You can always look on a well-equipped kitchen as a sign of a competent chef. But let’s get real. Like most things in a RV, equipping your kitchen comes with the challenge of ultra-limited space. That means that all your RV cooking gadgets must deliver maximum flavor per square inch. And, what’s more, they have to be absolutely essential. (No nice-to-haves here.)
So, what are the essentials? Glad you asked, chef. Every one of these five gadgets is a must-have, unlocking convenience and space savings. But, most importantly, each helps you ensure that everything that comes out of your mobile kitchen is as exciting as the trip you’re embarking on.
1. Garlic Press – Fresh Zest on Command
There’s no replacement for fresh garlic — and no, “jarlic” doesn’t bring the same flavor as the freshly pressed kind. But there’s no need to fumble with chopping garlic on your tiny galley countertop. A garlic press is a compact tool that does the mincing for you. Look for a stainless steel garlic press for durability and easy cleaning.
Bonus: Garlic presses take up minimal space in your utensil drawer but save loads of time, making them an RV kitchen essential.
2. Bluetooth Wireless Meat Thermometer – Grilling Without Guesswork
Grilling in the great outdoors? Roasting in your convection oven? A Bluetooth wireless meat thermometer is a game-changer for RV chefs. It takes all the guesswork out of cooking times, giving you a foolproof way to get that perfect medium rare no matter how thick your cut of meat. It also means you can monitor your food’s temperature from your smartphone, so you can mingle around the campfire instead of hovering over the grill. That’s two wins in one compact device!
Look for a model with multiple probes to monitor different dishes simultaneously. And a pro tip: Set a backup timer just in case your phone loses connection.
3. Air Fryer and Pressure Cooker Combo – Your Do-It-All Device
These little numbers can do it all, from searing to slow cooking. Programmable pressure cooker settings are perfect for fire-and-forget meals that maximize your time outside the kitchen, or let you cook low and slow while driving to your next parking spot. And an air fryer was my favorite kitchen purchase of this whole year, opening up an enormous range of quick and easy options for tasty culinary creations. Air frying is also perfect for reheating leftovers without less mess and smell.
Look for an air fryer that uses less wattage (ideally under 1500 watts) to avoid tripping your RV’s electrical system. Some models even double as a toaster oven or dehydrator, adding extra versatility to your galley lineup. These units are going to take up some space, but they’re worth every square inch.
4. Stackable Glass Containers – Organizing Space, Avoiding Microplastics
Storage is key in any RV kitchen, but the culinary world is buzzing about the danger of plastic containers. It’s time to ditch plastic and move to simple, stackable glass containers. Your long-term health will thank you — and they’re better for the environment, too. They also handle heat like champs, transitioning from freezer to microwave to toaster oven without issue. Stackable, durable, and see-through, glass containers are perfect for meal prep, leftovers, and even pantry storage.
5. Compact Cutting Board with Collapsible Strainer – Dual-Function Feng Shui
This one gets bonus points for space-saving, combining two mandatory gadgets into one. Use the cutting board for chopping, then rinse the results right on the board. And the whole thing tucks away neatly when not in use, making it a great addition to tight RV galleys.
6. Magnetic Spice Rack – Using Vertical Space
A magnetic spice rack is a great space saver because it embraces the key space-saving tip for RVs: Go vertical. Instead of taking up a whole drawer, your key spices stay organized in the vertical space of a kitchen wall, which otherwise would go wasted.
7. Egg Cooker – Eggceptionally Easy Results
Another small appliance that takes up space but packs a wallop of convenience, a small electric egg cooker is another fire-and-forget meal option. They’re simple devices that can quickly boil, poach, or even make omelets with minimal effort and cleanup. This gadget was my second-favorite purchase of last year, so especially if you’re a hard- or soft-boiled egg eater, this one’s likely to be a big winner for you.
Compromise? Not with These RV Cooking Gadgets
Cooking in an RV galley doesn’t have to mean sacrificing convenience or flavor. With these five RV cooking gadgets — plus a little creativity — you can whip up delicious meals no matter where your adventures take you. From quick breakfast treats to weeknight dinners to gourmet RV park feasts, these tools will make your galley feel like a chef’s kitchen on wheels.
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