We are preparing to fulltime this spring and I'm looking for a handful of the most useful items that cost under $30 to put on my Christmas list. How about a collapsible salad spinner? Collapsible bowls etc? Does anyone use these things? Other suggestions? Thanks!

I have a few collapsible things, (colander, bowls, storage containers) and I don't really care for them. They don't seem as sturdy as the real thing, lots of extra spots for bacteria to hide. I've gone back to using regular kitchen items, I just look for stuff that stacks well, to minimize storage space.

I would think it depends on your food preferences and menu. I don't like salad so a spinner would be useless to me. As mentioned in another thread, most gadgets are a waste of money and space. Chefs can do most things with an excellent set of knives. They cost big bucks but they're worth far more in utility than gadgets. Once you get a good set, practice using them with knife techniques you can find on YouTube vids for free.That and a Lodge 12" cast iron Dutch oven will cover most of your camping needs.

Have crockpot will travel - the 4 qt ones are about $20

How about unbreakable dishes and/or a cheese knife? Salad spinner?

Pizza stone for the bottom of your oven.pizza stoneMakes your oven bake much more even.

Christmas list ideas for the kitchen? | Good Sam Community

18 Replies

RoadLife
Explorer
Dec 22, 2013
When we are at an RV park and electric is included I do not use the propane stove. Most of my cooking is done in the following:

George Foreman grill (removable grill plates)

Electric skillet (used for everything from stirfry to casseroles to pancakes)

Electric kettle - looks like a Pot with electric control like the skillet. This is used for soups, chili, pasta

Crock Pot

Toaster Oven - I used this a lot at first, but not so much lately. It may go back to homebase.

of course, the outside gas grill.
TXcampingfamily
Explorer
Dec 22, 2013
I use my electric skillet a lot both inside and outside. Love bacon, but don't want to smell it all day in the Rv. The skillet gives me options. I also have a small toasted oven. It doesn't heat up the Rv as much during summer.
JoeH
Explorer III
Dec 21, 2013
Go Dogs wrote:
RVcrazy wrote:
Has anyone used the Camping world Maxi-matic electric burner plate for cooking? Does it work for things like soup or spaghetti? I'm trying to decide between having an electric skillet along vs having a cheap hot plate to conserve on propane use when a slow cooker is too slow... Thanks for the suggestions so far!

Do a search (upper left of the page), for threads on the NuWave Induction cooktop. Better than a hot plate.

Yep, or any of the other brands... I have a max Burton ( cheaper than the NuWave) .... I boil potatoes,corn, clams,lobster,etc with it. Quick and cheap.

Now, to the OP, if you don't have a Jaccard multiblade tenderizer, they work well and take up very little space.
Wanderlost
Nomad II
Dec 17, 2013
Crockpot. There are so very many things you can do with a crockpot.

Cast iron dutch oven is also a multipurpose item, and you can use it inside the RV or outside.
Go_Dogs
Explorer
Dec 16, 2013
RVcrazy wrote:
Has anyone used the Camping world Maxi-matic electric burner plate for cooking? Does it work for things like soup or spaghetti? I'm trying to decide between having an electric skillet along vs having a cheap hot plate to conserve on propane use when a slow cooker is too slow... Thanks for the suggestions so far!

Do a search (upper left of the page), for threads on the NuWave Induction cooktop. Better than a hot plate.
RVcrazy
Explorer
Dec 15, 2013
Has anyone used the Camping world Maxi-matic electric burner plate for cooking? Does it work for things like soup or spaghetti? I'm trying to decide between having an electric skillet along vs having a cheap hot plate to conserve on propane use when a slow cooker is too slow... Thanks for the suggestions so far!
rolling_rhoda
Explorer
Dec 15, 2013
A 6 qt pot with a heavy bottom and a lid for soups, sauces and long simmers
A hand mixer
Vinyl tablecloths and clips for picnic table
Flameless candles
Serving utensils
Medium sized cooler for drinks so fridge isn't opened so much on hot days/travel days
A bottle of Pendleton or wine
sdianel_-acct_c
Explorer
Dec 15, 2013
Set of plastic wine glasses. I use the pasta cooker and steamer in my microwave a lot. It's the one "as seen on TV" oval shaped. I also use a small pressure cooker.
fchammer1
Explorer
Dec 15, 2013
You can't make really good, authentic lemoncello without a decent lemon zester like this one. Don't use a grater as you can't see what you are shaving off when the grated side of the citrus is away from you.
old_guy
Explorer
Dec 14, 2013
I have read on this forum of many who have had their stone break because it came out of the oven while traveling. I've had mine in for some time back in the 80's and so far it is in good condition. we just moved it over to our new TT and it is a little black on one corner but other than that, it is still working.