Portable gas water heaters have quickly become a must-have for UK outdoor enthusiasts. Whether you're camping in the Lake District or touring the Highlands in a campervan, a Camplux portable water heater ensures you've got hot water on demand. These handy units are designed to be lightweight, efficient, and easy to use – perfect for bringing a bit of home comfort to the great outdoors. In this article, we'll explore the top five uses for Camplux portable gas water heaters in the UK, focusing on how they enhance camping, campervan adventures, off-grid living, pet and horse care, and outdoor events. We'll also touch on practical tips (like following UK regulations and installation guides) to help you get the most out of your portable water heater. Let's dive in!
1. Camping Trips – Hot Showers and Warm Dishwater in the Wild
There's nothing quite like a hot shower after a long day of hiking or an evening spent around the campfire. Traditionally, campers had to settle for chilly wash-ups, but a portable water heater changes the game. With a Camplux gas water heater at your campsite, you can enjoy instant hot water for showers, washing dishes, and general cleanup – all powered by a standard LPG gas bottle. The convenience and morale boost of warm water on a cold morning in the Peak District or Snowdonia cannot be overstated.
A Camplux portable gas water heater makes camping feel like home – providing warm showers for the family, washing up pets and kids, and even doing the camp dishes with ease. In this off-grid camping scene, the water heater is supplying instant hot water so everyone stays clean and comfortable.
Camplux offers compact models like the Camplux AY132 (5L) and Nano 3 Pro (3L) that are ideal for tent camping. They ignite instantly and deliver a steady flow of hot water in seconds. For example, the Camplux AY132 provides 5 litres of hot water per minute with as little as 0.25 bar water pressure – “ideal for motorhomes and camping”. That means even at basic campgrounds or wild camping spots with gravity-fed water, you can get a reliable hot shower. These units come with showerhead attachments, so you can hang the showerhead from a tree or a makeshift stand and rinse off comfortably. Many campers use a portable water pump in a bucket or stream, which the Camplux water heater can easily work with (the Nano 3 Pro even includes a 12V pump and rechargeable battery for off-grid water sourcing).
Safety and simplicity are key for campsite use. Camplux gas water heaters have multiple safety protections – like flame failure shut-off and overheat protection – so you can shower worry-free even in remote locations. The flame failure protection and 20-minute safety shutoff on models like the AY132 prevent accidents and ensure the water heater turns off if the flame goes out or if you forget to shut it off. Setup is very straightforward (no complex plumbing required). If it's your first time, see our Step-by-Step Guide: Setting Up Your Camplux Portable Water Heater for a simple walkthrough on connecting the gas cylinder, water source, and shower hose. In minutes, you'll have piping hot water – truly camping in comfort!
2. Campervan and Caravan Adventures – Mobile Hot Water On the Go
For those touring the UK in campervans, caravans, or motorhomes, a Camplux portable gas water heater can be a real game-changer. Many campervan conversions and caravan setups lack a built-in hot water system, or have limited electric water heaters that only work on hookup. A portable LPG gas water heater gives you the freedom to have hot water anytime, anywhere – perfect for wild camping spots without electric hookup or when you want to stay off-grid in your van. Imagine finishing a surf session in Cornwall or a muddy bike ride in the Yorkshire Dales, and being able to take a hot shower right next to your van – pure bliss!
The Camplux Nano 3 Pro is compact and lightweight (only about 6.2 kg), making it easy to carry and stow in a campervan. Its portable handle design means you can quickly set it up when parked, then pack it away before you hit the road.
Camplux has models tailor-made for mobile living. The Camplux Nano 3 Pro is extremely portable – it features built-in rechargeable batteries and a 12V car adapter option, so you can even run it off your van's power if needed. This means you don't have to exclusively rely on campsite facilities; your campervan gains an independent hot shower and water supply unit. For families or longer trips, larger models like the Camplux BD158 (6L) or BW158C (6L with rain cap) provide a higher flow rate of around 6 litres per minute, which can comfortably supply a quick shower or washing up after dinner. These units are still compact (around 4–6 kg) and include handles or mounting brackets, so you can set them up beside your van or even mount one on a rack or exterior bar when stationary.
One big advantage for campervan use is that no mains electricity is required – Camplux water heaters ignite with batteries (often standard D-cells) and heat water using propane or butane gas. This off-grid capability is perfect for remote park-ups. If you're handy, you might integrate a portable water heater with your van's water system using quick-connect hoses. Many vanlifers choose to do a DIY setup for hot outdoor showers behind the van. (Be sure to read DIY vs. Professional Installation: What's Best for Your Camplux Water Heater? to decide if you want to install it yourself or have an expert help, especially if creating a permanent fixture on a vehicle.) Always consider ventilation and follow safety guidelines – gas appliances need fresh air, so these water heaters are best used outside the van (for example, hung on the side while showering under the awning). Also check Understanding UK Regulations for Outdoor Water Heater Installation to ensure any semi-permanent installs on a camper meet safety standards. With the proper setup, you'll have all the hot water you need on the open road. Your campervan trips around the UK will feel a bit more luxurious with warm showers, heated water for washing dishes, and even warm water to clean off muddy boots or sports gear.
3. Off-Grid Living – Cabins, Caravans on Site, and Glamping Setups
Not only for short trips, Camplux portable water heaters are fantastic for off-grid and outdoor living situations. If you have a remote cabin in Wales, a shepherd's hut, a glamping pod business, or even an allotment or garden workshop, a portable gas water heater can provide a convenient hot water supply without the need for electricity. These units are tankless and heat water on demand, meaning you don't need a bulky cylinder or to keep water heated constantly – perfect for an off-grid lifestyle where resources are precious.
An example of an outdoor shower setup at a glamping cabin using a Camplux tankless water heater. The unit is mounted on a wooden post and connected to a propane cylinder (e.g. a Flo Gas bottle), providing a proper shower with 16 LPM water flow and 32 kW heating power on demand. Even with low water pressure (as little as 0.25 bar) from a barrel or pump, it can deliver a steaming hot shower, thanks to the water heater's on-demand design.
For off-grid use, you might opt for the higher capacity Camplux models such as the BW264BC (10L) or BW422 (16L). These powerful units can deliver around 10–16 litres per minute of hot water – enough to supply a cabin's shower and even a kitchen sink simultaneously. In fact, the largest 16L model (Camplux BW422) boasts up to 32kW output and can handle two outlets at once, meaning someone can be washing up while another showers, truly mimicking a home-like supply. They operate on the same principles (using LPG gas and batteries for ignition) so you remain fully off-grid. The only additional requirement is a water source – many off-grid setups use a water pump from a tank or nearby stream, which the Camplux water heater can work with as long as minimum pressure (~0.25 bar) is met.
UK weather can be challenging, but Camplux has thought of that. The Camplux BW158C (6L) and BW264BC (10L) both come with a rain cap and weatherproof casing specifically “built for British weather.” These rain caps protect the burner from rain, leaves, and debris, making them safer to leave mounted outside over time. The BW158C, for example, is described as delivering “6 L/min endless hot water with minimum pressure of 0.25 bar – perfect for countryside homes, campsites, or gardens”, and its sturdy build allows you to use it “in your garden, stables, RV, or for pet washing.”This versatility is exactly what off-grid users need. You can mount a Camplux water heater to an exterior wall or a stand near your cabin (always outdoors or in a very well-ventilated area), hook it up to a standard propane bottle (e.g. Calor or FloGas common in the UK), and you have a hot water system ready to go. For a step-by-step on a safe setup, check out How to Install a Camplux Outdoor Water Heater in the UK – it covers mounting height, gas connections, and ventilation tips to ensure your installation meets safety regulations.
Off-grid living often means conserving energy and resources. These tankless gas water heaters are very efficient since they only burn gas when you're running water. You're not wasting fuel maintaining heat when not in use. Camplux units carry high energy efficiency ratings (some even A or A+), which is great for sustainability and cost-saving. Plus, maintenance is minimal – just drain the unit in winter if not in use (they include a drain plug to prevent freeze damage) and check your gas regularly. With an off-grid hot water setup, a remote cabin or glamping site can offer the comfort of a hot shower under the stars, which is a huge attraction and relief. Your guests (or your family) can clean up properly after a day outdoors, all thanks to the reliable performance of a Camplux water heater. Truly, it enables off-grid luxury living on the UK's wild coasts and countryside.
4. Horse Stables and Pet Washing – Warm Water for Animal Care
Another extremely popular use for Camplux portable water heaters in the UK is for washing horses, dogs, and other pets outdoors. If you have stables or kennels, you'll know that having warm water on hand makes a world of difference when cleaning your animals, especially in cooler weather. Horses often need rinsing after a ride (think mud and sweat), and dogs love to find the muddiest puddles – but a blast of cold hose water isn't ideal for your beloved animal's comfort or health. Enter Camplux portable gas water heaters: they transform the task by providing instant warm water for a comfortable washdown.
Camplux 5L to 6L models are favorites among equestrians and pet owners. The Camplux AY132 (5L) and BD158 (6L) are frequently used at horse yards and in grooming areas. They are easy to set up in a stable yard – just attach to a hose or water container and a propane bottle, and you've got a warm shower for your horse. In fact, Camplux explicitly markets the AY132 for this purpose, noting you can “give a comfortable hot spa for your horses [and] pets with this portable outdoor shower.”No more shivering animals; the adjustable water temperature (up to around 65°C on many models) means you can dial in a lukewarm flow that's gentle on your horse's coat or your dog's fur. Bathing pets becomes much less of an ordeal when the water is warm – dogs tend to tolerate baths better, and it helps shampoo lather and rinse out more effectively too.
For horse owners, these water heaters are a godsend during winter months. You can wash mud off horse legs or give a quick post-exercise sponge bath without chilling the horse. Many horse trailers and lorries also carry a portable water heater for use at shows or events – after cross-country or a muddy hack, a warm wash is invaluable. The Camplux water heaters come with shower head attachments that often have trigger controls, allowing you to spray down your animal easily. The flow is gentle but effective, and with around 5–6 litres per minute, it's plenty to rinse a horse's legs or a dog's coat thoroughly. Additionally, these units are lightweight and compact – the AY132, for example, has a foldable handle and weighs only ~4.5 kg, so you can carry it to different stable blocks or even bring it in your vehicle to dog agility competitions or horse events.
Safety features also add peace of mind in a busy yard environment. Camplux water heaters have oxygen depletion sensors and will shut off if the unit tips or the flame goes out, which is important if you're using them in semi-enclosed areas like stable yards. Always ensure adequate ventilation (they are intended for outdoor use) and secure the unit so it won't get bumped by a playful pup or curious horse. When used properly, a portable gas water heater is a cost-effective and convenient solution for year-round animal care. Instead of installing an expensive dedicated hot water system in the barn (which might require electric lines or boilers), many owners find this portable approach perfectly suits their needs. After use, you can disconnect it and store it away safely. For anyone with horses or a pack of dogs in the UK, this is a practical way to provide some creature comfort – your animals will thank you when bath time is far less traumatic! And when you're done, you might even use the remaining warm water to rinse off muddy wellies or clean your tools – it's useful all around the yard.
5. Outdoor Events, Festivals and More – Portable Hot Water Anywhere
Beyond camping and homestead uses, Camplux portable water heaters shine at outdoor events and activities. From weekend festivals and sporting events to backyard parties and emergency use, these water heaters provide a flexible hot water solution wherever it's needed. Consider music festivals or large group camps (like Scout jamborees or Duke of Edinburgh expeditions): setting up a few portable shower units can massively improve sanitation and comfort for participants. It's like creating a mini “shower block” in the middle of a field – but one that runs on just gas and water, no mains power required. Event organizers and campers often rig up shower tents with Camplux water heaters to let people wash off the day's grime. The high-capacity models like the 10L and 16L can cater to multiple users in succession, delivering continuous hot water on demand.
Camplux portable water heaters are incredibly versatile for all sorts of outdoor activities and events. This image highlights some popular applications: camping, cabins or glamping tiny houses, outdoor recreation (like filling an inflatable pool for kids), food carts and mobile catering needing hot water for cleaning, and outdoor showers anywhere you need them. Essentially, wherever you have a water source and an LPG cylinder, you can set up a Camplux unit to get hot water immediately.
For outdoor sports events – think muddy obstacle races, football tournaments, or surf meets – having a hot water station is a huge plus. Competitors can clean up and warm up, which is not only comfortable but can be important for health (avoiding staying cold and wet for too long). A portable gas water heater can be mounted on a fence or stand at the event site, providing warm rinsing showers or at least warm water to wash hands and faces. In fact, many outdoor catering and food truck businesses also use Camplux water heaters as a convenient way to meet health and safety requirements for hot water. Instead of installing a heavy electric water heater in a food trailer, a compact Camplux unit can supply hot water for handwashing stations and dishwashing on a food cart – it's fully compliant when set up properly, and runs quietly in the background. The portability means the same unit can be moved between a food van, a stall tent, or an outdoor pop-up kitchen as needed.
Back garden parties and events at home are another great use. If you're hosting an outdoor gathering – maybe a summer barbecue, a small wedding in a marquee, or even just enjoying your garden – a portable water heater can serve an outdoor sink or shower. For example, if the kids are playing in an inflatable paddling pool or sprinkler, you can top it up with some warm water to take the chill off. Or if you set up an outdoor shower by the pool or hot tub, guests can rinse off comfortably. The convenience extends to emergency situations too. Should your home boiler break down or if you're doing renovations, a Camplux portable water heater can act as a temporary hot water source for bathing and cleaning. It's like having a backup on-demand water heater that you can deploy whenever needed.
When using these water heaters at public events or in shared spaces, always adhere to safety guidelines: keep the unit in a ventilated spot, protected from crowds (so nobody accidentally touches the hot parts), and follow any local regulations (this is where Understanding UK Regulations for Outdoor Water Heater Installation is important, especially for commercial use or public venues). With proper use, Camplux portable water heaters allow for creative solutions anywhere hot water is required. They truly live up to the phrase “have hot water, will travel.” From a festival campsite in Glastonbury to a remote film shoot in the Scottish Highlands, these units have proven their worth by providing reliable hot water in the field.
As we've seen, Camplux portable gas water heaters have a multitude of uses across the UK's outdoor lifestyle. Their blend of portability, efficiency, and user-friendly design makes them an invaluable accessory for campers, road trippers, off-grid dwellers, animal lovers, and event organizers alike. By choosing a model that fits your needs – be it the super-compact Nano 3 Pro for solo adventures or a higher-flow 10L/16L unit for bigger demands – you can enjoy the luxury of hot water wherever you go. The British climate and outdoor conditions are no challenge for these water heaters, which are built with features like rain caps and freeze protection to thrive in our environment.
Ready to upgrade your outdoor experience with on-demand hot water? Explore the full Camplux portable water heater range available in the UK to find the perfect match for your camping trips or off-grid projects. With Camplux, you can make tea at the campsite, take a warm shower in your campervan, bathe your horse in winter, or host an outdoor event with proper facilities – all with one versatile piece of kit. Embrace the comfort and convenience that these portable water heaters offer. And for more tips and guides on getting the best out of your gear, be sure to explore our blog – from installation how-tos to safety checklists, we've got you covered. Don't let the lack of hot water hold you back from any adventure or project – gear up with a Camplux, and tap into warm water wherever life takes you!
