Dometic’s Portable Faucet: The Ultimate Upgrade for On-the-Go Water
▼ Summary
– The Recon 360 Faucet is a portable, battery-powered water pump designed for use in boats, vans, campsites, or anywhere without traditional plumbing.
– It represents a significant upgrade over the older Go Faucet, featuring mechanical buttons for different water flow modes and a 360-degree rotating base for better placement.
– Key improvements include a stronger magnetic mount, a USB-C charging port, a battery life indicator, and a much more secure connection to prevent spills.
– During testing, it performed well but was noted to be quite loud, especially on its faster setting, and is more expensive than the previous model.
– The author concludes that despite the higher price, the Recon 360 Faucet’s durability and enhanced features make it a worthwhile upgrade for regular users.
For those who spend significant time off-grid, whether by choice or necessity, having a reliable water system is non-negotiable. Dometic’s new Recon 360 Faucet represents a substantial evolution in portable water delivery, addressing the practical shortcomings of its predecessor while adding thoughtful features for real-world use. After extensive testing in both vanlife and camping scenarios, it’s clear this isn’t just a minor update, it’s a comprehensive redesign that justifies its place as a premium tool.
The core function remains elegantly simple: it pumps water from a storage container in locations without plumbing. You can use it inside a van, boat, or cabin, or at a campsite, beach, or job site. A long, durable silicone hose connects to the back of the unit and snaps into the standard CPC quick-connect fitting found on Dometic’s own Go Jug and Recon Hardside Coolers. Crucially, with widely available third-party adapters, that same hose can be dropped into virtually any jerry can or water container, offering tremendous flexibility. It also integrates seamlessly with popular inline water filters from brands like LifeStraw.
The most immediate and welcome upgrades are in the controls. The Recon 360 abandons the finicky touch surface of the old Go Faucet for two distinct mechanical buttons. One provides a standard, quieter flow perfect for tasks like brushing teeth or filling a cup. The second, larger button delivers a powerful stream for washing dishes, rinsing hair, or quickly filling a water bottle. Operation is intuitive: press a button to start, press it again to stop. As a safeguard, the flow will also shut off automatically after 90 seconds or after dispensing 1.5 or 3 liters, preventing accidental water waste.
Portability is excellent, with a compact form factor. The included rotating base is a game-changer, preventing the stiff water hose from twisting the entire faucet out of position, a common frustration with the older, lighter model. This 360-degree swivel opens up more mounting options and should mean far less water spilled on countertops. For power, Dometic has wisely upgraded from Micro-USB to a USB-C charging port, a move all modern gadget users will appreciate. The internal battery is rated for approximately 150 liters of water, and a new 4-stage LED indicator on top clearly shows the remaining charge.
In practical testing, the performance metrics are solid. The low-flow mode dispenses one liter in about 41 seconds, while the high-flow mode cuts that time down to just 24 seconds. The low-flow setting is notably quieter and less drone-like than the original Go Faucet, though it’s still audible enough that you might not want to use it for a midnight drink if others are sleeping nearby. A bright LED light illuminating the water stream is incredibly useful for nighttime use.
Durability appears enhanced. The unit is slightly heavier and feels more robust. Its magnetic base is now about twice as strong, thanks to new metal pucks that can be adhered to a surface to create a stable platform. This should keep the faucet securely in place even on rough roads, a significant improvement over the older model which had a tendency to go flying during transit.
Of course, quality comes at a cost. The Recon 360 Faucet carries a price tag of $149.99, a fifty-dollar increase over the still-available Go Faucet. While cheaper alternatives exist online, they often lack the refinement, durability, and thoughtful design of the Dometic product. For anyone who relies on a portable faucet regularly, from vanlifers and boaters to campers and outdoor workers, the investment in the Recon 360 is justified. It solves the genuine annoyances of the previous generation and adds meaningful functionality, making it a reliable and capable centerpiece for any mobile water system.
(Source: The Verge)
