5 Kitchen Appliances I Make Space for When Traveling

Making cooking simple but delicious

We started with a 22-foot camp trailer and recently moved into a 40-foot motorhome. In the first RV, limited space required creative packing; it reminded me of playing Tetris. When we moved into the larger rig, though space was no longer restricted, we still try to be selective. After some time on the road, I have settled on five items that make cooking easy and fun. They are my go-to appliances for short stops, overnight camping, and extended stays. I would suggest considering these items for any travelers who enjoys cooking but desires to keep it simple.

Air Fryer

As a skeptic of new devices, this one caught me off guard when I stayed at a relative’s house and she cooked bacon for breakfast. Bacon, the gods gift to tastebuds, is the messiest food to fry, usually causing me to clean the stove, the walls, the window, and anything on the counters at the time. After watching her cook which consisted of placing the meat on the rack and walking away, I placed an order on Amazon. Consumers can purchase various sizes and styles.

The frying area is self-contained, so no grease splatter escapes outside its confines. There is no need to turn the meat. However, if you wish to adjust it in the pan when you remove the fryer compartment, the grease is contained under a rack eliminating risk of any splash. Cleanup is a sinch.

But the list of foods and recipes goes beyond bacon. Corndogs come out crisp and fully cooked when taken from the freezer. Grilled cheese sandwiches are evenly browned with cheese uniformly melted. Hard boiled eggs come out perfect every time and are easy to peel. The cookbook provides many options that suggest ideas that appeal to the eyes and the palate.

The timer provides information specific to the meat being prepared. Our family enjoys the flakey fish. Both fresh baked and frozen patties, fish sticks, are amazing. Pork chops are one of our favorites when they are dipped in egg and coated in flavored breadcrumbs.

Though the air fryer takes up space it can take the place of other pots and pans that are not as effective.

Convection oven

Our motorhome came with a microwave/convection oven instead of an oven. This caused me concern because I love my baked goods: biscuits, brownies, cookies . . . basically anything with sugar. The salesman assured me that anything I could do in an oven, I could do in this. My husband promised if I didn’t like it, he would install an oven. So, I relented as it was the only thing I could find displeasure.

Thank goodness I gave it a chance. The convection oven works better than the conventional RV oven. Gas ovens that I have used have a burner running through the middle on the top of the device. Baked goods did not cook evenly. Even cookies had to be flipped but I accepted the fact they were not pretty for the warm gooey texture and delicious flavor. Now, everything looks and tastes great.

Outdoor grill

For whatever reason, my husband and I fell into a pattern that stays fairly consistent. Inside, I cook; outside, he cooks. So, when he insisted on a new Blackstone Grill and Barbeque, I agreed and bought him utensils and an apron. Now, we tend to cook outside most of the time, and I sit and watch my man cook while sipping on a cold beer.

As Randy, did the research for this product, I am less informed but will relate what I observe. It comes in compact compartments that cover and protect items from scratches and dirt. The grill is independent of the barbecue but can be used simultaneously. There is a stand that both rest upon; it sits waist high and makes cooking easy. Be assured, my husband knows how to research when shopping and after comparison he is satisfied with his decision, and I have no complaints.

Coffeepot

I have tried several different types based on the recommendations of many friends. The coffee press works great in a small place and when there is no electricity available. When we were in the smaller camp trailer, I was able to make fresh coffee around the fire while the children slept allowing me to enjoy the sights and sounds of nature during a sunrise.

A drip coffeepot works great, and they are extremely inexpensive. Currently, we use one with a timer, set it the night before and wake up to fresh brewed coffee. Great way to start the day. However, at home we have a coffeepot that makes larger pots in a carafe and the other side makes it by the cup. Now that we are in the motorhome with more space, I hope to exchange it for what we are using. This provides a simple means to make one cup of decaf at night or a hot chocolate.

Recipe

If anyone enjoys a warm alcoholic beverage on a chilly night I suggest, a simple drink that’s a twist on the typical hot chocolate: hot water, hot chocolate mix, Kahlua, peppermint schnapps, and a touch of heavy whipping cream. For an extra treat, top it with whip cream and a little cinnamon. Just because you are camping doesn’t’ mean you have to rough it. Besides, someone told me there are no calories in food when you are camping. I choose to believe them.

Crockpot

This item is my favorite because it is so simple. Place the food into it in the morning and a meal is ready in the evening. Pack soup mixes that require water to be added and walk away. Of course, it requires electricity, so it doesn’t work for boondocking but for us that is usually not a problem.

Last week we made some soup using one of those packages, kind of. Well, it was supposed to be soup. I placed some chicken to cook in a cup of water intent on adding the soup mix and 7 more cups later in the day. When we got an invite to golf, I asked my husband to dump the soup mix in so it would be ready when we return while I changed my clothes. He did just as I asked.

When I returned, dinner was ready but not exactly as planned. We created a new recipe when I forgot to tell him to add the additional water. No problem. I boiled some rice, poured the crockpot mixture on top and served it with a slice of bread. Give it a try because it made a great meal. The appliance can’t be held responsible for human error.

Recipe

Another favorite recipe requires two ingredients in the pot: boneless chicken breasts and a jar of salsa. It can cook for an hour or several hours so whenever you are ready to eat, spoon it into a tortilla with cheese and dinner is ready. Other ingredients can be added as desired to meet individual tastes, but we like it simple.

If you like to RV and eat, these appliances couple the two activities to create pleasant experience. Happy travels.

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