The 10 best RV and vanlife kitchen essentials and accessories

More Americans than ever have been giving the motorhome lifestyle another look, and in the process have been diversifying RV parks around the country. And that was before the COVID-19 pandemic, is spurring even more interest in RV travel and a surge in RV rentals and purchases as more people turn to the open road a way to see the sites while social distancing.

Whether you're a RV veteran who's been through more than a few Winnebagos, Jay-Cos, Airstreams, and Tiffins or are brand new to the road, one thing all RVers, overlanders, and vanlifers have in common is the need to eat wherever you roam. But if you think your culinary options are limited just because you aren't in your full-size kitchen at home, think again.

We rounded up 10 outdoor cooking tools and accessories that will help you achieve a gourmet RV kitchen experience, no matter if you're headed out for a weekend or without looking back.

Our editors independently select the best products to help you have amazing travel experiences. If you purchase through links on our site, Lonely Planet may earn a commission from the retailer.

RVing, Overlanding, and Vanlife

1) FINEX Cast Iron Skillet
Cast iron is ideal for outdoor cooking, and transfers easily between RV stovetops and campfire coals. FINEX skillets are especially handy with a smart octagonal design that makes it easy to pour contents without spilling, a beefy spring-wrapped handle that's easy to grip even with an oven mitt, and a smooth, non-stick finish that's initially polished and seasoned with food-safe flaxseed oil. Cast Iron Skillet, 12 inches, $275; FINEX.

2) Dometic CFX 50W Fridge Freezer
When you know you're going to be spending a lot of time on the road, it makes sense to switch over from endless bags of ice to more serious refrigeration. Dometic is the brand that comes up over and over again in the vanlife and RV communities, with reliable, well-thought-out features like the ability to run on AC or DC power (making it compatible with solar setups, too), WiFi temperature control, USB ports for charging your phone, and a space-conscious profile. Dometic CFX 35W, 39 pounds, $867.53; Amazon.

3) Mountain Summit Gear Roll Top Kitchen
Prep space is everything when you're cooking – especially outdoors. You can't always count on a picnic table being available, or for one to count double duty as cook space. A portable aluminum kitchen is a lightweight, foldable solution that gives you tables and shelves to stash your cookset, collapsable sink, and ingredients, plus a surface at comfortable standing height for your camping stove. Mountain Summit Gear Deluxe Roll Top Kitchen, 13 pounds 8 ounces, $129.95; REI.

4) GSI Outdoors Enamelware Dishes
Skip the disposable plates or the cramped backpacking dishes for a more comfortable, yet sturdy set of enamelware. Built to last of heavy-gauge steel and kiln-hardened enamel, with a classic look that evokes decades of family campouts, these will work as well indoors at your RV dining table as on your lap in a folding chair. GSI Outdoors Pioneer Enamelware Table Set, 4 mugs, 4 plates, 4 bowls, 5 pounds, $69.95; REI.

5) OXX CoffeeBoxx
If you need to prep coffee for large groups or in rugged environments on the reg, it's worth investing in this rugged single-serve coffee maker that works with all K-Cup coffee pods, including reusable versions for greater sustainability. The extra-large water tank and fast brew time mean quick pick-me-ups, the 3ft retractable cord gives you set up options, and it runs on 120V of AC power. Throw in extra features like stainless steel tie-downs, and this is a workhorse coffee maker up to anything from RVing to overlanding. Oxx CoffeeBoxx, 12 pounds, $199.95; Duluth Trading Company.

6) YETI Silo Water Cooler
If you need plenty of cold water on hand and the ability to easily move your stash from RV to truck to boat to campsite, YETI's cooler has plenty of nice features like a spigot, thick insulation, chunky handles, and a wide top that makes it easy to drop in fresh bags of ice. Yeti Silo 6 Gallon Water Cooler, $299.99; Amazon.

7) Solo Stove Portable Fire Pit
Whether you're looking for a mess-free, smokeless firepit for the back yard that won't mess up the grass or a reliable way to bring the campfire along for the ride in your RV or van, Solo Stove is a solid option. These portable firepits weigh just 15 pounds, come with a carrying case, and help you enjoy safer fires outside, wherever you go, for roasting marshmallows and hot dogs and staring at over toddies. Solo Stove Ranger, $229.99; Amazon.

8) Coghlan's Fold-Away Food Cover
Shoo, fly. Don't invite the bugs to your outdoor kitchen with these collapsable mesh umbrellas that keep critters out of your dishes while still letting you and your friends see what's on the menu. Coghlan's Fold-Away Food Cover, 2 ounces, $3.25; REI.

9) Stanley Thermos or flask
Few pieces of outdoor gear are as iconic as Stanley's green thermoses – and the quality lives up to the image. With stainless steel construction, a flexible carry handle, and 24-hour temperature retention, there's no reason not to have a Stanley in your rig. Stanley Classic Vacuum Insulated Bottle, 2 quart, $34.97; Amazon.

10) Vremi Silicone Food Storage Containers
Storage is at a premium in RVs and vans, but you also don't want to create a lot of extra waste from single-use baggies for leftovers, either. Enter these collapsible silicone boxes that are air tight and stackable when popped open and lay flat for storage when you're done. Vremi Silicone Food Storage Containers, set of 4, $24.99; Vremi.

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