How To Pack An RV Kitchen

Why a guide on how to pack an RV kitchen? Well, the kitchens in RVs are rather small, and storage spaces are equally limited. You’ll have restricted cabinets, counter space, freezer space, and a limited refrigerator. I’ve even encountered RVs without a microwave, oven, or stove.

And even when your RV has one of these, they’re probably in smaller sizes than you are used to. So, with an RV’s limited space in mind, I decided to create a detailed guide on how to pack an RV kitchen. This is the ultimate guide you’ll ever need.

How To Pack An RV Kitchen

My own Aha moment (before I learned how to pack an RV kitchen) came shortly after moving into our RV with kitchen in front. I was psyched to cook a baked ham, but the dang thing couldn’t fit in my RV’s oven.

Fast forward to 5 years of full-time living in an RV, and I’ve learned the following:

  • How to cook food within my small RV kitchen’s confines
  • How to cook food for storing in an RV
  • Best food shopping practices when living in an RV

Kitchen Items You Will Need To Pack An RV Kitchen

Photo Credit: Unsplash.

When thinking about items you’ll need in your RV’s kitchen, the trick is to figure out your eating habits.

  • Do you tend to cook most of your food at home?
  • Do you prefer to eat out every time?
  • Or do your eating habits contain a combination of the two?

As noted earlier, the way you eat today should be the same way you do in your RV. Therefore, to pack an RV kitchen to your standards and personal preferences, do the following;

  1. First, think about what dishes, pans, and pots you utilize the most in your home
  2. Then secondly, take into account the amount of storage space on your RV

Here is a run-down of kitchen essentials you may need to ensure a successful RV trip.

RV Kitchen Essentials

  • Cooler
  • Drying Rack
  • Food Storage Containers
  • Trash Can
  • Dustpan and Broom
  • Washcloths and Dish Towels
  • Reusable Water Bottles
  • Toaster or Toaster Oven
  • Coffee Maker
  • Grill Rack
  • Corkscrew – Bottle Opener
  • Pitcher
  • Baking Pan
  • Cookie Sheet
  • Colander
  • Can Opener
  • Thermometer
  • Peeler
  • Tongs
  • Ladle
  • Whisk
  • Spatula
  • Stirring Spoon
  • Measuring Spoons
  • Measuring Cups
  • Serving Bowls/Mixing Bowls
  • Cutting Board
  • Chopping Knives
  • Utensils
  • Coffee Mugs
  • Drinking Glasses
  • Plates and Bowls
  • Pot Grabber or Pot Holder
  • Dutch Oven or Cast Iron Skillet
  • Pans (1 medium frying pan)
  • Pots (small, medium, and large)
  • Matches or Lighters
  • Fuel or Propane
  • Refrigerator Bins

I suggest printing this RV kitchen essentials checklist or storing its details with an application like Moonlight App.

RV Kitchen Supplies You May Need To Restock

  • Countertop and Sink Cleaner
  • Sponges
  • Dish Soap
  • Garbage Bags
  • Plastic Bags
  • Plastic and Foil Wrap
  • Coffee Filters
  • Paper Towels
  • Napkins

Word of advice, ensure that you only invest in good sets of heavy-duty pans and pots. If you get lightweight ones, as I did initially on my first trip, expect to get agitated every time you try cooking with them. “But I’d like to conserve on the RV’s weight?” Then throw away your extra sandals and shoes instead!

What’s more? Anytime I’m packing for an RV, I only get things that can fit in the cabinets under the RV’s sink.  

How To Pack An RV Kitchen Countertop

how to pack an rv kitchen, How Do You Store Camping Cooking Gear
Photo Credit: Unsplash.

On my RV’s kitchen countertop, you’ll find two sets of pottery canisters that we always bring around with us. The first pottery set holds cooking utensils, while the large bowl pottery piece holds snacks and fresh fruits.

Is It Okay To Have Glass In My RV Kitchen?

If I had a dollar for every time readers asked me this question, I’d have enough to buy myself several more glass items for my RV, LOL!

The short answer is yes; you can have glass in your RV kitchen. Over the years I’ve traveled in my RV, I’ve always brought my glass serving pieces and dishes along, with no incidents.

Note, though, that I wrap the glass plates and bowls every time I travel using clean kitchen towels and bath towels. The only ‘accident’ I’ve had with my utensils is a PLASTIC bowl that flew out of the cabinet and broke on landing, thanks to an incredibly bumpy road in Kenya.

How To Pack An RV Kitchen Refrigerator

The refrigerator is my favorite (and maybe the most crucial) section of any RV kitchen. It’s the tool that permits you to create healthy, fresh meals rather than having to live off of standard road trip diets of beef jerky and potato chips. I’M NOT JUDGING! WE’VE ALL BEEN THERE.

Unfortunately, even the most oversized camper refrigerators will tend to have less space than the average units most of us have back at home. That implies that you’ll need to get highly creative if you’d like to store a whole trip’s worth of fresh food on board the unit.

Here is a link to a detailed guide on how to pack an RV kitchen refrigerator with everything you need.

Final Thoughts

Whatever you do now (as far as cooking in your house or eating out) is what you will want to do when you’re living in an RV to maximize the fun. As such, you’ll need to consider your camper’s limited storage space and practically learn how to pack an RV kitchen. I hope this guide has not only made you familiar with the RV kitchen’s features and accessories but has also given you several ideas regarding helpful kitchen gear and gadgets you’re definitely going to need as you learn how to pack an RV kitchen.

Related: 7 Best Dehydrated Backpacking Meals

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