When it comes to RV Kitchen Accessories for your camper, there are some that are necessary and some that are just nice to have. I like to have a little bit of both.
Of course, it's important that most RV kitchen gadgets serve more than one purpose in order to make use of the small amount of space most campers and RV trailers have available.
In this post, I will outline the best kitchen gadgets you must have for your RV… in my opinion of course. First we will discuss the main kitchen tools that most RV-ers find useful and even necessary. Then we'll discuss the outdoor kitchen setup and finally I have a few bonus kitchen gadgets that are not necessary but are very nice to have.
Let's get started!
1. Kettle - Stove Top or Electric
If you have ever been camping in any form, you know that at some point you are going to need to boil some water. Whether it's for coffee (this is a must at our campsite) or for freeze dried meals, having a kettle to heat up water is a must!
I personally like the stove top style kettle because it's like what I use at home, but you could also make use of an electric water kettle.
The electric takes an electric source, but heats the water up much quicker. While the stove top may take a little longer, but I really love the whistling sound letting you know you are about to enjoy a hot beverage or meal.
Whichever one you choose to go with, a kettle for heating water is top on my list of kitchen accessories every RV needs. Choose a style that compliments your particular RV. I found one at my local Ross store that was just perfect.
2. French Press
Now this may not be for everyone, but I absolutely cannot live without my French Press while we are camping. It is my favorite way to make the perfect cup of coffee.
Most French Presses come in several different styles, ranging from more rugged and sturdy to extremely elegant and refined.
Personally I like both options, but for our RV we found a great one that matches our style and is perfect for serving up hot coffee outside as well.
The French Press is not hard to use, however it does require dissambly to clean it. But honestly that doesn't take very long and I just delegate that task to my husband while I start on cooking breakfast.
3. Electric Skillet
Having an electric skillet allows you the opportunity to whip up a quick breakfast outside without having to light a campfire. That is one thing I love about having this.
Of course you can make more than just breakfast on an electric griddle or skillet. I like to use mine for sausage and peppers or when I am cooking up a side to accompany our dinners.
Be sure to get one that is a decent size but can still be stored easily.
Another thing I love about electric skillets is the fact that you can keep stuff warm while the rest of your meal finishes cooking. Simply place the lid over top and your delicious creation will stay warm and bug free.
4. Dishes - Plates & Bowls
Well this one might be obvious, but having a good set of plates and bowls in your kitchen accessories kit is essential.
My absolute favorite brand to offer good quality stylish plates and bowls is Barebones.
I have several sets and I personally think they add a certain elegance to our camp dining experience.
Be sure to get a set that is unbreakable and high quality. You may have to pay a bit more, but I promise you won't regret it.
5. Instant Pot
The convenience of an instant pot can't be beat. So why shouldn't you take advantage of that convenience while at the campsite.
While cooking with an instant pot can be a little intimidating, once you try it, you won't know how you ever lived without one.
Personally I like a small to medium size instant pot. But we are just 2 people, so you might need a larger one if you have a big family.
I recommend getting to know your instant pot at home before trying it out while on a camping trip. This will allow you the chance to see how it works and how you and your family can best utilize this impressive kitchen tool.
6. Cast Iron Skillets
If you want a real camping experience, you need to be cooking with cast iron. It is a RV kitchen essential and once you start cooking with one, you will see why.
A good cast iron skillet can be passed down from generation to generation. But buying one of your own is another option if you don't have one that has been passed down.
The great thing about cooking with cast iron is that you can cook on the stove or over the campfire. It is very versatile and sturdy.
Be sure to clean your cast iron skillet correctly as well as it will prolong the life of the cast iron and make your food taste amazing.
7. Cutting Boards
Cutting boards are another pretty obvious choice when stocking your kitchen accessories. I like to have several options with regard to size and style.
Having a few different options is easy when it comes to cutting boards because they don't take up a lot of space.
I have a small plastic one with rubber corners for traction and a larger glass one for cutting meat or larger items.
I also have a stylish wooden one for taking those instagram food pictures. This may seem silly, but the little things like that really do make the difference.
8. Cooking Utensils
This is probably another no-brainer, but I had to include it. Having the proper cooking utensils makes your job easier when it comes to preparing your camp meals.
A few of the utensils that are necessary in my opinion are a spatula, slotted spoon, tongs, and long handled spoon.
These are the ones that will get the most use. There are a few others that you could incorporate as well like a whisk and a pasta server.
If you are like me, you might consider getting utensils that are quiet while in the drawer… not metal. Although you should also have a few heavy duty (metal) utensils for cooking over the campfire.
9. Collapsible Strainer
When putting together your ultimate camping kitchen accessories, you need to think about storage space. Here's where the collapsible strainer comes into play.
The collapsible design allows for flat storage and saves a lot of space that otherwise might get lost.
You may not think you even need a strainer, but if you like pasta the way we do, you can't go without one.
I like the ones that fit over your sink because it can continue to drain while I work on something else and it doesn't take up counter space.
If you have the space, you might consider getting several different sizes. Or at least one large and one kinda smaller one. I often find that I just need a small one especially since it's just the 2 of us.
10. Mason Jars
This one may not be commonly thought of, but having mason jars in your kitchen kit can be very handy. I use mine to transport eggs as well as to store leftover sauces or salsa.
You can have several different sizes, but I find that the small ones are perfect for us.
I actually break my eggs into the mason jar and then I can use one at a time when needed. This keeps them from breaking while in transit and saves a ton of space at the same time.
Don't forget that mason jars come in many different sizes and they can also be used as cups when needed.
12. Refrigerator Organization Bins
I am a bit of a neat freak when it comes to organization. I like things in their place and easily accessible, so refrigerator organization bins are a huge plus for my camper set up.
Once again, there are many different styles and sets that you can get. I like the stackable ones that have handles for easy pulling out of the fridge.
You can also use these in other areas besides just the refrigerator. I use them in our cooler when in transit to the campground. It helps to separate items and keep them cool without getting too much ice all over them.
I believe there are also some sets that come with a dozen egg holder. This might be an option if you don't want to break your eggs into mason jars the way I do.
13. No Spill Ice Trays
This particular kitchen essential is one that might get overlooked. Having ice on hand is great, but having a container that not only makes the ice but keeps it secure is extremely helpful.
I like the cylinder style because I can easily bring the ice outside and dispense the ice more conveniently.
There are other styles but keep in mind the No Spill ones are the best because you don't want to water everywhere when you are traveling or moving down the road.
Outdoor Kitchen Accessories
While we have mostly focused on camping kitchen accessories for the inside of your rig, we need to discuss a few outdoor specific tools that should be in your kit. Afterall, we are camping for a reason and that is to enjoy the outdoors more.
14. Foldable Table - Adjustable Height
Our Rockwood Mini Lite trailer actually came with a foldable table, however I think it was meant to be used mostly as the table for the interior living room. We use it outside, but we also have a durable table that can be adjusted for height.
Most foldable tables are space savers because they fold flat and can easily be stored in the “garage” of the RV or in the pass through.
I like ones that also have adjustable height legs, because this allows you to level it out if you are on uneven ground. And you can also make it higher or lower to make cooking or meal prep more comfortable.
I'm pretty short so I like that our table can adjust height to meet me where I'm not bending over or having to stand on my tip toes.
15. Trash Can - Collapsible
I originally bought our collapsible trash can when I was still just a tent camper. I don't know how I ever did without it.
We used to just hang a kitchen trash bag from the pole provided at most campsites, but that was inconvenient to say the least and also very ugly to look at.
A collapsible trash can makes you feel like you are camping at a high class place that provides trash recepticles for you. It keeps the area clean and looking good.
Place a brick or large rock in the bottom of the trash can before putting the trash bag in it so that it doesn't blow away. Don't ask me how I know.
16. Portable Propane Stove Top
If you are going to be doing any cooking outside, a portable propane stove top is a must. I have several and they are so easy to set up and use.
These stove tops are easy on space as well because they fold flat and can easily be stored.
When it is not too hot outside, I do most of my cooking in the outdoors. I absolutely love my propane stove top and actually prefer it to the one that came with our RV.
You can use the small propane bottles or get an adapter to attach your larger 20 gallon propane tanks. I just use the small bottles but we might upgrade before too long.
17. Roasting Sticks
While you are more than welcome to search for a stick and whittle it down to a sharp point, having a set of roasting sticks in your kitchen essentials might be a better option.
We all love roasting marshmellows and telling stories by the fire. Having a nice set of roasting sticks can add to the ambiance.
I like to use them for other things as well…. chicken and veggie skewers, hot dogs, cooking a quick snack, etc.
Some roasting stick set come with adjustable lengths, which can help with storage and saving space but also not really necessary.
18. Dish Tub - Collapsible
Ever since I was a tent camper, I've always had a dish tub on hand. But in an RV, I find that a collapsible dish tub is great to use when you don't want to dirty up your RV sink.
Let's say you have just served up a feast outside and now it's time to clean up. The last thing I want to do is shlub all those dirty dishes back into my nice clean RV to wash up.
So I simply grab my collapsible dish tub and fill it with water and little soap. I can enjoy the outdoors while cleaning up and keeping my RV nice and tidy.
Using a dish tub also helps save your grey water tank usage as well. The less going down the drain in your kitchen the better.
BONUS - 4 Extra Kitchen Accessories
This is by no means an exhaustive list of RV kitchen accessories, but I thought I would throw in a few extras that can make your next camping trip that much more enjoyable.
19. Espresso Maker - Portable
If you like espresso, you probably miss it while you are camping… but did you know that they make portable camping espresso makers? This might just be a game changer.
Imagine enjoying a hot cup of fresh espresso while watching the sun rise over the horizon. Sounds nice right?
When you need to be a little extra or spoil yourself a bit, a portable espresso maker fits the bill.
I like the espresso makers that use ground coffee so that I don't have to store those non-environmentally friendly one use cups/pods.
20. Splatter Guard
When I'm cooking outside especially with my cast iron skillet, I tend to splatter everywhere. Having a splatter guard can keep your area clean and save the side of your RV too (if you happen to cook right up next to the wall of your RV like I do).
I like a splatter guard that has 3-4 sides, because I can set it up and have the most area covered.
This is by no means a necessity, but I like to have it when I'm frying or cooking anything that could cause a mess.
Splatter guards may seem like something that one doesn't really need in the outdoor cooking arena, but I think cleaning off a splatter guard is much easier than trying to clean a table and side wall and anything else near your stove.
21. Unbreakable Wine Glasses
I first discovered unbreakable wine glasses when I got my hot tub at home. But they are perfect for camping and RV life.
I really like the feel and look of real wine glasses (or any glassware for that matter). So unbreakable wine glasses and decanters are definitely a part of my RV kitchen.
I also don't have to worry about glassware breaking while in transit. There are so many styles and pieces of unbreakable glassware available that you can outfit your camping bar with ease.
I currently have unbreakable champagne flutes, wine glasses (both stemless and with stems), a decanter, and a small carafe.
22. Magic Bullet Blender
Let's be honest, a full size blender is just not usually feasible for most RVers. But you still need to blend things every once in a while. Here's where a small bullet blender comes in handy.
I actually started taking my bullet blender with me when I traveled to hotel rooms across the country.
When I started doing more RV trips, I realized the blender was perfect for not only space storage but also for convenience.
I blend everything from smoothies, to protein shakes, to pancake batter.
You might have to do more than one batch if you have a small bullet blender, but it is still better than lugging around a huge full size blender that takes up way too much space.
my kitchen is one part of my house that fascinates me. I love seeing it well organised with my utilities in there place. Your collapsible dish tub seams like one addition that will help me put things in there right order. Top of it is that it is collapsible and can be easily kept aside when not in use. Thank you for this highlights
I completely agree with you that the kitchen is a place that is so much more pleasant when it is organized well. And I love the use of any kitchen accessory that can save space when not in use.
My mother in law used to have an RV camper and it really was totally equipped, I think it had more stuff in it than I have in my own house haha! But of course, if you want to cook yourself during your camping trip, I was totally happy to have all those things at hand for sure! I totally love a lot of things on this list, like the unbreakable glasses, they are so important to have in the camper! For the next time that I can borrow her camper, I will buy her all this extra stuff, thank you!
I bet you won’t have any trouble borrowing her camper if you promise to outfit it with some cool rv gadgets. LOL.
This article is full of valuable information about RV gadgets. I do share your sentiments about having some kitchen appliances that I need and some that I want.
I love the electric skillet as it is so versatile. I also like the collapsable strainer and I personally have a no-spill ice tray which comes in really handy.
What a helpful list of helpful accessories for an RV kitchen! These items are smart choices – I love the ones that I already have on the list (kettle, french press maker, cast iron cookware, organization bins), which makes me feel better about checking out some of your other suggestions that I don’t already have (magic bullet blender). I love that the magic bullet is something that I can use at home or in the RV!
I literally just used my magic bullet to make my morning bulletproof coffee.
It is a whole body of gadgets to consider buying for RV outings and camping out.
It is well thought out and will provide convenience to RV living and outings.
I will add a door mat to the RV if I skipped it by mistake.
I started my camping with the smallest propane stoves with two burners and carried a few extra cylinders along to replace if needed. Some preserved packed foods from Indian stores just to boil and eat. Condensed milk for making tea with tea powders. Some pans from home to cook and can be used for eating in the same pot after cooking.
Then we grouped with others and got the screen for an outside table and a few other things.
I enjoyed all the gadgets may consider adding a few to our arsenal and will miss RV.
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Oh yes, I love the Indian packaged foods when I’m camping. It adds so much and helps me get creative with my meals.
Thanks for this very insightful article. You see I have always enjoyed cooking and being in the kitchen. There are really so many devices that are needed. So it’s nice to be able to have the proper devices available. A lot of these devices like the magic bullet blender are a must. I will surely look into getting something like these.
I love my magic bullet blender mostly because it is such a space saver and I don’t have to get a traditional blender all dirty, just for one small recipe.
This article becomes handy in the RV kitchen to have a list of products which are really helpful while travelling. A Mason jar is a great idea to have eggs in it, which saves a lot of space and produces no waste like eggshells.
Even collapsable items like strainer, Dish Tub and Trash Can are very helpful in transit and these occupy only litte space.
Thanks
Sujith 🙂
Glad you liked the article. I first started using mason jars to transport my eggs back when I was tent camping, but I found it so useful and convenient that I keep using them to this day.
Since we are newbie’s in the RV world this article was perfect timing. There is so much when it comes to RV’s and whether it’s about kitchen accessories, storage or other for RV’s this article was very informative on kitchen accessories.
As you state, there are some items that are necessary and some that are not — thank you for helping me sort it out.
-Mike
Glad you enjoyed the article Mike…. Welcome to the world of RVing!