A campervan hob and sink are essential if you want to derive any sort of enjoyment while on the road. In this guide you will learn all about The SMEV hob sink, the most popular campervan gas hob on the market. We will look at how it compares to other models and follow an illustrated installation guide.
I'm Shane, I've been teaching people to convert campervans for years; I'm the author of Roaming Home; The Comprehensive Guide for Converting Your Van Into a Campervan,writer of The Van Conversion Newsletter, instructor of The Van Conversion Course over at Udemy. And full-time vanlifer for 4 years!
So let's jump in and see how to install a campervan hob!
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Index
Note: Did you know that you can get a free electrical wiring diagram by signing up to The Van Conversion Newsletter
What is the Dometic SMEV 9222?
The Dometic SMEV 9222 (also known as the Dometic HSG 2370) is the most popular campervan hob and sink combo in the industry. It's simple, nonsense design and ease of installation makes it a no brainer for van converters.
What do you get with the Dometic SMEV 9222?
The most basic SMEV hob sink typically comes with:
2X Campervan gas hobs
A sink
A piezo ignition (to light the gas hobs)
However when bought as a set online, the campervan hob and sink also comes with:
A microswitch tap
Fresh and waste water containers
Submersible 12v water pump
Fresh and waste water piping
Sometimes the SMEV hob sink set will also come with a 30mbar gas regulator.
The Dometic SMEV 9222 has two reinforced/heat resistant glass lids that can be lowered when the campervan hob is not in use. That gives you extra space to cut your veggies!
The SMEV 9222 is the campervan hob and sink I have in my build - and I'm a huge fan! I couldn't vouch for it more.
Dometic SMEV 9222 vs SMEV 9722
The SMEV 9722 is a more compact Campervan hob; it can fit in tighter and narrower spaces.
The 9722 also has a more square design - giving it a more "modern feel".
The installation of the SMEV 9722 is much the same as the 9222.
Dometic SMEV 9222 vs Induction hob
An induction hob can be an excellent alternative to a traditional campervan gas hob. The upsides being:
You may not need to install a gas system in your van (if you have no other gas appliances)
Safer
Less humidity in the air = better for your van (when gas burns, it releases moisture)
Induction hobs cooks quicker than gas hobs
However there are two elephants in the room...
Induction hobs are 230v AC. This means you will have to constantly run it through your inverter which is a lot less efficient in terms of energy usage.
Induction hobs are very power hungry - the smallest campervan induction hobs have wattages up to 2000w or higher. Even if you do have an inverter large enough to handle this, you will need some big leisure batteries to be able to support that kind of draw!
On induction hob that has caught my eye is the Tefel portable induction hob, which has a low setting of 450W.
Most people will install a regular campervan hob like the SMEV 9222 rather than an induction hob. Though with a large inverter and batteries, the induction hob could be a great alternative!
Portable camping stove
If you are looking for a less permanent installation that can be easily stowed away when not in use, you could get a portable camping propane stove. The Coleman Classic 2-burner is very popular and great value. The Campingaz Chef is another very popular choice.
Campervan hob and sink installation (SMEV 9222)
Step #1: install a kitchen worktop
The first thing to do is to buy a kitchen worktop! This is a heavy-duty worktop that can take a bit of wear and tear. INTERBUILD make a kitchen worktop that looks great!
Step #2: Trace around the template with a pencil
Place the cardboard template supplied with the campervan gas hob on the kitchen worktop. Trace around the cardboard template with a pencil.
Step #3: Cut a hole in the worktop
The next step is to cut out the shape you have just traced.
Cut out the hole using a jigsaw - the greatest tool that ever was or will be.
Note: You can drill an initial hole using a regular drill bit, into which you can fit the jigsaw blade.
By the end it should look like this:
I suggest cutting the table from the bottom so you don't scratch the tabletop with the jigsaw. Else, stick masking tape all along the pencil line before you cut.
Step #4: Install the stove into the worktop
Place the SMEV unit into the cavity in the kitchen top.
There are six screws dotted around the SMEV. You need to drill a 6mm recess at each screw fixing to allow the sink to sit neatly. Once done, you can screw the SMEV into the kitchen worktop.
Step #5: Wire the ignition (Optional)
Some models of the SMEV do not come with a piezo ignition. In this case, you will need to wire the ignition to your leisure batteries. You can learn about all about wiring here.
Step #6: Hook up the gas
The next step is to hook up the gas to the campervan gas hob. You can learn all about campervan gas installations in this guide. Gas installations should be carried out by a registered gas fitter, and at the very least checked by one. Gas is very dangerous and a gas system must be fitted correctly. The aforementioned guide simply shows you how I plumbed my system.
With that being said...
Attach the gas pipe (rigid pipe required by BS EN 1949:2021 standards) to the campervan stove gas inlet using a brass compression fitting - I used an elbow compression fitting which you can see in the image below.
Ensure you put jointing compound/pipe dope on the oive/ferrule in the fitting. Tighten the fitting hand tight and then tighten it another 1.5-2 times with a wrench.
Step #7: Fit and wire the tap
If you have not bought the campervan hob and sink as part of a set, you will need to fit and wire the tap yourself.
There are four types of faucets you could install, you can learn all about campervan water systems (and taps) in this guide:
Pump faucet
Microswitch faucet
Heater faucet
Regular faucet
If you are using a simple submersible water pump, you should buy a microswitch tap. This is the easiest water plumbing system you can do - it pipes cold water from a container under your sink out to the tap. Most people go with this option.
Here is the wiring diagram for how to wire a submersible pump to a 12v microswitch tap - it all runs through a connector strip:
You can connect the submersible pump to the microswitch tap with a fresh water hose. You can secure it with jubilee (hose) clips.
If you are building a more complex campervan water system with pressurised hot water, you should use a regular faucet (like one found in a house)
No matter which faucet you choose, the installation is easy enough. The faucet is threaded and has a base plate that screws into it from under the SMEV hob sink. It should also come with two rubber washers which you should put on either side of the threads when installed. You could also add some sealant to the connection for peace of mind.
Step #8: Fit the waste water pipe
If you have not bought the campervan gas hob as part of a set, you will need to fit the water pipe yourself.
To install a sink drain we need two components:
The drain assembly is placed inside the sink (from above) and the backing flange is screwed into the assembly from below. Plumber's putty should be used for this connection - it is applied to the inside of the drain assembly as shown in the image below.
Sometimes the SMEV hob sink comes with the drain fitting, but no drain pipe. In this case, you can attach the drain pipe (normally flexible PVC) to the drain using a jubilee clip.
Conclusion
And it's as simple as that folks! Job done. The complete campervan hob and sink installation guide. Don't forget to subscribe to The Van Conversion Newsletter for everything you need to get started with your own van conversion (I'll send you a free wiring diagram when you sign up).
Don't forget to subscribe to The Van Conversion Newsletter for everything you need to get started with your own van conversion (I'll send you a free wiring diagram when you join).
If you're looking for some guidance with your van conversion, you might be interested in Roaming Home; The Comprehensive Guide for Converting Your Van Into a Campervan. In the 380-page book (or ebook), you'll learn directly from me how to convert a van into your dream home - no prior experience needed!
Until next time,
Shane ✌️