rvs with outside kitchen

RV Kitchens: Outdoor Cooking Spaces for Camperrada

By Daniel Wilson
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Embarking on an RV adventure brings a unique sense of freedom and spontaneity. While RVs are self-contained units with their own kitchens, having an outside kitchen can significantly enhance your outdoor cooking experience, transforming your campsite into a culinary haven. Let's explore the world of RVs equipped with outside kitchens, their benefits, and the various options available on the market today.

Imagine grilling a juicy steak while enjoying the panoramic view of a national park, or preparing a gourmet dinner under the starlit sky. An outside RV kitchen makes this possible, allowing you to fully immerse yourself in the great outdoors without sacrificing culinary comforts. But what exactly is an outside RV kitchen, and why should you consider investing in one?

Understanding Outside RV Kitchens

An outside RV kitchen is essentially an additional cooking space attached to your recreational vehicle, designed to make the most of your outdoor living experience. This innovation has gained popularity over the years as RV enthusiasts seek ways to combine their love for the outdoors with their passion for cooking.

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an rv is parked on the side of the road with its door open and it's storage compartment opened
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2023 Forest River RV Salem Hemisphere Elite 35RE
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Outside kitchens come in various shapes and sizes, ranging from simple, compact units to elaborate setups with multiple countertops, sinks, and grilling stations. They can be permanently attached to your RV or designed as portable, slide-out systems, offering flexibility and convenience depending on your needs and preferences.

Benefits of Having an Outside RV Kitchen

An outside RV kitchen offers numerous advantages, making it an attractive feature for many RV owners. Firstly, it provides additional prep and cooking space, allowing you to prepare meals efficiently without feeling cramped in your RV's interior kitchen. This is particularly useful when you're traveling with family or friends, as it enables multiple people to cook or prep meals simultaneously.

Mike Scarpignato
Mike Scarpignato
a kitchen and living room in an rv with the words before painted on it's side
a kitchen and living room in an rv with the words before painted on it's side
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Moreover, an outside RV kitchen helps keep your RV cool and odor-free. By preparing and cooking meals outdoors, you minimize the accumulation of heat and food aromas inside your RV, ensuring a more comfortable living space and preventing unwanted odors from lingering.

Exploring Outside RV Kitchen Options

When it comes to outside RV kitchens, you'll find a wide array of options suited to different RV types, budgets, and cooking styles. Some RVs come equipped with outside kitchens as standard features, while others offer them as optional upgrades or aftermarket additions.

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Portable camp kitchens are an excellent choice for those who prefer flexibility and want to maintain a clutter-free RV interior. These portable units can be easily set up and dismantled, allowing you to take advantage of an outside kitchen during campground stays while enjoying the convenience of a clean, unencumbered RV during travel.

an rv is parked in the grass with its door open and kitchen on the back
an rv is parked in the grass with its door open and kitchen on the back
the kitchen is clean and ready to be used as a living room or dining area
the kitchen is clean and ready to be used as a living room or dining area
an rv parked in a garage next to a trailer with the door open and lights on
an rv parked in a garage next to a trailer with the door open and lights on
a kitchen with white cabinets and marble counter tops
a kitchen with white cabinets and marble counter tops
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an rv kitchen with wood cabinets and stainless steel appliances, including a stove top oven
an rv kitchen with wood cabinets and stainless steel appliances, including a stove top oven

Key Components of an Outside RV Kitchen

An efficient outside RV kitchen should include essential components that facilitate meal preparation and cooking in the great outdoors. At the very least, it should comprise a countertop for prep work and a cooking surface for cooking your meals – whether that's a grill, stove, or both.

Consider these additional features that can elevate your outside RV cooking experience:

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  • Sink: A functional sink allows you to clean produce, rinse dishes, and dispose of waste water – ensuring a clean and hygienic cooking environment.
  • Storage: Cabinets, drawers, or shelves provide a place to store cooking utensils, spices, and other necessities, keeping them organized and within easy reach.
  • Refrigeration: Having access to a fridge or cool storage area ensures that your ingredients stay fresh and safe to consume.
  • Exhaust Vent: A vent over the cooking surface helps remove smoke, heat, and odors, creating a more pleasant cooking environment and better air quality for your campsite.

the interior of a recreational vehicle that is parked on grass with its door open and shelves full of items
the interior of a recreational vehicle that is parked on grass with its door open and shelves full of items
a kitchen area with an oven, stove and sink in a recreational vehicle style home
a kitchen area with an oven, stove and sink in a recreational vehicle style home
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an empty kitchen with white cabinets and gray counter tops, wood flooring and stainless steel appliances
an empty kitchen with white cabinets and gray counter tops, wood flooring and stainless steel appliances
the kitchen and living area of an rv with white cabinets, counter tops, and appliances
the kitchen and living area of an rv with white cabinets, counter tops, and appliances
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Step inside this cedar ridge park model wrapped in honey-toned cedar siding, matte black accents, and a signature lofted roofline. Inside, a beautiful surprise awaits inside this park model.
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an rv kitchen with two stools next to it
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an oven and stove in the back of a camper van by the beach with waves
an oven and stove in the back of a camper van by the beach with waves

Design and Placement: Integrating Your Outside RV Kitchen

When designing your outside RV kitchen or choosing an aftermarket option, consider the placement and integration with your existing RV setup. For slide-out systems, ensure that the kitchen aligns with your RV's entrance, providing easy access to the interior cooking essentials. For permanent or standalone kitchens, consider positioning it adjacent to your RV's entry door or, if possible, in a sheltered area to protect from rain and wind.

Additionally, play around with different layouts, such as L-shaped or galley-style designs, to maximize countertop space and efficiency. Consider your cooking habits and preferences when deciding on the best layout for your needs.

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Maintenance and Care: Keeping Your Outside RV Kitchen in Top Shape

Maintaining your outside RV kitchen is essential for ensuring its longevity and performance. Regular cleaning helps keep food residue and debris from accumulating, while periodic inspections allow you to address any potential issues early. Always follow the manufacturer's guidelines for cleaning and maintenance, and be mindful of local campground regulations regarding food storage and waste disposal.

The final step in caring for your outside RV kitchen is to properly prepare it for travel by securing all components, removing any modular pieces, and retracting or stowing the kitchen to ensure a safe and uneventful journey to your next destination.

Expand Your Outdoor Cooking Horizons with an Outside RV Kitchen

Investing in an outside RV kitchen can significantly enhance your camping experience, allowing you to explore the great outdoors while enjoying the comforts of a well-equipped kitchen. With a variety of options available, you're sure to find an outside kitchen tailored to your specific needs and budget. So, why wait? Bring your culinary adventures to life and unleash your inner chef with an outside RV kitchen.

As you embark on your RV journey, exploring new horizons and savoring the flavors of the open road, take comfort in knowing that an outside RV kitchen can serve as a constant reminder of the joys that come from combining our love for travel with our passion for cooking. So, happy trails, fellow RV enthusiasts – may your journey be filled with delicious memories, breathtaking views, and culinary adventures galore!

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