Whether you’re a full-time van dweller or just an occasional road tripper, having the right electrical appliances can make all the difference in your culinary experience on the road. The good news is, with the advent of portable power stations like Jackery’s Explorer Pro 1000 and the decreasing prices of lithium batteries for robust electrical systems, powering all your kitchen appliances off-grid has become easier than ever before.
The kitchen is often considered the heart of a home, where people cook, eat, and socialize with friends and family. This comfort and familiarity shouldn’t be lost just because you’re on the road. With the right appliances and tools, you can easily create a van life kitchen that feels like home and provides all the necessary amenities to live comfortably and make delicious meals. To help you achieve this, we’ve rounded up our top ten recommended kitchen appliances for a van that can be powered using a portable power station or a more robust electrical system capable of running multiple power-hungry appliances simultaneously. So let’s dive in and explore the possibilities of creating a fully functional kitchen in your van.
Empava Two Burner Induction Cooktop
A van life kitchen can greatly benefit from using an induction cooktop. This cooktop is not only more efficient, but also heats up faster compared to traditional electric cooktops. Its smooth black surface measures 12 inches and is equipped with two powerful burners that operate at 120V. It’s easy to clean and ideal for small kitchen spaces. With this induction cooktop, you can whip a healthy breakfast or gourmet meal while on the road in no time.
$172.04
The Coleman Triton Propane Stove 2-burner
If you don’t have a robust enough power system, you may want to opt for a propane stove instead to save on electrical usage. The Coleman Triton Propane Stove with 2 burners is a portable stove that’s perfect for vanlifers, campers, and other outdoor enthusiasts. It’s easy to carry and set up, and features two wind guards that protect the burners from wind. It’s also easy to clean, with a removable chrome-plated grate, and has improved knob rotation for precise temperature control. With 22,000 BTUs of cooking power, this stove can fit 12-inch and 10-inch pans, and provides up to an hour of cooking time on high with one 16 oz. propane cylinder (sold separately). A portable stove like this is a must-have for anyone looking to cook their own meals on the road, saving money and enjoying a home-cooked meal wherever they are.
$89.99
Dometic CFX3 45
The Dometic CFX3 45 cooler is an amazing portable cooler/refrigerator for van life. It can refrigerate or deep freeze down to –7 °F with the VMSO3 compressor cooling technology, making it perfect for keeping your food and drinks at the perfect temperature. With a large 45-liter capacity and digital control panel, it’s easy to adjust the temperature and even has a built-in USB port for charging your devices. Energy-efficient and versatile, it can run on both AC and DC power, making it a must-have for your van life journey.
$949.99
Breville Compact Smart Toaster Oven
This is a sleek and versatile appliance designed for those who want a compact yet high-performing toaster oven and want to avoid installing a microwave in their van. Made from brushed stainless steel, it has a modern and stylish look that will complement any kitchen. With a capacity of four slices of bread, it’s the perfect size for a van galley. This oven features smart technology, which allows you to easily adjust cooking time and temperature, making it easy to cook a wide range of meals. And sometimes it’s just nice to have freshly baked cookies while on the road.
$142.46
Fellow Stagg Electric Kettle
The Stagg Electric Kettle is a great addition for van life, as it offers a simple yet elegant design that saves space and is made from durable materials. With its precise pour and quick-heating element, this appliance is perfect for making coffee or tea on the road. The to-the-degree temperature control, and toggle to keep water hot for up to 60 minutes make it easy to perfect your brewing process.
$165.00
Nutribullet Personal Blender
Whether you’re on the go towards your next destination or just need a quick nutritious meal, this personal blender will make your van life meal prep a breeze. It has a 24-ounce capacity, the perfect size for single servings and small batches. It’s easy to use, simply fill the cup with your ingredients, twist it onto the base, and hit the button to start blending. The blender’s unique extractor blades break down the toughest ingredients to make delicious smoothie bowls, green juices, and sauces. Additionally, the blender is great for food prep, allowing you to chop, grind, and blend ingredients with ease.
$58.99
DASH Mini Waffle Maker
This waffle maker is a 4-inch compact and versatile appliance designed for making individual-sized waffles, hash browns, keto chaffles, and more. Its bright apple red color is sure to brighten up any van life kitchen. The mini maker features non-stick surfaces for easy cooking and cleaning. The included brush helps ensure even distribution of batter, while the cord wrap keeps your countertop tidy.
$16.99
Instant Pot Duo Mini
The Instant Pot is an excellent option for living on the road. It’s a multifunctional kitchen appliance that’s compact and easy to use. With its 7-in-1 capabilities, this Instant Pot can function as a pressure cooker, slow cooker, rice cooker, steamer, sauté pan, yogurt maker, and warmer. With a 3 quart capacity, it’s perfect size for vanlife. It’s great for quickly making one-pot meals, stews, and oatmeal.
$79.99
Nespresso Pixie Espresso
The Nespresso Pixie Espresso Machine by Breville is a stylish and compact espresso machine designed for coffee lovers. The machine uses Nespresso’s convenient coffee capsules, making it easy to brew a wide range of espresso-based drinks in just a few seconds. The Pixie’s compact design makes it perfect for small kitchens. With its fast heating time and easy-to-use design, the Nespresso Pixie Espresso Machine is a great choice for anyone who wants to enjoy café-quality espresso drinks in the comfort of their own van.
$179.00
Waterdrop G2: Compact and Efficient 7-Stage Filtration for Pristine Drinking Water
The Waterdrop G2 is a must-have for any vanlife setup. It ensures that the water you’re drinking and using for cooking and cleaning is clean and safe. No more chugging questionable water from sketchy sources or lugging heavy jugs of water around. It’s easy to use and can be a lifesaver when off-grid. The new filter composition technology is more efficient and the tankless design saves space while ensuring safe drinking water. Plus, it’s environmentally friendly, as it reduces the need for plastic water bottles. Stay hydrated and healthy while on the road with a water filtration system.
$300.00
Final Thoughts
Living in a van doesn’t mean that you should compromise on your love for cooking and a well-equipped kitchen. Luckily, there are many kitchen appliances to choose from that are suitable for your unique van build and can meet your personal needs of being a traveling cook.
With these appliances, you can transform your van’s cooking space and make it feel like home.
We take pride in handpicking products that we believe in and recommend to our readers. Our editors make the selections independently, and some products may have been sent to us as samples. However, please note that we only share our genuine opinions and reviews. Additionally, please be aware that if you choose to purchase through the links on our website, we may receive a commission from the sale. Prices shown on our website are accurate, never marked up, and the products are in stock at the time of publication.
-Roam Offgrid
