailing for years to come.
Power Management Considerations
Going electric means you’ll need to invest in your energy storage and generation:
- Battery Bank: Lithium is lighter and more efficient than AGM/lead-acid but more expensive.
- Solar Panels: Essential for topping up your batteries at anchor.
- Wind Generators & Hydro-generators: Good for passage-making.
- Inverter/Charger: Needed for running 230V AC appliances from 12V DC batteries.
If you stay in marinas regularly, shore power can easily support electric cooking and heating.If you're off-grid more often, gas or diesel systems reduce strain on your batteries.
Final thoughts
There’s no one-size-fits-all answer. Deciding between gas and electric comes down to:
- How much time you spend off-grid
- Your battery and charging setup
- Your comfort priorities
- Your cruising plans (coastal vs. offshore)
A hybrid approach is often best
- Perhaps diesel for heating, electric for cooking when on shore power, and a small gas stove as a backup when off-grid for long periods. As battery tech and solar efficiency improve, more sailors are moving toward electric systems — but for now, there are still some considerations to be made to ensure the best setup for you!
If you've got any questions on deciding between an LPG and Electric appliance - feel free to contact us. One of the team would be happy to answer any questions that you might have and make sure you choose the right product for you!
