One of the biggest factors keeping people from taking the plunge to full time RV living is the kitchen. If you're a large family or someone who enjoys cooking, imagining the transition to an RV kitchen can be a little daunting. The good news is, many people with diverse levels of cooking skills, household sizes, and food preferences have found ways to make cooking in an RV totally sustainable for a long term plan.
We've put together some of the best tips to help you design a kitchen that is totally functional for full time RV living.
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Maximizing Storage Space
Start by looking for ways to maximize storage space in your RV. Even in a compact area, there are ways to make efficient use of the space:
Take advantage of vertical space. Utilize wall-mounted racks, magnetic strips, and hooks to store utensils, spices, and other kitchen tools. Vertical storage helps free up precious counter space and keeps frequently used items within easy reach.
Invest in furniture with built-in storage, such as benches with storage compartments or a table that doubles as a pantry. You may be surprised how much storage you can DIY to custom-fit your kitchen, too. Find ways to avoid any wasted space.
Use stackable, clear containers for dry goods and leftovers. This helps you see what you have at a glance and maximizes limited cabinet space.
Opt for collapsible kitchen items, such as measuring cups, colanders, and mixing bowls, which save space when you're not using them.
Choose Your Essential Kitchen Gadgets
It's common in American kitchens to store all kinds of kitchen gear and gadgets that are hardly ever used. This can give the impression that you need far more storage and counter space than you actually do. Instead, take some time to choose your essential kitchen gadgets. Simplicity is key in RV living in general, and especially in the kitchen.
Choose compact, multi-functional appliances like a toaster oven that also functions as an air fryer or a pressure cooker that doubles as a slow cooker and rice cooker. A handheld immersion blender takes up less space than a traditional blender and can be used for smoothies, soups, and sauces. If you currently own lots of specialty tools that only do one thing, consider getting rid of them in favor of a tool that does many jobs. For example, some people have specific tools for cutting strawberries, mincing garlic, and slicing avocados. All 3 of those tools could be replaced with a simple knife and save lots of drawer space.
Edit Your Recipe Repertoire
You can certainly prepare your normal recipes in an RV, but you may find that you enjoy cooking in an RV more if you edit your repertoire to feature recipes that are more easily cooked in a smaller space. Focus on recipes that require minimal pots and pans, such as one-pot meals, sheet pan dinners, or slow cooker recipes. This reduces the amount of cleanup and makes the cooking process simpler.
Personalize Your Space
Personal touches will take your space to the next level, making it feel homey and welcoming. You want the kitchen area, whether it's a spacious part of the RV or something quite compact, to be a place you love to spend time.
Incorporate things like a small herb garden, colorful dish towels, or decorative storage jars to make the space feel more like home. Install under-cabinet lighting or battery-operated LED lights to brighten your workspace and make cooking easier. Consider adding a pop of color with a statement backsplash or a fun peel and stick wallpaper inside the cabinets. These little details go a long way toward making your RV feel like home.
Want to learn more about living in our RV community? Check the availability of Southern Belle RV Park here and find out why so many people love calling this community home for a time.
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