immersion water heater travel

5 Simple Ways To Heat Water While Traveling

It’s challenging to choose the right kitchenware to carry, especially when packing light for camping or long road trips. While some items like propane stoves and stackable cookware are obvious selections, one might struggle to know which devices to carry that can help heat water. So, what are the best ways you can heat water while traveling?

Here are 5 simple ways to heat water while traveling:

• Use a camping stove.
• Heat water with an electric kettle.
• Use an immersion water heater.
• Pack a portable backpacking stove.
• Use a car electric water heater.

If you love to hit the road and are curious about some of the ways you can heat water while traveling, then you couldn’t be in a better place. Read on as I highlight some simple but effective ways to heat water and enjoy your cup of coffee, tea, or food!

1. Use a Camping Stove

A camping stove is one of those must-have appliances for camping enthusiasts.

These devices come in different sizes, making them ideal for outdoor adventures. The best part? Camping stoves use a variety of energy sources, which makes them highly convenient if you plan to ditch your car for a couple of hours or even days.

Therefore, if you’re looking for a convenient way to heat water while traveling, then a camping stove can come in handy.

These devices also come with additional features depending on the brand (and budget), improving your experience when traveling long distances. You can find multi-burner, rapid-boil, and pocket-sized models, making them as versatile as your trips are! Plus, they’re portable and easy to set up.

They have many features that allow you to ditch electricity and prepare a nice cup of coffee or boil drinking water obtained from natural sources.

Best Camping Stoves for Traveling

Here are the best stoves for traveling available on Amazon.com:

Youtian Camping Stove

The Youtian Portable Single Burner Cylinder Stove is a great way to heat water when traveling. Not only is this bad boy extremely portable, but it also comes with instant ignition and is easy to use. The camping stove can last for 2 hours on a single 8.8 oz (249.48 g) cylinder.

Another central selling point of this portable camping stove by Youtian is its wind protection feature that allows your water to boil regardless of whether it’s windy or not. It’s also safe for use as it features a safety lock, an automatic safety shut-off, and a canister ejection device– no more worrying about leakages!

Coleman Gas Camping Stove

If you’re looking for more cooking power, then the Coleman 2 burner gas camping stove might float your boat. This advanced gas camping stove can manage an impressive 22,000 BTUs and boasts five adjustable burners that give you more flexibility in temperature control.

Wind-blocking panels and a pressure regulator make it easy to heat your water even in poor weather or extreme conditions. The device is easy to clean as it features a chrome-plated grate designed to serve you for many years, courtesy of its aluminum cooktop (rust-resistant).

2. Heat Water With an Electric Kettle

It’s impossible to discuss simple ways to heat water while traveling without mentioning an electric kettle . These devices are ideal for making coffee and boiling water– or even heating water to prepare other meals fast.

Put simply, it’s a must-have device for RVers or campers– basically, anyone who fancies spending time on the road.

When choosing electric kettles for travel, it’s highly advisable to go for compact and light options. Such devices allow you to save on space, which can be at a premium when packing light is the order of the day . You should also be on the lookout for whether the product is made of food-grade material, though, just to be on the safe side!

Best Electric Kettles for Traveling

Here are the best electric kettles for traveling available on Amazon.com:

Ultrathin Foldable Kettle

If the goal is to pack light for your travels , then you might want to consider the ultrathin travel foldable electric kettle. This electric Kettle is small in size and collapsible, making it suitable for traveling.

The device comes with a knob to choose your preferred temperature for boiling water, heating coffee, preparing noodles, or keeping tea warm.

There is no need to worry about safety issues. The device is made of food-grade material and comes packed with extra safety features like dry boil protection, overheat safeguards, and auto shutoffs. The portable electric kettle can boil 0.6 L (0.16 gal) of water at a time and is dual voltage, a feature that increases compatibility regardless of where your travels take you.

Roadfare Collapsible Kettle

The Roadfare collapsible kettle for RV camping is a premium electric device that, besides heating your water, also keeps it warm to suit your preferences. You’ll also be glad to learn the travel kettle folds up compactly to the size of a burger and comes with a lightweight storage bag for added convenience.

The collapsible electric kettle by Roadfare is designed to prevent leakages, breaking, and overheating, meaning it’s likely to serve you for several years. It’s also made of food-grade (odorless) silicon material, making it perfectly safe for regular use.

3. Use an Immersion Water Heater

An immersion water heater is an excellent alternative to electric kettles. Not only are they small in size, but they’re also lighter compared to electric kettles, which makes them ideal for backpacking . Although the risk of burns is high with immersion water heaters, they tend to boil water in minutes, which can come in handy when on the road.

When using an immersion water heater, remember to observe safety rules. First, go through the user manual to know the dos and don’ts. You should also use these devices with glass, earthenware, porcelain, or ceramic containers for the best results.

Best Immersion Heaters for Traveling

Here are the best immersion heaters for traveling available on Amazon.com:

Diximus Immersion Water Heater

The Diximus dual voltage travel immersion water heater is a handy electric device that’ll have your water boiling in just minutes. To use the device, you’ll only need to fill your container with water before dropping the heater in.

Impressively, the device features a dual voltage system and includes a European adaptor for your international travel needs. The device also comes with a travel pouch that allows for comfortable carrying. The Diximus immersion water heater’s coil is made from stainless steel, too, making it resistant to damage.

Lewis N. Clark Portable Immersion Water Heater

The Lewis N Clark portable immersion water heater comes in two colors and is designed to warm water in seconds and boil in minutes.

For increased convenience, the immersion water heater is powered with a dual voltage system (120V for the US and 240V for Europe) and comes with a European adapter (and a travel pouch).

I also like that the immersion water heater features a durable burn guard that protects your bowls, cups, and coffee mug. The burn guard ensures the heating coils don’t come into contact with the sides of your containers or mugs. In addition, the compact, portable and lightweight nature of this device makes it an excellent option for traveling.

4. Pack a Portable Backpacking Stove

Backpacking stoves are camping stoves, but they’re a lot more portable.

These devices come with incredible power and can boil water in slightly under two minutes (depending on the brand), making them one of the best ways to heat water during travel.

Of course, you have to be extra careful when choosing a backpacking stove as they come in many designs and use different energy sources.

For instance, canister stoves are arguably the most common and easiest-to-use stoves. Liquid fuel stoves are ideal when traveling to high-altitude areas or locations with freezing temperatures. Wood stoves can also get the job done but aren’t suitable if you’ll be traveling to places without much tree cover.

Best Portable Backpacking Stoves

Here are the best portable backpacking stoves for traveling available on Amazon.com:

Jetboil Backpacking Stove

The Jetboil flash camping and backpacking stove, as the name suggests, is designed to heat items at jet-like speeds. Impressively, this bad boy can boil water in 100 seconds, making it your ultimate companion for outdoor adventures and long-distance travels. It also comes with an insulated cooking cup that keeps your heated water warm.

You can also take advantage of accessories (although sold separately) like the coffee press, pot support, cooking port, hanging kit, and skillet to make your cooking experience smoother and more enjoyable. With this device, you won’t need to second guess if the water is ready, courtesy of its color-changing heat indicator.

Sabre Camping Stove System

The Sabre ultralight camping stove system was designed with convenience in mind as it features a tripod (for stability) and a durable carriage bag for ease of transportation. This camping stove is easy to use as you’ll only need to attach a canister, open the valve, and light it up by pressing the igniter button.

The stove system also comes with a non-stick aluminum pot with folding handles, making it even more portable and easy to bring along on your outdoor adventures. You’ll love this backpacking stove if you’re tight on space or just want something easy to carry and set up.

Although it won’t boil water in 100 seconds like more powerful stoves, it provides a simple, hassle-free way to prepare your coffee or warm water when out on the road.

5. Use a Car Electric Water Heater

When embarking on long road trips , it’s always best to have convenient devices that can make your trip a lot more enjoyable and, at times, bearable. Car electric water heaters can help you do just that!

By drawing power from your car, these devices can heat your water, allowing you to enjoy that cup of coffee or hot tea that you so badly crave in the wilderness when car-camping, living in a van or RV, or simply taking a long drive.

The good news is you can plug in water heaters and immersion heaters in your car and enjoy a hot mug of coffee.

Be warned, though. These devices can cause injury if not used with care, especially when driving on tricky terrain. However, they do come with several advantages, top of the list being you won’t have to set them up outside the car to put them to use– you just plug them in, and you’re good to go!

Best Car Electric Water Heaters

Here are the best car electric water heaters for traveling available on Amazon.com:

Fdit Portable Car Electric Kettle

Some situations (like when traveling with a baby) can’t wait for you to stop and set up a canister backpacking stove. The Fdit Portable Car Electric Kettle allows you to heat water when on the road, effectively eliminating the need for alternative water heaters.

With a 1000 ml (33.81 oz) capacity, you can count on the Fdit portable car electric kettle to settle all your water heating needs when on the road. The device supports 12V and 24V and is designed to power off once the temperature reaches 248°F (120°C).

Bizofft Water Heater

The Bizofft Car Immersion Water Heater is made of engineered plastic materials and stainless steel. The device is corrosion-resistant, and you can directly plug it into a 12V or 24V lighter socket. As a highly portable and lightweight electrical device, you won’t need to create space to store it in your car.

Impressively, this water heater by Bizoft comes with a 12-month warranty and a 60-day refund for factory faults.

Please note that although the device is designed with safety in mind, you should be extra careful to avoid spillage as it can cause severe burns. This car immersion water heater is an excellent option if you want an easy-to-carry device that won’t take up much of your storage space.

What Is the Best Way To Heat Water While Traveling?

There’s no best way to heat water while traveling, as it all comes down to personal preferences. However, some methods are more versatile than others.

The best way to heat water while traveling is to use a portable backpacking stove or camping stove since they are small and don’t rely on electricity to work. However, an electric car water heater might be better if you spend a lot of time driving in your car.

You can also settle for devices like electric kettles, which work best for RVers. An immersion water heater can get the job done, too, but you’ll need to be extra careful to avoid spillage. High-quality water heating products not only tend to last long, but they’re also a lot safer than their cheaper counterparts.

• Rei: Backpacking Stove
• Cleverhiker: Best Backpacking Stoves
• Which: Immersion Heaters
• Which: Five Mistakes Not To Make When Cooking With A Camping Stove
• Sectionhiker: Liquid Fuel Stove Buyers Guide
• Decide Outside: Do I Need A Camping Stove Types Benefits And Drawbacks
• Outforia: How To Boil Water While Camping
• Detouron: Best Ways To Boil Water On Road Trips
• Explainthatstuff: How Electric Kettles Work

Linda Jones

Linda Jones is a professional travel advisor, author of Travel Agent Secrets and The Ultimate Travel Planner + Journal, and founder of Crafted Travel Company. She has helped thousands of people plan better vacations and travel more.

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Best Immersion Water Heater? (2024 Review)

Updated on January 11, 2024

Nathan Sanders

Reviewed by

How do you heat up a bucket of water or an inflatable pool if you can’t connect it to your home’s water heater? An electric immersion heater!

Are you in the market for an immersion heater but don’t know which one to buy?

Submerge yourself into our review of the top 5 best immersion heaters on the market – the water’s warm!

Our Overall #1 Rated Pick

Updated On June 17, 2024

Our #1 Rated Pick : ANDRIMAX HT-1500

For a great overall option, you want the ANDRIX HT-1500. 1500w of power can heat 5 gallons of water in 10 minutes with ratings for up to 10,000 hours of use thanks to components made from high-end materials. 

This product comes with a wide range of uses, including heating small pools. Andrix includes a stick-on digital thermostat (including the battery) so you can read the water temperature easily.

Our Top 5 Immersion Water Heaters

• ANDRIMAX HT-1500 (Our Top Pick)
• Diximus 1000w (Best Budget)
• PONG-DANG AJT13K (Best High-End)
• Gesail 1500w (Good Option)
• PETTA DG1500W (Good Option)

What Are Immersion Water Heaters?

An electric immersion heater, or bucket heater, is a low-power and travel-friendly tankless water heater that resembles a boiler in operation.

You can use an immersion heater to heat up a bucket or barrel of water, small pools, and kettles, making them a great alternative for off-grid water heaters in low-demand situations.

Additionally, they can keep large containers of personal or commercial liquid products, such as honey or candle wax, from freezing in the winter.

Immersion water heaters can also heat oils, salts, acids, and other solvents found at construction sites, warehouses, and farms.

Standard immersion heaters generating 1000w can warm up 5 gallons of water in 30 minutes. Products that produce higher wattage will heat the water faster , and they can heat a larger amount of water – up to 40 gallons.

What Are The Different Types Of Immersion Water Heaters?

The three main types of immersion water heaters, categorized by how they attach to the desired vessel, are over-the-side, flanged, and threaded.

Over-the-Side

Over-the-side immersion water heaters fit, as the name suggests, over the side of the container you use to heat water, so removal is quick and easy. This makes it a great option if you regularly travel with the heater, or if you need to clean the container regularly.

A threaded immersion water heater, or screw plug heater, screws into the vessel to semi-permanently secure it. While this limits their portability, it does provide a sturdy connection. These are mostly found for use to prevent freezing. 

The long, oval-shaped flanged immersion water heaters provide the most versatility thanks to the simple and universal design, making it the most common type of immersion heater. 

To install a flanged immersion heater, you bolt it to the top of the container so that it becomes completely submerged except for the power cord and heater element .

What Do You Look For In The Best Immersion Heater?

Safety features.

New immersion heaters must come with safety features, such as an automatic shut off feature when the temperature exceeds a certain temperature. 

Additional possible safety features include:

• Stainless steel guard for stability
• High-quality materials
• Electric shock protection

Higher wattage = more power. 

Standard immersion heaters generate between 1000w and 1500w. 

1500w units will heat the water faster than the 1000w units. High-end 1500w immersion heaters can heat 20 gallons in 20 minutes, and budget 1000w units heat 5 gallons in 30 – 60 minutes. 

Furthermore, 1500w devices can support larger amounts of water, up to 40 gallons, but 1000w devices may not have the power to heat a container that large.

How Does An Immersion Water Heater Work?

The immersion heater consists of a resistance heating wire housed in a protective ceramic jacket and a metal sheath that encloses the jacket.

Sheath material usually consists of stainless steel and nickel plating.

A heating element can be found in an enclosure at the top of the device with a power cord at the end. 

Install an immersion water heater using the following steps (in order):

• Step One: Verify device has no power. 
• Step Two: Fill Container. 
• Step Three: Submerge immersion heater in container except for the power cord. 
• Step Four: Stabilize the heater and secure it if possible.
• Step Five: Turn on power to the immersion heater.

When powered, electrical currents activate the heating element and send heat through the heating wire and ceramic jacket. The heat moves outward and the immersion rod makes the sheath hot. Any water that enters the sheath of the immersion water heater will become warm before draining through the holes in the casing and back into the container.

Want a visual explanation? Watch this video of using an immersion electric water heater:

Safety Tips

Immersion heaters are safe! However…

Any time you operate a product that utilizes direct heat, you should use caution and always read the instructions, but especially with immersion water heaters, considering they operate by literally submerging an electric object in water.

Follow these tips for safely operating an immersive water heater:

• Do not power the unit until it is fully submerged (except for the power cord). 
• Only plug the device into a grounded outlet. 
• Verify approved materials
• Properly secure device while in use, keeping the heat off of the container. 

Best Immersion Water Heaters Reviewed

Now let’s explore our favorite units so you can decide on the perfect choice for your situation.

• Versatile and powerful
• Digital thermometer included
• Rated to last for 10,000 hours
• Not suitable for use with stainless steel
• Requires semi-permanent installation
• Not suitable for large bathtubs and pools

Our #2 Rated Pick : Diximus 1000w

The Dixmus 1000w produces 1000w of energy, enough to heat 5 gallons in under 30 minutes, and it can function with wooden, plastic, and glass containers. Its minimalist design helps keep installation simple and quick, and you can transport it easily. 

This product will not heat large containers, doesn’t work with metal, and it has exposed coils that get hot.

• Simple design
• Stainless steel coils
• Difficult to secure
• Not safe to leave unattended
• No thermometer or accessories

Our #3 Rated Pick : PONG-DANG AJT13K

If you want hot water quickly and a product that will last, you want the Pong-Dang AJT13K. With 1300w of power, it can heat 5 gallons of water in just about five minutes, and the titanium keeps it protected so that it lasts for as long as you need it throughout a wide range of uses. 

You can keep the electric heater submerged at all times, allowing you to install it at the bottom of the container horizontally- no hanging required! 

• Highly durable and long-lasting
• 1300w heats water quickly
• Suitable for use with metal
• No digital display
• Not for use for large tubs and pools

Our #4 Rated Pick : Gesail 1500w

For someone who wants to heat large amounts of water, you can consider the 1500w Gesail. It can heat 20 gallons in 20 minutes, and the simple installation will help speed things up even more. 

Gesail includes extra safety features to protect users from shock if the handle accidentally gets submerged, and the power cord has a convenient red light indicator. .

• 1500w can heat 20 gallons in 20 minutes
• Industry leading safety features
• Too long for some applications – 16.7”
• Limited control and customization
• Not submergile

Our #5 Rated Pick : PETTA DG1500W

The PETTA DG1500w produces 1500w of power, enough to handle both small and large capacity jobs, such as tubs and small pools. The high-end materials protect the device and help keep it safe, as part of numerous safety features. 

To operate, simply set the digital thermometer/timer, and the heater automatically turns off at the end of the countdown (up to 999 minutes). 

• Powerful enough to heat bathtubs
• Digital controls 
• Cost-Effective
• Not for use with metal
• Short power cord (4.9 ft.)
• Moderate – long wait time for hot water

FAQs For Immersion Water Heaters

Are immersion water heaters safe.

Yes, immersion water heaters are safe!

If used properly, modern immersion heaters don’t create a significant fire hazard.

How many gallons of water can an immersion water heater heat?

Most manufacturers rate their products based on how fast they heat up 5 gallons. Some higher wattage products can accommodate 40-gallon tubs and pools. 

How long does it take for immersion to heat water?

Low wattage products (1000w) will take 30 – 60 minutes to heat up 5 gallons, and they may never produce enough heat to support more than 20 gallons. 

Some premium high-watt units (1500w) can heat a 20-gallon tub in just 20 minutes. 

Can you heat a pool with a portable immersion heater?

Yes! High-watt immersion heaters can support small pools. 

Which is the best immersion heater?

ANDRIMAX HT-1500 is the best immersion heater on the market.

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Particularly easy to install in new construction applications with a large amount of land, groundsource heat pumps utilize a "loop-field" of fluid filled piping buried about 6 feet underground to harness the heating and cooling capabilities of the soil.  In the winter, the fluid absorbs heat and transfers it to the geothermal indoor unit where it is condensed and circulated through your home.  In the summer, the system works in reverse - taking the heated air of your home and disbursing it into the much cooler ground, the loop system efficiently removes heat and sends cooled liquid back to the indoor unit to be used to distribute cool air into your home.

Learn more about the TetCo product line at  http://www.tetcogeo.com/

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If you've ever dealt with a cold shower, running out of hot water while doing the laundry or dishes, or had to deal with dirty/rusty water from the bottom of your old tank, how about upgrading to a new water heater?

From naturally drafted gas units, PowerVent gas units, standard electric tank models, heat pump water heaters, to on-demand units, there are dozens of choices for your home that are efficient and boast impressive recovery times.

Check out the Ruud product line at:

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Hydronic radiant systems utilize liquid filled lines beneath the floor, which is heated by a gas or electric boiler system.  These systems are much more efficient than straight electric resistance (i.e. baseboards, wall heaters), and can be advantageous to allergy sufferers as there is no disturbance of dust and particles with each cycle of the system.  

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Utilizing an outdoor condensing unit and one or multiple indoor unit heads, mini split heat pump systems can be mounted just about anywhere with access to the outside.  Providing both heating AND cooling, mini splits are the ideal way to keep your home comfy in all seasons!  

With just a small hole through the exterior wall to accommodate the refrigerant lineset, a mini split system is quick and relatively easy to install in almost any application. In many utilities, these systems can qualify for great rebates as well!

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