24 Best RV Kitchen Accessories: Maximize Space & Functionality

These RV kitchen accessories are gadgets you really should have in order to maximize your tiny space without sacrificing the functionality of your camp cooking experiences. There are several considerations you need to ponder when choosing the best gear for your camp kitchen.

As a self-confessed foodie, you probably won’t be surprised when I say I believe some of the most important RV tips and hacks are related to a camper’s kitchen!

Kitchen Accessories For RV Camping Trailers And Motorhomes by CampingForFoodies features a remote camping spot near Monument Valley Utah in the Valley of the Gods with an RV set up in a beautiful scene with a massive red rock formation in the background with text over the image that reads RV kitchen accessories.

Psst we’re compensated…see our disclosures.

VIDEO: My 15 RV Kitchen Essentials

YouTube video

My personal favorites

Find all 15 of the gadgets in my video here.


Space Savers And Organizers

My favorite RV kitchen storage accessories help me make the most out of our tiny kitchen. These tools will help you start strong but if you don’t STAY organized … what’s the point? Use these 7 simple rules for camping organization to maintain a clean and clutter-free campsite.

1. Kitchen Cabinet Organizers

Wire Grid Stacking ShelfWire Grid Stacking ShelfWire Grid Stacking ShelfKitchen 11-Inch Cabinet OrganizerKitchen 11-Inch Cabinet OrganizerKitchen 11-Inch Cabinet Organizer

 

Stacking shelves and rolling drawers allow you to easily see food and tools you have stored in your cabinets.

You can see how I created more usable space in my RV pantry using these two easily installed accessories. I use my pull-out drawer to store clunky utensils I can easily spot and I use the stacking shelf for food storage above the drawer.

Camping Storage Ideas RV Storage Ideas by CampingForFoodies

See more camping storage ideas for every room in your camper.


2. Expandable Utensil Organizer

Expandable Utensil OrganizerExpandable Utensil OrganizerExpandable Utensil Organizer

 

Storing your eating utensils in an organizer makes them easy to find (rather than just throwing everything into one big compartment). This silverware organizer is expandable so it can fit different drawer sizes.

Check out our picks for the best camping utensils that are lightweight and take up minimal space if you don’t want to use the same full-size style you have in your home.


3. Spice Organizers

 Plastic Storage BinsPlastic Storage Bins Spice Gripper Clip StripsSpice Gripper Clip Strips

 

Those little bottles of spices can easily get lost in the back corner of kitchen cabinets so it is a good idea to find a way to display them to keep them organized and easy to find. I like putting mine in clear plastic bins in my pantry. You can also hang them by using spice rack clips on the inside of kitchen cabinet doors. That way you make use of “dead space” and free-up space inside drawers and shelves.

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4. Food Storage Containers

 Pantry Organization Airtight Food Storage ContainersPantry Organization Airtight Food Storage Containers Nesting Food Storage ContainersNesting Food Storage Containers Collapsible Food Storage ContainersCollapsible Food Storage Containers Clear Plastic Shallow Storage BinsClear Plastic Shallow Storage Bins

 

You can save space by disposing food packaging and placing the food in right-sized containers. Some designs are great for storing leftovers in your fridge and freezer, too. You want containers that collapse and/or nest for storage. Make sure you purchase containers that have tight-fitting lids.


5. RV Kitchen Sink Covers/Counter Extenders

 Stainless Steel Over The Sink Roll Up Sink RackStainless Steel Over The Sink Roll Up Sink Rack RV Sink Mate Cutting Board, With Juice Groove & Cut CornerRV Sink Mate Cutting Board, With Juice Groove & Cut Corner

 

When you are preparing and serving food in your RV, you need counter space more than you need sink space so using a cutting board that fits over the top of your sink is a great option. You can get designs that cover the entire sink basin or some that have a cutout that allows you to drop scraps into the sink as you prep your meals.


Travel Safeguards

Securing your kitchen accessories for RV travel is really important for safety. Here are some kitchen essentials for fastening items in place during movement.

6. Refrigerator And Cabinet Bars

 RV Refrigerator Bar, Adjustable Spring-LoadedRV Refrigerator Bar, Adjustable Spring-Loaded RV Cupboard Double Bar, Adjustable Spring-LoadedRV Cupboard Double Bar, Adjustable Spring-Loaded

 

If you ever opened your RV door and found a mess of food or kitchenware tossed around the inside of your trailer after traveling down the road and arriving at your campsite … you’ll understand why I am a fan of refrigerator and cupboard bars.

These things are easy to use and prevent the contents from shifting during transportation and falling out when you open the doors. These are some of the most popular items we recommend in our RV camping tips for beginners.


7. Plate Organizers

Camco Stack-A-Plate- Easily Organize, Store And Protect Plates During RV Travel, Non-Slip BackingCamco Stack-A-Plate- Easily Organize, Store And Protect Plates During RV Travel, Non-Slip BackingCamco Stack-A-Plate- Easily Organize, Store And Protect Plates During RV Travel, Non-Slip Backing

 

The shape of plates make them especially likely to shift during travel. Using plate organizers will keep them in a neat stack while driving down the highway.


Food & Drink Prep

You can’t have every kitchen gizmo under the sun, so choose your food prep tools carefully for your mini kitchen.

8. Compact Blenders

KitchenAid Cordless Variable Speed Hand BlenderKitchenAid Cordless Variable Speed Hand BlenderKitchenAid Cordless Variable Speed Hand Blender

 

A countertop blender is an appliance that usually doesn’t make the “must-have” list of RV kitchen appliances because they take up too much space. But, a handheld immersion blender is a different story. A handheld design is sleek enough to easily fit inside drawers with other RV kitchen utensils.

You’ll love being able make smoothies, milkshakes and soups with an immersion blender. You can use the pan-guard to protect pots as you blend directly in them or transfer food into a blending jar with a lid.


9. Flexible Cutting Mats

Extra Thick Flexible Cutting Mats, Non-SlipExtra Thick Flexible Cutting Mats, Non-SlipExtra Thick Flexible Cutting Mats, Non-Slip

 

I love RV kitchen storage ideas for kitchen equipment that can be hung on hooks on the inside of cabinet doors when it is not in use. Flexible cutting mats are not only good for chopping food but also for funneling it into pots and bowls. I like the kind that are lightweight and flexible so they are easy to clean and hang for storage and transportation.


10. Collapsible Kitchen Gear

 Collapsible Measuring Cups And Spoons SetCollapsible Measuring Cups And Spoons Set Collapsible Colander, Over-The-Sink StrainerCollapsible Colander, Over-The-Sink Strainer

 

An easy way to maximize RV kitchen storage space is to use collapsible kitchen equipment like measuring cups, spoons, bowls and strainers.


11. Coffee Makers

 Instant Solo Single Serve Coffee Maker, K-Cup Pod Compatible, 40oz. Water ReservoirInstant Solo Single Serve Coffee Maker, K-Cup Pod Compatible, 40oz. Water Reservoir Stainless Steel Percolator Coffee Pot, 12-Cup Capacity, RV Stovetop or CampfireStainless Steel Percolator Coffee Pot, 12-Cup Capacity, RV Stovetop or Campfire

 

We are coffee drinkers so we need a way to brew our favorite morning beverage. We love our single serve K-cup brewer. This option only works if you have ample power which means you need a shore power hook-up at your campsite, have a generator to run your electrical equipment or you have a large enough battery bank and inverter to operate this high-draw appliance.

We also have a percolator coffee pot that we like because we can remove the tube and brew basket and just use the pot and lid to boil water for tea, pasta and couscous … or heat milk for our campfire hot cocoa. Because of its versatility, we think it is one of the best camping coffee gadgets you can use in your RV.


12. Knives With Blade Covers

Cuisinart Piece Color Knife Set With Blade GuardsCuisinart Piece Color Knife Set With Blade GuardsCuisinart Piece Color Knife Set With Blade Guards

 

When you are traveling with sharp kitchen objects, like knives, you should have blade covers to protect you and your family from injuries … especially when packing and unpacking potentially dangerous equipment.


13. Countertop Ice Maker & Ice Packs

 Countertop Ice MakerCountertop Ice Maker Reusable Ice PacksReusable Ice Packs

 

You probably know we do a lot of boondocking. Ice can be a challenge when camping without a power hookup. So, we put our batteries and inverter to work. We have a dedicated drink cooler that sits outside so we don’t keep opening and closing our refrigerator door. We use our countertop ice maker for drink ice and we cycle reusable ice packs from our freezer to our cooler to keep our drinks cold.


Cleanup Stuff

The one thing I really miss about my home kitchen when we are RVing is my dishwasher! Washing everything by hand is one of my least favorite things about camping. But, it is easier with a few pieces of equipment.

14. Dish Drainers

 Natural Bamboo Dish Rack, CollapsibleNatural Bamboo Dish Rack, Collapsible Microfiber Dish Drying MatMicrofiber Dish Drying Mat Mini Dish DrainerMini Dish Drainer Rolling Sink RackRolling Sink Rack

 

I may have to wash my dishes by hand but I certainly don’t have to dry them! I let them air dry in my dish drainers. I have 3 types but only use two of them. I use my bamboo rack for larger pots and pans. I use my smaller plastic one for smaller dishes and silverware. I use both of them with an absorbent mat.

I also have a rolling sink rack but I use that as extra counter space that can cover all or part of the sink. If you prefer a drainer that rolls-up for storage, you can use this directly above your sink avoiding the need for drip trays. This rollup-style drying rack can also be used like a cooling rack after you bake a fresh batch of cookies!


15. Kitchen Towel Hooks

Kitchen Towel Hooks Set Self AdhesiveKitchen Towel Hooks Set Self AdhesiveKitchen Towel Hooks Set Self Adhesive

 

Having a convenient place to hang wet towels is important to keep your counter space clear while you work in your small kitchen.


16. Paper Towel Holders

 SimplyTear Paper Towel HolderSimplyTear Paper Towel Holder Under Cabinet Paper Towel HolderUnder Cabinet Paper Towel Holder

 

We use paper towels inside and outside when cooking. Our current RV has enough kitchen counterspace that affords us room to have a free-standing paper towel holder that can be moved in and out of our rig. I really like the holder designed with the arm that holds the roll in place for one-handed operation. Our last trailer had less counterspace so we used an under-cabinet mounted dispenser.


Food Safety

Perishable food that is kept at unsafe temperatures is unhealthy and can cause food poisoning.

17. Cold Food Storage Thermometers

Waterproof Refrigerator Fridge Thermometer, Digital Freezer Room, Max/Min Record Function Large LCD ScreenWaterproof Refrigerator Fridge Thermometer, Digital Freezer Room, Max/Min Record Function Large LCD ScreenWaterproof Refrigerator Fridge Thermometer, Digital Freezer Room, Max/Min Record Function Large LCD Screen

 

Whether you are storing your food in camp coolers, RV refrigerators or freezers, you need to maintain a cool enough temperature to avoid unsafe temperature ranges.

Using a thermometer will help you stay aware of your cold storage space temperatures so you can make adjustments if they rise to unsafe levels. Get additional camping food safety tips for storage, preparation and more.


18. RV Refrigerator Airflow Devices

Camco Fridge Airator With On/Off Switch - Absorbs Refrigerator Odors And Smells, Space Efficient Compact Design, Maintains Consistent RV TemperatureCamco Fridge Airator With On/Off Switch – Absorbs Refrigerator Odors And Smells, Space Efficient Compact Design, Maintains Consistent RV TemperatureCamco Fridge Airator With On/Off Switch - Absorbs Refrigerator Odors And Smells, Space Efficient Compact Design, Maintains Consistent RV Temperature

 

Unfortunately, most RV refrigerators are known for inconsistent temperatures as well as “hot spots” inside the fridge. Circulating the air within the refrigerator helps to maintain cooler, more stable temps for your food.


19. Water Filters

Big Berkey Gravity-Fed Stainless Steel Countertop  2.25 Gallon Water Filter SystemBig Berkey Gravity-Fed Stainless Steel Countertop 2.25 Gallon Water Filter SystemBig Berkey Gravity-Fed Stainless Steel Countertop  2.25 Gallon Water Filter System

 

The Gravity-Fed Big Berkey Water Filter System is great for boondocking because you can turn sources of freshwater (like lakes, rivers, ponds and streams) into clean water that is safe to drink. Without the use of electricity, tools or plumbing, the system removes or dramatically reduces over 200+ typical contaminants found in freshwater sources. You can set it up inside on a kitchen countertop or outside on a picnic table.


20. Monitoring RV Propane Levels

Propane Gauge/Leak Detector, Type 1 Connection For RVsPropane Gauge/Leak Detector, Type 1 Connection For RVsPropane Gauge/Leak Detector, Type 1 Connection For RVs

 

Some RV refrigerators run on electric but most run on propane or have the ability to run on dual fuel. If you are keeping perishable food inside a propane-powered refrigerator, you don’t want to run out of propane in your tank. Using a propane level gauge indicator will help you avoid running out of gas. If you don’t have a gauge, here’s how to tell if a propane tank is empty on your RV.


Cooking Gadgets

The type of food you like to eat and the method of cooking you prefer will determine the best cookware for you.

21. Nesting Cookware

 Camco Stainless Steel Nesting Cookware SetCamco Stainless Steel Nesting Cookware Set Pans And Pots With Removable HandlesPans And Pots With Removable Handles 10-Piece Nesting RV Cookware Set10-Piece Nesting RV Cookware Set

 

Using cookware that has the ability to be stored within a limited amount of space is a huge benefit when RVing. You can store smaller pots and pans inside larger ones … to a point. But, the handles limit how much “nesting” is possible.

The better option is to use travel trailer kitchen accessories including pots and pans that are specifically designed for RV travel with removable handles providing the most streamlined design for nesting the cookware.


22. Quick Multi-Functional Cookers

Instant Pot Duo 7-in-1 Electric Pressure Cooker, Slow Cooker, Rice Cooker, Steamer, Sauté, Yogurt Maker, Warmer & Sterilizer, Includes App With Over 800 Recipes, Stainless Steel, 6 QuartInstant Pot Duo 7-in-1 Electric Pressure Cooker, Slow Cooker, Rice Cooker, Steamer, Sauté, Yogurt Maker, Warmer & Sterilizer, Includes App With Over 800 Recipes, Stainless Steel, 6 QuartInstant Pot Duo 7-in-1 Electric Pressure Cooker, Slow Cooker, Rice Cooker, Steamer, Sauté, Yogurt Maker, Warmer & Sterilizer, Includes App With Over 800 Recipes, Stainless Steel, 6 Quart

 

For RV cooks who have access to electrical outlets, Instant Pots are a great option because they cook fast, can cook an entire meal in one pot and have the ability to perform different types of cooking methods.

The 6 quart size is perfect for families and RVing couples who cook for friends. Smaller options are great when cooking meals for one or two people.


23. Outdoor RV Kitchen Kits

 20pc Complete Grill Accessories Kit With Cooler Bag20pc Complete Grill Accessories Kit With Cooler Bag Stainless Steel Large TongsStainless Steel Large Tongs

 

Many camp trailers and motorhomes have built-in RV outdoor kitchens with propane stoves, grills, refrigerators, sinks and more. It is super convenient to have a grill accessory kit when cooking in your outdoor kitchen. If you don’t need an entire set, I highly recommend a set on long tongs.

If you want to move away from your RV and cook directly over your campfire, check out this campfire cooking equipment for open flame cooking gear and these camp Dutch oven accessories if you want to cook with the always-popular classic camp oven.


24. Zester/Grater

Stainless Steel Zester/Grater with Plastic CoverStainless Steel Zester/Grater with Plastic CoverStainless Steel Zester/Grater with Plastic Cover

 

The amount of flavor you get from zesting lemons, limes and oranges is incredible! I use my microplane grater for food and drink recipes. It’s also nice for grating hard cheeses like parmesan.

Serving Accessories: Indoors vs Outdoors

The kind of dishes you use really depends on the kind of RVing you do. Are you full-hookup kind of campers with unlimited water and electricity or are you boondockers with extremely limited water and running on batteries and solar panels?

To determine which serving options are best for you, consider how many people you typically feed. Make your plan around your average sized group but plan for more people when necessary. Ask yourself a few questions…

  • Do you want dishes that are microwave and dishwasher safe?
  • Do you want dishes that are rugged enough to use around a campfire?
  • Will you be washing dishes after every meal? Or, at the end of the day? Or, after multiple days in a dishwasher?
  • Do you want disposable dishes you don’t have to wash?

25. Rugged Serving Set

GSI Outdoors Sierra Enamel Table Set for Four with Bowls, Plates and Cups for CampingGSI Outdoors Sierra Enamel Table Set for Four with Bowls, Plates and Cups for CampingGSI Outdoors Sierra Enamel Table Set for Four with Bowls, Plates and Cups for Camping

 

Personally, our preference is boondocking so we never use our microwave. In fact, I use that space for storage of paper towels. LOL.

We also do most of our cooking and eating outside so I like the ruggedness of classic camping plates, bowls and mugs … they are heavy enough to not blow in the wind and sturdy enough to set on a campfire grate over warm coals to heat things (I will often melt butter in a bowl or coffee mug this way).

My set serves four so that is perfect when my husband and I are camping alone but large enough to feed a couple of friends. If I need to serve more than that, I switch over to paper plates.


26. Lightweight Unbreakable Plates & Bowls

Euodia Wheat Straw Plastic Dinnerware Sets for 6 (Dinner Plates, Bowls & Cups) - Dishwasher & Microwave Safe – Unbreakable Lightweight Eco Friendly BPA FreeEuodia Wheat Straw Plastic Dinnerware Sets for 6 (Dinner Plates, Bowls & Cups) – Dishwasher & Microwave Safe – Unbreakable Lightweight Eco Friendly BPA FreeEuodia Wheat Straw Plastic Dinnerware Sets for 6 (Dinner Plates, Bowls & Cups) - Dishwasher & Microwave Safe – Unbreakable Lightweight Eco Friendly BPA Free

 

RVers who do more full-hookup camping and like to use their microwave … and maybe even a dishwasher … often prefer more conventional plates and bowls. It is still a good idea to go with unbreakable materials rather than ceramic or glass.

If you do have a dishwasher, make sure you have a set large enough to fill your dishwasher because you don’t want to run the machine with only half a load.


Other Considerations & FREE Trip Planner

Our FREE printable camping trip planner template will help you organize your adventures: from gear to driving routes to destinations.

Camping Trip Planner Template Free Printable by CampingForFoodies is a whimsical illustration of a cute old orange car towing a blue and white vintage camper trailer down a road in a landscape of green trees, light green grass and brown mountains with fluffy clouds in a blue sky; thumbnail images of multiple pages of a camping trip planner under the text that reads camping free trip planner.

Full Time RVers vs Weekend Campers

How you use your RV will influence your preferences. Generally, people who live in their RVs tend to spend more time inside their trailers (including cooking) than people who go out on weekends and want their camp kitchen setups to be more of an outdoor experience.

In other words, you need to determine if you want an RV outdoor kitchen or indoor-focused lifestyle when selecting your accessories.


Securing Kitchen Supplies During RV Travel

Another big factor to consider when outfitting an RV kitchen is how much you travel in your RV. Do you move frequently or do you stay parked in one location for long periods of time?

When you think about how to secure your rig for travel, you may change your mind about the items that are included on your list of RV kitchen must haves … especially accessories that hang from hooks or sit on countertops. We discuss this further in 12 RV Packing Tips For Beginners.


Kitchen Accessories And RV Power Requirements

Many full timers like to stay in RV parks with full hookups and prefer electric RV kitchen supplies but weekenders who like to go off-the-grid without any hookups often prefer solar or propane powered camping kitchen equipment.


RV Kitchen Size And Layout

Some modern RV kitchens are big, beautiful and have an upscale feel with lots of counter and cabinet space giving you many more kitchen accessory options.

Others have minimal space requiring you to reduce the number of RV kitchen gadgets to include only necessary items favoring nested, multi-purpose gear keeping camper kitchen organization a top priority.

What do you think?

Leave me a comment, question or suggestion below. I’d love to hear from you so let’s chat.

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