One of the first RV camping resources you need is a good RV kitchen essentials list. By stocking the right stuff in your RV kitchen before hitting the road, you’ll be sure to have everything you need and ensure you have enough space for your other camping necessities.
From compact and lightweight cookware to space-saving utensils and appliances, having the right RV accessories can make a significant difference in the overall comfort and enjoyment of your trip.
A well-stocked RV kitchen also ensures that you have the necessary tools and equipment to prepare and enjoy delicious meals while on the road.
In this regard, it is important to carefully consider what to bring on your RV kitchen checklist to ensure that you are well-equipped for your outdoor adventures.
Which RV Kitchen Supplies Do I Need?
RVs have become a popular way to travel and explore the great outdoors. One of the biggest benefits of RVing is the ability to cook and eat your own meals, which can save you money and provide a more comfortable experience.
However, unlike a traditional home kitchen, an RV kitchen is limited in space and resources. This means that RVers must carefully consider which kitchen supplies they need to bring with them on their trips.
So first things first, let’s talk about which RV kitchen accessories you really need in your RV Kitchen.
- RV Dishes and Accessories– Have at least a small set of RV dishes and flatware in your camper. I personally like to keep enough plates for each family member and some real flatware.
- Pots and Pans– You only need a few pots and pans to cook your favorite camping meals. You should also be able to use them on a stovetop or on a campfire.
- RV Kitchen Utensils– Included in RV kitchen essentials are some necessary utensils for cooking in an RV. While we keep disposable utensils on hand for entertaining large groups of friends and family, I still prefer to keep a set of utensils for the family.
- RV Kitchen Knives– You will also need to keep a set of kitchen knives in your RV for meal prep and to eat those yummy ribeyes you grilled on the fire.
- Collapsible Items For An RV Kitchen– The last items we recommend as must-have RV kitchen accessories are these wonderful collapsible items which are great for saving space.
- RV Kitchen Appliances– As I am sure you know, the countertop space in the average travel trailer [and even in a larger Class A motorhome] is far less than the countertop space you have at home. Appliances like Instant pots are ideal to bring when RV camping.
Now that you know what to stock in your RV kitchen, its now time to choose what’s best. Here is a huge list of our favorite RV kitchen essentials that we highly recommend!
RV Kitchen Essentials
Melamine Camping Dinnerware Set
The Yinshine dish set is an eyecatcher with its rustic design and appeal. The dish set is made of melamine, making it very durable and super safe to use whether indoors or outdoors. It is completely BPA-free which is good news for anyone looking for the perfect dish set.
The Yinshine 12 pcs dish set comes with 4 pcs 7-inch bowl, 4 pcs 8-inch salad plates, and 4 pcs 10-inch dinner plates. Check out the best RV dishes on the market for more options.
Maple Leaf Mug
One of the best-selling items from Jewell Pottery and Soap, this handmade maple mug is made from stoneware clay and food-safe glazes. They are also convenient to use as they are microwave and dishwasher-safe.
Insulated Tumbler
Featuring stainless steel double-wall construction, this vacuum-insulated tumbler is just what you need to keep your morning coffee and your wine cold for hours.
Knork Eco Astrik Plant Based Travel Set
This Plant-Based Cutlery Set uses natural and biodegradable materials which is very important nowadays. You'll also be able to eat in peace as this is all BPA free which means it is made from materials that are safe.
Lodge Wildlife Series-12 Inch Seasoned Cast Iron Skillet
Whether you're just learning to cook or a seasoned expert, this pan is a timeless piece that is a great addition to your kitchen wares.
The Lodge 12-inch skillet is made in the USA out of the highest quality cast iron. It features an assist handle for easier handling and is pre-seasoned with no synthetic chemicals.
This collectible can be used on a stovetop or the campfire to cook your favorite camping meals.
Lodge Cast Iron Double Dutch Oven With Loop Handles
Lodge is the only brand to manufacture a full line of American-made cast iron cookware which definitely stands the test of time. One of their classic pieces is the Lodge Cast Iron Double Dutch Oven which features a lid that easily converts into a skillet when you need it and loop handles that provide secure control.
It is also pre-seasoned with 100% natural vegetable oil and can be used to sauté, simmer, braise, bake, roast, and fry. You can rely on its unparalleled heat retention and even heating to cook our camping meals to perfection.
Utopia Kitchen Nonstick Frying Pan Set
This 3-piece frying pan set is made of professional grade 3 mm aluminum alloy which makes it lightweight, durable, and sturdy, and is definitely an RV kitchen essential. The frying pans have an induction-type bottom which is suitable for all types of cooking including electric and ceramic cooktops.
It also comes with a bakelite handle which is riveted strongly to the pan for safe handling and convenience when used. The pan's high-quality double-coated nonstick interior offers easier cooking and cleanup.
One tip to remember is to use the pans at slightly lower temperatures to achieve the best results.
Cuisinart 619-14 Chef's Classic Nonstick Hard-Anodized 1-Quart Saucepan with Cover
For the best one-pot camping meals, you can count on the Cuisinart 619-14 Chef's Classic to do the job for you. This 1-Quart Saucepan is made of Hard Anodized Aluminum which makes it harder than the usual stainless steel cookware. It is also durable and highly wear-resistant so you can use it for many camping seasons to come.
Hard anodized construction allows for even heat distribution eliminating the occurrence of hot spots while cooking. Featuring a quantum nonstick interior reinforced with Titanium which provides lasting food release, a healthy nonfat cooking option, and very easy clean up.
Utopia Kitchen 2 Quart Nonstick Saucepan
Now if you need a slightly bigger pan for making sauces, gravies, boiling pasta, or reheating your camping leftovers then the Utopia Kitchen 2 Quart Nonstick Saucepan is perfect for you. It is made from top-rated material 3003 aluminum alloy and has a multi-layer of non-stick coating for durability.
Including a sturdy heat-resistant bakelite handle that is strongly rivetted for a comfortable and secured grip. It is also super easy to clean, it is dishwasher safe and can also be cleaned by hand.
Goodcook Steel Nonstick Bakeware
It wouldn't be complete without some bakeware. This 13 Inch x 9 Inch nonstick bakeware is perfect for making cookies for the kids. made with heavy-duty steel to resist warping and features a scratch-resistant non-stick coating for quick and easy clean up.
Roasting Sticks Set of 5
Roasting sticks are important. I mean, who doesn't love S'mores, right?
Kitchen Cooking Utensils Set
You need a kitchen utensil set that is compact, lightweight, and designed for space-saving storage. They allow for easy preparation and serving of meals in a limited space, making RV cooking more convenient and enjoyable.
Check out this other kitchen utensil sets that could fit your RVs theme.
Knife Set
Choose a good knife set for precise cutting and preparation of food, making meal preparation easier and more efficient. It also saves space and weight compared to carrying individual knives.
Check out these recommendations:
Collapsible Prep/Storage Bowls with Lids
Collapsible kitchenware is best for RV kitchens because it is designed to save space and reduce clutter. It can be easily collapsed and stored when not in use, taking up minimal space.
Keep on scrolling to check out the following collapsible kitchenware that will fit perfectly in your RV kitchen.
Upgraded Colander Collapsible Over the Sink Strainer
Check out these cool collapsible strainer and measuring cups!
Collapsible Drying Dish Storage Rack
This collapsible drying dish storage saves you space– just collapse and keep it after use!
Hanging Kitchen Collapsible Waste Bin
How cool is a hanging collapsible waste bin? Check it out!
Collapsible Food Storage Containers with Airtight Lid and Vent Valve
Keeping your storage containers is now convenient with these collapsible ones!
Collapsible Measuring Cups and Measuring Spoons
It's a must to keep these cute and colorful collapsible measuring cups and spoons. Check them out.
Instant Pot
This year, I chose to take my instant pot with me to the RV. It was a great decision.
While, it's true you can definitely use your instant post at home to make camping meal prep prep a breeze, havin in the camper is also a great option.
You can throw in your prepped meal in the morning, set the delay timer and go hiking, fishing, whatever...
When it's dinner time, there it is...a hot delicious camping meal all finished and ready to go so you can keep on relaxing and enjoying the great outdoors.
Coffee Kettle
This year, we also discovered the WONDERFUL, the AMAZING, the absolutely DELICIOUS, Cowboy Coffee, as prepared by Kent Rollins.
Needless to say, we will no longer be hauling our Keurig or our French Press in the camper, but if you prefer the regular old brewed coffee, you go ahead.
We will stick to this simple coffee kettle and continue enjoying our cowboy coffee in the RV from now on.
Braun 3-in-1 Immersion Hand Blender
My Braun 3 in 1 Immersion Hand Blender is one of my favorite kitchen appliances and it is the perfect item to pack along for the RV. Whether I'm mixing up a smoothie for the kids, or whipping up a bunch of eggs for our keto-friendly breakfast.
It always comes in handy and takes up much less space than the traditional blender and separate hand mixer you normally need.
Electric Griddle [Optional]
This last appliance is optional and you will have to keep it stored away when not in use.
However, while you can cook pancakes and eggs and bacon in your single pan on your RV stove, I have discovered that it often means we are eating in shifts.
If I bring the griddle along, I can cook most everyone's breakfast in one to two batches, and clean up is a breeze.
So this one is really a personal choice and depends upon your space, but I've found it is a better option than trying to cook enough for our family of five in one small pan on my RV stovetop.
The RV Kitchen Appliances You DON’T NEED
- Food Processor- Anything that needs to be shredded or processed can be done at home and stored in ziplock bags in your fridge or freezer.
- Crock Pot– Your Instant pot will replace any need you would have for a slow cooker.
- Table Top Blender/Mixer- Bringing along a handheld immersion blender with a dual mixer attachment will save you so much space. Unless you plan on baking a cake in your RV (which I don’t recommend), you won’t have a need for such a large and clunky kitchen appliance in your RV.
Download Our FREE RV Kitchen List!
More RV Camping Resources
- Fun RV Accessories To Show Off Your RV Camping Style
- RV Checklists To Help You Plan For The Camping Season
- Healthy Camping Menu: 3-Day Sample
- 10 Tips and Tricks to Organize your RV Bathrooms
More Recommended Resources
If you love cooking, it might be best to install an RV outdoor kitchen so you’ll have more space for cooking. Here are some RV outdoor kitchen hacks so you can maximize your space.
Always wondering what to cook for breakfast at the campground that’s delicious and healthy? Try this scrambled eggs with tomatoes and onion recipe that I always easily whip up for the family in the mornings!