Kenyon and electric cooking afloat
Kenyon is an American maker based in Connecticut that produces electric cooktops and grills for marine, RV and residential use. Its marine products are found on many motor yachts, sailing yachts and day boats, especially where the galley is compact and a full professional range would not fit.
Electric cooking appeals to many owners because it removes the need to carry bottled gas on board and keeps the galley free of open flame. Smooth glass surfaces are quick to wipe down, and low-profile units sit neatly into a galley counter or an outdoor bar top.
Cooktops and grills, and where they go
- Ceramic glass cooktops heat through the glass with radiant elements. They work with most flat-bottomed cookware, which makes them a simple choice when the boat already has a set of pans.
- Induction cooktops heat the pan directly. The surface around the pan stays cooler, which helps in a small galley, but the cookware must be suitable for induction.
- Electric grills let owners grill on the aft deck, in the cockpit or on the flybridge without gas or charcoal.
On day boats and smaller yachts, a two or three zone cooktop is often the whole galley. On larger yachts, Kenyon cooktops tend to appear in a crew galley, a guest pantry or an outdoor bar, while the main galley is built around professional equipment such as a combi steamer. Our Rational marine page covers that side of the galley.
Ceramic or induction on a boat
Both suit marine use, and the decision is often practical rather than technical. Induction keeps less heat in the galley and responds quickly, but it needs compatible cookware and usually places a high demand on the electrical system when several zones run at once. Ceramic glass is forgiving with cookware and familiar to most cooks. Talk to whoever cooks on board most often; their habits usually settle the question. If the boat already carries a full set of pans, check them with a magnet before choosing induction, because replacing cookware adds cost and stowage questions.
Inverters, countertops and fiddle rails
Generator, shore power or an inverter
Confirm the voltage and frequency of the boat's AC system and how the cooktop will be powered: generator, shore power or an inverter. On boats that cook at anchor without the generator running, the inverter and battery capacity need careful review with your electrician or engineer.
Countertop material and opening size
Each unit needs an accurate cut-out and a countertop material that suits it. When replacing an older cooktop, the existing opening often decides the choice, so measure width, depth and the space below the counter.
Ventilation below the counter
Electronic controls, and induction electronics in particular, need airflow underneath. Avoid filling the space directly below the cooktop with stowage.
Cooking underway
Fiddle rails or pot retainers keep pans in place when the boat moves. Plan these with the countertop, not as an afterthought.
Grills on deck: covers, grease and cleaning
Grills on deck face sun, salt and spray. Check that the model suits the location, plan a cover, and think about grease drainage and cleaning.
Wiring reachable without lifting the countertop
Leave a way to reach the wiring and connection box without removing the countertop.
Layout and cut-out review before a cooktop is ordered
We are an independent supplier based in Wallingford, Connecticut, with a supply chain across Europe, Asia and the United States. For cooktops and grills we review your galley or deck layout, power supply and existing cut-outs, then suggest suitable units with clear options. We source the right version, consolidate it with other equipment for the project where useful, and ship to the shipyard, marina, agent or warehouse you choose. We stay available for installation questions and help with spare parts later.
If the project also includes refrigeration for the outdoor bar, see our Vitrifrigo marine page. For larger galleys, Electrolux marine covers professional cooking and dishwashing. All brands are listed on the brands page.
Cut-out size, supply and position of the new unit
Send us the boat details, the cut-out size, the power supply and where the unit will go through the quote form. A photo of any existing unit and its label is very helpful.
"Kenyon" is a trademark of its respective owner. VST Marine is an independent supplier of marine equipment; this page is not an official Kenyon website.
