Whether you’re a seasoned chef who loves to whip up delicious meals or a novice cook on your first RV adventure, our team at Airxcel is here to elevate your on-the-road dining experience with our 10 Sizzling RV Cooking Tips. From maximizing space in your RV kitchen to strategically utilizing ingredients, these tips will help you create tasty and memorable meals while exploring the great outdoors. Prepare to level up your RV cooking prowess with dishes that capture the essence of your journey so you can savor every delicious mile!
TIP 1: Equip your RV kitchen with space-saving cookware and versatile tools for culinary prowess. One of the challenges of cooking in an RV is limited space. To make the most of your kitchen area, invest in space-saving cookware such as collapsible pots and pans, stackable mixing bowls, and nesting measuring cups. Cast iron cookware, on the other hand, is a prime example of versatile cookware, suitable for heating on a stovetop, in the oven, or on a campfire.
Additionally, there are cooking appliances that offer amenities that enhance their utility in various cooking scenarios. For instance, Suburban ranges and InVision ranges both have models with built-in covers that can double as extra counterspace when the stovetop is not in use. Or, for the Suburban griddle, there are multiple attachments that work with a singular base unit such as the flat top perfect for pancake breakfasts or a detachable pizza oven allowing RV owners to use one appliance to make a variety of different meals and cuisines.
TIP 2: Embrace the great outdoors with an outdoor kitchen setup for panoramic cooking experiences. Elevate your culinary road trip experience with an outdoor kitchen for your RV. Relish the joy of cooking and dining al fresco with an outdoor kitchen plus you get the added bonus of keeping your RV interior cooler and those cooking odors out. Suburban griddles can go from inside to outside seamlessly with new models that include a 1-lbs. propane bottle adapter. Make your outdoor kitchen complete with a griddle, prep area, sink, and small fridge or cooler for easy outdoor cooking.
TIP 3: Chart your culinary course by planning meals in advance for seamless cooking in compact spaces. Embark on your RV road trip with a culinary spirit, planning meals to fuel your adventure ahead of time. Craft a meal plan so that you can shop ahead, ensuring you're fully stocked for your trip’s twists and turns. Avoid last-minute dinner dilemmas on the road and wasted groceries by planning out your travel meals in advance. With ingredients in hand, you're ready for any remote destination. Say goodbye to kitchen chaos and hello to seamless mealtime by devoting time pre-trip to meal plan.
TIP 4: Prepare for your journey by prepping ingredients ahead of time to savor every moment on the road. Gear up for your adventure by prepping ingredients in advance to maximize every moment on the road. From chopping fresh vegetables to premixing pancake batter to marinating meats, thoughtful preparation before the road trip ensures an easier cooking experience while on the road. With ingredients already prepared, daily cooking becomes a breeze, and the time you save by prepping before you leave can be spent enjoying your view, vacation, and travel companions instead.
TIP 5: Don't forget the beverages! Remember, good meal planning includes beverages for the journey. Whether you fuel your adventures with a well-brewed cup of morning coffee or prefer the refreshing fizz of a diet Coke, ensure your drinks are part of your pre-trip preparations.
You’ll also want to make sure your RV fresh water system is working properly before you hit the open road. This includes checking your water pump and water heater so you don’t find yourself on the road sans fresh water. Hydration and enjoyment go hand in hand on your journey, so check your water system and pack your favorite beverages to keep you refreshed and energized as you explore the open road – sip, savor, and conquer whatever lies ahead.
TIP 6: Opt for quick and easy recipes with minimal ingredients for effortless cooking on the go. In the realm of RV cooking, simplicity reigns supreme. And RV enthusiasts in the know, know that simplicity doesn't equal blandness – fewer ingredients can still deliver mouthwatering flavor profiles. On the road choose recipes that shine with minimal ingredients and easy prep, like one-pot wonders or sheet pan meals. Streamlining your cooking process means more time enjoying your RV adventures and less time spent cooking or cleaning up. You can also make the most of your provisions by repurposing them across multiple meals, lightening your load by carrying fewer ingredients.
TIP 7: Keep your RV kitchen in shipshape and organized to navigate culinary challenges. Maintaining order in your RV kitchen is vital for culinary success on the road. Employ storage containers, drawer dividers, and pantry shelves to keep your provisions neatly stowed and within reach. The compact confines of an RV kitchen also demand diligence in tidiness to prevent chaos from encroaching. Tackling messes promptly not only saves time but also ensures a seamless and enjoyable cooking experience.
And for the best practices when it comes to cleaning your kitchen appliances, always check with the manufacturer. Suburban, for example, has a video for Cleaning and Seasoning RV Griddles to help RV chefs stay on top of kitchen cleaning and maintenance. By staying organized and cleaning as you go, you'll conquer meal prep and cooking tasks with ease during your travels.
TIP 8: Breathe easy with good ventilation for a comfortable kitchen environment. Make sure your RV kitchen is filled with fresh air, essential for both comfort and safety when cooking, by investing in quality ventilation systems. Elevate your cooking environment by harnessing the power of new rooftop fans to maintain a steady flow of fresh air. Or enhance the versatility of existing kitchen fans with weather-resistant covers, ensuring good ventilation even in challenging weather conditions.
RVers equipped with a Coleman-Mach air conditioner can further enhance kitchen air quality by installing an iWave Air Purifier in their unit capable of banishing cooking odors, mold spores, smoke, pet smells, allergens, and a range of pathogens from RV interiors. Appreciate the easy breathability of an RV kitchen with good airflow by prioritizing ventilation as you whip up culinary delights.
TIP 9: Stay prepared for any digital detours by printing recipes for offline cooking inspiration. Even in today’s digital age, there are moments when we’re disconnected from the online realm. Whether it’s a technical glitch or because we’re seeking solace in remote destinations, you may find yourself offline on your next road trip. To ensure you're never stranded without your culinary compass, print out your recipes before you take to the open road safeguarding your access to delicious meals even in the most off-grid locations. Let the spirit of exploration guide you as you venture into uncharted territories, armed with printed recipes to fuel your RV adventures.
TIP 10: Immerse yourself in local flavors and amenities to enhance your culinary escapades on the road. Begin by assessing your surroundings. Does the campground you’re staying at provide outdoor grills or picnic tables? Is there a communal kitchen or other cooking facilities at your RV resort that can lighten the load on your own RV kitchen? Be sure to take advantage of all the amenities your campground offers.
Next, venture beyond your immediate surroundings and immerse yourself in the local community for culinary treasures like a local farmers' market. Traveling along the Pacific Northwest? Skip the frozen fish for your Seattle journey and opt for the freshest catch from the renowned fish markets. Headed to Florida? Swap store-bought citrus you have to pack, store, and haul for locally grown fruit. Embrace the thrill of cooking with indigenous ingredients, infusing your meals with regional flair and flavors.
Take on the challenge of cooking in an RV and elevate your culinary experience when road tripping with our 10 Tips for Cooking in an RV. From sunrise breakfasts to sunset feasts, these strategies ensure delicious dining without sacrificing precious vacation moments. It’s time to celebrate the flavors and aromas of travel so pack your bags, hit the open road, and get ready to cook up a storm in your RV kitchen!