Hi Everyone. Well, after 15 years the RV-Dreams Community Forum is coming to an end. Since it began in August 2005, we've had 58 Million page views, 124,000 posts, and we've spent about $15,000 to keep this valuable resource for RVers free and open. But since we are now off the road and have settled down for the next chapter of our lives, we are taking the Forum down effective June 30, 2021. It has been a tough decision, but it is now time.


We want to thank all of our members for their participation and input over the years, and we want to especially thank those that have acted as Moderators for us during our amazing journey living and traveling in our RV and growing the RV-Dreams Family. We will be forever proud to have been founders of this Forum and to have been supported by such a wonderful community. Thank you all!!

Members Login
Username 
 
Password 
    Remember Me  
Post Info TOPIC: What Are Your Most Useful RV Kitchen Utensils, Tools, or Appliances?


RV-Dreams Family Member

Status: Offline
Posts: 40
Date:
What Are Your Most Useful RV Kitchen Utensils, Tools, or Appliances?


Over the years, a few utensils or tools have proved to be more useful than others in my RV kitchen.  My new favorite is a universal lid for pots and pans - sort of a 'one lid fits all'.  What are your favorites?  How do they make your RV kitchen life easier/faster/better/whatever?

__________________
Joe and Susan Briggs
2003 Monaco Windsor 40'
2008 Honda CRV

www.uniquelyrv.com


RV-Dreams Family Member

Status: Offline
Posts: 544
Date:

Our newest favorite is our Sunbeam Rocket Grill.

It has no cleanup. You cook in these little parchment bags so all you do is throw it away when the food is cooked.

It grills meat, sandwiches, vegetables, and more.

We've cooked hamburgers, hotdogs, grilled cheese, steaks, pork chops, green beans, asparagus, onions, spam... it all has cooked up great and has nice grill marks.

All the burned off fat drains into a section at the bottom of the bag, so the fat gets tossed out with the bag.

No propane, no water ... only electric used. Great for an RV.

QVC, Bed Bath & Beyond and Target carry them.... probably Wally World or get one online.

-- Edited by thebearII on Tuesday 29th of September 2009 08:39:09 AM

__________________
Larry
"Small House, Big Yard "
7 years to go to FT
Alfa See-Ya 5'er and 2007 Kodiak C4500 Monroe Pickup


RV-Dreams Family Member

Status: Offline
Posts: 102
Date:

We don't often go out to restaurants when we are camping.  Our camping is up in the woods at non-hookup rustic sites.

Most of our cooking is over the campfire, or on the grill.  Inside we have only a convection/micro oven that we don't use, because it would require firing up the generator to run it. 

My *BEST* tool is the Coleman Instatart Oven that runs on either the small LP cylinder or a hose to a larger propane tank.  It bakes evenly, works well, and it sure beats running the generator at 6am to make a batch of muffins! 
karenseasybakeoven.jpg
My family laughingly calls it my Easy Bake Oven... tee heee



Second on our list is my stove top pressure cooker. I think it's 6 quart size. I use it for many things, including pre-cooking ribs, making stews, and cooking up chicken till it's fall-apart tender.  (no picture)



We like drip coffee, and found this coffee maker by Coleman that works like a drip coffeemaker, but sets over an LP flame (either camp stove or LP burner in an RV)  and requires no electricity to work.
colemancampcoffeemaker.jpg



When we cook out over the fire, we have two different devices... this is a smaller adjustable height cooking grate that Steve made.  You only need to pound in one stake at an angle near the firering, and the grate holds in place by its own weight on the slanted stake.  It's great when there are just 2 or 4 to cook for. Stores flat in a heavy plastic bag in a storage compartment and takes up very little room.
visitfrombarrieandclaire181280x960_.jpg



If we have a larger group along camping, I own a tripod that will cook larger amounts of food over the fire, but I let my sister and her husband haul it around for me.  The poles can collapse for easier carrying, but it gets rather greasy and charred... so they keep it in the back of their pickup truck for me. 
OttawaLake2009August20.jpg



Without sounding too much like a commercial for Coleman, I also bought a slowcooker unit.  It seems to cook a bit too hot each time I have used it, so I called Coleman and they sent me a new regulator device (free!) to try out, but I have not gotten it out since to try the new part yet. I made soups and stews in here so far, and was worried about anything  thicker like chili or beans being burnt.  So next time I have the chance, I will try it out with the new part.
Again, this can run on the little cylinders or the big tank with a hose.
PICT0003_1.jpg



Inside the rig, I keep a full set of Tfal kettles for easy cleanup, and a flat Tfal griddle for pancakes and french toast.  I have a few collapsable bowls for storage and a collapsable strainer/cutting board combo that is really handy too.



One thing I found in an RV store that is very handy is an oval shaped container with separate sections.. .great to use for veggies and dips, or a mini salad bar or taco bar makings....  the reason I like it so much is that my large round Rubbermaid one from home won't fit in the motorhome fridge!   But the oval shape of this one allows it's use in shallower RV fridges.  It's great for taking to pot lucks as it has a snap on cover you can fill with ice and keep underneath for cooling.... and even the little center dip containers are removable and have snap on lids too.

t_965.jpg
It's called Salad Server, part 142044
https://www.berrylandcampers.com/rv-parts/product.php?productid=965&js=n
(sorry, I couldn't make that link clickable)

And my last thing is I have a *Favoritest Knife*... and woe to anyone who takes it outta it's special place in my drawer.  It better not ever get used to cut down a wash line rope, or dig out a staple on the picnic table, or to cut off a piece of hose to make a water thief fixture  (all intended purposes that I have had to rescue my knife from doing!)





__________________
KarenInTheWoods and Steveio
-- Safari Serengeti 38ft DP with
---Geo Tracker toad behind
-- Northwoods of Wisconsin
-- (Blog) http://kareninthewoods-kareninthewoods.blogspot.com/
-- (Camping/Family Photos) http://picasaweb.google.com/pfundt/


sigpicnew.jpg



RV-Dreams Family Member

Status: Offline
Posts: 40
Date:

Karen:

Do you ever use a Dutch oven?  I know some gals who published their own Dutch oven  cookbook, and it has the most fantastic recipes you ever saw.  They also included conversion instructions for "regular" cooking.  If you would like, I can find it at home and let you know their name. 

Oh - and I love, love, love your Easy Bake Oven.  Might have to get one of those.  The oven in our 5er is hard to light and it cooks unevenly, so we don't use it.



__________________
Joe and Susan Briggs
2003 Monaco Windsor 40'
2008 Honda CRV

www.uniquelyrv.com


RV-Dreams Family Member

Status: Offline
Posts: 146
Date:

We also have a Sunbeam Rocket Grill and really like it. There was a discussion about them a year or so ago on the forum and so I bought one at the Dollar Store. DH is visually impaired but he can "cook" in the rocket grill. Brenda

__________________
We may not have it all together, but together we have it all! D, B & H


RV-Dreams Family Member

Status: Offline
Posts: 624
Date:

Wow Karen, are you ever prepared. When in the area expect us to drop by for a sample of your cooking!

__________________

Phyllis and Leonard

2011 F350 King Ranch Dually    2016 Ford Escape

No longer own an RV.   No need.  No longer RV.

 

myownhighwaysinmymind.blogspot.com

 



RV-Dreams Family Member

Status: Offline
Posts: 102
Date:

Oh.. nope, I have never used the dutch oven like they show on some of the camping groups, with lumps of charcoal on the oveturned lid etc.

I would really love the name of that recipe book if you don't mind.  I did look at some dutch ovens at a Cracker Barrel one time and thought about trying that.  

lakeemilyoct200856.jpg
My mom found a GREAT set of all cast iron cookware at a rummage sale, and I was trying to wrangle it outta her.  She has hauled the whole set back and forth in a compartment in their motorhome, from Florida to Michigan twice now.  She only used ONE pot this ONE time with us for beans....

lakeemilyoct200827.jpg

I might have to ask her to put the set of kettles in the will for me!  LOL


__________________
KarenInTheWoods and Steveio
-- Safari Serengeti 38ft DP with
---Geo Tracker toad behind
-- Northwoods of Wisconsin
-- (Blog) http://kareninthewoods-kareninthewoods.blogspot.com/
-- (Camping/Family Photos) http://picasaweb.google.com/pfundt/


sigpicnew.jpg



RV-Dreams Family Member

Status: Offline
Posts: 102
Date:

Phyllis... I will make the meal if you bring the dessert, okay?

biggrinbiggrinbiggrinbiggrinbiggrin

__________________
KarenInTheWoods and Steveio
-- Safari Serengeti 38ft DP with
---Geo Tracker toad behind
-- Northwoods of Wisconsin
-- (Blog) http://kareninthewoods-kareninthewoods.blogspot.com/
-- (Camping/Family Photos) http://picasaweb.google.com/pfundt/


sigpicnew.jpg



RV-Dreams Family Member

Status: Offline
Posts: 624
Date:

It's a deal but don't bet on me cooking it over an open fire!!!

Phyllis

__________________

Phyllis and Leonard

2011 F350 King Ranch Dually    2016 Ford Escape

No longer own an RV.   No need.  No longer RV.

 

myownhighwaysinmymind.blogspot.com

 



RV-Dreams Family Member

Status: Offline
Posts: 40
Date:

The name of the cookbook is Full Circle Dutch Oven Cookbook.  It's written by the Patrick Sisters.  Their website is www.thepatricksisters.com

We met themwhen we were both vendors at an RV show.  They were selling cookbooks left and right, as fast as they could get them out of their boxes.  The recipes are just fantastic.  We don't have a Dutch oven, but we've used some of the conversion instructions and the dishes turned out well.



__________________
Joe and Susan Briggs
2003 Monaco Windsor 40'
2008 Honda CRV

www.uniquelyrv.com


RV-Dreams Family Member

Status: Offline
Posts: 102
Date:

Thanks.. it's going on my *Want List* for my birthday later this month...

Has anyone used a solar oven? Made their own? Bought a reasonable priced one?

Just thinking......

__________________
KarenInTheWoods and Steveio
-- Safari Serengeti 38ft DP with
---Geo Tracker toad behind
-- Northwoods of Wisconsin
-- (Blog) http://kareninthewoods-kareninthewoods.blogspot.com/
-- (Camping/Family Photos) http://picasaweb.google.com/pfundt/


sigpicnew.jpg



RV-Dreams Family Member

Status: Offline
Posts: 434
Date:

Question: What is your most useful kitchen tool?  Answer: A husband who cooks and cleans most of the time...including breakfast in bed.   

__________________

When it comes to the hereafter, I want to be in the no smoking section. 



RV-Dreams Family Member

Status: Offline
Posts: 234
Date:

You got all the goodies and bet the food it to kill for.

__________________
Bubbadan

Speak your mind but ride a fast horse, don't look back someone may be shootin and don't miss the stirrup gettin on.


RV-Dreams Family Member

Status: Offline
Posts: 234
Date:

TXRV; you love to dream don't you?biggrin

__________________
Bubbadan

Speak your mind but ride a fast horse, don't look back someone may be shootin and don't miss the stirrup gettin on.


RV-Dreams Family Member

Status: Offline
Posts: 434
Date:

Bubba> Do you have a wife who knows how to use power tools, change a tire, knows the difference between a socket wrench and an electrical socket, wants the TV channel on the football game, can hunt with the best of the guys, and still be a lady?  

Breakfast in bed and a bit of cleaning is a small price to pay for utopia.  A small amount of sucking up is also not out of the question. smile





__________________

When it comes to the hereafter, I want to be in the no smoking section. 



RV-Dreams Family Member

Status: Offline
Posts: 33
Date:

Off the top of my head I'd have to say the stand alone ice maker that came installed in the 5er, lol!

__________________


RV-Dreams Family Member

Status: Offline
Posts: 544
Date:

Our Keurig Coffee Maker is running a close second to our Sunbeam Rocket grill. This coffee maker uses the little pods so you're able to choose different flavors for your cup of coffee, tea or hot chocolate.

The pods come in a big variety of flavors, from just plain coffee to french vanilla, to hazelnut to donut shop to pumpkin spice plus lots of tea flavors as well.

It makes one cup at a time so there's no waste and the pods are easy to dispose of so clean up is easy.

__________________
Larry
"Small House, Big Yard "
7 years to go to FT
Alfa See-Ya 5'er and 2007 Kodiak C4500 Monroe Pickup


RV-Dreams Community Member

Status: Offline
Posts: 12
Date:

My favorite, and most used little appliance is my rocket blender. It comes in various brand names including Bella Cucina, Sensio, and Magic Bullet. It makes the best margaritas and frappucinos, and is great for blending ingredients in recipes that call for it. It's small, so it fits in my trailer's kitchen just fine.

__________________
http://holmantravels.blogspot.com


RV-Dreams Family Member

Status: Offline
Posts: 313
Date:

the rocket blender looks handy.. may have to get me one... :)

__________________

RV fulltimer class of 2011 - March!
On the Road to Retirement...zeetraveler.blogspot.com



RV-Dreams Family Member

Status: Offline
Posts: 318
Date:

I agree with the blender. We have the Magic bullet one and I use it everyday.

__________________

janieD
2007 Dodge 3500 DRW 5.9L
2010 Excel Limited 30RSO
Full Timing starting June 2010
Blog: www.flamingoonastick.blogspot.com



RV-Dreams Family Member

Status: Offline
Posts: 122
Date:

My fav is the crockpot - doesn't heat up the camper, and I can cook just about anything in it.  I'm anxious to try to make a cheescake next - mmmmmmmmm.



__________________

Bruce and Trisha Barnes

Boost Your Health for Free - SMILE!

 


RV-Dreams Family Member

Status: Offline
Posts: 73
Date:

Karen,

RE: Solar Oven.  Contact Starlight Solar in Yuma, AZ.  They sell a neat solar oven.  Talk with Debbie; she cooks on it every day.  (We had our solar system installed there and watched Debbie bake an entire chicken one day and a frozen meatloaf the next day.) 928-342-9103.

http://www.starlightsolar.com


 While I don't see the solar oven on their website, I know they sell them.

Good Luck!



-- Edited by LeslieW on Thursday 14th of April 2011 11:17:45 PM

__________________


RV-Dreams Family Member

Status: Offline
Posts: 44
Date:

We are taking our juicer on our trip this summer. We have an MPG which is small, but we value our fresh juice so we will make the space for it.
finding the fresh fruit is going to be the challenge. We may just juice every other day, but that waits to be seen.

__________________

Jo Ann

Waiting for the s&b to sell

1993 U300 40'



RV-Dreams Family Member

Status: Offline
Posts: 146
Date:

As of 2 weeks ago we are no longer full-timers but did it for 5 years and loved every minute. My husband's eyesight diminished so it was just time to live in a s&b. We are enjoying it and close to family so that is good. I still enjoy reading the forum. If you look back to Sept.,2009 you will see a posting on the Sunbeam Rocket Grill. I thought it sounded interesting, found a good deal at Big Lots and have loved it ever since. I just can't understand why it isn't the most popular "gadget" in everyone's kitchen. Used it a lot in MH and also using it in our house. They are not easy to find and you may need to go to Sunbeam online but well worth it !!

Brenda



__________________
We may not have it all together, but together we have it all! D, B & H


RV-Dreams Family Member

Status: Offline
Posts: 61
Date:

Close first between crock pot (electric) and magic bullet (battery op).

__________________
Page 1 of 1  sorted by
Quick Reply

Please log in to post quick replies.

Tweet this page Post to Digg Post to Del.icio.us