Essential RV Cooking Gadgets and Insights
In a world filled with tantalizing kitchen gadgets, it's easy to fall into the trap of accumulating items that end up collecting dust. Many of us have experienced the allure of the "all the rage" appliance, only to realize it's not a practical addition to our culinary arsenal. But what happens when you transition from a spacious home kitchen to the compact confines of an RV? Suddenly, every inch of space becomes precious, and every gadget must earn its keep.
In my sticks and bricks life, I shared my tried and true kitchen gadgets and appliances for food prep as seen in the excerpt on the right. However, as I embarked on RV living, I faced the challenge of downsizing to only the essentials.
Reflecting and looking closer at this transition to full-time RVing, I realize it transformed my cooking experiences of the past and caused me to re-evaluate my “essential gadgets” for efficient cooking. The kitchen scale is still an undeniable must for our kitchen but beyond that here is what I now list as essential:
1. Multi-Functional Instant Pot: The Instant Pot emerged as a hero in my RV kitchen. With its ability to serve as a pressure cooker, steamer, slow cooker, saute, sous vide, roaster, oven, and even an air fryer, it's a versatile powerhouse that minimizes the need for multiple appliances. 6-Minute Spaghetti in picture link.
2. Compact Coffee Grinder and French Press: Starting the day with freshly ground coffee is a ritual I refuse to sacrifice. A compact coffee grinder and French press provides a perfect cup of strong and flavorful black coffee. I’ve tried K-Pod units, cone drips, and standard compact coffee makers but nothing delivers like the French press.
3. Space-Saving Toaster Oven/Air Fryer with Baking Capabilities: A tilt up toaster oven that doubles as a baking oven is a game-changer in the RV kitchen. From morning toast to evening casseroles, this multitasking appliance maximizes space and versatility.
4. Portable Traeger Grill ( Ranger): Embrace outdoor cooking with a portable grill like the Traeger. Whether grilling burgers or smoking ribs and chicken, a portable grill/smoker adds flavor to your culinary adventures.
5. Microwave/Convection: While purists may prefer traditional stovetop cooking, a microwave offers quick and convenient meal warm-up. I opt for a built-in model to save space without sacrificing functionality.
6. Blackstone Flat Top: A griddle to me is a must-have for RV cooking, offering a versatile cooking surface for everything from protein rich breakfast hash to burgers. We chose the two burner model, Its compact size and multi-functionality makes it indispensable for maximizing cooking space and varying needed heat
Every item must earn its keep in the confined quarters of an RV. Regularly assessing your onboard inventory allows you to eliminate unused items within the year, freeing up space and reducing onboard weight for improved travel efficiency.
Embracing minimalism in your RV kitchen may initially feel like a sacrifice, but it can turn routine meal preparation into a playful game of creativity. I stick to a whole food commitment (avoid highly processed food as much as possible) and find renewed pleasure in experimenting with limited resources, relishing both failures and successes.
Organization is vital to maximizing space in your RV kitchen. In addition to eliminating unnecessary appliances, optimizing storage space with stackable containers, collapsible kitchenware, and efficient storage solutions is helpful, too. Dry foods sold in bags, paper, or cardboard, such as rice, beans, cornbread mix, pasta, etc., are always put in rigid plastic containers to help remove enticements for bugs and or mice. For us, planning and prepping meals in advance minimizes food waste, our waists, and ensures we have only the necessary ingredients on hand for delicious meals.
Finally, embrace outdoor cooking as part of your RV adventure. Explore local markets for fresh produce and regional specialties, experiment with camp cooking techniques, and utilize portable grills to add a taste of adventure to your culinary endeavors.
Happy cooking and happy camping!
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