Most RVs these days provide some type of kitchen area for easy access to food, beverages, and prepping space. But did you know, that a lot of these are no longer stationed directly inside the RV itself? Manufacturers are now adding their kitchens to the outside of the vehicle, and we have the low down on many of the best ones.
Whether you are an avid adventurer, exploring the world from your RV 75% of the time, or a weekend warrior, who enjoys taking family vacations during the warm summer months, we have a list of outdoor kitchen ideas for you.
In this article, we will discuss:
- Types of Outdoor RV Kitchens
- RV Outdoor Kitchen Ideas
- Must-Haves for an RV Outdoor Kitchen
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4 Types of Outdoor RV Kitchen
Not everyone requires the same kitchen setup, and with so many different options on the market today, no two setups have to be alike. Here are four of the most popular RV outdoor kitchens we think you should take a look at.
1. Common Pull-out Outdoor RV Kitchen
The most common outdoor kitchen found in RVs is a simple pull-out design, with nothing but the essential appliances and features available.
These pull-out cooking spaces often come with a slide-out gas cooking range, a minifridge, and some small storage compartments to keep your cooking tools and gear.
Who is it for? Anyone who doesn’t have a large RV, tons of extra space, or those who don’t require all of the bells and whistles many “glampers” are interested in these days.
2. Delux Outdoor RV Kitchen
Some RVs come geared up with the whole shabang, providing outdoor kitchens with everything you need to cook just about any meal.
These delux outdoor RV kitchens often come with full-sized grills, counter space with a microwave, a decent-sized minifridge, and a fully-functioning sink.
Who is it for? Deluxe outdoor RV kitchens are designed to make camping life more manageable and provide owners with easy access to all the essentials average household kitchens have (although on a much smaller scale.)
3. Luxurious Outdoor RV Kitchen
It’s your vacation; enjoy it any way you like, even if that means sitting in front of the TV during dinner.
With the more luxurious outdoor RV kitchen styles, you have access to a bar and grill, a sink with running water, a bar fridge, a televisions station, and even a half-bath.
Who is it for? These luxurious outdoor RVs are for those who love the finer things in life.
If your ideal camping experience includes having a bar-made drink and having a relaxing night watching TV in a tub, then these RVs are for you.
4. Outdoor RV Kitchen Pull-Behind
A pull-behind kitchen is a chef’s dream, a large family’s salvation, or a long-term campers’ kitchen away from home.
These outdoor RV kitchen options are full kitchen setups typically stationed in small camper-like units pulled behind your RV.
You can customize, organize, and pack your kitchen with plenty of space and capacity.
Who is it for? These pull-behind outdoor kitchens are great for people who love to cook or anyone who frequently camps at events such as fund-raisers, family reunions, etc.
RV Outdoor Kitchen Ideas
Take a look at this list of ten creative RV outdoor kitchen ideas and see if any of them fit your Wants, needs, style, and desires. We love these ideas and are pretty confident you will too.
1. Basic Outdoor Camping Kitchen
Camping is well-known for living the simple life, and although it isn’t’ really considered “roughing” it in a camper, some kitchens do keep things more laid back and down to the essentials when it comes to cooking.
A basic outdoor kitchen comes with a fold-out countertop, a portable grill, and, if you are lucky, a small kitchen sink.
2. Efficient and Effective Outdoor Camping Kitchen
If you are familiar with the term “glamping,” this type of outdoor campaign kitchen takes the cake. These efficient camping kitchens come fully loaded from a minifridge to a television set and everything in between.
The key to these specific kitchens is plenty of storage space to keep all of your cookware and food organized and easy to access.
Read more: 33 Clever RV Storage Ideas That Will Help You Organize Your Camper Like A Pro
3. Laid Back Outdoor Camping Kitchen
Some outdoor kitchens are designed to help the campers get the full effects and experience of their vacation.
With laid-back outdoor camping kitchens, you can have a separate grill pulled away from the RV, allowing you to BBQ under the stars while still having access to the amenities provided in the kitchen space.
Some campers go for portable propane grills, while others love the taste of charcoal-style cooking. There is no right way to BBQ.
Read more: Best RV Folding Table Ideas for Outdoors
4. Portable and Simple Outdoor Camping Kitchen
You don’t necessarily need running water or a working minifridge to enjoy the benefits of an outdoor kitchen.
Sometimes all you need is a makeshift sink basin, easy storage, a portable grill, and a little table space to have everything you need to cook a delicious meal.
The most important thing to keep in mind is your outdoor kitchen needs to travel with you, so make sure it is easy to store.
5. Outdoor Camping Kitchen for the Minimalist
Using the materials you have lying around is a great way to create a useful outdoor kitchen without spending a ton of money or destroying the outdoor cooking experience with tons of unnecessary items.
You can do this with wood pallets, metal shelves, or repurposed dressers.
You will typically use these if you have plenty of space to keep a bigger makeshift kitchen or a property you frequent often.
Read more: Clever RV Kitchen Storage Ideas
6. Resourceful Outdoor Camping Kitchen
Get creative and design your own outdoor camping kitchen space to fit your needs precisely. Use materials and appliances you have lying around, and place them in a convenient and organized way.
Many people with small RVs or who don’t’ plan on spending much time cooking large meals will only require the basics.
7. Dine-In Outdoor Camping Kitchen
Whether you are enjoying a romantic night out in the woods with your significant other or looking to gather around the table as a family, a dine-in kitchen while camping is unique and inspiring, next time you head for the great outdoors, grab some folding chairs and really take in the experience.
To really improve the experience, consider grabbing a bug screen and tiki-torches to keep the pests out of your food and away from your family.
8. High-Tech Outdoor Camping Kitchen
Eat outdoors in style. Purchase high-tech camping equipment to provide your camping spot with a kitchen that will make your RV neighbors jealous.
An outdoor kitchen with a grill/microwave combo can reduce the time you take cooking so you can enjoy your time with nature.
Use modern advancements in the appliance world to create a kitchen that isn’t’ just functional but fabulous.
9. Compact Outdoor Camping Kitchen
There are a bunch of great ways to create an outdoor kitchen that supplies you with everything you need to cook meals without taking up tons of much need space.
You can create a compact wooden outdoor kitchen complete with a small gas grill, plates, pots and pans, utensils, and napkins that will make dinner time a breeze.
10. Trendy Outdoor Camping Kitchen
Piece together a modern, trendy outdoor camping kitchen by setting up a space equipped with all the essential appliances and supplies in an organized and clean fashion.
You can also add extras to these kitchens like radios, portable television sets, and LED lighting to make your space more exciting.
Must-Haves for an RV Outdoor Kitchen
While some items we have previously mentioned are not technically a requirement but more of a luxury when traveling in an RV, there are a few things that are absolute musts.
Instant Pot
An instant is a must-have as long as your RV has an electrical connection. This product is there for you on days full of fun and adventure, or at times you just feel like sitting in front of the grill.
Throw your favorite one pot camping recipe in your Instant Pot before you leave, and a warm meal will be waiting for you when you return.
Read more: Super easy Instant Pot Recipes for Camping
Cutting Boards
Having a cutting board or two on hand while you are out camping will help you avoid tearing up your table cloths and will help you keep your food free from dirt and any other unwanted debris that quickly gathers on countertops and picnic tables when you are cooking outside.
Measuring Cups and Spoons
Measuring tools are one of those products many people don’t’ often think about when they are packing up for a road trip or camping adventure.
However, having these items on hand can save you in many situations, from making a great cup of coffee to having an extra cup on hand in a pinch.
Outdoor Grill
An outdoor grill should be one of your top priorities as a camper and RV owner. This must-have is going to broaden your options for food choices and is one of the best ways to enjoy the camping experience.
Bottle Opener
There is nothing more frustrating than gathering around the campfire to relax and recover from a long day, then realizing you have no way of opening your glass bottle of drink.
There are a variety of bottle openers perfect for RV kitchens that will accommodate any setup.
Read more: 31 Must-Have RV Kitchen Accessories For Your Next RV Trip
Table-Top Griddle
Many people love using their tabletop griddles at home to get a quick, easy, and tasty cast-iron-made meal. Why leave this device at home when it can make your on-the-go meal prep just as efficient?
Travel Size Ice Maker
Most people choose to take their RVs out on the open road during some of the hottest days of the year.
Having a travel-sized ice maker is going to help keep your beverages cool and provide you with quick first aid for all the bumps and bruises that comes with exploring the wilderness.
Mini-fridge
Having a minifridge can save you from making frequent stops at the store or relying on a cooler to keep your food fresh before the ice melts.
These appliances are fairly inexpensive and can save you a lot of money and hassle in the end.
Utensils
This may seem like a no-brainer, but it is one of the easiest items to forget when preparing for a road trip. Purchasing Utensils such as forks, spoons, spatulas, mixing spoons, etc., specifically for (and stays in) your RV, will make outdoor cooking go a lot smoother.
Spices and Rack
Who doesn’t’ love adding flavorful spices to their steak on a relaxing night in the great wide open? Many people do, however, have a hard time finding what they need when their spices are mixed in with tons of other junk in drawers or cabinets.
Grab a simple spice rack that can hang on the wall out of the way to avoid this confusion.
Small Tables (Folding Tables)
Keep an extra folding table or two stashed away in your RV; this is going to give you extra counter space for food preparation as well as extra eating space if your RV isn’t’ equipped with a dine-in kitchen and your campsite fails to provide a picnic table.
Garbage Can With Lid
Attracting wild animals to your campsite with old rotting food can really put a damper on your vacations. Always travel with a quality trashcan with a well-fitted lid, keeping food waste smells trapped inside and furry pests out.
Storage Space
If your kitchen space isn’t’ organized, your whole RV will become a storage spot for food, utensils, plates, etc.
Make sure you have plenty of containers with snap-on lids, baggies, and other ways to store your kitchen accessories so you reduce the time it takes to find everything you need.
RV Meal Ideas & Camping Recipes
Looking for inspiration or wondering what to feed you family on your RV camping trip?
Check out our other incredible RV meal ideas and some of our favorite recipes and never be short of inspiration again.
In Conclusion
If you are an RV owner and plan on getting the most out of your travels this year, consider investing in one of the unique and resourceful outdoor kitchen ideas listed above. Once you are on the road, you are going to thank us.
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