RV Kitchen Essentials: The Best Cookware & Must-Have Supplies
When I first moved into our RV, I showed up with zero cookware. None. Not a single pot, pan, or spatula. I moved cross-country with three suitcases, a dog, and whatever would fit inside those suitcases – and kitchen gear definitely didn’t make the cut!
Thankfully, my husband had accumulated a handful of basics the year before, and we slowly added things as we figured out what worked (and what absolutely did not) in RV life. Over time, we’ve upgraded, replaced, and refined, and this list is truly everything we reach for week after week in our 2017 Jayco North Point fifth wheel.
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Our Ride-or-Die Cookware
Our Only Nonstick Skillet
We only have two nonstick skillets and the one linked above is the one we grab the majority of the time. It does about 90% of our cooking – eggs, grilled cheese sandwiches, pancakes, and quesadillas! We purchased it last winter, and it’s surprisingly sturdy.
Set of Three Baking Sheets
I feel like baking sheets are so flimsy, but the ones I’ve linked above have held up exceptionally well for us. No rusting, no warping. I’ve had a lot of baking sheets as an adult, and I’m actually impressed with these! We store these in the drawer under our refrigerator along with our cutting board.
Small Saucepan
Perfect for:
- small servings of pasta
- boiling eggs
- heating soup
- ramen nights
This matches our non-stick pan and has also really held up well!
Our Non-Stick Kinda Skillet/Kinda Pot All-In-One
It’s called a “jumbo cooker”, but we use this for cooking veggies, some one-pot meals like my sausage and rice recipe, etc.
Our Deep Pot
This is the only “big pot” we have. We use it for spaghetti, fettucini alfredo, stews, and other one-pot, leftover-friendly meals. It’s totally worth the space! Make sure to get one with a lid.
Cutting Board
We downsized our cutting boards and kept one good-quality board that works for everything. This one will probably need to be replaced finally next year, but we use it a lot!
Kitchen Appliances We Actually Use Constantly In Our RV
Keurig
My husband’s lifeline every morning! I don’t use it as much as I used my old one in Illinois, but it’s a staple in our household and we take it wherever we go. Ours has been to Washington and back to Alaska.
Crock Pot
We love our Crock Pot! It’s worth the space it takes up under one of our dining table drawers. Chili, pulled pork, pot roast. All the things that make the RV smell amazing when we’re working a lot during the summer!
Air Fryer
If you don’t have an air fryer in an RV, I applaud your restraint.
At first, I balked at my husband wanting this because I knew it’d take up a lot of space. But for us, it’s quick meals and almost no heat output compared to the oven.
Storage & Cooking Containers
Set of Three Collapsible Colanders
We use the larger two sizes all the time – one for pasta, one for rinsing veggies. They fold flat and never take up too much space in our cabinets.
Mixing Bowls with Lids
For prepping, storing, and avoiding dishes until later!
Stacking Glass Container Set
These have been a major upgrade from plastic. They stack neatly, store leftovers well, and don’t stain. The only problem is there are so many, it’s sometimes hard to find the right lid. But who doesn’t have that problem anyway?!
Folding Digital Meat Thermometer
This has held up well even when it’s accidentally gotten wet, which happens a lot because it always ends up near the sink.
Final Thoughts on RV Kitchen Essentials
A well-stocked RV kitchen doesn’t have to be packed with gadgets. The best setup is one that fits your cooking style and makes the most of your limited space.
After living in our RV for years, we’ve learned that a handful of reliable kitchen essentials goes a long way. Choosing quality items that serve multiple purposes has helped us save space, stay organized, and make everyday cooking much easier!
Whether you’re heading out for weekend camping trips or planning to live in your RV full-time like we do, starting with the right kitchen essentials will make settling into RV life much smoother.
