March 20, 2026 The My Mestic Team

Heating a Two-Berth Caravan on a Budget: MKK-230 on Hookup

Heating a Two-Berth Caravan on a Budget: MKK-230 on Hookup is a question that matters for anyone planning winter or shoulder-season camping trips. Understanding the real running costs helps you budget accurately and choose the most cost-effective option for your situation.

Gas Heating Costs

The Mestic MRK-100 and MRK-100K run on 30mbar propane or butane. A 6kg propane cylinder costs approximately £25-£30 from most UK suppliers. Gas consumption depends on the heat setting, but as a rough guide, the MRK-100 on a moderate setting uses approximately 100-200g of gas per hour. A 6kg cylinder therefore lasts 30-60 hours of active use.

At the higher end of consumption, that works out to approximately 50-100p per hour. For a four-hour evening in the awning, budget £2-£4 per night. Over a two-week trip with evening-only use, gas heating costs £28-£56.

Electric Heating Costs

The MKK-230 ceramic heater runs on 230V campsite hook-up. Most UK campsites charge £4-£8 per night for hook-up, which includes all the electricity you use. In this case, the MKK-230 heating cost is effectively zero on top of what you are already paying for the pitch.

If you pay metered electricity (common on some long-stay sites), the MKK-230 costs approximately 30-35p per hour based on average UK electricity rates. Over an eight-hour night, that is roughly £2.50-£2.80. This is comparable to gas but without the need to buy, carry, or store gas bottles.

Total Cost of Ownership

The MKK-230 at £34.99 is the most affordable option to buy and the cheapest to run on hook-up sites. The MRK-100K at £101.99 or MRK-100 at £109.99 costs more upfront and has ongoing fuel costs, but works without mains power. Many campers invest in both, which totals under £150 and covers every scenario.

Factor in the additional benefits: the MRK-100 works during power outages, in awnings, and on off-grid pitches. The MKK-230 provides safe overnight heating in enclosed spaces. Together they represent excellent value for the comfort they deliver across every camping situation.

Final Thoughts

Heating costs are modest regardless of whether you choose gas or electric. The decision often comes down to where you camp and what power is available rather than running costs alone.

Whichever Mestic heater you choose, the investment in staying warm pays dividends in comfort, health, and enjoyment. Cold camping is miserable camping, and the difference between a trip you endure and a trip you love often comes down to whether you can warm up properly at the end of the day. The MRK-100 and MKK-230 are affordable, reliable solutions that thousands of UK caravan and campervan owners trust every winter season. Factor in the cost of a carbon monoxide alarm if using gas heating, and always prioritise ventilation and safety alongside comfort.