PAGE UPDATED: 08.02.2023
The motorhome kitchen is arguably the most contentious aspect of van life but the right equipment can make all the difference.
For us Hobos, the word “Motorhome” definitely has a dividing line: Gav sees the word MOTOR whereas Trudi sees the word HOME. (Once, in an uncharacteristic show of force, Trudi stated that any more screwdrivers found in our van’s delightful little condiments rack would go out the back window!)
So, on this page we’re going to look at practical, inexpensive, and space-saving items that can make a real difference when it comes to cooking, washing-up and everything else that goes on in the kitchen. And there’s not a screwdriver in sight!
The motorhome kitchen – safety first!
We mentioned this item on our road trip essentials page but don’t mind repeating ourselves here…
Let’s go SAFETY FIRST with this fire blanket, something that will be indispensable the day you use it.
Keep a fire blanket in the kitchen where it can be grabbed and used without hesitation – not tidied away somewhere!
It’s not the prettiest of wall hangings but then – burns are worse! It was one of the first items we ever bought for our van and luckily we’ve not had to use it. Fingers crossed!
Plastic (lightweight) motorhome crockery
It’s no good lugging pottery/porcelain plates and bowls in your RV – the sort you use at home. Not only will they add to the motorhome payload, but they are likely to crack with the constant movement of the van.
So, instead, go for lightweight, plastic ones, like those below that were gifted to us by friends and family members who love our van life adventures.
These items are not only practical but add a sense of fun to the motorhome kitchen area, raising a smile and reminding us that we are in our “special place”.
Cooking and washing up in a motorhome
Unless you’ve got one of those massive A-Class motorhomes, most van kitchens are pretty small, just big enough for one person. You’ll want to use space-saving devices and utensils and the neat little racks below take up hardly any room.
The motorhome kitchen also needs lightweight equipment which does the job properly.
Using brightly coloured kitchen items brings on more of a holiday mood – even when your evening in the hot tub turns out to be doing the dishes after the meal!
Space-saving pots and pans
There have been times when we’ve lugged around far too much stuff. But these days our philosophy is ‘less is more’. We like to create space, rather than fill it!
This is necessary in your kitchen too and these collapsible colanders and strainers will free up room in your cupboards.
And if you’re fussy about your pots and pans you’ll want some Pan Protectors to avoid scratching the non-stick surfaces. They might also help stop rattling noises as you go along!
Motorhome kitchen storage
Extra shelving revolutionised our food storage cupboards! Every time we opened a cupboard door, the risk of being hit by falling tins was very real to anyone foolhardy enough to sit underneath.
These Shelf Organisers have a lip that stops things falling out when you open cupboard doors. Investing in these will tidy your kitchen cupboards but also help to prevent unnecessary trips to the emergency room!
Likewise, items rattling around in the fridge can lead to breakages and spills – not what a motorhome break is about!
We’ve included three different fridge organisers for you to choose from…
Campervan BBQ
If you want to cook in the great outdoors, this BRISA VW collection portable suitcase BBQ does the job to perfection.
It is stainless steel, weighs only 7 lbs, and is embossed on the side with a VW T1 ‘hippie bus’ – making this an ideal present for V-Dub fanatics.
At less than 50 cm wide, it’s small enough to be stored away after you’ve enjoyed your burgers, hot dogs, and spare ribs!
And check out the VW BBQ utensil set. Want one!!!
Classic VW campervan enamel tea/coffee mugs
Continuing our VW theme, if you like classic campers as much as we do what better way to enjoy your tea or coffee than from an enamel mug? Proper old-school camping!
These BRISA cups show the whole range of classic VW campers, from the original T1s through to the more recent T6s.
We hope you’ve found this section helpful and are enjoying equipping your campervan kitchen with some really useful gear.
Remember to head over to our main Motorhome Gifts and Accessories shop for more great items for your RV or campervan!
And if you’re just starting out in van life, make sure you’ve looked at our road trip essentials – things we never travel without.
