You lose a lot of kitchen room when you go from a house to an RV 5th wheel, travel trailer, or motorhome, which is one of the challenges of becoming a full-time RV family.
It initially hurts a lot to lose all of that kitchen space, but through the months and years, I have discovered a few RV kitchen gadgets and accessories that have made it easier for me to prepare meals in my kitchen.
Being a good chef is crucial when you have young children.
We just cannot afford to often dine out, and I also like cooking at home.
I rely on these items almost daily and could not survive without them.
All of them occupy little space while doing BIG responsibilities.
ideal for a nomadic lifestyle.
Here is our list of essential kitchen supplies that you should have when you start living in an RV.
Essential RV Kitchen Accessories
#1. Cups for Measuring
Stackable measuring cups and spoons are a necessary component of any set of kitchen utensils for an RV.
On Amazon, I discovered these mugs for our kitchen.
Plastic measuring cups have been used by me previously, but I don’t like them.
They get damaged in the drawer and seem completely worn out.
We usually strive to minimize adding weight, but using heavy conventional stainless steel cups does just that.
So when I discovered these Bellemain Stainless Steel mugs, I was ecstatic.
They really withstand regular abuse in the utensil drawer rather nicely.
They are lightweight AND precise, which is crucial for mobile life.
Someone discovered the ideal thickness that would make them strong yet lightweight.
Even better, they serve as circular templates for painting classes.
Amazing set!
Here is a good set of plastic measurers if you DO like them.
It would also be a good addition to your collection of cooking tools since it features measuring cups and spoons in just about every size imaginable, making it fairly comprehensive.
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#2. Mixing Bowls That Stack
I honestly very much use my stackable mixing bowls every single day to mix eggs or store fruit since I LOVE them so much.
They really have evolved into indispensable culinary utensils! This is crucial to us RVers since these bowls are excellent and can withstand being flung about in an RV.
They are lightweight and will not shatter since they are melamine.
Even if you flip the containers upside down, the snap-on airtight lids that came with my set won’t allow liquid escape.
I’ve used mine to transport food to cookouts or to the beach for a picnic with dishes.
They come in a wide variety of sizes, making them ideal for thawing out huge roasts or pork loins as well as for preparing small batches of Franks “Super Secret Honey Mustard BBQ Sauce” (Hint- it has honey, mustard, and BBQ sauce in it- sorry babe).
Joseph Joseph has created a wonderful small set of stacking bowls.
The set includes 2 bowls, a colander, a sieve strainer, and 5 measuring cups.
I like that a stackable sieve is included with this; it saves so much room in an RV.
These stainless steel stacking bowls are fantastic.
These would be ideal for baking purposes or for keeping fruit.
I like that this set comes with 6 bowls since I know there will be occasions when I need more than the three I presently have.
#3. Chopping Blocks
Cutting boards are an integral part of any RV kitchen.
Given that you will use them both indoors and outside, it is crucial to have a set that is both adaptable and lightweight.
Four cutting boards in our favorite Fu Store set are labeled and color-coded for vegetables, fish, fruit, and meats, respectively.
We appreciate that they are a bit thicker.
I like that each board has a designation for a certain food category, and they are still extremely light and convenient to store.
I really need the reminder!
With a bamboo board and seven plastic boards within, this set is pretty good.
It has a ton of fantastic applications but won’t save much room on the kitchen counter.
Boards are really thin.
This bamboo board is ideal for us since we like wine and cheese, and it also fits well in our fifth wheel.
#4. Kitchenware for RVs
The finest camping utensils are a need for any RV kitchen.
Due to limited space, you want to be as thorough as possible without doing too much of anything twice.
When we were moving into our RV, I purchased this set, and I was pleasantly surprised by the variety of utensils it came with.
Tongs are now my favorite culinary tool even though I never had any at home.
In my view, this package has every cooking tool you could ever need.
#5. Cooktop Cover
You need a plate cover if you often use the microwave, which is likely if you live on the road.
It’s very easy to do and it saves SO MUCH time and work.
You may be wondering why you didn’t have one of these things five years ago.
This microwave cover is really fantastic; it saves me so much time and hassle with the cleanup, and best of all, it falls flat for simple storage.
#6. Cooking in Cast Iron
Nothing compares to cooking on cast iron.
I know we usually stress how important lightweight items are, but cast iron is what you want to use while cooking outside!
One of the essentials for an RV kitchen must-have is this Lodge cast iron skillet.
A cast iron skillet lasts a lifetime and cooks more evenly.
Using it on the grill or over a campfire is also safe.
Do bear in mind that they weigh more than typical pans.
#7. Folding Strainer
I enjoy that I can wash all of my fruits and veggies in a single strainer!
Another fantastic item that makes your camper kitchen more space-efficient.
The handles swing out to create a platform so you can hang it over the sink without using your hands.
The whole device then collapses for simple storage.
These may work in place of the aforementioned strainer if your RV is too large for it.
I too own a pair of them and have for a long time.
When I don’t need the larger strainer, I utilize these.
They easily fit into my cabinet.
#8. Storage-Friendly Knife Holder
These brilliant RV cooking gadgets were created with small living areas in mind.
This knife holder saves space and is used by friends of ours.
You will save a ton of room with this steel wall-mounted knife holder.
In a mobile kitchen, space is always at a premium, so why not use the walls?
#9. Camping Food
We bought a set of melamine plates as one of our first purchases; I like not having to worry about them breaking on RV trip days.
All of your camper kitchen’s equipment must be lightweight.
It makes sense to utilize RV cooking accessories that are almost unbreakable because to the shaking and jarring.
These colorful melamine dishes are precisely what you need.
#10. Plastic Tumblers
Your glasses are the same.
RV glasses are subjected to considerable abuse, so invest in a pair that will hold up well inside or out and you won’t have to worry about them.
These acrylic glasses were a purchase we made for ourselves, and they have held up so far! They have a beautiful appearance, are reasonably priced, and fit our cabinet well.
When the youngsters are racing about the campsite, these mugs are ideal to use.
They make sure we always have access to cold water when we need it.
I bought one of these for each person I know since I like that it comes with a straw.
#11. Wine Glasses Made Of Acrylic
Nothing makes us happier than enjoying a glass of wine on a weekend.
We have tried a number of glasses, but these are by far our favorite.
Try utilizing a wine aerator if you like wine as much as we do; it significantly improves the taste of the beverage! Believe me.
We like sipping wine in real wine glasses.
We never have to worry about these glasses on a day when we travel since they can be stacked.
Actually, they can be tossed wherever and be alright.
Because they won’t be knocked over by the wind, we prefer stemless.
#12. Cleaning Rack
This is a fantastic addition to any RV kitchen.
You can dry your dishes off the counters by using this foldable dish drying rack, which fits perfectly in your sink.
All of your kitchen tools and dishes may be stored on a space-saving dish rack that fits over the sink and doesn’t take up any counter space.
This Prepworks device functions well and comes with a wash basin.
#13. Pots & Pans that Save Space
We still need pots and pans when we cook even though we now have a small house.
Since I don’t have much space to keep them, I like these stackable pots and pans.
These stackable pots and pans are fantastic.
Any RV must have a quality set of cookware.
A HUGE plus is any set from Calphalon that nests and saves room!
Essentials for a Small RV Kitchen
#14. Magic Wand
We adore smoothies.
It’s “Happy Days” at the Foley camp with a bag of frozen fruit mix, some yogurt, and a little amount of milk.
Smoothies are a terrific way to give kids plenty of nutrients without the typical WAH-WAH that comes with healthy meals, and kids love them.
I also make my own hummus and dice vegetables using the Bullet.
Then, of course, there is the occasional “margarita night” with the spouse.
They always work out nicely! The tiny “Bullet” is a fantastic space saver for many compact campers or travel trailers when room is particularly limited.
Nutri-Bullet also produces a bigger blender size if you want a LARGER MARGARITA.
This works well in fifth wheels or RVs that are bigger and have a little more storage room.
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#15. Kettle
There are many individuals who drink coffee.
A coffee machine is not necessary in our RV kitchen since we just drink tea here.
Having saying that, we did begin our journey with a Keurig.
It was simply too huge for the rig, even if it produced a lovely cup of tea.
It didn’t make sense since there was so little counter space, even if I did keep it for over a year! Additionally, those little K Cups may grow rather pricey.
We then switched back to tea bags!
My Hamilton Beach electric kettle is fantastic.
It’s a cute little cooking tool.
Just enough water is heated for 2 LARGE cups of tea.
Because the heating base is separate from the pot and the appliance is lightweight, you may move it without having to disconnect it.
The most popular Classic Keurig is available for those of you who like coffee.
It is a decent size and doesn’t take up a lot of room, and the K-Cups, of course, always create a perfect cup.
#16. Cooking Slowly
The RV cooking equipment we use the most is the crock pot.
I am aware that.
There are so many of you who use Instant Pot.
We did get one of them a while ago; I’m not sure why I can’t get on board with them.
It irked me! I did try, I swear, but I couldn’t figure out how to use it.
Unfortunately, we weren’t meant to be.
Maybe I’m simply stuck in my ways.
My Crock Pot is fantastic.
I use it ALL the time, despite the fact that it is completely wrong—it is heavy, big, and takes up WAY too much space in my cabinet.
In order to prepare for our monthly trips to more distant locations, we prefer to shop at Sam’s Club and Walmart.
I had no idea they were around.
WHAT!!!!! Since learning about Slow Cooker liner bags, cleaning is now simple.
Who doesn’t want to come home and have a dinner prepared and ready to eat in a matter of minutes using one of these Instant Pots?
I just checked, and this Instant Pot has almost 5000 ratings with five stars.
Perhaps I should try it again!
#17. RV Water Purifier
Despite the fact that this device is intended for outdoor use, the water you should be worried about is the water that comes from your kitchen faucet for drinking and cooking.
Ensure clean, fresh water with a Camco in-line filtration.
This is a necessary piece of jewelry.
Ideas for Kitchen Storage in RV Accessories
You have a very limited amount of storage space when you live on the road.
Since there are often just a few drawers in a fifth wheel or travel trailer, organization is crucial, making drawer organizers essential rv accessories.
The top drawer organizers that we have discovered are listed below.
#18. Ideas for Organizing Drawers
Make sure they will fit before buying, but they are great for keeping things organized in the kitchen.
If you require some odd-sized separations, these unique bamboo dividers can let you customize your drawer.
You also have the highly regarded Bellamain Bamboo set, which extends to precisely fit the silverware drawer.
Excellent design!
#19. Organizer that Hangs
I often advise my fellow RVers to do this.
This saves so much room and stores a lot more than I anticipated.
This is without a doubt one of our favorite RV kitchen additions.
WE have had ours for more than three years, and it still works well.
This over-the-door storage box is an essential piece of office equipment.
We keep all of our food in it, including crackers, potato chips, granola bars, etc.
All of them fit in this convenient storage.
It may also be put onto a child’s bunk for travel days and then hung back up when you arrive since it hangs on two hooks above the door.
It is great for slightly enlarging the kitchen pantry because of the incredible quantity of storage it offers.
#20. Waste Container
The little amount of room for the trash can in a small kitchen is one of the major space problems.
Although they are enormous in comparison to the rest of the kitchen, living full-time doesn’t really result in using LESS waste.
There are several excellent solutions available that can aid with space conservation.
This wire frame holder by InterDesign is thin and fashionable.
It takes up very little room since it hangs on the inside of a cabinet door.
If there are just the two of you in the RV, this is ideal.
A extremely excellent, compact device from SimpleHuman is seen here.
Similar to this one, we too have a garbage can that hangs over the edge of our kitchen island.
This YouCopia storage container can keep plastic shopping bags for a REALLY tiny storage area.
Ideas for RV Outdoor Kitchens
#21. Belgian Oven:
A compact camp stove pot perfect for cooking over a campfire is the Lodge 4 Qt Cast Iron Camp Dutch Oven.
It inverts to be used as a griddle and has a flanged cover for hot coals.
The oven sits nicely over hot coals thanks to the integrated legs.
Bail handle for tripod usage The flanged lid may be used as a griddle and retains hot coals.
A need for any outdoor kitchen!
If you want to cook outside, you must have a Dutch oven like this one from Lodge.
Cook up a large batch of campfire beans as you wait for the neighbors to arrive.
The only brand we purchase is Lodge, which is the greatest name in cast iron.
Nothing tops a wonderful day at the camping like a beautiful Dutch oven dump cake.
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#22. A Tenting Table
You will want a robust folding table for an effective outdoor dining setup.
There isn’t much room for your culinary equipment and accessories, even in huge RV outside kitchens.
A solid table that can be folded up for transportation is thus priceless.
For more room in the outdoor kitchen, this foldable camping table is ideal.
It is available in various sizes to fit any campground and, when necessary, doubles as a tiny dining table.
We have loved using this transportable foldable picnic table for more than three years.
We can all fit in it for meals, and the kids can use it for projects.
Then it may be stored by folding into a case.
Although it is hardly the strongest item in the world, it has served us well.
#23. Grill:
Grilling equates to living outside in an RV.
Any camp kitchen needs a decent grill, and the Coleman Road Trip series offers the ideal cooking surface for motorhomes.
There is a Coleman sized just for you, whether you are in a motorhome, 5th wheel, or even a pop-up camper.
For camping, this Coleman grill is excellent.
It folds up tiny for simple transportation and offers a sizable cooking surface.
We cook on this barbecue and adore it.
We have owned it for more than two years and have had no issues.
#24. A Campfire Stove
A camping stove is the perfect solution for individuals who want an open flame but would like a bit more control than an open fire.
You may still remain outdoors with the other people while enjoying all the conveniences of an inside stove.
There are a ton of models to choose from, but here are a few of Amazon’s Best Sellers.
The top-ranked Best Seller on Amazon is this 2 Burner Coleman Tabletop Stove.
The reviews are also excellent.
It produces 20,000 BTUs and, at 21 inches wide, can accommodate a few large pans.
A locking cover is created when the rear wind guard swings downward.
This Camp Chef 2 burner model is for you if you truly want to “Huge Dog” (or are intending to prepare a very big dog).
Each burner in the Camp Chef Modular System produces 30,000 BTUs, and you can purchase a variety of accessories to go with it.
Tank for propane is NOT included.
These Etekcity Ultralight Portable camp stoves are great for hiking since they are so portable.
They are also great for traveling light.
They can support pots with a diameter of up to 7″ and fold up compactly for simple transportation in the carrying bag provided.
#25. LP Gas/Fuel:
Don’t forget to stock up on fuel regardless of the grill or stove you choose.
You will be using gas for cooking, whether it is propane or butane!
It’s simple to get Coleman propane canisters directly from Amazon.com.
Simply purchase online to avoid the inconveniences of going to the shop.
#26. Grilling Equipment
You have no idea how often I discover my kitchen tongs outdoors in the outdoor kitchen.
Make sure your husband has the tools he needs to cook outdoors so that he doesn’t use yours!
Without the proper cooking tools, even the best grilling setup is useless.
Any camping trip requires a full, transportable set of grilling equipment.
On one occasion, I purchased this Home-Complete package for my father.
The carrying case that comes with it keeps everything together.
They are made of stainless steel, so they are not only attractive but also quite strong.
#27. Grilling Mitts
Our recent purchase of these together with our Dutch oven has proven to be well worth the money thus far!
Skin and hot flames don’t mix well.
Use gloves that are resistant to heat and flame while grilling.
These are very helpful when using the Dutch oven or an open flame to cook.
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#28. Grasshopper Forks
There is nothing more enjoyable than building a fire and making s’mores.
The kids will have so much fun using these marshmallow forks to accomplish that.
These extended marshmallow forks are among your most often used outdoor utensils yet taking up very little space.
We indulge in unbelievably wonderful s’mores on a regular basis.
#29. Container for Outdoor Utensils
I put off purchasing one of these for so long because I believed it to be a pointless space waster.
Boy, was I mistaken!
I lost count of the number of times I rushed in and out of the rig to grab extra napkins or another fork.
This silverware caddy is fantastic and a must-have.
It is beneficial to keep your kitchenware arranged so that everything is accessible when you need it.
The napkins will remain in their proper places, and your outside table will remain tidy and clean.
#30. Outdoor Trash Container
Once again, we were too slow in picking up one of these trash holders.
When you camp in an RV, they are quite helpful.
With the help of this RV trash can, keep your camping space tidy.
The fact that it can handle a 33 gallon bag and folds up gently is its finest feature.
Follow the campers’ rule: leave no trace!
Last but not least, you may use this portable trash can in an indoor or outdoor setting.
For storage and travel during moving days, it compresses effortlessly.
They are quite useful for keeping the space tidy.
