Big Bertha 12V Oven | 13L Dual-Element Caravan Oven

🔥 ROAD CHEF BIG BERTHA 12V OVEN – 13L DUAL-ELEMENT PORTABLE OVEN FOR CARAVANS, 4WDS & TOURING

Serious 12V Cooking Capacity with Independent Top & Bottom Heating, 13L Oven Space & Up to 180°C Cooking Temperature

🍗 When a small 12V oven simply isn't big enough, step up to the Road Chef Big Bertha – a large-capacity 13L portable oven designed for families, extended touring and travellers who want to cook proper meals without relying on 240V mains power or a large inverter.

Big Bertha takes 12V cooking well beyond pies and simple meal reheating. With independent top and bottom heating elements, an adjustable thermostat, temperatures up to approximately 180°C, twin telescopic racks and a deep-dish baking tray, it gives you far greater control over roasting, baking, browning and reheating while travelling.

Each heating element draws approximately 10A / 120W at 12V. Run one element when lower power consumption is preferred, or select both elements for a combined maximum of approximately 20A / 240W when greater heating performance is required.

Built from durable 304 stainless steel and featuring a fully insulated cabinet, double-insulated door, included mounting brackets and an Anderson plug connection, Big Bertha is designed from the ground up for serious caravan, canopy and 4WD cooking.

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⚡ KEY FEATURES

🍗 Massive 13L Cooking Capacity
Significantly more cooking space than a compact 12V oven, giving you room for family meals, roasts, baked dishes, pies, chicken wings and prepared meals.

🔥 Independent Top & Bottom Heating
Select the upper element, lower element or both together depending on the type of cooking and browning required.

⚡ Up to 240W Combined Heating Power
Each element is rated at 120W / 10A. With both elements operating, total electrical demand is approximately 240W / 20A at 12V.

🌡️ Up to Approximately 180°C
Adjustable thermostat control provides useful oven temperatures for roasting, baking, browning and reheating.

⏱️ 2-Hour Countdown Timer
The built-in timer helps manage longer cooking periods and automatically switches the oven off when the selected time has elapsed.

🍽️ Twin Telescopic Cooking Racks
Two removable slide-out racks make loading and removing hot food easier while providing flexible cooking configurations.

🥘 Deep-Dish Baking Tray Included
Designed to hang from the upper rails and promote airflow around the tray, making it particularly useful for marinated meats, chicken wings and wetter foods.

🛡️ Fully Insulated Construction
The insulated body and double-insulated door help retain heat inside the cooking chamber while reducing heat transfer to the surrounding installation.

🔧 Mounting Brackets Included
Install Big Bertha upright on a shelf or incorporate it into a suitable touring storage or cabinetry system.

🔌 Anderson Plug Connection
Designed specifically for a reliable high-current Anderson-style connection rather than a cigarette lighter socket.

🛣️ Built for Touring
304 stainless-steel construction and secure mounting options make Big Bertha ideal for caravans, 4WDs, canopies and extended trips.

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🍽️ BIG ENOUGH FOR PROPER FAMILY MEALS

The standout feature of Big Bertha is its 13-litre cooking capacity.

Where smaller 12V ovens are often best suited to a couple of pies or a single prepared meal, Big Bertha provides enough internal room to tackle much more substantial cooking.

Typical meals can include:

• 🍗 Chicken portions and wings
• 🥩 Roasts and slow-cooked meats
• 🥘 Casseroles and baked meals
• 🥔 Roast vegetables
• 🥧 Pies and sausage rolls
• 🍕 Pizza portions
• 🍱 Pre-prepared family meals
• 🥓 Breakfast foods
• 🍞 Baked and toasted snacks

Its larger internal cooking area gives touring families much more flexibility without stepping up to a high-powered 240V appliance.

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🔥 INDEPENDENT TOP & BOTTOM HEATING ELEMENTS

Big Bertha's dual-element design is one of its biggest advantages over a conventional single-element 12V oven.

You can select:

• 🔥 Top element only
• 🔥 Bottom element only
• 🔥🔥 Top and bottom elements together

This gives you greater control over how food cooks.

Use bottom heat for general heating and baking, top heat when additional browning is required, or both elements together when you want maximum heating performance and more even heat around the cooking chamber.

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⚡ 10A PER ELEMENT – UP TO 20A WITH BOTH ELEMENTS ON

Each heating element draws approximately 10A at 12V and is rated at 120W.

This means:

Top Element Only: Approximately 10A / 120W

Bottom Element Only: Approximately 10A / 120W

Both Elements: Approximately 20A / 240W

The ability to operate one element independently gives you the option of reducing instantaneous electrical demand where full heating power isn't required.

⚠️ IMPORTANT: When both elements are operating, the electrical system must comfortably support approximately 20A continuously. Battery capacity, cable size, connector quality and circuit protection all need to be suitable for this load.

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🔋 HOW MUCH BATTERY POWER DOES BIG BERTHA USE?

Battery usage depends heavily on whether you operate one heating element or both.

With one element operating at approximately 10A:

• ⏱️ 30 minutes – approximately 5Ah
• ⏱️ 1 hour – approximately 10Ah
• ⏱️ 2 hours – approximately 20Ah

With both elements operating at approximately 20A:

• ⏱️ 30 minutes – approximately 10Ah
• ⏱️ 1 hour – approximately 20Ah
• ⏱️ 2 hours – approximately 40Ah

Actual consumption can be lower once the oven reaches operating temperature because the thermostat may cycle the heating elements rather than keeping them energised continuously.

This flexibility allows you to balance cooking performance against available battery capacity.

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🔋 IDEAL FOR LARGER AUXILIARY BATTERY SYSTEMS

Big Bertha is particularly well suited to touring vehicles and caravans equipped with a healthy auxiliary battery system.

A properly designed AGM or lithium system can run the oven, but total daily energy use should be considered carefully if you're camping off-grid for extended periods.

For lithium installations, check that the battery's BMS continuous-discharge capacity comfortably handles the oven's approximate 20A maximum load plus your fridge, lighting, pumps, inverter and any other accessories operating simultaneously.

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☀️ GREAT MATCH FOR SOLAR & DC-DC CHARGING

If Big Bertha is going into a serious touring setup, pairing the auxiliary battery with adequate DC-DC and solar charging can make a substantial difference to off-grid usability.

A 25A or 40A DC-DC charger, for example, can help replace the energy used by cooking while you're driving, while solar can continue replenishing the battery when the vehicle is parked.

Actual charging performance depends on the charger, alternator, solar conditions, battery state of charge and other loads operating at the same time.

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🔌 ANDERSON PLUG ONLY – BUILT FOR A PROPER HIGH-CURRENT CONNECTION

Big Bertha uses an Anderson plug connection rather than a cigarette lighter plug.

This is the right approach for an appliance capable of drawing approximately 20A continuously with both elements operating.

The wiring recommendation is a minimum 6mm² conductor size.

⚠️ Longer cable runs may require a larger conductor to control voltage drop. Cable and fuse selection must suit the actual installation length and circuit design.

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🌡️ ADJUSTABLE THERMOSTAT – UP TO APPROXIMATELY 180°C

Big Bertha can reach cooking temperatures up to approximately 180°C, providing genuine oven capability from a 12V electrical system.

The adjustable thermostat allows the temperature to be matched to different foods rather than simply running the oven at one fixed setting.

This makes it useful for both slow reheating and higher-temperature roasting or baking applications.

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⏱️ BUILT-IN 2-HOUR TIMER

The two-hour countdown timer is particularly useful for longer meals and slow cooking.

Set the required cooking period and the oven automatically switches off once the timer reaches the end of the selected cycle.

This also helps prevent unnecessary battery consumption if the oven is accidentally left operating longer than intended.

⚠️ Automatic shut-off is a convenience feature and does not replace normal supervision or safe food-handling practices.

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🍽️ TWO TELESCOPIC SLIDE-OUT COOKING RACKS

Inside Big Bertha are two telescopic slide-out cooking racks that make accessing hot meals easier while giving you multiple cooking configurations.

You can:

• Use both racks for multiple smaller meals or trays
• Remove one rack to create more vertical cooking room
• Position food higher or lower depending on the heating element being used
• Configure the oven for roasts, casseroles or larger dishes

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🥘 DEEP-DISH BAKING TRAY INCLUDED

Big Bertha includes a deep-dish baking tray designed specifically for the oven.

Rather than simply sitting flat on the bottom, the tray can hang from the upper rails so heated air can move around it more effectively.

This helps promote airflow around the food and is particularly useful when cooking:

• 🍗 Marinated chicken wings
• 🥩 Marinated meats
• 🥘 Wetter baked dishes
• 🥔 Roasting vegetables

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🛡️ FULLY INSULATED BODY & DOUBLE-INSULATED DOOR

The oven cabinet is fully insulated and incorporates a double-insulated door to help retain cooking heat while reducing heat transfer to the outside of the appliance.

This improves efficiency and makes Big Bertha particularly suitable for caravan, canopy and vehicle fit-outs where the oven may be positioned near cabinetry or storage systems.

The oven is listed as not requiring external ventilation.

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🔧 BUILT FOR RECESSED OR PERMANENT INSTALLATION

Heavy-duty mounting brackets are included, giving you flexibility when incorporating Big Bertha into a touring fit-out.

Depending on the installation, the oven can be mounted:

• 🔧 Upright on a shelf
• 🛻 Within a ute canopy fit-out
• 🚐 Into suitable caravan cabinetry
• 🏕️ As part of a camper kitchen system
• ⬆️ Suspended underneath a suitable storage system where correctly supported

The complete installation must securely support the oven's 8kg weight and remain stable during road travel.

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🛣️ MADE FOR AUSTRALIAN TOURING

Big Bertha combines 304 stainless-steel construction with robust mounting and a fully insulated cooking chamber for life in touring vehicles.

It is well suited to:

• 🚐 Caravans
• 🚙 4WD touring vehicles
• 🛻 Ute canopies
• 🏕️ Camper trailers
• 🚚 Trucks
• 🏠 Off-grid 12V systems
• 🛠️ Remote work vehicles

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📐 SIZE, CAPACITY & WEIGHT

Cooking Capacity: 13 Litres

External Dimensions: 362mm × 255mm × 297mm

Internal Cooking Area: 308mm × 150mm × 282mm

Weight: 8kg

Material: 304 Stainless Steel

Colour: Silver

Before designing cabinetry around the oven, measure the actual available space and allow for the Anderson connection, mounting hardware, door movement and any required installation clearances.

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📋 TECHNICAL SPECIFICATIONS

Product Type: Portable 12V Oven

Cooking Capacity: 13 Litres

Power Supply: 12V DC

Heating Elements: Dual Top & Bottom Elements

Element Control: Top / Bottom / Both

Power Consumption Per Element: 120W

Current Draw Per Element: 10A @ 12V DC

Maximum Combined Power: Approximately 240W

Maximum Combined Current Draw: Approximately 20A @ 12V DC

Cooking Temperature: Up to Approximately 180°C

Controls: Adjustable Thermostat & 2-Hour Timer

Insulation: Fully Insulated Body & Double-Insulated Door

Shelving: 2 × Telescopic Slide-Out Racks

Included Tray: Deep-Dish Baking Tray

Mounting: Mounting Brackets Included

Ventilation: No External Ventilation Required

Connection: Anderson Plug Only

Recommended Wiring: Minimum 6mm² Cable

Material: 304 Stainless Steel

Colour: Silver

Weight: 8kg

External Dimensions: 362mm × 255mm × 297mm

Internal Cooking Area: 308mm × 150mm × 282mm

Applications: Caravan, Camping, 4WD & Touring Cooking

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⚠️ ELECTRICAL & INSTALLATION CONSIDERATIONS

• Use a suitable 12V auxiliary battery system
• Allow for up to approximately 20A continuous load when both elements operate
• Use a minimum 6mm² conductor as specified
• Increase cable size where required for longer runs and voltage-drop control
• Use appropriately rated fuse protection
• Use the Anderson plug connection – do not substitute an inadequately rated cigarette socket
• Secure the oven using suitable mounting hardware
• Allow for the oven's 8kg weight when designing cabinetry or suspended mounts
• Protect cables from heat, abrasion and sharp edges
• Follow installation-clearance requirements when recessing the oven
• Use only cookware suitable for oven temperatures

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❓ FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

Is Big Bertha worth choosing over a smaller Road Chef 12V oven?

If you're mainly heating one lunch or a couple of pies, a smaller oven may be more economical in both space and power consumption. Big Bertha makes more sense if you regularly cook for two or more people, want to prepare proper roasts and baked meals or need the flexibility of independent top and bottom heating.

How much more power does it use than the standard Road Chef 12V Oven?

The standard Road Chef Oven draws approximately 8.3A. Big Bertha draws approximately 10A with one element or up to 20A with both elements operating. You therefore gain significantly more cooking capacity and heating flexibility, but your electrical system needs to be designed for the higher maximum load.

Do I need to run both heating elements all the time?

No. That's one of Big Bertha's major advantages. You can use the top element, bottom element or both. If you're simply reheating food, one element may be sufficient and limits current draw to approximately 10A. Both elements can be selected when you need stronger heating or browning.

Can I run it from a 100Ah lithium battery?

Yes, provided the battery and BMS comfortably support the approximately 20A maximum oven load plus anything else running from the system. With both elements continuously operating, two hours would represent approximately 40Ah before allowing for thermostat cycling, so battery capacity and charging should be considered carefully.

Would a 200Ah lithium battery be better for regular use?

For frequent cooking, a larger battery bank gives you considerably more energy reserve. The right capacity depends on the oven runtime plus your fridge, lighting, pumps, inverter and other daily loads. A larger battery does not reduce the oven's current draw, but it increases available runtime between charges.

Can I use Big Bertha with an AGM battery?

Yes, provided the AGM system can maintain suitable voltage while supplying up to approximately 20A. Battery condition and available capacity become particularly important during longer cooking periods.

Will a 25A DC-DC charger keep up with Big Bertha while I'm driving?

If both elements are drawing approximately 20A, a 25A charger has only around 5A of theoretical output remaining before accounting for the fridge and other loads. With one 10A element operating, considerably more charging capacity remains. Real-world results depend on actual charger output and total vehicle loads.

Would a 40A DC-DC charger be better?

A larger charger can provide more charging headroom when the oven and other accessories are operating simultaneously, provided the vehicle alternator and battery system can accept the higher charging rate. Charger size should be matched to the complete electrical system rather than the oven alone.

Can I run Big Bertha from solar while camping?

Yes, through a correctly sized battery and solar charging system. Solar normally replenishes the battery while the battery supplies the oven. Because both elements can consume approximately 240W while operating, a substantial solar system will be more effective for regular off-grid cooking than a small portable panel.

Can I connect Big Bertha to a cigarette lighter socket?

No. Big Bertha is designed for an Anderson plug connection and can draw approximately 20A with both elements operating. A typical cigarette lighter socket is not appropriate for this load.

Can I use an existing 50A Anderson outlet in my canopy?

Potentially, yes, provided the cable feeding the Anderson connector and its fuse protection are correctly sized for the circuit length and continuous load. The connector rating alone does not guarantee that the wiring behind it is adequate.

Why does it specify minimum 6mm² cable?

The oven can draw up to approximately 20A continuously, and excessive voltage drop can reduce heating performance and create unnecessary heat in the wiring. A minimum 6mm² conductor helps provide a low-resistance supply, although longer cable runs may justify going larger.

Can I recess Big Bertha into my caravan or canopy cabinetry?

Yes, the fully insulated construction and no-external-ventilation specification make it well suited to integrated installations. The cabinetry still needs to follow mounting and clearance requirements, support the 8kg oven securely and provide access to the controls, door and electrical connection.

Can it be mounted underneath a canopy shelf?

The included mounting system allows flexible installation arrangements, including suitable suspended configurations. The mounting structure needs to support the oven's 8kg weight plus dynamic loads created while the vehicle is travelling on rough roads.

Is the oven safe around timber cabinetry?

The oven is fully insulated and designed for recessed applications, but installation should still follow required clearances and use appropriate surrounding materials. Do not assume that insulated construction allows unrestricted contact with every material or zero-clearance installation.

Can I cook a proper roast rather than just heat one up?

Yes. With up to approximately 180°C cooking temperature, 13L capacity and independent top and bottom elements, Big Bertha is designed for genuine cooking as well as reheating. Food size and cooking times will naturally differ from a full-size household oven.

Can I brown the top of a meal?

Yes. Independent top-element control is particularly useful where additional top heat or browning is required.

What is the advantage of the special baking tray?

The deep-dish tray can hang from the upper rails rather than sitting directly on the oven floor. This gives heated air more opportunity to circulate around the tray and is particularly useful for wetter foods such as marinated chicken and meats.

Can I cook on two levels at the same time?

Yes. The two telescopic racks allow multiple smaller items to be cooked on separate levels, provided sufficient space remains around the food for heat circulation.

Can I leave dinner cooking while I'm driving?

The oven is designed for vehicle and touring applications, but it must be securely mounted and cooking containers must be stable enough to remain safely positioned during vehicle movement. Food containing significant liquid should be secured particularly carefully to prevent spills on rough roads.

Should I choose Big Bertha or a 12V air fryer?

Choose Big Bertha if capacity, family meals, roasts, casseroles and cooking flexibility are your priority. A 12V air fryer is better suited to smaller portions where faster crisping is the goal. Big Bertha offers substantially more internal space and separate top/bottom heating control.

What should I check before buying?

Measure the available installation space against the 362 × 255 × 297mm external dimensions, allow for door opening and electrical connections, make sure your mounting structure can securely support 8kg and confirm your 12V system can supply up to approximately 20A through correctly sized wiring and an Anderson connection.

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🔥 BIGGER CAPACITY. MORE CONTROL. PROPER 12V COOKING.

The Road Chef Big Bertha takes portable 12V cooking beyond simple food warming, giving serious travellers a genuine 13-litre oven with independent top and bottom heating and temperatures up to approximately 180°C.

With up to 240W of combined heating power, twin telescopic racks, a deep-dish baking tray, two-hour timer, fully insulated stainless-steel construction and included mounting brackets, it is built for travellers who want to prepare real meals without relying on mains power.

For touring families, caravanners and 4WD owners who want more cooking space and flexibility from their 12V system, Big Bertha delivers serious portable oven capability without stepping up to a conventional 240V appliance.