Can you cook a real meal outdoors on the EcoFlow Delta 3 Max? In a rainy-day backyard cook-off, one couple cooked on an induction hob powered by the Delta 3 Max while the other half wrestled a gas camp stove in the wind. This post looks at the wattage, how many meals a charge covers, and when induction beats gas.
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Video credit: this article is based on We Left the Kitchen Behind and Cooked Outside With The EcoFlow DELTA 3 Max by butlersempire, a UK couple’s channel. The video description includes EcoFlow affiliate links and codes. Our analysis uses US specs.
What the Video Showed
- Induction hob alone: just over 1,600W. The Delta 3 Max screen estimated about 1.4 hours at that draw.
- Induction plus a kettle: about 1,800–1,830W combined. That’s well under the 2,400W continuous limit.
- Noise: sitting right beside it, the hosts couldn’t hear the fans over the induction hob’s own hum.
- Charging gear at the same time: drone batteries, camera gear and phones from the USB ports while cooking.
- Gas stove problems: wind kept blowing the flame around, the stove was hard to stabilize, and an open flame sat close to a gas canister.
How Many Meals Does One Charge Cook?
The screen’s 1.4-hour estimate assumes perfect efficiency. Using our standard math (2,048Wh × 0.85 ÷ load), a constant 1,600W gives closer to 1.1 hours. Cooking rarely runs at full power, though:
| Cooking task (typical) | Energy used (estimate) | Times per full charge |
|---|---|---|
| Fry sausages and onions, ~15 min at ~1,200W average | ~300Wh | ~5–6 |
| Boil 1.5L in a kettle, ~4 min at 1,800W | ~120Wh | ~14 |
| Sear a steak, ~10 min at ~1,500W | ~250Wh | ~7 |
| Griddle breakfast for a crowd, ~20 min at ~1,500W | ~500Wh | ~3 |
Estimates, not tests. Induction hobs cycle power, so real use varies.
In practice, plan on two or three full outdoor meals plus hot drinks per charge, then recharge. A 500W solar setup can add back roughly one meal’s worth of energy per sunny hour. See the solar setup guide.
Induction vs Camp Gas: An Honest Comparison
Where induction on the Delta 3 Max wins
- Wind and drafts don’t affect it.
- No open flame and no fumes. It’s usable under a covered patio (but keep the station dry).
- Precise, steady heat. The host noted gas burners can go out when turned too low.
- The same box also charges phones and cameras and runs lights.
Where gas still wins
- Energy density. A small canister holds far more cooking energy than a 2kWh battery.
- No recharge needed on a long trip.
- Lower upfront cost. Several commenters balked at the £1,199 UK price (US pricing differs; check the current Delta 3 Max price on Amazon).
Our take: for backyard cooking, short camping trips, tailgates and outages, induction on the Delta 3 Max is cleaner and easier. For a week off-grid, bring gas as well or plan your solar.
Choosing an Induction Burner for a Power Station
Most countertop induction burners max out at 1,800W, which fits the Delta 3 Max with room left for a kettle or lights. Pick one with adjustable power levels so you can cook at 800–1,200W and stretch the battery. Two popular options are the Duxtop 9600LS and the Duxtop 8100MC, both 1,800W. For a fast kettle, the COSORI 1.7L electric kettle is a best-seller.
Don’t count on X-Boost for this. Induction burners are electronic devices, and X-Boost is designed for simple heating elements. Keep induction under 2,400W total.
Safety Tips for Outdoor Cooking
- Keep it dry. One viewer asked if it’s waterproof. We found no IP rating, so keep it under cover, off wet ground and away from splashes.
- Keep it away from flames and gas. If you use both, as in the video, separate the station from the gas stove and canister.
- Mind the vents. Don’t block the front and rear grilles with pans, cloths or food packaging.
- Watch the cords. Use a properly rated outdoor extension cord, and keep it where nobody will trip.
A Correction From the Video
The hosts say the battery can be expanded to 10kWh with extra batteries. That applies to the Delta 3 Max Plus, not the Delta 3 Max, which has no extra-battery port. See is the EcoFlow Delta 3 Max expandable?. The other specs they mention (2,048Wh, 2,400W pure sine wave, about 25dB at 600W, a 3 + 2 year warranty) match EcoFlow’s.
More outdoor ideas are in our camping and 12V fridge guide and the full EcoFlow Delta 3 Max review.
Related: Outage cooking on the Delta 3 Max · Delta 3 Max tailgating setup · Delta 3 Max microwave guide
EcoFlow Delta 3 Max Outdoor Cooking FAQ
Can the Delta 3 Max run an induction cooktop?
Yes. Most 1,800W induction burners run well within its 2,400W continuous limit. Expect roughly an hour of full-power cooking per charge, and more at lower settings.
Can it run an induction hob and a kettle together?
In the video, both together drew about 1,800–1,830W. That works, but drains the battery fast.
Is it safe to use the Delta 3 Max in the rain?
Not exposed. Keep it under cover and off wet surfaces. It’s indoor-safe (no fumes) but not weatherproof.
Can it run an air fryer?
Most air fryers draw 1,400–1,800W, so yes, for short cooks. Expect several cooks per charge.
Sources: butlersempire’s video; EcoFlow US product page and manual; Amazon listings for the products linked; viewer comments on the video.
2 replies on “EcoFlow Delta 3 Max for Outdoor Cooking: Induction Hob vs Camp Gas Stove”
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