Does the allure of the open road and the liberty to explore new horizons get you excited Then van life may just be your calling! We understand that leaving behind the comforts of your own home can be scary though – especially that kitchen. Thankfully, we’re here to prove you don’t need to sacrifice your favorite home cooked meals just because you chose a life on the road. In fact, having a well-equipped van kitchen is a key ingredient for a successful journey. Whether you're a seasoned van lifer or just starting to explore the possibilities, let’s walk through some ideas surrounding van like kitchen essentials.  

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The Appeal of Van Life  

Van life holds a magnetic allure for modern-day adventurers. It's a lifestyle that beckons with the promise of boundless freedom, the thrill of exploration, and the chance to disconnect from the constraints of traditional living. The appeal lies in waking up to breathtaking vistas, choosing your backyard every day, and embracing the simplicity of life on the road. With this said, we completely understand why adventure seekers are taking the leap to try out a life on the road. In order to do so, you have to be strategic about what goes with you. Sorry that we can’t help with what clothing to pack, but we do know a thing or two about cooking! 

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What to Consider for Van Life Kitchen Essentials 

When selecting van life essentials, practicality and space-saving solutions are extremely important. Every item you bring must earn its place, optimizing both functionality and storage. For kitchen essentials prioritize necessity, affordability, convenience and space saving items that suit your cooking style and travel plans. This thoughtful curation of items will ensure that your van’s kitchen is not just efficient but also a source that allows you to cook up all of your favorites! 

Necessity 

Streamline your selection of kitchenware to include only what's essential. Identify the cookware, utensils, and appliances that you use most frequently, as these items will be the backbone of your van kitchen. Versatile tools that can serve multiple purposes are gold in the compact confines of van life. 

Affordability  

While quality is important, be mindful of your budget. Seek out kitchen items that strike a balance between cost and durability. Often, there are budget-friendly options that perform as needed and won't break the bank, allowing you to allocate resources for other exciting aspects of your van life adventure. Remember here, versatility and multipurpose items are key! 

Ease of Use/Convenience  

Opt for kitchen tools that simplify meal preparation. Look for items that are easy to clean, assemble, and store. Compact appliances with intuitive controls, collapsible cookware, and versatile utensils can make or break your cooking experience in your van. This lifestyle is about simplicity, so try not to over complicate anything in your kitchen either. 

Space-Saving  

Let’s be honest, vans can be pretty small. So, maximize the use of limited space by selecting collapsible, stackable, or multifunctional kitchen gear. Every inch counts in your van kitchen, so prioritize items that can be easily stored and retrieved without cluttering your living space.  

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Van Life Kitchen Essentials 

Given all of the considerations we must take, it’s important to pick kitchen tools that will make your van cooking enjoyable and easy. There’s no need to sacrifice the tasty food you’re craving while living in a van, but we need to carefully curate a list of must-have items. With that said, think of what it is that you’ll truly need - here are a few of our suggestions.  

Induction Cooktop  

Having an induction cooktop in a van will be a life saver while you are on the road. It heats up quickly, cooks evenly, and uses less energy. With the right cookware, it becomes a versatile tool for preparing a wide range of dishes, making it perfect for both quick meals and gourmet adventures on the road. It’s important to note though, that not all cookware is designed for induction cooking. Thankfully, our Mineral B, Prima Matera Copper, and CHOC Intense nonstick cookware all work perfectly on induction cooktops! 

Space Saving Cookware  

As mentioned, in the confines of a van kitchen, efficient use of space is paramount. De Buyer's LOQY Removable Handle Cookware is a game-changer in this regard. Our design, which easily fits onto 14 utensils, allows you to easily remove the handles, transforming your cookware into compact, stackable pieces that occupy minimal space. Unlike other clip on pans, we can insure a safe and simple clip on that is easy to do and extremely stable. This solution not only saves valuable storage room but also makes the cookware easier to wash. With our LOQY there is no need to sacrifice high-quality pots and pans just to save space.  

Table Set  

Just because you’re living in a van doesn’t mean you can’t set the table! Elevate your van life dining experience with thoughtfully chosen tableware. Our salt and pepper mills not only add a touch of sophistication to your table, but allow you to season dishes to perfection. Their compact size makes them ideal addition for cooking or eating in your van. For a more modern, sleek look, check out our JOTA mills or add a pop of color to your van with our line of JAVA mills. 

Food Prep Utensils  

Food prep utensils are essential for efficient van life cooking and we’ve got you covered. From mandolins to peelers and slicers, our high-quality tools simplify meal preparation in tight spaces. After all, don’t you want to save some time in the kitchen to get out in the world to explore? As mentioned, be sure to prioritize necessary and multi-use utensils to make sure your van kitchen is stocked with the essentials.  

Kitchen Utensils  

Cooking full meals is still absolutely possible in a van, but in order to do so you will need the right utensils. Our B BOIS wooden spoon set are not only perfect for cooking various dishes, but they are slender and easy to store. In addition, it never hurts to have a handheld strainer, high temp spatula, and a metal spatula. Be sure to think about what you use at home when selecting your van’s cooking utensils.  

Lid & Accessories  

When buying lids and accessories for your van’s kitchen, think first about your cookware. Buy lids that match in size to your pots and pans. Thankfully lids are thin, making them extremely easy to store. Be sure only to buy lids for the cookware you will use that requires them, however, don’t skip on the lid, we promise you’ll use it! 

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Happy Cooking

As you embark on your van life adventure, remember that your kitchen is not just a functional space; it's a place where you'll create memories, share stories, and savor flavors from across the map. A well thought out van kitchen will change your entire experience. So, cook up a storm, explore the world's hidden gems, and savor the freedom of the open road. Happy trails and bon appétit! 

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