New RV owners and spring cleaners, take stock: Here’s our complete list of RV kitchen essentials to significantly upgrade your ability to prep fine cuisine on your next camping trip.
One of the best benefits if you are new to travel trailer camping is having a fully equipped kitchen. Use this kitchen essentials list for RVers to outfit or upgrade your camper’s cooking area with the necessities and a few nice-to-haves.
Key Takeaways
- Outfit your RV kitchen with must-have essentials like drawer liners, cutting boards, cookware, utensils, dishes, organizers, food storage, and small appliances (coffee maker, toaster, etc.) to ensure comfort and efficiency on the road.
- Prioritize space-saving and multi-functional tools, such as collapsible dish racks, nesting pots and pans, and fridge/pantry organizers, to maximize limited storage in your RV kitchen.
- Consider luxury add-ons like a slow cooker, air fryer, blender, or ice maker to elevate your camp cooking experience and easily entertain guests.
Must-Have RV Kitchen Essentials
From filling drawers to organizing pantry shelves, here’s a complete list of the essentials that every RV kitchen should have:
Drawer and Cabinet Liners
Start by adding insulation and protection to your RV drawers and cabinets. Padded liners are an RV kitchen essential because everything will bump and shake as your camper goes down the road. Liners protect your RV’s interior surfaces (i.e., drawer bottoms, floors, cabinet shelves, etc.) while ensuring your other kitchen tools and appliances are safe and undamaged when you get to camp.
Cutting Board(s) & Stove Toppers
Some modern campers have a cutting board and/or dish drying rack. Those that do are typically relatively small, and while your cooktop may also have a protective glass cover, it’s not designed for meal prep. So, you’ll need at least one larger cutting board. We recommend a second for those who love making high-end camping meals.
If your cooktop doesn’t have a built-in stove topper, adding one will dramatically expand your counterspace when you aren’t cooking. It also protects your cooktop when closed. Some RVers prefer it because it makes it easy to keep a dirty cooktop out of sight when hosting guests.
Pro Tip: Don’t forget a dish drying rack and opt for a collapsible design to save space!
Flatware & Cutlery
Stock a set of forks, knives, and spoons so nobody shares utensils on your first camping trip. Remember that you’ll also need knives for meal prep and other everyday RV utensils like a vegetable peeler, can opener, measuring cups, grater, and more. Balance having enough utensils for your entire group against overstocking and adding unnecessary weight to your camper.
Dishes and Placemats
Plates and bowls are the bare minimum, but you’ll likely need more depending on the type of camping meals you enjoy. Consider a complete set of dishes with varying bowl and plate sizes. Extra dishes are an RV kitchen essential if you love tailgating or inviting campground neighbors to an outdoor gathering. You’ll also want unique placemats to set your indoor and/or outdoor dining tables. Placemats are more than decorative; they also keep crumbs and spills off your RV countertops.
Pots and Pans
Stackable pots and pans are the way to go for RV kitchens. Because storage space is limited, choose a set that nests to save cabinet space for other kitchen essentials. Non-stick cookware is the way to go for all RV campers, but you may also need pots and pans specifically designed for induction cooktops if that’s what’s in your RV. Consider options like multiple skillet sizes, a deeper stir-fry pan, pots of varying sizes, and a vegetable steamer. Luckily, many multi-piece sets allow you to buy everything together when equipping your RV kitchen.
Coffee Maker and/or Electric Kettle
Whether you take your morning coffee to your travel trailer’s innovative patio or simply enjoy the view from your campside dinette, you need a way to prepare that delicious warm beverage. Some swear by their French press coffee prep, meaning they only need an electric kettle to boil water. Others prefer the convenience of setting an automatic start time on their coffee maker so a warm cup of Joe is ready the minute they roll out of bed. Whatever your preference, this is an RV kitchen essential.
Bakeware
Whether your camper has a microwave with oven settings or a true gas oven, you need the right bakeware accessories for life on the road. Search for RV kitchen essentials like cookie sheets, muffin rings, baking pans, mixing bowls, hot plates, casserole dishes, and more. Don’t forget oven mitts!
Check out this Rose Apple Whole Wheat Hand Pie recipe.
Drawer, Cabinet, and Fridge Organizers
RV cabinets and drawers come in many shapes and sizes. As you get used to your camper, you’ll find where certain items fit best. However, some can be so oversized that they create wasted space, which is when you need smart organizers. Think cutlery trays to separate forks, knives, and spoons, or folding shelves to create multi-level storage in a large cupboard.
Many RVers have issues with items falling out of their refrigerators when they arrive in camp. Eliminate this issue with refrigerator bars or a set of bin organizers. Not only will bins keep everything where you put it, but they also allow you to organize your fridge. Hence, drinks, fruits, veggies, and other perishables are easily accessible during dinner or snack time.
Toaster or Toaster Oven
You have one in your home kitchen, so why not in your camper? Sure, you could try toasting bread on a cast-iron skillet, but you can’t use the skillet for another purpose. For most, the added storage required is worth the convenience of easily toasting bagels, English muffins, or your favorite multi-grain bread without any unnecessary creativity.
Waste Cans
Some campers come with a trash can, but many do not. This is one of the most overlooked RV kitchen essentials for first-time owners. You need a place for trash; your ideal can size will depend on your camper’s cabinet design. Some RVs have a dedicated space under the sink, while others place a “trash chute” near the sidewall so the can may be removed and emptied from an exterior storage compartment. Your RV will dictate the trash can size and style that’s right for you.
Food Storage Solutions
Without proper food storage containers, leftovers may go to waste. Fortunately, there are many options available. Collapsible food storage bowls are a smart RV kitchen essential because they require minimal storage space when unused. As a bonus, look for a set that is leak-resistant and dishwasher, freezer, and microwave-safe.
You may also consider pantry storage solutions for dried goods like cereal, oatmeal, and other staples. If they are sealed in storage containers, these kitchen staples can remain stocked in your RV, meaning you only have to add perishables when it’s time to pack up and hit the road.
Towels & Linens
Some RVers hang a kitchen towel from the handle of an under-sink cabinet. Others install an over-the-cabinet hanger to display a cute and clever dish towel with an embossing like, “We Sleep Around.” Find a place that makes sense for the flow of your kitchen, but know that you’ll need something to dry your hands and wipe down the countertops after each meal, and you’ll want those towels easily accessible.
Cleaning Supplies
You’ll need to bring supplies to clean your camper’s kitchen. Ideally, you complete a quick cleanup after every meal and a more thorough cleaning after each trip. Stock up on rags, spray cleaners, a dustpan, and maybe even a few air fresheners to keep things smelling clean and fragrant.
Nice-to-Have RV Kitchen Essentials
Consider these additional RV camping essentials for cooking and kitchen comfort. They might not be 100% necessary, but they will make your camping experience more luxurious.
Floor Mats
Vinyl RV flooring is the most common material in modern campers. It’s easy to sweep clean and offers better moisture resistance than carpet. But the more you stand during meal prep, the more you’ll want a cushioned mat under your feet. RV kitchen mats are a nice-to-have addition for comfort and cleanliness. They make standing in your kitchen more comfortable and help to protect your floor from spills or scratches if you drop anything.
Skillet or Griddle
Pots and pans work great, but cooking on an electric skillet or a cast-iron griddle is different. Not only that, but these are nice-to-haves because they expand your cooking space. Most campers have a cooktop with two or three burners, which can be limiting.
Adding an electric skillet dramatically expands your cooking space inside. Using a cast-iron flat-top that spans multiple burners also increases your cooking area on the stovetop. From pancakes for breakfast to burgers inside on a rainy day, you’ll be thankful you have these camp cooking essentials when needed.
Slow Cooker
Almost every family has a go-to Crock Pot meal. Maybe yours has more than one. Whether it’s three-cheese macaroni or fall-off-the-bone ribs, adding a slow cooker to your RV means you can bring those delicious recipes camping. This is a nice-to-have essential because not all campers will offer the kitchen storage required for a heavier appliance like this—it’ll need storage closer to the floor. But if you have the space, and especially if you plan to host holidays in your RV, it’s a great addition.
Air Fryer
An air fryer is a nice-to-have RV kitchen essential, whether you want to make healthier fried foods or expand your camp cooking options. Remember that many modern RVs now come with microwaves that include an air fryer feature. But this is a smart addition if yours doesn’t. Air fryers cook with less fat, making your meals healthier and achieving that crispy fried food in less time than a conventional oven. Most are compact, too, meaning they won’t require much storage or counterspace.
Surprise your guests with delicious BBQ Dry Rubbed Wings.
Ice Maker
Is there anything better than good ice? Some fancy, luxury fifth wheels offer refrigerators with built-in ice makers. For the rest of RVers, you’ll need ice trays or a portable countertop ice maker. If you choose the latter, look for a model with electronic controls to select your preferred cube size. While you may not require so much, some portable ice makers can produce up to 25 pounds of ice daily, so you’ll have plenty for icing down your camping cooler as needed.
Blender and/or Mixer
Smoothies shouldn’t be out of the question just because you’re camping. If your RV kitchen has the space, a blender or mixer is a great RV kitchen essential. From smoothies to sauces to frozen cocktails, you’ll love having it when you need it. This camping kitchen appliance is especially great for tailgating, as your neighbors will love the blended beverages you can offer!
Bar & Wine Essentials
RV camping is all about unwinding after all! So you’ll want your favorite beverage essentials well-stocked in your RV kitchen. That means items like a bottle opener and a corkscrew, at minimum. But you might also want fancier glasses or tumblers, insulated bottle sleeves, or chillers to enjoy your favorite beverages at their ideal temperature.
With your kitchen ready for a season of fine RV dining, explore these camp recipes and grilling resources:
- Create Your Camp Kitchen Checklist
- Find a Blackstone Griddle for Camping
- Delicious Recipes for Your RV Cookout
- Best Blackstone Grilling Accessories
Which RV camping kitchen essentials did we forget? Let us know your favorites in the comments below!
