Last Updated on September 3, 2024 by Nikole

Traveling in a van comes with its own set of issues to overcome, like having a kitchen in a small camper van. Here is your guide to having an organized van-life kitchen.

My husband Clark and I have been traveling in our small Ford Transit Connect for about a year now. Setting up the kitchen is one of the biggest problems we have overcome. In this post, we will show you exactly how we set up our kitchen and which items we bring with us on our trips.

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Where Does the Kitchen Go?

Since our van is so small, we cannot fit an actual kitchen inside of the van. You may be thinking where the heck do you cook? This depends on how long we travel.

When camping short-term

We like to think of our van as our mini bedroom, with just enough room for storage and a bed. We set up our entire kitchen on the outside and is not always ideal for short one-night trips. When we decide to camp one night somewhere (such as Walmart or casinos) then we have to purchase food at a restaurant or eat a turkey sandwich.

When camping long-term

When we park in national forests or at a campground we have our kitchen on the outside, especially if we plan on staying for longer than one night. We bring along several kitchen items that make cooking and cleaning so much easier.

Here is a picture of what a larger camper van kitchen can hold and look like. The labels are only suggestions that we have made to give you a general idea of where to store your kitchen essentials.

P.S. camper van cabinets can go a long way when deciding where to put all of your cooking utensils, pots, and pans.

Camper Van Kitchen Appliances

Appliances for your small camper are minimal. You always want to be thinking, space! Also what kind of power you have in your van is very important.

If you are working with a small power supply, you may consider using propane appliances and packing extra propane bottles.

If you have a generator, are hooking up to a power supply, or if you have a great camper van battery system you can use electric appliances.

Camping Stoves

We use portable butane stoves when we are cooking “off-grid”. They just need a small bottle of butane canisters to light up and start cooking.

When we are cooking outside of our van in a remote area, we use the Coleman stove from Amazon (pictured above). We like this one the best because the pots and pans sit better on the burner than the one pictured on the right.

At the most, we were able to cook about 8 meals with one 8.8 oz. canister of butane. We cooked things like bacon and eggs for breakfast and veggie tacos for dinner. Try to purchase things that take less time to cook when getting your groceries, and that will make your canister last longer.

The canister will last roughly 1.25 hours when the stove is turned on high.

The butane stove above is one we use when tent camping after hiking from our camper van. We sometimes still use it as a part of our camper van kitchen, but it can be a challenge keeping the pots stable on top of it. It’s meant more for backpacking because it’s so compact.

When you use it you just attach it to the top of the mixed gas canister (propane and butane), and it’s ready to go.

Here are some Other Options for Butane Cooking Stoves

Electric Griddle

Our griddle has been a LIFESAVER for our camper van kitchen accessories. When we go to campsites with electricity it’s easy to plug in and it takes no time to heat up.

If you plan on camping off-grid, this may not be the best option for cooking your food as it uses up power. If you like the idea of using a griddle you could get a cast-iron, like this Double-Sided Lodge Brand Griddle, and place it on the butane burner.

A butane griddle is also a great power-saving option you should consider as a camper van kitchen essential.

Microwaves For Camper Vans

Again, if you plan on taking your camper van off-grid a microwave may not be the best option. However, we use ours through our battery inverter in the back.

As long as the microwave is set on low while cooking, it’s a great option for on-the-go eating. Keep in mind you may have to cook your food longer under low wattage.

Our microwave saved our butts when we went hiking in South Carolina. We were starving after our hike, and we were able to pop some pre-cooked chicken in the microwave, and sit down and eat.

A great microwave alternative is a portable 12v food warmer, my husband uses this when he drives his trucks for work. It usually takes 45 minutes to an hour to heat up, but it’s a great power-saving appliance.

Pots and Pans For Camper Van Kitchen Accessories

Non-stick should be your go-to option when it comes to pots and pans. Because you may have a smaller van, and limited space compared to most, you want to make sure your cooking pots and pans are easy to clean.

Non-stick means no scraping or soaking for long periods, sometimes wiping the pan out should be your means of cleaning it.

We typically bring two pans and one pot. We try to have two pans, one for the main course, and another small pan for things like beans or potatoes.

If you don’t like the chemicals of non-stick pans, you can use cast iron. Cast iron will add some unwanted weight to your camper just something to keep in mind.

How to Store Camper Van Kitchen Accessories

Collapsible items will be your best friend when choosing the right camper van kitchen accessories. Items such as Tupperware, strainer, utensils, and storage items can all be collapsible and create more room for camper van storage.

also, make sure anything that will go in your cooler is sealed tight, otherwise, you will have some meaty-smelling ice or soggy sausage.

Coolers

A cooler is your traveling fridge, which means you will need one that holds ice for several days. If you are on the road often I recommend purchasing a fridge you can power with your battery system.

I would recommend the Yeti, but OMG that price!! We use Lifetime coolers, and they work great! the ice will last several days after we have opened and closed it many times.

Some advice, when using coolers try to limit your time spent with the lid open. Don’t forget to drain the water every so often.

If you choose between a cooler and a fridge for your camper van kitchen accessories, check out our latest post on coolers vs. fridges.

Tables and Chairs for Camper Vans

Whether you choose the freedom of wild camping or the convenience of a designated campsite, consider investing in essential furniture pieces like tables and chairs for your camper van kitchen setup.

Getting these items will not only enhance your overall camping experience but also significantly simplify your daily routines. By incorporating tables and chairs into your mobile kitchen, you can create a functional and organized space that promotes efficiency.

Canopy

Since our kitchen is outside when we cook, we purchased a large canopy in case of rain.

One time we went camping in a van without a canopy and it downpoured the whole time. We had to run across the campsite with our cooler and cooking utensils in the pouring rain.

Now that we have 12X12 Ozark Trail Canopy we can comfortably eat while it’s raining.

We found ours at Walmart, the closest one I could find to the one we have from Walmart is the 10X10 MasterCanopy.

Dish Washing/ Water

Dishwashing can be a challenge when taking your camper van off-grid because clean water is limited. I would recommend getting one or two 5-gallon containers for storing your water. We use the ones that are tall and thin because they tend to fit into small spaces better than the short fat ones.

If you prefer your water heated you can get a camper van water heater to get your dishes squeaky clean.

You will also need a hose or pump to wash your dishes with. Otherwise, you will be wasting water by tilting the container.

Coffee Maker

Start your mornings off right with a reliable coffee maker. Whether you prefer a traditional drip coffee maker or a convenient single-serve machine, having a coffee maker on board will ensure that you can always enjoy a freshly brewed cup of coffee no matter where your travels take you.

French Press

For coffee enthusiasts who appreciate a rich and flavorful brew, a French press is a must-have accessory. We love our Stanley French press. All you have to do is scoop your favorite coffee into the canister, add water, and use the press. Let it sit for a few minutes, then pour your delicious coffee into your favorite mug.

Its simple design and portability make it an ideal choice for brewing delicious coffee in a camper van. A French press is also perfect for those conserving energy because it takes no electricity to use it.

Kitchen Drawer Organizer

Maximize storage efficiency and keep your kitchen essentials neatly organized with these bamboo kitchen drawer organizers. From utensils to cooking tools, a well-designed drawer organizer will make it easy to find what you need when preparing meals in your camper van.

Magnetic Knife Holder

Save counter space and keep your knives secure with a magnetic knife holder from Amazon. This convenient accessory will ensure that your knives are always within reach while cooking, and it adds a sleek and modern touch to your kitchen decor.

Stick Blender
A compact stick blender is perfect for whipping up smoothies, soups, and sauces in your camper van kitchen. Its space-saving design and versatility make it a valuable addition to any mobile kitchen setup.

RV Water Filter

Ensure access to clean and safe drinking water on your travels with an RV Camco water filter. This essential accessory will help remove impurities and contaminants from water sources, giving you peace of mind as you explore new destinations.

A water filter Is necessary when it comes to your safety. Especially when hooking up to campsite water, you will have a sound mind if you have a filter connected to your water supply.

Dishes and Kitchen Ware

Invest in lightweight, durable dishes and kitchenware that are specifically designed for travel. Look for options that are stackable and easy to clean, making them ideal for life on the road.

We really like this Melamine bamboo dish set because its durability withstands bumps and turns in the road. The entire set only weighs 4 pounds which won’t add much to your overall weight of the van.

I also like that they are fairly quiet when on the go, to make them rattle less you could cut rubber cabinet liners and place them in between your plates and bowls. This is also a good idea for any mixing bowls, pots, and pans you may be hauling with you.

Spice Rack

Add flavor and variety to your meals with a compact spice rack. Having a selection of your favorite spices on hand will elevate your culinary creations and make cooking in your camper van even more enjoyable.

We love this spice rack from Temu because it holds the spices in place while you drive. We have also used this multiple-spice container for our shorter trips.

Stove Cover

Maximize counter space in your camper van kitchen by using a stove cover as an extra workspace when the burners are not in use. This Camco stove cover is a multi-functional accessory that can also help protect your stove from dust and debris during travel. It may even help with rattling while you are driving.

Cabinet Organizer for Camper Van Kitchen

Keep your cabinets tidy and well-organized with the help of cabinet organizers. From adjustable shelves to stackable bins, these accessories will make it easy to store and access your pantry essentials while on the road.

Using bins and drawers within your cabinets will go a long way when it comes to finding your camper van kitchen utensils when it’s time to cook.

Cutting Boards

Invest in lightweight and durable cutting boards that are easy to store and clean. Opt for options that are compact and versatile, making meal prep in your camper van a breeze.

Try this set of 3 AXIOM CREATIONS cutting boards from Amazon. These are made of eco-friendly plastic and are BPA-free. You have several cutting boards so you don’t have to worry about cross-contaminating your food.

Stackable Measuring Cups

Save space in your kitchen drawers by choosing stackable measuring cups and spoon sets. These compact and practical accessories will ensure that you can accurately measure ingredients for all your culinary creations.

Drying Rack

Keep your dishes and cookware clean and dry with a collapsible drying rack. Its space-saving design makes it an essential accessory for maintaining a tidy kitchen area in your camper van.

This portable dish rack from Temu is also collapsible. Store it when you aren’t using it and pop it out when it’s time to clean the dishes.

Dish Towels/Sponges

Stock up on dish towels and sponges to keep your kitchen clean and tidy. Opt for quick-drying and absorbent options that are easy to wash and reuse during your travels.

Knife Sharpener

Keep your knives sharp and ready for action with a portable knife sharpener. This handy accessory will ensure that you can always maintain the cutting power of your knives while on the road.

Fridge Deodorizer

Combat odors and keep your fridge smelling fresh with a fridge deodorizer like this cute penguin off of Temu. This simple yet effective accessory will help maintain a pleasant environment in your camper van kitchen.

Lighter/Matches

Be prepared for any cooking situation with a reliable lighter or matches. Whether you’re firing up the stove or starting a campfire, having a source of ignition on hand is essential for outdoor cooking adventures.

Can Opener

Don’t forget to pack a sturdy can opener for easy access to canned goods in your camper van kitchen. I can’t tell you how many times we forget to bring a can opener on our weekend trips. We eventually bought this Kitchen Aid can opener from Amazon as our official camper van kitchen utensil.

Look for a compact and durable option that can handle all types of cans.

Eco-friendly Dish Soap

Choose an eco-friendly dish soap like Myers Dish Soap to minimize your environmental impact while washing dishes on the go.

Look for biodegradable formulas that are gentle on the skin and safe for outdoor use. You especially need to be cautious of using eco-friendly soap if you do not have a black water tank because most of your water may go on the ground.

Mini Crock Pot

Add versatility to your camper van kitchen with a mini crock pot like this 3.5-quart ICOOK slow cooker. This convenient appliance is perfect for preparing slow-cooked meals and keeping dishes warm during your travels.

Crock pots are typically very easy to clean which is a good thing considering you will be on a short water supply in your van. If you want an even easier cleaning experience try these 3-8 quart size disposable crock pot bags.

Collapsible Kettle

Enjoy hot beverages on demand with this electric collapsible kettle from Temu. Its space-saving design makes it easy to store when not in use, and it’s perfect for brewing tea, coffee, or instant soups while on the road.

Insulated Mugs

Keep your beverages at the perfect temperature with insulated mugs like Yeti or cheaper brands like Ozark Trail. Whether you’re sipping hot coffee or enjoying a refreshing cold drink, insulated mugs will help preserve the flavor and temperature of your favorite drinks.

In Conclusion

Hopefully, this helps you organize your camper van kitchen some. Leave something in the comments if you have any questions.

Here are some other helpful posts about van travel.