Hey! This site is reader-supported and we earn commissions if you purchase products from retailers after clicking on a link from our site.
In this article, I’m going to share with you some of the things I like to keep in my kitchen that are functional and practical as well as easy to stow away to save some space. Since I have a larger RV with more storage than many others have, some of these items may not work for those with limited storage or counter space. However, even if you do have limited storage or counter space, you may find some of these necessities and accessories will work for you.
The basics
We all know the basics of supplying a kitchen with the essentials such as silverware, so I won’t spend too much time explaining some of the items you already know that you need. That said, I do recommend using Corelle products as your dishware.
- 18-PIECE SET: Includes (6) 10-1/4-inch dinner plates, (6) 6-3/4-inch appetizer plates and (6) 18-oz...
- LIGHT AND STRONG: Say goodbye to chips and cracks with Corelle's triple-layer-strong glass plates...
- LOW MAINTENANCE: This dinnerware set is designed to provide the best dining experience while...
Last update on 2024-03-26 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
I don’t like plastic dishware and as someone that prefers to recycle, I’m not fond of using paper products either.
Many people say Corelle is unbreakable, but since it’s made of tempered glass it will break when pushed to the extreme, but it is resistant to chips and scratches and when dropped on to hard surfaces from a short distance will usually not shatter like heavier ceramic dinnerware.
Most Corelle products are made in the U.S. and are lightweight, inexpensive, easily stackable and extremely durable. I’ve been using the same set of Corelle for the last five years with no breakage or damage.
Knives
If you plan on doing a lot of your own cooking while you’re RVing, I recommend you have a good set of knives that will fit your needs based upon your eating habits. For the RVer that is just starting out or one that has limited space, I recommend carrying three basic knives during your travels.
- Made in Solingen Germany.
- Precision sampled, high carbon stainless steel blades.
- Includes storage block with dedicated slot for each item.
Last update on 2024-03-26 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
Personally, I prefer Wüsthof knives as they are high quality, have a good guarantee and are reasonably priced for as well as they are made.
While I have several knives that I use for various task, I would consider only three of them to be essential in any RV kitchen.
Shown here, the largest knife is known as a French knife or chef’s knife. This multi-purpose knife is good for cutting meat and chopping, mincing or slicing vegetables and herbs.
Another favorite knife in my collection is a serrated knife. Since I don’t buy mass produced bread, I usually try to sample local bakeries as I travel, and I like good artisan breads that I can slice myself. Serrated knives are great for slicing bread and other softer foods such as tomatoes.
The last knife I would consider essential for any RV kitchen is the paring knife. I use this knife for peeling vegetables such as potatoes, squash, and cucumbers and for skinning fruits like apples, peaches, mangoes, and oranges.
Since I like to fish, another knife I favor is a good filet knife for cleaning and filleting any catch I may bring home. Choosing the right knives for what works for you is something all RVers should consider based upon their interests and needs.
Measuring cups
When it comes to cooking meals, I tend to make most of my food to taste and I don’t necessarily follow a recipe to exact proportions. However, when cooking certain items such as rice, you should always follow the proper measurements concerning the amount of rice and water needed or you will end up with overcooked soggy rice or undercooked crunchy rice. The same can be said for baking things like cookies, cakes, and bread. For the result to be successful, one must follow a recipe and a good set of measuring spoons and cups is a must have accessory.
- Complete set of 11: includes 1/8, 1/4, 1/3, 1/2, 2/3, 3/4, 1 cup and 1/4 tsp ,1/2 tsp, 1 tsp, 1 tbsp...
- Stack-able design allows each piece to nest inside another, allowing you to store them in any...
- Premium food-grade 18/8 stainless steel will never rust or corrode, you can throw them wash in the...
Last update on 2024-03-26 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
For years I kept buying cheap plastic measuring cups and spoons at dollar stores and for years I kept having to replace them because they would easily stain, scratch and eventually the ink they used on the handle to indicate the size of the measurement would wear off because of washing and handling. I recommend having a good set of measuring spoons and cups made of stainless steel that are stackable and have their measurements stamped into the steel. These will last much longer than their plastic counterparts and are certainly more environmentally friendlier.
Slow cookers & other appliances
Another kitchen appliance I always travel with is a good slow cooker. These are great for someone that is work camping or likes to leave their RV while hiking, fishing, hunting or just exploring during the day then come home to a fully prepared meal. There are numerous ways to cook using a Crock-Pot® and I recommend you purchase a cookbook or two that specializes in slow cooker recipes. I often use mine to cook ahead by making large batches of soups or stews and having them for dinner or lunch for several days.
- 6 quart Metallic Cooker serves 7+ people
- Manual control with High, Low, and Warm heat settings
- Easy grip handle
Last update on 2024-03-26 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
One very popular small appliance now trending with many RVers is also made by Crock-Pot® and this too is a slow cooker but has other functions as well. Known as a multi-cooker, you can slow cook items, or it can be used as a steamer and even as a pressure cooker. Using it as a pressure can reduce the cook times for things like pot roasts and baby back ribs from several hours in an oven or slow cooker to 35-40.
- 7-IN-1 FUNCTIONALITY: Pressure cook, slow cook, rice cooker, yogurt maker, steamer, sauté pan and...
- QUICK ONE-TOUCH COOKING: 13 customizable Smart Programs for pressure cooking ribs, soups, beans,...
- COOK FAST OR SLOW: Pressure cook delicious one-pot meals up to 70% faster than traditional cooking...
Last update on 2024-03-26 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
I have found that mine works very well and it’s especially nice for hot days when you don’t want to run an oven all day. Keep in mind though, that this uses electrical power, so unless you have an alternative power source such as solar panels, they may not work when dry camping.
I am very fond of frying chicken and I have found that the best batches of fried chicken that I prepare are always when I use my 16 inch non-stick electric skillet made by Presto®. These have a heat regulator that allows you to keep the oil in the pan at a constant temperature for even cooking and because they are non-stick, little effort is needed when cleaning them after each use. Of course, I use my pan for cooking several other dishes and they are very useful when preparing stove-top casseroles, pancakes, eggs and many other dishes too.
- Material Type: Aluminum
Last update on 2024-03-26 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
I also like to travel with a combination toaster oven/convection oven. In fact, I don’t even own a toaster anymore as I prefer to toast fresh vegetable sandwiches, BLTs, and some already prepared foods in this very use appliance.
- EASY ACCESS TO FOOD AND COUNTERTOP: Easily access food in the toaster oven broiler and on your...
- FITS A 9" x 11" BAKE PAN, 6 SLICES OF TOAST OR A 12" PIZZA: This Hamilton Beach toaster oven has a...
- EASY TO KEEP CLEAN WHILE COOKING: The roll-top door stays up and out of the way of messy spills and...
Last update on 2024-03-26 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
However, these also draw a lot of wattage, so they not always be suitable when boondocking.
Final thoughts
These are just some of my favorite RV kitchen accessories and the ones I use most often. Your preferred kitchen tools will probably vary as to your cooking and eating habits. For example, I have met many RVers that like fresh coffee, cappuccinos and espressos. For them, it was important to have a grinder for fresh coffee beans and a good multi-purpose coffee maker.
Other folks I have met while traveling, liked to make smoothies or bake fresh bread, so these folks purchased good mixers or blenders and bread makers. The choice is up to you. What makes you happy and what do you want to eat? Remember, home is where the heart is, and home is where you should be the happiest. Home can be a traditional stick-n-bricks, or it can be one that travels on wheels. Just because it has wheels and is mobile is no reason to give up cooking your favorite foods while on the road.
As always my friends, thanks for following and reading my columns and I hope to see you out on the road someday.
As long as you’re outfitting your kitchen, check out these related articles too.
