Prepare for the ultimate portable water faucet upgrade! As a vanlife enthusiast and a cautious prepper, I've found the perfect solution for my water needs. Dometic's Recon 360 Faucet is a game-changer, and here's why.
Imagine having a reliable water source wherever you go, be it in your van, at the beach, or even on a job site. The Recon 360 Faucet connects to a storage container, providing a convenient and familiar faucet experience. With its long silicone hose, you can attach it to Dometic's Go Jug or Recon Hardside Coolers, or even use a third-party adapter for any jerry can. And for those who prioritize water filtration, it's compatible with inline filters like LifeStraw and Camelbak.
But here's where it gets exciting! The Recon 360 Faucet boasts some fantastic upgrades. Say goodbye to touch surfaces and hello to mechanical buttons. Two buttons, to be precise. One for a standard water flow, perfect for brushing your teeth or filling a glass, and another larger button for a more powerful stream, ideal for washing dishes or your hair. The water flow automatically stops after 90 seconds or when 1.5L/3L is reached, ensuring you don't waste a drop.
In my tests, the smaller button dispensed one liter in a mere 41 seconds, while the fast button did the same in just 24 seconds. The low-flow mode is quieter than its predecessor, with a less irritating drone. However, it's still not silent enough for stealthy night-time water retrieval in a van. But fear not, the bright LED light will guide your way.
And as the name suggests, the base rotates a full 360 degrees, offering more flexibility in placement. This feature alone is a game-changer, reducing the need for constant counter cleaning. The included crimp-resistant water hose ensures the faucet stays put, even with its lightweight design.
The new faucet also boasts a USB-C connector for charging, an improvement over the previous Micro USB. With a battery life of approximately 150 liters, it's a reliable companion. The 4-stage LED meter on top provides a quick glance at the remaining charge.
While slightly smaller, the Recon 360 Faucet is a bit heavier than the Go model. It comes with metal pucks for a secure countertop or water jug platform. The magnet is significantly stronger, ensuring it stays put during bumpy rides. And with its durability, you won't have to worry about it flying around your van like its predecessor.
The only downside? The price. At $149.99, it's more expensive than the $99.99 Go Faucet, which is still available. But trust me, the Recon 360 Faucet addresses so many minor grievances that it's well worth the investment. While cheaper alternatives exist, if you rely on a portable faucet like me, Dometic's faucets are a reliable and feature-rich choice.
So, is the Recon 360 Faucet worth the upgrade? I say yes! But what do you think? Share your thoughts in the comments. Are you willing to invest in a premium portable faucet, or do you prefer more affordable options? Let's discuss!