The Definitive List of RV Must-Haves for 2024 (From a Full-Time RVer)

Last updated on November 2nd, 2024 at 07:43 pm

This article is a nine-page comprehensive RV essentials guide.
If you have arrived in the middle of the guide but want to start at the beginning, click here.

RV Kitchen Accessories

A great way to save money while traveling in an RV is by having a well-equipped RV kitchen.

Nesting Pots and Pans

Due to having limited storage options for pots and pans in an RV, owning cookware that nests together into a compact space is a great way to have all the pots and pans you desire for cooking while saving room.

Look for a set with all the items you’d generally cook with at home.

This 10-piece set from Magma comes with three saucepans, a frying pan, a stock pot, two lids, and two detachable handles that efficiently connect to whichever item you’re using and a bungee to hold it all together In less than a 1/2 cubic foot.

I recommend adding the nesting colander for steaming veggies. It can be stored snuggly in the middle of the set.

And here is a similar set from Camco.

Collapsible Dish Drying Rack

A drying rack that can collapse and conveniently store away in a small space is helpful in an RV.

We loved this one that could sit in our sink so we could still have the rest of our kitchen island for meal prep.

Collapsible Food Storage Containers

You’re about to see a pattern here.

But really, any item that can collapse wins in an RV.

Storage containers like these make travel day meals and storing leftovers a breeze. Then, they can be easily tucked away when not being used.

Collapsible Measuring Cups and Spoons

Investing in collapsible, stackable measuring spoons and cups is another way to earn more cupboard space.

Here are three fantastic options that will save you some room but still have the tools you need in the kitchen:

Under the Cabinet Paper Towel Holder

Counter space is limited in an RV.

Using an under the cabinet paper towel holder like this one helps keep the paper towel roll off your counter but is still easily accessible at all times in your kitchen!

We use a self-adhesive option like this one in our RV to avoid drilling holes into our cabinets.

Instant Pot

Pressure cookers are the ultimate travel meal hack for preparing everything from rice to steamed vegetables to slow-cooked meats with one device.

The pressure results in a shorter cooking time and less energy used. Operating an instant pot is incredibly simple, too, with dozens of pre-programmed cycles that perfectly cook your morning eggs or a bowl of oatmeal.

They come in various sizes, but most RV travelers choose one of the smaller models for easier storage.

Consider what you’ll want to cook and how many people you’ll feed when choosing an Instant Pot.

Espresso Maker

A guilty pleasure we developed on the road was coffee shop lattes. Checking out a new coffee shop in every new state is fun!

However, we eventually found out, spoiler alert, they’re all pretty similar. 😆

They’re also all pretty costly…

While I understand that coffee shop ambiance and WiFi are sometimes necessary on the road, what about all the other instances when you merely want to grab a quick drink before heading out on your next adventure?

There are also only sometimes coffee shops located in popular RV spots. Why not just have the ability to make lattes at home, wherever you are?

If you love morning lattes, the small and affordable Moka Cafe Stovetop Espresso Maker is a no-brainer to add to your RV kitchen cabinet.

As long as you have propane running to a stovetop, this tiny little device will provide you with the caffeine hit you need, no matter where you are, at a fraction of the cost!

It should be noted that no power is needed to use this little guy. Add water, then espresso, and heat it until it stops gurgling. Voila! Espresso!

This is an excellent option for those who prefer to be off-grid more often.

You’ll also want to add this Hand Pump Milk Frother for the full latte effect!

To use it, you warm up whatever type of milk you desire, add it to the device, and froth. Then combine the two and have the perfect morning beverage right at home!

If you’re more inclined to press a button and be done, check out the Nespresso VertuoPlus Coffee and Espresso Machine by Breville.

This little guy is only 5.6 inches wide and 12.8 inches tall, so it won’t take up too much counterspace.

It can make an espresso from a pod in minutes, and then once you’re done with it, it can be easily tucked away on a countertop or in a cabinet.

Just remember you’ll need a power outlet for this machine!

Coffee Maker

Not everyone wants a fancy coffee drink, though. Some of us like just a regular cup of joe!

In that case, a French Press will work nicely for you and, again, be usable off-grid as long as you have access to hot water.

I recommend a stainless steel option, such as the one below, over a glass option because, in my experience, glass eventually breaks in RVs.

However, if you plan on having power and are perfectly fine with Keurig K-cup coffee, then check out this small, single-serve coffee maker.

It is less than 5 inches wide and brews a cup of coffee in a few minutes.

Kettle

Was all that coffee talk not your thing?

If you tend to be more of a tea and cocoa drinker or simply wish for the ability to warm up water quickly, you’ll want to pick up a kettle for the RV.

Consider whether you’d rather have a stovetop option that will be easier to use off-grid or an electric option.

Also, much like the French Press, look into one that isn’t glass. We’ve had one explode on the road. 😬

Dishes

While you could outfit your RV with a few old dishes from your home cupboard, specialized tableware is usually necessary for travelers.

Aesthetics take a back seat to portability and durability when purchasing dishware for an RV.

Many travelers choose tableware made from melamine because it won’t chip, takes up less space, weighs less, and is dishwasher-safe. However, it is not microwave-safe, which is a reasonably big con on the road.

Dishes made from wheat straw are also popular due to their environmentally non-toxic materials, relatively high-temperature resistance, and ability to go in the freezer, microwave, and dishwasher.

We actually have had great success with Corelle triple-layer dishes on the road.

They are glass but highly chip-resistant since they are made with durable triple-layer glass. They are also lightweight, stack tightly together, take up very little room, and microwave and dishwasher-safe.

Countertop Dishwasher

Washing dishes in an RV is no one’s favorite task with limited sink and counter space. Some full-time RV users upgrade to a countertop dishwasher to avoid this unpleasant chore. While it will hold fewer plates and bowls than your home dishwasher, there’s enough capacity to clean a day’s worth of dishes.

Contrary to popular belief, dishwashers are more efficient than scrubbing by hand, using less water and less energy to heat said water.

Most new models use only two gallons per cycle, while handwashing uses the same amount in less than a minute of running the tap.

The downside to these appliances is that they are expensive, take up some of your already limited RV space, and require 120-volt power, so shore power or a generator to operate.

Continue Reading:

PAGE ONE: Top Ten RV Must-Haves
PAGE TWO: RV Water & Sewer Supplies
PAGE THREE: Road Trip Planning Tools
PAGE FOUR: Fundamentals for RV Emergencies, Safety, & Maintenance
PAGE FIVE: RV Kitchen Essentials
PAGE SIX: RV Bedroom, Closet, Laundry, Bathroom, & Living Room Essentials
PAGE SEVEN: RV Internet & Boondocking Essentials
PAGE EIGHT: Fun Outdoor Camping Items, Traveling with Bikes, & Traveling with Pets
PAGE NINE: Stationary RV Living, Winter RV Living, RV Storage, & FAQs