As a somewhat hesitant doomsday prepper and enthusiastic vanlifer, I’ve relied on Dometic’s battery-powered Go Faucet as a key part of my camping setup for the last few years. It took me just two minutes with Dometic’s new Recon 360 Faucet to recognize that it improves on the original in every important aspect—and a week of testing confirmed that.
First off, the Recon 360 Faucet replaces the easy-to-miss touch surface with true mechanical buttons. One button delivers a standard water flow for brushing teeth or filling a cup, while the second, larger button provides a stronger stream for washing dishes, rinsing hair, or quickly filling a water bottle before heading out. You can turn off the water with a second press of the active button; otherwise, it automatically stops after 90 seconds or when it reaches 1.5L/3L to help conserve water.
In my testing, using the smaller button dispensed one liter of water in 41 seconds, producing a sound level of 52dB from arm’s length. The larger button fills a liter in just 24 seconds but at a louder 60dB. The low-flow mode is quieter compared to the original Go Faucet, with a less bothersome hum due to a lower pitch. However, it’s still too loud for stealthy nighttime use in a van, even if the bright LED light makes it easy to see.
As the name implies, the base can now be rotated 360 degrees, allowing for more flexible placement options. This change should help minimize the need to wipe water off my kitchen counter when the sturdy water hose—a feature included with both Dometic models—causes the lightweight Go Faucet to twist away from the sink.
On top of that, the new faucet has switched from Micro USB to a USB-C connector for charging, with a battery that lasts for about 150 liters (roughly 40 gallons). The Recon 360 also features a 4-stage LED meter that displays the remaining battery life.
Slightly smaller yet a bit heavier than the Go Faucet, this model comes with metal pucks that can stick to a countertop or water jug, creating a platform for the magnetic base. The new magnet is about twice as strong as the previous version, helping keep the faucet in place better when navigating bumpy roads. I’ve had my Go Faucet fly around the van a few times, yet it keeps on working, so I’m hoping the Recon 360 proves just as reliable.
The main downside is the price: $149.99 for the Recon 360 Faucet compared to $99.99 for the Go Faucet, which Dometic still offers. The Go Faucet is solid, but the Recon 360 addresses several minor complaints, making it worth the extra cost in my opinion. Sure, there are more affordable alternatives on Amazon and Aliexpress, but for someone like me who frequently needs a portable faucet, Dometic’s rugged and feature-packed options won’t disappoint if you’re willing to invest.
All photography by Thomas Ricker / The Verge
