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On our family RV trips, dad was always busy maintaining the RV, while mom bought food, planned meals, and served us. I remember watching her cook breakfast one morning, dodging me and my brother as we played, maneuvering around her tiny space, and all while flipping pancakes on a skillet that barely fit the stovetop.
She always used to say that our RV kitchen was just big enough to make her confident, and just small enough to humble her cooking skills. But she never complained about the RV's tiny kitchen. She just got clever, and equipped herself with the best accessories to make it work.
Another one of her famous quips was: “It’s not the size of the kitchen… it’s the size of your tricks.” And today, now that I've got a family of my own who loves RV travels, I've learned exactly why it's important to get creative when cooking in an RV.
Wondering how to stock your RV kitchen?
Whether you're new to RVing or just haven't had the time to outfit your kitchen properly, you might be surprised to know there are some items that are essential to RV cooking.
And that's exactly why we've put together the following guide on the best RV kitchen accessories that every RVer needs.
Why Choose RV Kitchen Accessories Over Traditional Kitchen Implements?
RV kitchens are smaller and have less countertop and storage space than regular home kitchens.
That means space-saving kitchen implements, like collapsible measuring cups or bowl, nesting pots and pans, and fold-able or multi-purpose cookware aren't optional. They're essential for creating a practical space for cooking and meal prep while living on the road.
Remember: Your kitchen is a central space for cooking, gathering, and sharing meals. It’s a big part of living in an RV. Don't ruin it by forgetting or forgoing the right kitchen accessories to accommodate your small space.
Top 20 RV Kitchen Accessories
Every RV family has different needs in the kitchen. Some prefer cooking outdoors, on a fire, BBQ, or portable electric grill, while others might prefer using their RV's oven and stove top to prepare all those mouthwatering family meals.
Either way, it's good to maximize the limited space in your RV kitchen by using space-saving, multi-purpose cookware, dishes, or accessories that reduce storage needs, minimize clutter and keep your RV clean and tidy.
Here's our comprehensive list RV kitchen accessories:
- Collapsible Measuring Cups – Save space in drawers.
- Compact Nesting Cookware Set – Pots and pans that stack neatly.
- Silicone Collapsible Mixing Bowls – Lightweight and easy to store.
- Cutting Board with Built-In Strainer or Container – Multi-use to reduce clutter.
- Instant Pot or Multi-Cooker – Replaces several appliances in one.
- Cast Iron Skillet – Durable, versatile, and great for indoor/outdoor cooking.
- Electric Skillet or Griddle – Saves propane and cooks multiple foods at once.
- RV-Safe Dish Drying Rack (Collapsible) – Folds flat when not in use.
- Stack-able Food Storage Containers – Keeps pantry items organized.
- Spice Rack or Magnetic Spice Jars – Essential for cooking in tight spaces.
- Compact Toaster Oven or Air Fryer – Fits small counters, adds versatility.
- Silicone Cooking Utensils – Won’t scratch RV stovetops or pans.
- Heat-Resistant Countertop Mat – Protects small counters from hot pots.
- Fridge Bars – Prevent items from falling out while driving.
- Non-Slip Drawer & Cabinet Liners – Keeps items from shifting.
- Water Filter Pitcher or Inline RV Water Filter – Ensures clean drinking water.
- Propane Leak Detector Spray – For safety when cooking with propane.
- Fire Extinguisher (Kitchen-Sized) – Pair with a fireproof bag to keep valuables safe.
- Trash Can with Locking Lid – Helps prevent rodents and pests out.
- Fridge thermometer - Helps you keep food safe in case your propane or power gets cut off
Ready to stock your RV kitchen? Click here to download our list of the Top 20 Essential RV Kitchen Accessories. Download it, save it or print it out to make sure you'll have the right gear on hand during your next adventure.
RV Kitchen Appliances and Accessories
Even small, ultra-lite travel trailers usually have a fridge and stove top/oven combo, while higher-end Class A models might have dishwashers, microwaves, and other appliances.
But even then, there are several other smaller kitchen appliances that can help improve and diversify your RV cooking, such as a coffee maker, blender, toaster or even an Instant Pot or multi-purpose cooker.
When outfitting an RV kitchen, it's important to consider your rig's existing setup, as well as your cooking style and the type of trips you'll be taking.
If you plan on doing outdoor cooking, you may not need as many space-saving accessories or appliances. But it's still a good idea to have kitchen fully-stocked with space-saving, multi-purpose items for those days when it's too cold or rainy to cook outdoors.
RV Food Prep
Cutting, dicing, dressing, mixing... Food prep is an important part of making any meal.
Unfortunately, counter space is limited in most RV kitchens. Manufacturers do a decent job of building kitchens with common features like fold-able tables or over-the-sink cutting boards. But it's smart to stock your RV with additional cutting boards or surfaces to use for food prep.
Consider packing additional cutting boards, serving trays, or food prep implements, like a multi-purpose cutting board with a built-in strainer or a grater with a detachable storage container, which are practical to use when prepping meals and convenient because they cut down on your need to have multiple accessories.
Don’t forget to store cookware, dishes, pots and pans in designated areas to keep your RV kitchen organized and clutter-free.
Tips for Cooking in a Small Space
Cooking in a small RV kitchen is much different than cooking in a home kitchen. Counter space is limited, appliances are smaller, and there's just less room to move around. So RV cooking often requires a bit of careful planning and efficient use of space.
When planning meals or cooking them, always consider the layout of your kitchen, including the location of your sink, stove, and refrigerator, to optimize your workflow and reduce clutter. You may also want to ask others to stay out of the kitchen while you're cooking to avoid accidents.
Furthermore, it's important to think about the type of cooking you’ll be doing, before hitting the road. You don't want to be a few hundreds mile away from the nearest store when you realize you need an extra cutting board or a pair of BBQ tongs...
Plan ahead, and you'll have a a much better experience when cooking in your small RV kitchen.
Finally, because RVs are small, confined spaces, cooking in them creates a lot of condensation that can build up on walls, windows, and interior surfaces. Always open vents and windows, or use a fan while cooking to prevent mold and mildew in your RV.
Outdoor Cooking Options
Indoor RV cooking is great. At least, it can be when you've got all the right accessories on hand. But cooking outdoors... that's a whole new level of culinary expertise.
If setting up for a lengthier say, an outdoor RV kitchen can be a great way to expand your cooking space and enjoy the fresh air at the same time.
Some RVers might even want to get themselves set up with BBQ grills, smokers, outdoor refrigerators, sinks, and cabinets. That way, they'll have pretty much everything they need to cook those tasty meals outdoors, without need to go in and out of their RV as much.
If you do plan on BBQ-ing, cooking on a fire, or setting up an outdoor kitchen, make sure to get yourself set up with the right outdoor cooking accessories, like cast iron pots and pans, BBQ tongs, and any other items you need for cooking outdoors.
RV Kitchen Essentials
Every RV kitchen needs a few extras like a coffee maker (drip, french press, etc), toaster, or even a microwave for convenient meal prep and cooking. Cooking on a stove or in the oven is fine. But having additional appliances allows you to introduce a bit of versatility into your dining experience, even when you're on the road.
However, don’t forget to pack essential pantry items and staples too, like spices and cooking oils.
A well-stocked pantry is just as important as having the right cookware on hand, and it can make all the difference in your travel experience. The right cookware makes meal prep and cooking easier. But it's having the right spices, condiments, and even snacks on hand that can make your meals even tastier.
It's also important to consider clean water, especially if you're boondocking away from a shore connection.
So you may also want to invest in a water filter or purification system to ensure access to clean drinking water. If not, just don't forget to pack bottle water to make sure the whole family stays happy and hydrated on your adventures.
RV Small Kitchen Storage and Organization
One of the biggest challenges of cooking in a small RV kitchen is that counter space and storage are limited.
That's why it's crucial to take storage and organization seriously. Sorting and organizing your RV kitchen is essential for creating an efficient design and process for making meals and serving them to your family or friends.
We encourage you to invest in stack-able storage containers, baskets, and even additional shelves to help keep your RV organized and clutter-free. Labels and signage also help with organization, making it easier to find the accessories you need, without wasting time searching.
Another important tip is to store heavy items, such as cast iron pots and pans, in lower cabinets. This is smart for preventing clutter. But it also reduces the risk of accidents by preventing them from shifting or falling during travel, and helps keep younger children safe while RVing.
RV Entertainment and Dining
Your rig's kitchen isn't just for cooking. It's also a place for entertainment and dining, coming together, and playing cards or board games with friends and family, especially on those rainy days.
Which is yet another reason why it's important to keep your RV's kitchen space clean, organized and clutter-free.
Most RVs have collapsible tables, benches or chairs. But it might be a good idea to invest in additional chairs or seating solutions to create a more comfortable and inviting space for multiple people.
Also, a few decorative touches, such as hanging some artwork or adding a rug, never hurt. After all, a well-designed kitchen and dining room can make your RV feel more like home. But when you're living, cooking and eating with multiple people in a small space, it's important to prioritize organization and space-saving solutions over decoration.
Ultimately, having an organized and clutter-free kitchen goes a long way towards making part-time or full-time RV living as safe, comfortable, and enjoyable as possible.
Frequently Asked Questions - How to optimize RV kitchen space
Cooking and eating in an RV or travel trailer is one of the most rewarding parts of living on the road. But because RV kitchens are smaller than house kitchens, having the right kitchen accessories, like collapsible cookware or additional prep surfaces, can make a big difference in your experience.
How to pack an RV kitchen?
It's important to stock an RV kitchen with items that save room and that help keep your space neat and tidy. RV accessories like collapsible bowls, nesting pots, or fold-able cutting boards are great ways to save space in a small RV kitchen.
How to set up an RV kitchen?
Start by considering your existing setup. Then, consider the type of cooking you'll be doing, how long you intend to travel and where you'll be staying to help decide which items to bring. Longer or off-grid RV trips typically require more planning and accessories than if staying in an RV park or resort.
Can you add an outdoor kitchen to an RV?
Yes, you can add an outdoor kitchen to an RV setup. In fact, many RVers enjoy cooking outdoors, which is why they pack portable propane or charcoal grills, electric cook tops, or cast iron cookware or grills for cooking on an open fire.
What is a Dream Dinette in an RV?
A Dream Dinette is a patented RV kitchen system where the dining table can be converted into an additional bed. It's basically a leg-less, free-standing table design which can be folded down to create a sleeping space for 1 to 2 people.
Can you buy and install additional RV cabinets?
Yes, you can purchase and install additional cabinets in your RV or travel trailer. Many RVers enjoy the concept of customizing their space by adding RV-specific cabinets from dealerships or specialty retailers. You can also use standard home kitchen cabinets or build custom-made cabinetry to suit your RV space.
How to maximize space in a small RV?
DIY RV storage ideas are great for making the most of your RV's limited space. But it's also important to plan ahead, bring the right RV kitchen accessories, and keep your space clean, tidy, and organize at all times.