Life on the road offers unparalleled freedom, and a big part of what makes it so special for us is the ability to create a delicious meal wherever we’re camped. On the other hand, cooking in our van comes with its own set of challenges: limited space, unfavorable weather, and the need for efficient, compact, and versatile equipment. After living in our van full-time for a year, we’ve found the right cooking tools can make all the difference.
Here are our 7 essential cooking items that make vanlife cooking fun and easy—indoors or outdoors, rain or shine.
1. Dutch Oven
Few tools are as versatile as a good cast iron Dutch oven. Whether you’re simmering chili on a campfire, making cheesy chicken parmesan, or slow-cooking a stew, this heavy-duty pot does it all. There’s something timeless and satisfying about lifting that heavy lid to reveal a bubbling, home-cooked meal in the middle of nowhere.
Dutch ovens come in various sizes with different lid types and bottoms. We have a few different sizes ourselves, and our favorite to keep in the van is this 2-qt Lodge Dutch Oven. It’s the perfect size for just Brian and I. Our preference is one with a concave lid and little feet on the bottom. The shape of the lid allows us to put coals on top and the feet mean that we can place it over coals as well.
Best for: Outdoor campfire cooking, baking, one-pot meals
Cons: Requires an open flame (coals or fire), so wind and/or fire restrictions can halt your plans
Tip: Get a travel tripod like this one to make cooking over the fire that much easier
2. Blackstone Camping Griddle
This is our favorite new addition to our camp kitchen, the Blackstone Camp Griddle. We have a Blackstone at home, so when we saw they made a smaller one for camping (and our Tembo Tusk ran into issues, more on that below), we had to jump on it. Its compact size makes it portable, yet large enough to cook for two or more.
It’s perfect for any kind of breakfast (eggs, bacon, pancakes, hashbrowns) and we love cooking a variety of meats and veggies on it for dinner. We’re also testing some creative ways to use it, which we’ll post more about soon. It runs on propane (the little green cans or larger growlers) making it ideal for outdoor cooking, and the flat top heats evenly for perfect sears.
One important thing to note, when we got this, we assumed it would be like our Blackstone at home, but upon first use we noticed something very different. The camp griddles are not cast iron like the traditional Blackstones are. Instead, they are made with a non-stick material. While we would prefer cast iron, it’s such a great camping griddle that we can’t complain. Plus, clean-up is surprisingly easy, and you can stash it away neatly when not in use.
Best for: Outdoor breakfasts, smash burgers, stir-fry, and lots more!
Cons: It’s on the larger and heavier side, and is non-stick vs. cast iron
Tip: Keep a squeeze bottle of water nearby for quick, steam-based cleanups while it’s still hot
3. Tembo Tusk Skottle
If you like cooking outside and want to impress, the Tembo Tusk Skottle brings both functionality and flair. Originally a South African cooking surface, the Skottle is a round disc on legs that connects to a propane tank. It’s fantastic for high-heat stir-fry, tacos, and even breakfast scrambles.
Fellow campers and friends are always curious about what it is. It’s social, it’s fun, and it turns cooking into a shared experience. Our favorite thing to cook on the Skottle is popcorn and that always brings some serious laughter (and a lot of trying to catch popcorn in your mouth).
These Skottles come with a hefty price tag, but they are super reliable and durable. We’ve used our Skottle for over 5 years and just last week, ran into the first failed part. While Brian was screwing the propane hose onto the burner, he accidentally cross-threaded it, so now we need a new part. We don’t blame this at all on Tembo Tusk (it was user error), and will be getting a replacement part soon so we can keep enjoying our Skottle.
Best for: Outdoor cooking with flair, stir-fries, taco nights; super compact and sturdy
Cons: It’s expensive, there’s a learning curve, and they don’t put off the most even heat
Tip: Use a windscreen if it’s breezy, and always preheat thoroughly for even cooking
4. Induction Stovetop
When the weather’s bad and we need to cook in the van, our portable induction stove is our go-to. It’s efficient, heats fast, and only works when a compatible pan is placed on top—making it safer in small spaces. Because it doesn’t use an open flame, it’s ideal for indoor cooking in tight quarters.
One of our favorite pans to use on the induction stove top is our cast iron. You get the same great benefit of the cast iron, but without the flame. Plus, it’s easy to clean and store with minimal water usage.
Best for: Indoor meals, quick boil-ups, safe van cooking
Cons: Requires battery and depending on how long something needs to cook, can drain the batteries quite a bit
Tip: Choose one with adjustable temperature settings and keep cookware induction-compatible
5. Mini Airfryer
When weather demands we cook in the van, sometimes we want more than just a one-pot meal with the induction stovetop, and that’s where the mini airfryer comes in to play. The one we have is surprisingly compact, energy-efficient, and versatile. It’s great for one- or two-person meals and is super easy to clean when you use a parchment liner.
We’ve made everything from wings to meatballs to burritos in our airfryer and find it especially helpful when we want that oven-like crispiness without heating up our whole space or using too much power.
Best for: Indoor crispy meals, reheating leftovers, small baked dishes
Cons: Requires battery and depending on how long something needs to cook, can drain the batteries quite a bit
Tip: Preheat it briefly and rotate items for even cooking in smaller models
6. Electric Water Kettle
A compact electric water kettle might seem basic, but it quickly becomes a daily essential. Whether it’s for coffee, tea, instant noodles, or making hot water to do dishes, it saves time and batteries. Boiling water on the induction stove is an option, but an electric kettle is quicker, safer, and more energy-efficient.
The one we have comes with an auto-shutoff, which adds peace of mind living on the road.
Best for: Morning routines, instant meals, clean-up water
Cons: There really aren’t any
Tip: Choose metal over plastic for durability and taste.
7. Ninja Personal Blender
This is the most recent addition to our kitchen gear, and we wonder what took so long. Want to start your day with a smoothie or blend up some chimichurri or salsa? The Ninja portable blender makes it possible, even in a van. It is rechargeable via USB-C, requires no outlet while blending, and are designed for small-batch use.
It’s lightweight, doesn’t take up much room, and opens up options for healthy snacking or creative sauces.
Best for: Morning smoothies, homemade dressings, dips
Cons: You have to remember to keep it charged so it’s ready to use
Tip: When it’s time to clean, put a small amount of soap and water in the blender and then turn it on. Pour the soapy water out, rinse, and you are ready to go for next time.
Cooking Indoors vs. Outdoors – Flexibility is Key
The beauty of vanlife cooking is that it adapts to the day. Sunny afternoon? Roll out the Blackstone or Skottle and enjoy the fresh air while you cook. Rainy evening? Plug in the induction cooktop and get cozy with a hot bowl of soup. Having a mix of outdoor and indoor cooking gear gives you the flexibility to enjoy great meals no matter what Mother Nature decides.
Whether you’re parked by a river or boondocking in the desert, these seven items help you cook more creatively, efficiently, and joyfully.
Final Thought
With the right tools and a bit of planning, cooking in a van can rival your kitchen at home. It’s not just about staying fed—it’s about enjoying the process, embracing creativity, and making memories one meal at a time.
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