I get asked a lot about the tools I use when I'm cooking in our RV - what's actually worth the space and what isn't. This page is a running list of the pans, tools, and pantry staples I use regularly and recommend without hesitation.
Nothing here is sponsored. Nothing is included just to fill space. These are the things that earn their spot in a small kitchen and make everyday cooking easier, whether you're traveling full-time, cooking for two, or just working with less room than you'd like.
I'll keep updating this list as things change.
This page contains affiliate links. If you make a purchase, I may earn a small commission at no extra cost to you.
Knives & Prep Tools
These are the foundations. You don't need a drawer full of gadgets - just a few reliable tools.
- Chef's Knife - A sharp, well-balanced knife makes prep faster and safer
- Solid Wood Cutting Board - Sturdy, stable, and large enough to work comfortably
- Microplane Zester/Grater - For citrus zest, garlic, ginger, and cheese
Cookware & Bakeware
These pieces do the bulk of the cooking and show up in my recipes again and again.
- Nonstick Pot and Pan Set - Compact, practical, and easy to store
- Heavy-Bottomed Oven-Proof Skillet - Goes from stovetop to oven for one-pan meals
- Quarter Sheet Pans with Rack - Fit the portable oven and handle most baking needs
Small Appliances That Earn Their Space
Counter space is limited, so these appliances pull double (or triple) duty.
- Ninja Foodi - This is one of the most-used appliances in our RV kitchen. It works as a pressure cooker, slow cooker, rice cooker, and air fryer in one, which means fewer appliances to store and less cleanup. I rely on it for everything from weeknight dinners to meal prep, which is why it shows up so often in my pressure cooker and air fryer recipes.
- Portable Oven - A reliable alternative to RV ovens. Bonus, you can put the oven on a table outside, and you won't have to heat up the RV while baking
- Ninja Food Chopper Express - I use my Ninja Food Chopper Express all the time, and it's especially handy in an RV kitchen. It's the perfect size, easy to clean, and makes chopping vegetables quick and painless. I honestly reach for it almost every day.
- Hand Mixer - Lightweight and easy to store for everyday baking and mixing
- Keurig Coffee Maker- Coffee is non-negotiable for me, and this Keurig earns its spot in our RV kitchen. It heats quickly, takes up minimal counter space, and lets me make just one cup at a time
Mixing, Draining & Measuring
Tools that save space while still doing their job well.
- Stackable Mixing Bowls with Lids - Mix, store, and prep without extra containers
- Collapsible Strainer - Drains pasta and washes produce, then stores flat
- Stackable Measuring Cups & Spoons - Compact and easy to keep organized
Storage & Leftover Solutions
Smart storage makes RV cooking easier and helps reduce food waste.
- Collapsible Food Storage Containers - Great for storing food both inside and outside of the fridge. The airtight vacuum seal keeps the humidity out to keep snacks such as crackers or chips from going stale. The rectangular shape helps to maximize storage space in the fridge and freezer. When not in use, they collapse and store easily in your RV cabinets.
- Souper Cubes - Freezing soups, sauces, and leftovers in perfect portions makes life on the road so much easier. The trays stack neatly in the freezer, and nothing gets lost or forgotten. On travel days or nights when I really don't feel like cooking, I can grab a portion, heat it up, and call it dinner without much thought.
Everyday Kitchen Basics
Simple tools that don't take up much room but get used often.
- Manual Can Opener - Compact, reliable, and easy to store
Water & Filtration
Clean water matters, especially when you're cooking every day.
- PUR 11-Cup Water Pitcher - A simple way to get clean-tasting water without relying on bottled water. It lives in our RV fridge and cuts way down on plastic waste.
Final Note
This list is always evolving. If a tool stops earning its place, it comes off. If I find something better, I update it. These are the products that make cooking in a small RV kitchen feel doable - and enjoyable.
If you're trying to decide what's worth buying for a small kitchen, send me a note. I'm happy to share what's worked for us.