8 Kitchen Gadgets For Efficient Cooking In A RV
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After living in an RV with my husband and three kids, I’ve learned a lot about cooking in a small space—efficiency and a small footprint are key! Over time, I’ve discovered a few kitchen gadgets that make preparing wholesome meals for my family easier, quicker, and a whole lot more enjoyable. Here are my favorites:
1. Stainless Steel Pot Watcher
We have dubbed this the “boil buddy”. As someone who boils a lot of water for pasta, tea, coffee, and more, this little gadget has been so handy. Our RV doesn’t have room for a traditional teapot, so I use a saucepan for all my boiling needs. Enter the pot watcher—this tiny tool works by making a subtle “clink” sound when your water starts to boil, alerting you it’s ready.
Why I love it: It’s perfect for broths, teas, coffee, and pasta water, especially since it doesn’t make as much noise as a kettle. Plus, it’s small, easy to clean, and takes up practically no space. It’s a lifesaver in our tiny RV kitchen, and I can’t recommend it enough.
Pro tip: Make sure it’s faced the proper way in your pot for the best results, or it may not work properly!
2. Onion Slicer
Okay, I know it sounds a little odd, but this onion slicer has become an essential in my kitchen. While it doesn’t chop the onion for you, it holds the onion steady and allows me to slice it with much more precision and uniformity. I simply cut the onion in half or quarters, secure it with the holder, and slice away. The prongs hold the onion in place, preventing any dangerous slips or flying onion pieces.
Why I love it: It’s a real time-saver, especially when you’re cooking with limited space and don’t want to risk injuries from sharp knives. Plus, it’s easy to clean and takes up almost no space. A huge win in my book!
3. Kitchen Scissors
I can’t tell you how much I rely on my kitchen scissors! They’re a staple in our RV kitchen, and for good reason. From opening tough food bags to snipping herbs straight into my dishes, kitchen scissors are by far the most versatile tool I own.
Why I love it: I even use them to cut pizza into bite-sized pieces for my kids (ages 5, 3, and 1)—no need to drag out a cutting board or knife. They’re also easy to clean, which is a must when you’re working in a small kitchen. Plus, they’re handy for cutting parchment paper, trimming meats, or even snipping the occasional stray string.
Pro tip: Keep a dedicated pair of scissors for food prep so they stay sharp and hygienic!
4. Tool Magnet for Knives
This one isn’t really a gadget per se, but it’s been so useful, especially in a small RV space. A tool magnet for knives not only keeps them safely out of reach of curious little hands, but it also saves precious drawer space.
Why I love it: It gives me quick access to my knives while keeping them organized and visible. Plus, it adds a little visual flair to the kitchen. I don’t have to rummage around in a drawer for the right knife—just grab and go! If you’re in tight quarters, this is definitely an upgrade worth considering.
Pro tip: If you’re going to use a magnetic strip, make sure it’s strong enough to hold your heaviest knives securely.
5. Instant Pot
The Instant Pot is nothing short of a miracle, especially when you’re cooking for a family in a cramped space. It’s an all-in-one solution: pressure cooker, air fryer, slow cooker, rice cooker, sauté pan, steamer, and more. For tiny living, it’s an absolute lifesaver.
Why I love it: I can make soups, stews, chili, rice, or even roasts, all in one pot—fewer dishes, fewer messes. I also love that I can sauté ingredients before switching to pressure cooking, so there’s no need to dirty multiple pans. Plus, it cooks much faster than an oven, which is key when you’re trying to get dinner on the table quickly for a hungry family.
Pro tip: If you’re new to the Instant Pot, be sure to experiment with different settings to find what works best for your favorite meals. And for super juicy roasts, give it a go—this appliance keeps meats tender and fall-apart delicious.
6. Timer
One thing many RVs lack is a built-in kitchen timer—something so basic but surprisingly crucial for cooking! I use a simple, manual timer that goes up to an 55 minutes, and it’s loud enough to make sure I don’t forget what’s cooking, but small enough that it doesn’t take up precious space.
Why I love it: It has a magnetic back, so I can stick it above my stove for easy access. Plus, the retro design gives a fun, nostalgic vibe to the kitchen. I never have to worry about missing the buzzer while juggling kid chaos.
Pro tip: To make sure the alarm is loud and lasts, always turn the dial all the way to 55 minutes (or the end) before setting it to your desired time. If you skip this step, the alarm might not sound as loud, or even fail to go off!
7. Multi-Function Grater/Slicer
This one’s a hidden gem, and it might not always get the credit it deserves. A multi-function grater/slicer takes up minimal space but offers several options in one tool, from fine grating to thick slicing. Whether I’m prepping veggies, cheese, or zesting fruit, this tool handles it all with ease.
Why I love it: It’s compact and incredibly versatile. It can replace several different tools, making it perfect for small kitchens. Instead of storing bulky graters, mandolins, and peelers, I can keep just one small, easy-to-clean gadget in my drawer.
8. Single Depth Wall Spice Rack
What do I mean by “single depth”? It’s as simple as the depth of a single spice bottle. After years of spices getting lost in the back of cabinets, hard to find, and accidentally buying duplicates because of it, I was lucky enough to have my Uncle Mark, Aunt Debbie, and husband build me a custom spice rack in our 5th wheel. It turned a blank wall into a beautiful, functional space with just one row—single depth—where all my spices are right in front of me. No more rummaging! I can easily scan for what I need and voila, there it is!
Why I love it: This setup not only saves precious counter space but also keeps my spices organized and easily accessible. I no longer have to dig through drawers or cabinets—everything is visible at a glance.
Pro tip: Choose clear jars so you can easily see what’s inside, and label them for even quicker access. Plus, the vibrant colors of the spices add depth and dimension, creating a warm, homey vibe.
Conclusion
These kitchen gadgets have been invaluable in helping me cook efficiently and effectively in a tiny RV kitchen. Whether you’re living in a small space or just looking to streamline your cooking process, these tools make a huge difference. They’re compact, versatile, and most importantly, they help make meal prep easier and more enjoyable for the whole family.
