Cooking in an RV kitchen can test your patience at times. With limited counter space, compact cabinets, and smaller appliances, every inch matters. The secret is knowing which tools are worth the space they occupy. Let’s look at the basic kitchen gadgets for RV camping that should packed in your RV, plus a few clever storage solutions.
Why You Need the Right Gadgets
An RV kitchen is like a tiny house kitchen: cozy, efficient, and carefully designed to maximize space. With that said, your kitchen gadgets need to be compact, durable enough to withstand bumps in the road, and versatile so you don’t have to carry multiple tools. Choosing to pack the basic kitchen gadgets for RV camping means you’ll spend more time enjoying cooking while camping.
Basic Kitchen Gadgets for RV Camping
Let’s start with the items you’ll use on a daily basis. These are the foundations of an efficient RV kitchen setup.
1. Collapsible Measuring Cups and Spoons
Traditional measuring cups occupy a lot of space, even when they are part of a nesting set. Collapsible silicone versions fold flat and can be tucked into even the smallest drawer. They’re lightweight, easy to clean, and perfect for everything from baking biscuits to portioning out coffee. A warning from RV Noni: Some brands of silicone do not hold up well in the heat of a closed RV. Quality matters for this gadget—ask me how I know! If you have room for a nesting set, I suggest choosing a plastic/silicone set instead of a metal one, as it can be challenging to keep the rattle quiet.
2. Multi-Function Can Opener
Skip the bulky electric model. A sturdy handheld opener that also doubles as a bottle opener is a small but mighty must-have. Look for one with a comfortable grip that can handle both cans and bottles, so you don’t need separate tools for each. In addition, many RV drawers are not very tall, so look for one that is not bulky. I have this one; it is a basic can opener, and since we are weekend campers, I wasn’t influenced by the need for heavy-duty. I just needed a simple can opener to get the job done.
3. Nesting Mixing Bowls with Lids
Bowls that nest inside each other are space savers, and lids let them double as storage containers. Choose a set that can handle both hot and cold food, so you can mix pancake batter in the morning and use it as a serving dish for hot vegetables at dinner. I have this set, and the assortment of sizes works for us. The bowls are microwavable, making them great for leftovers or made-ahead meals. The lids “nest” together, but gotta be honest, mine are scattered in the drawer.
4. Cast Iron Skillet
Durable, versatile, and camp-friendly, a medium-sized cast iron skillet works on your RV stove, oven, grill, or even directly over the fire. It’s one of the best basic kitchen gadgets for RV camping because it eliminates the need for multiple pans. Enamel-coated cast iron is a popular choice for home use, but it may not be the best option for campfire cooking. We have one cast iron skillet that stays in our RV for those just in case moments. The skillet is actually far more versatile than I originally thought it would be. Is it worth the space it takes up? I think that depends on what type of camp cooking you do. Ours is a lodge skillet that we have had forever…like close to 40 years.
5. Collapsible Colander
Whether you’re draining pasta or rinsing produce, a colander is essential—but they’re usually bulky. A collapsible silicone version folds flat and slides neatly against other pans or inside a cabinet door. These come in a wide range of sizes. Try to pick a size that is universal, so you only need one. I started with one from the Dollar Store that was small and had a handle, but I replaced it after the second season because it was just too bulky. You might think that a colander is not part of the basics for RV camping because you won’t use it very often—but you will.
6. Magnetic Knife Strip or Sheath Set
A few knives are necessary, but a knife block can take up a significant amount of space. Choose a magnetic strip mounted inside a cabinet or on a kitchen wall, if space is available. I don’t have a magnetic knife strip; unfortunately, we don’t have a space where it would work well, but maybe you do! This one is short, so it wouldn’t take up much space. I love the idea of being able to grab a knife while working, instead of having to open a drawer. We use individual knives with sheaths that protect the blades while keeping them organized in a divider and stored safely in a drawer.
7. Instant-Read Thermometer
Undercooked chicken or overdone steaks can ruin dinner in a heartbeat. A digital thermometer ensures safe, delicious meals without wasting space. When we first started RV camping, I thought this was a gadget we didn’t need. I was so wrong. Then I bought one from the grocery store that was a block with a wire connecting the probe to the block. It was okay, but later I found one that has a probe that folds down, and it resembles a folding pocketknife. This was the option that worked best for us. If you want to buy only one, choose the instant-read thermometer that folds like a pocketknife.
Storage Solutions for RV Kitchens
Even if you’ve packed the basic kitchen gadgets for RV camping, the real challenge is figuring out where to store them. If your RV doesn’t have large drawers or deep cabinets, here are three universal and practical ways to make it work.
1. Use Over-the-Door Organizers
Hanging organizers aren’t just for shoes or bathrooms. In an RV kitchen, they’re lifesavers. A clear-pocket organizer cut to size can be hung on the inside of a pantry or cabinet door to hold measuring spoons, thermometers, or even small spice jars. Everything remains visible and accessible without occupying counter space. If you have the space for this idea, it is amazing. I think all RVers use the over-the-door organizers in many different ways.
2. Add Magnetic and Wall-Mounted Storage
Magnetic strips and hooks convert unused walls into storage space. Mount a magnetic knife strip and attach magnetic spice jars to the fridge side. Alternatively, if the knife strip is out of the way, consider using the magnetic spice jars on it instead. Use adhesive hooks to hang gadgets like tongs and measuring cups. This keeps your most frequently used items in plain sight, saving drawer space. I have also found metal baskets that hang on the wall to be helpful in every room.
3. Invest in Drawer Dividers and Bins
Even small drawers can work harder with dividers or shallow bins. These keep tools like peelers, whisks, and thermometers from getting tangled together. For deeper cabinets, pull-out bins make it easier to grab what you need without having to rummage through them. We have used the bin idea since day one. The Class C kitchen drawers were very narrow, so we used long, narrow, plastic, shallow bins for kitchen utensils and silverware.I also kept the veggie peelers in a shallow bin for safety.
Bonus Tip: Store Vertically
Think beyond horizontal drawers. Store flat gadgets vertically in magazine holders if your cabinets are tall. Cutting boards, baking sheets, and collapsible colanders stand neatly on end, which frees up space for bulkier items.
Tell-Tale Signs You’re Missing the Right Gadget
If cooking in your RV feels more frustrating than a joy, chances are you’re missing a tool that makes life easier. Are you constantly improvising with knives because you don’t have a proper peeler? Struggling to drain pasta with a lid instead of a colander? These little frustrations add up. Having the basic kitchen gadgets for RV camping prevents those headaches and makes meals a pleasure instead of a chore.
Common Issues with RV Kitchen Gadgets and Quick Fixes
- Problem: Drawer rattling while driving
Solution: Use non-slip drawer liners or small bins to keep gadgets from sliding around. I put non-slip drawer liners in every cabinet and drawer, regardless of the contents. We have very little noise from items rattling or metal chinking. - Problem: Rust on metal tools
Solution: Dry items thoroughly before storage and consider using silicone or stainless-steel options. We have a drawer designated for “outside kitchen tools,” and those are all made of stainless steel. For our inside kitchen tools, I look for silicone if possible. - Problem: Too many duplicates
Solution: Do a quick cleanout. Keep only the gadgets you use regularly and store the rest at home. I do this at the end of each season: “What did I not use?” and that item is removed from the RV. However, I don’t get rid of it until after the first few camping trips of the following season, just in case I was wrong. It might sound backwards, but I clean out at the end of our season because how often something is used is fresh in my mind.
Final Thoughts
Choosing basic kitchen gadgets for RV camping isn’t about buying every tool you can find; it’s about focusing on the basics that make a difference. Stick with versatile, space-saving basics, add a couple of practical splurges that fit your cooking style, and utilize simple storage solutions to keep everything organized and neat. A yearly review of what you actually use helps ensure your RV kitchen stays efficient without being cluttered. With the right mix of gadgets and a little organization, you’ll always be ready to cook great meals and enjoy your time at camp.