Tips for Maximizing Space in Your RV Kitchen

Picture this: you're in your RV kitchen, attempting to cook a delicious meal, but you're feeling cramped and frustrated by the lack of space. Sound familiar? If you're a fulltime RVer, you know that the kitchen can be one of the most challenging areas to navigate in your home on wheels. But fear not! With a few simple tips and strategies, you can maximize your kitchen space and make the most of your small but mighty kitchen. In this post, we'll share five essential tips for maximizing space in your RV kitchen, so you can cook up a storm and enjoy delicious meals on the road. 

Use Vertical Space

When it comes to maximizing storage in a small RV kitchen, one of the most important things you can do is to use vertical space. By utilizing the walls and doors of your cabinets, you can create additional storage and keep your kitchen essentials within easy reach. Here are a few tips for making the most of your vertical space:

• Invest in over-the-door organizers: Over-the-door organizers can be a game-changer when it comes to maximizing storage in your RV kitchen. These organizers can be hung on the inside of larger cabinet doors, providing additional pockets for storing items like spices, utensils, and cleaning supplies.
• Hang pots and pans: Instead of taking up valuable cabinet space with your pots and pans, consider hanging them from a pot rack or a wall-mounted hook. This not only frees up cabinet space, but it can also add a decorative touch to your kitchen.
• Mount pot and pan lids: Mount them on the underside of your shelves or cabinets, allowing the pots and pans to nest easily.
• Utilize shelving and storage racks: Adjustable shelving and storage racks can be a great way to create additional storage in your RV kitchen. These can be put inside cabinets, providing extra space for items like plates, bowls, and glasses.
• Hang wire baskets on the walls: There are many options for wire baskets that can be wall mounted in the kitchen to hold towels, spices, or whatever you need to store. 

Invest in Multi-Functional Tools and Appliances

My two favorite appliances are my air fryer and my electric pressure cooker. The next runner up is my oval slow cooker. You may not want to take up storage space with kitchen appliances, but they can serve multi-purposes in your kitchen. If you never use your propane oven, you might want to remove it and build in shelves or drawers to store what you really do use!

• Electric Pressure Cooker: An electric pressure cooker (one brand is the Instant Pot) is a versatile appliance that can replace several traditional kitchen tools, including a pressure cooker, slow cooker, rice cooker, and more. This appliance can help you save counter and cabinet space, while also allowing you to cook a variety of meals with ease. I love the fact that I can brown meats and roasts before cooking them without dirtying another pot and it improves the flavor.
• Collapsible items: Collapsible items, such as measuring cups and colanders, can help you save precious cabinet space. These items can be collapsed down and stored away when not in use, freeing up space for other items.
• Magnetic knife holder: Instead of using a traditional knife block, consider investing in a magnetic knife holder that can be mounted on the wall. This not only frees up counter space, but it also keeps your knives within easy reach when you're cooking.
• Combination appliances: There are a variety of combination appliances available that can serve multiple functions in your RV kitchen. For example, there are electric pressure cookers that can also work as an air fryer and toaster ovens that also function as air fryers and grills.

Minimize Clutter

Clutter can quickly accumulate in any small space, and RV kitchens are no exception. By minimizing clutter in your kitchen, you can create a more functional and efficient space. Here are a few tips for minimizing clutter in your RV kitchen:

• Use the “one in, one out” rule: For every new kitchen item you bring into your RV, consider getting rid of an old item. This helps ensure that your kitchen doesn't become overcrowded with unnecessary items.
• Frequently cleaning: Clean the kitchen frequently so that you won’t have dirty dishes cluttering up the sink or clean and drying dishes taking up valuable counter space.
• Store rarely used items elsewhere: If there are kitchen items that you only use occasionally, consider storing them in another part of your RV, such as a closet or outside storage compartment. This frees up valuable kitchen real estate for items you use more frequently.
• Consolidate similar items: If you have multiple items that serve the same purpose, consider consolidating them to save space. For example, instead of having several different types of cutting boards, choose one or two that can serve multiple purposes.
• Keep surfaces clear: Consider storing appliances and other items that don't need to be out on the counter in cabinets or storage bins.

Optimize Storage Solutions

In a small RV kitchen, it's crucial to make the most of your storage space. Here are a few tips for optimizing your storage solutions:

• Use drawer organizers: Adding organizers to your drawers can help maximize your storage space and make it easier to find what you need. For example, adding a drawer organizer for measuring tools can free up space in a cabinet for other items.
• Use clear containers: Clear containers or small bins can help you see what's inside your cabinets and make it easier to find what you need. They can also help keep items from shifting around during travel.
• Get creative with storage solutions: Check behind every panel for any “dead” space that could be repurposed with a bit of skill. For example, below our entertainment center is a large space that only has plumbing in one corner. We are building a partition to separate off the pipes and will have a 3 foot wide by 2 foot tall by 8 inches deep area to add shelves and store more items.
• Choose stackable items: When possible, choose stackable items. This not only saves space, but it also makes them easier to store and transport. If the interior of the item is delicate, such as a Teflon pan, you can put paper towels or coffee filters between the pans to protect the finish.
• Install roll out shelves in your pantry: If your pantry is deep but narrow like mine, you can install wire or wooden shelves with a lip all the way around that roll in and out. This enables you to easily reach all of the items in your pantry. You may be able to find them pre-made, or you can make your own to fit your particular pantry. Keeping your pantry organized is the best way to prevent food waste and ensure you use all of your canned foods.

Embrace Minimalism

While I certainly cannot call myself a minimalist, embracing a more minimalist mindset can be a powerful tool in maximizing space in your RV kitchen. Here are a few tips for embracing minimalism in your RV kitchen:

• Assess your needs: Take a look at the items in your RV kitchen and ask yourself if you really need each one. Consider donating or selling items that you don't use regularly.
• Choose quality over quantity: Invest in high-quality kitchen items that will last a long time rather than buying cheap items that will need to be replaced frequently.
• Simplify your cooking routines: Opt for simple meals that require fewer ingredients and less prep work. This not only saves space in your RV kitchen, but it can also save time and energy.
• Avoid duplicate items: Avoid buying duplicate items, such as two sets of measuring cups or multiple spatulas, as they take up valuable storage space and aren't necessary.
• Make use of multifunctional items: Opt for multifunctional items, such as a pot that can also be used as a strainer, to save space and minimize the number of items you need.

Maximizing space in your RV kitchen is all about being creative and intentional with the space you have. By using vertical space, investing in multi-functional tools and appliances, minimizing clutter, optimizing your storage solutions, and embracing minimalism, you can create a functional and efficient kitchen that makes life on the road a little bit easier. Don't be afraid to experiment with different strategies and find what works best for you. With a little bit of effort and some creativity, you can create the perfect RV kitchen that meets all of your needs and makes mealtime a breeze.