The right RV kitchen accessories will help you achieve a comfortable and enjoyable experience. You can easily and conveniently prepare your favorite meals and snacks whether you are on the move or camping.
This article will discuss choosing RV kitchen accessories and highlight 10 must-have essentials to fit your RV lifestyle.
How to Choose RV Kitchen Accessories
Below are factors to consider when choosing RV kitchen accessories.
The Size of the Kitchen Accessories and Availability of Storage Space
Storage and counter space are limited in most RVs. Therefore, when choosing kitchen appliances for your RV, you need to consider their size and how much storage space they would take up. As such, go for smaller appliances that are easy to store and do not take up too much counter space in your kitchen area.
Durability and Quality
You want items that will serve you for extended periods. Besides, RVs can be bumpy rides that can be rough on your accessories. Choose accessories that can withstand the rigors of travel, including jostling, shaking, and vibrations.
Avoid fragile items that break easily. Instead, go for items made of silicone or aluminum, as they are lightweight and strong. Stainless steel is also a great material option as it is rust and corrosion-resistant.
Other aspects to consider regarding quality and durability include sturdy construction, reinforced attachment, and ergonomic handling. The accessories should have non-skid or non-slip bases to prevent them from sliding when being used or in storage.
Multifunctional
Whenever possible, buy multifunctional items. It is a great way to save up on the already limited storage space that individual items would otherwise take up. It also makes it easy to organize the kitchen. For example, buy a cooking pot that doubles up as a serving dish.
That said, ensure that the multifunctional accessories you purchase are of high quality and perform all the functions they are intended for well. Low-quality multifunctional accessories will lead to inconvenience and frustration.
Easy to Clean
The best RV kitchen accessories are easy to clean with soap and water. Keep in mind that on the road, you will not have access to a wide range of cleaning supplies and facilities as you would at home. Easy-to-clean accessories make clean-up hassle-free. For example, go for accessories with high-quality non-stick surfaces that do not scratch or wear out easily.
10 Must-Have Kitchen Accessories
1. Instant Pot
The instant pot is a versatile RV kitchen appliance that has become increasingly popular in recent years, especially for RV cooking. It can be used as a slow cooker, rice cooker, steamer, yogurt maker, pressure cooker, sauté pan, dessert maker, etc. As such, it can be used for a wide range of recipes, including stews, soups, meat, grains, vegetables, fish, yogurt, cheesecake, bread pudding, etc.
Instant pots are designed to cook up to 70% faster than traditional cooking methods and can keep your food warm for up to 10 hours after cooking. This ideal RV accessory has various preset cooking programs that ensure you make delicious food each time. They have a variety of safety features that make them safe and convenient to use in your RV.
You can choose a suitably-sized instant pot to fit your cooking needs, ranging from 3 to 8 quarts. Overall, the appliance is not bulky and does not take up too much storage and counter space.
2. Knife Set
A knife set is essential for your RV kitchen as you will need knives for different tasks, including food prep, cutting, chopping, and slicing ingredients. Choose a set with a variety of knives according to your needs.
However, the set must include a chef’s knife, serrated bread knife, utility knife, and paring knife. The knives should be compact and lightweight with comfortable, non-slip handles. For blade material, opt for ceramic blades as they are lightweight and retain edge or stainless-steel blades as they are rust and corrosion-resistant. The set should come with a storage case or block for easy storage and organization.
3. Stackable Bowls
Stackable bowls are space-saving, easy to organize, and versatile. They come in different sizes to suit your needs. They are multifunctional as they can be used to mix or hold ingredients, serve food and snacks, or store leftovers. Most are easy to clean.
Go for high-quality stackable bowls or food storage containers made of stainless steel or BPA-free plastic. Other useful features to look out for include non-slip bottoms and airtight lids.
4. Stackable Cups
Like stackable bowls, it is essential to have stackable cups in your RV kitchen. They are space-saving and easy to install. They are available in a variety of materials, including plastic, glass, ceramics, and stainless steel. You can also choose from various sizes and colors.
5. Water Filter
A water filter is an essential RV kitchen accessory to ensure clean and safe cooking and drinking water for RV living or even RV camping. The most ideal one should remove a wide variety of impurities from the water, including chlorine, fluoride, sediments, and bacteria. It should deliver clean and fresh-tasting water.
A water filter reduces your risk of contracting waterborne diseases while on the road. In the long term, it is more cost-effective compared to buying bottled water.
There are a variety of compact, portable, and easy-to-install and use water filter options. Most manufacturers provide a detailed and easy-to-follow installation and user manual, as well as the necessary fittings and adapters.
Activated carbon water filters like the Aqua Crest RV water filter are the most suitable option for RVs as they remove a wide range of contaminants and improve the taste of water. They are also easy to install and more affordable than reverse osmosis filters.
6. RV Trash Can
RV trash cans are specifically designed for use on RVs and motorhomes. They are available in different sizes, materials, and styles. Some features include odor control or a built-in recycling bin to help keep your RV clean and smelling fresh. Some are also collapsible for easy storage and portability. Ultimately, go for an RV trash can that is lightweight, compact, and with a sturdy base.
7. Paper Towels and Paper Towel Holder
It is essential to have paper towels in your RV. Paper towels are versatile and can be used in a variety of ways, including wiping spills, drying dishes, cleaning surfaces, wiping fruits, wiping hands, etc. Yet, they take up minimal space and are easily disposable.
A paper towel holder helps keep the paper towel in a designated space for easy access and prevents it from rolling around during use or when in transit.
8. Spice Rack
A spice rack is another accessory you can get in addition to the paper towel holder to help keep things in their place during transit in your RV or camper. A magnetic spice rack with a wall base is ideal for RV use. This spice rack keeps everything securely in place and is easy to clean and rust-free. The steel base can be installed wherever it is most convenient for you, including on a metal surface like an RV fridge or metal kitchen cabinet.
9. Sink Strainer
A sink strainer is fitted into the drain of a sink to prevent food particles and other waste from passing down the drain, clogging the plumbing system. It is particularly essential in an RV sink as the RV plumbing system is smaller and more susceptible to clogging. It is inexpensive and easy to install even with limited space, yet it can help keep your RV plumbing system in good condition for years.
10. Collapsible Measuring Cups
We already covered collapsible bowls and similar kitchen essentials, so it is only fair to mention collapsible measuring cups as another useful RV kitchen gadget. Whether you are making some macaroni and cheese for the kids or have a number of other recipes you want to try out, collapsible measuring cups will definitely come in handy. They nestle into each other, saving space in your RV kitchen drawers.
Conclusion
A big part of a successful RV trip is bringing along the right RV essentials, including cookware, appliances, and storage solutions. In an RV kitchen or camper, you must identify the essential RV accessories to have and buy the right ones for you. As mentioned in the article, RVs have limited space, so you want to go for kitchen accessories that take up minimal space and are easy to store. The accessories should be compact, high-quality, and easy to clean.
