RV Kitchen Must Haves: Tools That Changed the Game

As someone who spends a lot of time in the kitchen, I’ve learned that the right tools can make all the difference. From making prep easier to cutting down on waste, the kitchen essentials below are ones I actually own and use myself. These are the products that have truly transformed my cooking experience and that I consider RV kitchen must haves.

1. A Good Knife

A high-quality knife is non-negotiable for anyone who enjoys cooking. For years, I struggled with a cheap, dull knife that made chopping onions feel like a workout. After gifting myself a nice, sharp knife for my birthday, it felt like cutting through butter! No more sawing away at vegetables, and the ease of chopping made prep time so much more enjoyable. I also find it therapeutic now—the rhythm of chopping is calming, and it’s a moment of mindfulness in my day.

• My pick: Wüsthof Classic 7" Santoku *

This knife has been a game-changer in my kitchen. Its sharpness and balance make it perfect for everything from slicing vegetables to chopping herbs.

2. Rice Cooker

We used to constantly struggle with getting the rice-to-water ratio just right and avoiding burnt rice on the bottom. Enter the rice cooker: a total game-changer. Now, we just measure, set, and let it do its thing. The rice comes out perfectly every time—no more guessing or worrying about burnt bits. It’s become such a staple in our kitchen that we make rice all the time. Our go-to is pairing it with our favorite tofu dishes, but it’s so easy that James now makes rice as a snack!

• My pick: DASH Mini Rice Cooker *

This compact rice cooker is a lifesaver. It cooks perfect rice every time with just a quick set-and-forget method. Easy to use, easy to clean—it's a kitchen staple for us!

3. Chemex Coffee Pour-Over Coffeemaker

If you're serious about coffee, a Chemex is the way to go--there's simply no better method for brewing. We’ve been using it since our Chicago days, and it’s become a ritual for us. There’s something about the pour-over method that feels so artisanal—like you're at a cozy coffeehouse, taking the time to craft the perfect cup. Every cup is smooth, flavorful, and rich in taste—there’s just something about the Chemex that elevates the entire experience. For coffee that’s truly exceptional, the Chemex is unmatched.

• My pick: Chemex Pour-Over Glass Coffeemaker -- 6-cup *

It’s a simple yet elegant way to brew the best coffee, and once you try it, you’ll never go back.

4. Silicone Cupcake/Muffin Liners

I’m all about reducing waste, and since we’ve been making cupcakes for each other on birthdays—a little tradition we’ve kept since our Chicago days (funfetti for me and carrot cake for James)—we switched to reusable silicone liners. I love bite-sized desserts, and these liners are perfect for that! They’re easy to clean, durable, and keep everything non-stick. Plus, I love having a sustainable option instead of relying on disposable paper liners. It’s a small change that makes a big difference.

• My pick: Amazon Basics Reusable Silicone Baking Cups *

These are my go-to for baking bite-sized treats. They’re durable, non-stick, and easy to clean—plus, they help reduce waste!

5. Glass Jars

Jars—especially Weck jars—are my pantry's best friend. We save every glass jar we come across and slowly transition all pantry items into glass. Weck jars are my absolute favorite because they seal tightly and look great on display. They are a bit pricey, but I think they’re worth it for their function and aesthetic. That said, there’s absolutely nothing wrong with random jars! We have a whole mix of jars that we keep—whether it’s pickle jars, jam jars, or ghee jars. As soon as we finish the food or product, it gets cleaned and repurposed. We reuse whatever we can, and it’s a great way to reduce waste while keeping our pantry organized.

• My pick: Weck Cylindrical Jars (variety of sizes)

  These jars are perfect for storing pantry essentials. They seal tightly, look great, and are a sustainable way to organize your kitchen.

6. Wire Baskets

When it comes to storage, you can never have too many baskets, and wire baskets are a game-changer. We use them to keep smaller items organized, like jars, spices, and various odds and ends. They’re not only functional but also incredibly accessible—if I need something, I can simply pull it out with ease. Plus, they blend seamlessly into our space, so they’re practical without being an eyesore. These baskets allow us to keep things tidy while still maintaining a clean, open look. Whether in the pantry or hanging on the frames of our RV slides, they’ve become a go-to for everything from everyday essentials to quick-grab items.

• My pick: Hedume 3-Pack Metal Wire Storage Baskets *

  These baskets are perfect for keeping smaller items organized and easily accessible. They're functional, blend well into any space, and help maintain a tidy, open look.

7. Air Fryer/Toaster Oven

An air fryer has become one of our kitchen workhorses. If you haven’t tried one, you’re missing out—it’s an incredibly versatile tool! We rarely even use the air fryer setting; it’s actually a toaster oven/air fryer combination. Having it as a second oven is a game-changer, especially since our main oven is small and doesn’t allow for multiple racks or different temperatures. I can have something baking in the oven, while something else is baking in the air fryer at a completely different temperature. It’s truly a must-have in our kitchen. It’s essential when we run out of propane, but it’s also our toaster, and it bakes the perfect crispy tofu every time.

• My pick: NINJA (6 in 1) Foodi Digital Air Fry Countertop Oven *

  This versatile air fryer is a must-have in our kitchen. It serves as a second oven, perfect for baking at different temperatures, and it makes crispy tofu like a pro!

  
  

8. Garlic Press

Mincing garlic by hand used to feel like such a chore, but a good garlic press changed everything. With just a quick squeeze, I get perfectly minced garlic in seconds—no sticky fingers, no tedious chopping. It’s such a simple tool, but it saves so much time and effort that I can’t imagine cooking without it.

• My pick: Zulay Premium Garlic Press Set *

  This garlic press makes mincing garlic effortless. Plus, it comes with a silicone garlic peeler, making it even easier to remove the skin!

9. Dutch Oven

My Dutch Oven has been essential in my sourdough journey, and it's become one of the most versatile tools in our kitchen. James and I use it for everything from baking bread to making stews and soups. Le Creuset was a gift from my mom one Christmas, and I feel incredibly lucky because it’s something I would have had my eye on at a thrift store, but she surprised us with it! The Dutch Oven bakes the perfect sourdough, with a beautifully crispy crust and a soft, fluffy inside. The glossy enamel makes it look so luxurious, and she chose red, which looks stunning in our kitchen. It’s the kind of item you don’t need to hide away in a cupboard; if you have the space, it looks so pretty on display.

• My pick: Le Creuset (5.5 qt) Enameled Cast Iron Dutch Oven *

  It's the ultimate kitchen workhorse, perfect for both baking and cooking hearty meals! Bonus: it's also super easy to clean!

10. Pasta Machine

While not the most used tool in my kitchen, my pasta machine is a lifesaver when I do make homemade pasta. Rolling dough by hand can be tiring, so having this machine speeds up the process and gives me perfect pasta every time. There's something about handmade pasta that simply can't be beat—it’s totally worth the time and effort. I even did a remote pasta cooking class with grandmas in Italy, so I got to learn firsthand from true experts (and those nonne were not only incredibly skilled but also so cute and encouraging!). Making pasta is now a favorite pastime for James and me. We once made a 10-layer lasagna together, which was a true labor of love but turned out to be an absolute masterpiece.

• My pick: MARCATO Made in Italy Manual Pasta Maker Machine *

  It's the ultimate kitchen workhorse, perfect for both baking and cooking hearty meals! Bonus: it's also super easy to clean!

11. Reusable Gloves

Gloves are an essential tool for me when working with sticky dough or oils. These gloves keep my hands clean and help me avoid a greasy mess, which is so important when I’m in the kitchen. I use them all the time—sometimes, I’ll put dressing on a salad and forget to massage the kale, so I can just throw these gloves on and get the job done without worrying about contaminating my food. I also can’t stand the feeling of dried dough on my hands, especially when I’m making pasta or sourdough. That rough, dry, flaky texture is something I really don’t enjoy, so these gloves make that tactile aspect a lot more comfortable for me.

• My pick: BOOMJOY Nitrile Cleaning Gloves *

  These gloves are durable, comfortable, and easy to use, making them a must-have in the kitchen.

12. Lazy Susan

Organization is key, especially when you have a small fridge and limited space. Since we often find ourselves in remote locations with grocery stores an hour away, we do big hauls and need to make the most of our space. A lazy Susan in the fridge is a small thing, but so practical. These little turntables hold more than you'd think and keep things organized. We also run our fridge on propane, so I try to be as quick as possible when accessing condiments or jars—leaving the door open for too long would be wasteful, but this makes it a breeze. With just a quick spin, I can find exactly what I need without wasting time or energy.

• My pick: YOUCopia FridgeView Turntable *

  This turntable is a game-changer for maximizing fridge space and keeping things organized!

13. Produce Keepers – Prepworks Produce Keeper

I use plastic containers with optional air vents to keep produce fresh in the fridge. These containers have been a lifesaver, especially since we find ourselves often in remote locations, so we do big grocery hauls to stock up. They hold a lot of produce, and I love that they help my veggies stay fresh for longer. Each container is designed to keep produce organized, whether it needs to be vented or has a water tray, and they stack on top of each other, making it easy to maximize fridge space. The variety of sizes is perfect for all different types of produce, and I use every single one. When they’re not in the fridge, they double as additional stackable storage, making them incredibly versatile. I’m hoping to find a glass alternative to replace these in the future, but for now, they’re a great solution.

• My pick: Progressive International Prepworks (5-Piece) Container Set *

  These containers are perfect for keeping everything organized, fresh, and easily accessible, which is essential when you’re managing a big grocery haul in a small space.

14. Vitamix Blender

The Vitamix is an absolute powerhouse, and I still can’t believe I found mine at a thrift store! For years, I had it on my wishlist but couldn’t bring myself to spend the money on a brand-new one. But then, one day, while passing through a small town in Nevada, I struck absolute gold. We walked into a thrift store, and there it was—a vintage Vitamix, priced at just $40. James didn’t even hesitate; he grabbed it and took it straight to the cash register. It was one of those rare, magical unicorn finds that I treasure deeply. Now, this Vitamix is one of the best investments I've ever made. It blends smoothies, sauces, and even makes mashed potatoes from scratch—everything is silky smooth. It’s hands down the best blender I’ve ever used, and I’ll never go back to anything else.

• My pick: Vitamix Blender *

  It’s truly in a league of its own, and I can’t imagine going back to anything else.

  
  

15. Silicone Spatula

I’m all about using every last drop and avoiding waste, so a good silicone spatula is a must in my kitchen. Whether it’s scraping the final bit of peanut butter from a jar or getting every drop of batter out of a bowl, this tool makes sure nothing goes to waste. It’s small but mighty! I have multiple sizes to suit different jars and tasks, and I often use it to scrape every last drop of sauce out of the pan when I’m making tofu or pasta. This is one of those items that usually comes standard in a set of utensils, but it’s truly a well-loved, go-to tool in my arsenal. It’s incredibly versatile, and I reach for it almost every time I’m in the kitchen.

• My pick: ChefAide (5-Piece) Silicone Spatula Set *

  They're incredibly versatile, and I reach for them almost every time I’m in the kitchen.

16. Small Ceramic Prep Bowls 

One of the most used items in my kitchen. Prepping ingredients ahead of time makes cooking so much easier, and these little bowls are perfect for organizing everything. I love taking my time to chop, mince, and measure before I start cooking. They’re small enough not to clutter the counter but hold just the right amount. I also have larger glass bowls for bigger ingredients, but these ceramic ones are worth their weight in gold. And they’re not just for prep—these bowls are also perfect for dipping sauces. I love putting sweet chili sauce in them for eggrolls, soy sauce for sushi, or BBQ sauce for tofu bites. They’re incredibly versatile and make everything from prepping to serving so much easier.

• My pick: Brew To A Tea Ceramic Dipping Bowls *

  These bowls are a kitchen essential that simplify both prep and serving, making them a go-to for everything from ingredients to dipping sauces.

17. Butter Crock 

We love spreadable butter, and this little ceramic jar makes it possible without refrigeration. No more tearing toast or waiting for cold butter to soften! It was actually my mom who recommended this to me, and now that we have one, I can’t believe it took us so long to get one. It’s such a small luxury, but it really makes a difference in our daily routine. You just change the water every few days, and you’ll always have perfectly spreadable butter at your fingertips. It’s something I now can’t live without!

• My pick: L Tremain Butter Bell - The Original Butter Bell Crock *

  This little butter crock is a game-changer for anyone who loves spreadable butter. It makes sure you’ll never have to wait for butter to soften again!

18. Citrus Squeezer

Another small but mighty item that I didn't think was necessary until I got one. Recipes constantly ask for the juice of half a lemon and while I have a reamer-style juicer, it's clunky and big. I usually use it when making fresh homemade lemonade or orange juice, but when you need a quick squeeze to add to your recipe or finish off a dish, the citrus press is a true gem—small, easy to clean, and incredibly effective.

• My pick: OXO Good Grips Citrus Squeezer *

  This citrus squeezer is small, sturdy, and so easy to use. Its ceramic build makes it durable and resistant to wear, so you’ll get plenty of use out of it for years to come.

19. High Quality Clips

Clips are essential for keeping dry goods fresh. While I’m still in the process of transitioning everything to glass, there are times when I need to seal up a bag and keep it as airtight as possible—enter the clips. We’ve tried plenty over the years, but most were too flimsy, didn’t grip well, or failed to actually seal anything. Then we discovered these sturdy, colorful clips at the dollar store (right by the checkout), and now we grab a few packs every time we go. They’re strong, reliable, and multi-purpose—we even use them for hanging laundry, and not once have they let a sock fly away, even on windy days!

• My pick: Yansanido (30-Piece) High Strength Clips *

  These clips are simple yet incredibly effective, and I love how versatile they are. From keeping bags sealed tight to handling laundry, they do it all without letting me down.

20. Hand Blender

This hand blender is a total game-changer for small spaces. It’s not just an immersion blender, but also attaches to a container to double as a small food processor. It even has a whisk attachment, which comes in handy for creaming ingredients. Everything fits neatly into a compact bag, making it super easy to store. I’ve used it to blend soups right in the pot, mince carrots for James’ birthday cupcakes, and so much more. It’s incredibly versatile and saves me the hassle of pulling out a big blender when I only need to blend a small amount. I love how quick and easy it is to use, and it’s perfect for making small tasks even easier!

• My pick: Cuisinart Smart Stick Variable Speed Hand Blender *

  This hand blender is the perfect blend of convenience and versatility, making it my go-to tool for quick and easy kitchen tasks without taking up precious space.

  
  

Wishlist:

KitchenAid Stand Mixer -- I’ve had my eye on a KitchenAid mixer for years now! Every time I see one at a thrift store, I get excited, but they’re almost always priced just as high as brand-new one, which is a bummer. My dream is to own one with the pasta attachment and dough hook, but living in an RV means we just don’t have the counter space for it right now. It’s definitely a dream purchase for the future, though—once we have a home again, a KitchenAid mixer will be at the top of my list!

• My pick: KitchenAid Stand Mixer *

  Living in an RV means I don’t have the counter space for it right now, but one day, I’ll own one!

Final Thoughts:

These are the RV kitchen essentials that have made a huge difference in my cooking life. Whether you're looking to upgrade your tools or reduce waste, I hope these recommendations help you find items that work for you. I’m always curious to hear what tools others can’t live without—feel free to share your favorites in the comments! ✨

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