A campervan kitchen is a great way to enjoy the freedom of the open road while always having access to delicious, homemade meals. Whether you’re planning a long weekend trip or are embarking on an epic cross-country adventure, your campervan kitchen will be your go-to spot for cooking up tasty treats and satisfying meals.
How to Design a Functional and Efficient Campervan Kitchen
As the trend of van life continues to gain popularity, more people are opting to convert their vans into mobile homes, complete with a functional and efficient kitchen. When it comes to designing a campervan kitchen, there are several things that need to be considered. From the layout and appliances to storage solutions and aesthetic appeal, here are some tips for creating a campervan kitchen that is both practical and stylish.
Layout
One of the primary considerations when designing a campervan kitchen is the layout. Space is limited in a van, so it’s important to make use of every inch efficiently.
Consider opting for an all-in-one unit that combines a sink, stovetop and fridge. These compact units maximize space while providing all the necessary amenities needed in a functional kitchen. See Van Essa and Reimo for a couple of options. Pricing can range from $4,500 to $6,500 for these units.
If you’re feeling adventurous, you may want to design and build your own campervan kitchen.
Appliances
Minimum requirements to be comfortable with your campervan kitchen would include a stovetop burner, fridge and sink. These appliances come in various sizes and styles designed specifically for mobile living spaces.
If your space allows, you may be able to add further appliances.
Cookware & Tableware
Plates, bowls, cups and utensils are all essential items. Check out places like BCF or Kombi Life where you can pick up a full set for 4 people at around $250.
One pot and one pan are my preference for cookware. Make sure that you purchase something versatile that can be used for multiple tasty dishes. These items will normally set you back about $25 to $50 each.
Storage Solutions
Storage solutions are another essential consideration when designing your campervan kitchen. You’ll need plenty of cabinet space for storing food items, cookware and other essentials.
Opt for cabinets that can be secured closed when driving to prevent items from sliding around during transit. Utilise vertical spaces by adding shelves or hooks on walls or inside cabinet doors.
Aesthetic Appeal
While functionality is crucial when designing your campervan kitchen, you should also bear in mind its aesthetic appeal. Go for materials like wood or bamboo which will ensure durability while also being visually appealing.
Bright colour schemes will give off an energizing vibe whereas darker colours give off elegance. Choose which suits your personality best! Make sure to also think about placements of the table (if intended) and decor items to enhance the overall appeal of your kitchen.
Building Your Own Campervan Kitchen
If you are an avid traveller or just someone who craves the thrill of adventure, building a campervan kitchen is the perfect way to make traveling more enjoyable and comfortable. Having a fully equipped kitchenette in your van will enable you to have hot meals on-the-go, save money on eating out, and make your experience a lot more fun. In this step-by-step guide, we will show you how to build your own campervan kitchen that’s functional, space-saving, and stylish.
Planning
Before getting started, it’s important to create a rough plan of what you want your final product to look like. Start by measuring your van’s interior and assessing the space where you intend to place the appliances such as stove tops, taps or sinks. Consider things such as storage cabinets for utensils or food containers, power supply (solar panels/battery bank) or if running water is needed.
Another factor to consider when planning for a DIY campervan kitchen project is budget. This will impact the quality of materials that can be used but also dictate whether all features can be incorporated in one go.
Choosing Your Appliances
Choose appliances based on utility and available space. At the very least you will require the following appliances:
– Sink: Many people opt for larger sinks especially stainless steel based giving ample workspace while cooking as well as convenient washing of dishes.
– Stove top: For most van-dwellers two gas-stove-top options seem standard while others prefer electrical stovetops.
– Refrigeration: The mini-fridge option works perfectly too making healthy meal prep much easier than always searching for fast food options.
Once ordered, the appliances should come with user manuals which guides installation as well as operation.
Building Cabinets and Countertops
A good campervan kitchen is incomplete without cabinet or countertop space. We recommend using wood for the countertops given its durability.
The cabinets should be built with sturdy wood as well. However, affordable, lightweight options including bamboo, plywood or recycled plastic composite boards can be considered.
Cabinet doors and handles can be fitted to suit your design aesthetic.
Plumbing
This is an optional feature but one that adds appreciation to your final build. Running water supply depends on whether a portable water tank system is installed along with plumbing lines connecting from sinks/taps/basins which can be used alternatively instead of hand washing utensils by pouring heated water over them.
Plumbing fittings also have space considerations dictating their size and extent. Compression fitting types that require no soldering/ cutting work great given they minimize leaks and keep set up simple.
Electricity System Integration
Installing batteries and solar panels seem most easy option now in aiding lots of van lifers across the globe each day. This ensures ample power supply while living off-grid and requiring minimum maintenance during travels.
While it may take some time to build a tailored campervan kitchen, no professional assistance should be necessary. A DIY spirit and being intentional about how and what to utilise goes a long way especially if considering financial implications.
Top Facts About Having a Campervan Kitchen
A campervan kitchen is a compact cooking facility that can fit inside a mobile home or van. It typically includes a stove, fridge, sink, and storage space for cookware and ingredients. The design and size of the campervan kitchen will depend on the specific needs of the traveller.
Campervan kitchens come in all shapes and sizes
When it comes to designing your campervan kitchen, the possibilities are truly endless. Tiny kitchens that feature only a single burner stove and mini fridge to more elaborate setups with ovens, microwaves and even dishwashers. There’s no limit to what you can create.
Organization is key
One of the biggest challenges when it comes to using a campervan kitchen is keeping everything organized. With limited space available, you’ll need to be strategic about how you store all your cookware, utensils, food items and other essentials.
Power / Fuel type matters
You’ll need power and fuel to operate your campervan kitchen’s various appliances. Propane is often the most popular choice for cooking due to its ease of use and versatility. It can also be used for heating. An efficient electrical system will be sufficient to power your sink water pump and fridge.
Safety must be considered
Whenever cooking in tight quarters, safety should always be top of mind. Always make sure you have a fire extinguisher and fire blanket easily accessible.
Creativity makes it fun
Finally, remember that having a campervan kitchen can be incredibly fun – especially if you’re willing to get creative! Experiment with new recipes that make use of limited ingredients like those found at roadside markets and convenience stores. You could even try your hand at foraging wild edibles that you can use in your cooking.
In conclusion, a campervan kitchen is a wonderful way to take your home on the road and never have to compromise on good, home-cooked meals. You’ll be whipping up delicious dishes just like they would in a traditional home kitchen with a little planning and creativity.
Maximising Space and Storage in Your Campervan Kitchen
The kitchen in a campervan tends to be a small but vital area, where you prepare meals, store food items and wash utensils after use. Often times, these kitchens are not designed with ample storage or counter space making it difficult to move around comfortably when cooking. To make the most out of your campervan kitchen, consider some creative ways to maximize your space and storage.
Here are some tips that can help:
- Make Use of Wall Space: Utilize wall-mounted holders, racks, and shelves for dishes, mugs, spices and other kitchen essentials. Open shelving provides easy access while also adding aesthetic value to your campervan.
- Invest In Multifunctional Items: Choose multi-purpose cooking utensils such as collapsible measuring cups or nesting bowls which can save valuable cabinet or drawer space. Additionally, go for hybrid appliances like stove tops with built-in cutting boards or refrigerators with integrated freezers.
- Drawers Over Cabinets: Installing slide-out drawers between spaces is an excellent way to ensure there’s no wasted vertical space while also offering easy accessibility to your goods from any angle.
- Pegboards: Assemble pegboards behind your stove or sink for hanging pots, pans and cooking utensils. This will keep cookware within reach without cluttering up valuable countertop area.
- Nested Containers: Choose nested food containers instead of bulky snack bags whenever possible. This saves on cabinet area while also keeping items fresh during travels.
- Collapsible Solutions: Consider collapsible solutions such as silicone bowls, strainers or cutting boards to save even more space.
Conclusion
The key to maximizing your campervan kitchen is focusing on form meets function. Take a creative and flexible approach to storage solutions so you can make the most out of limited space while keeping everything you need within reach. Lastly, take some time to plan before investing in any additional gear for your campervan kitchen. By doing this allows you to gain ample knowledge about the different products at your disposal and how well they might work in sync with your current travel lifestyle. Now….get cooking!
