20 Smart Small RV Kitchen Ideas to Maximize Every Inch of Space
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The truth is, small RV kitchens come with big challenges. Whether you’re full-timing in a fifth wheel or a weekending warrior, cooking in a compact space often stacking, shuffling, and constantly shifting items just to make a simple meal.
However, a little creativity can go a long way. From clever cabinet conversions to surprising ways to store everyday items, there are endless ways to make a tiny kitchen work smarter, not harder. Focusing on functionality doesn’t mean you have to sacrifice aesthetics either, we can show you how to have both!
Below, you’ll find 20 real-life small RV kitchen ideas to inspire your own setup. Some of these are clever hacks you can DIY in one afternoon, others are organizational tools or simple design choices that make a big impact. Every tip is something that can be implemented without a full kitchen overhaul too, which we know is important. Let’s breakdown how to make the most of every inch!
1. Magnetic Spice Storage That Frees Up Cabinet Space
Spices are small, but can take up a surprising amount of space. We love using magnets in an RV kitchen to save space like this magnetic metal strip attached the spare cabinet space. It keeps it out of the way, but easily accessible when cooking.
Want to see more spice storage ideas? Check out this article: 7 RV Spice Rack Ideas to Help You Organize Your Camper Kitchen
2. Fold-Down Counter Extension for More Prep Space
One of our favorite tricks is a DIY foldable countertop extension. It’s easy enough to install — you just need hinges and a support bracket, but it’s the perfect solution for a small RV kitchen. You have extra prep room when needed, but can have it completely out of the way when not in use.
Interested in installing one? Check out our blog on DIY RV Countertop Extensions!
3. Wall-Mounted Knife Strip Saves Drawer Space
Drawers are a hot commodity in RV kitchens, and knives can take up a lot of that space. We love using a magnetic bar strip near the stove. Not only does it keep your blades from dulling in a drawer or taking up space in the form of a butcher block holder, but it adds a sleek vibes too!
4. Over-the-Sink Cutting Board Doubles as a Prep Surface
An over-the-sink cutting board provides extra workspace while still letting you rinse produce below. There are even versions with collapsible strainers built in for even more functionality.
5. DIY Pull-Out Pantry Between Fridge and Wall
You know that tiny sliver of space between your fridge and the wall? Don’t let it go to waste! You can install a narrow pull-out pantry with shelves for canned goods or spices. It may seem like a lot of work for such a thin storage space, but when it comes to an RV kitchen, no space can be wasted.
Want more RV pantry ideas? We have a blog on that too! See here: RV Pantry Organization Ideas
6. Compact Dish Drying Rack Over the Sink
See a theme with using the space over the sink? Using a roll-up drying rack that fits right over your sink saves space when being stored away and serves as extra prep room and drying space.
7. Drawer Dividers for Cutlery and Tools
![small RV kitchen ideas drawer divider for utensils]](https://rvinspiration.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/10/organize-drawer-kitchen-rving-dogs-and-wine-840x1024.webp)
Organize your drawers with customizable dividers to keep cooking tools and utensils from becoming a jumbled mess. Not only does this keep things organized and aesthetically pleasing, but it keeps your items space when the RV is in transit.
You can even purchase stackable drawer organizers that can help you make more efficient use of deep drawers.
8. Wall Hooks for Hanging Mugs or Cooking Tools
![small RV kitchen ideas hooks for mugs and tools]](https://rvinspiration.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/05/cropped-rv-kitchen-storage.jpeg)
Utensil rails with hooks like this gold one don’t just look nice and keep the counters clutter free; they can be used for almost anything! They are truly versatile kitchen storage that’s easy to install and inexpensive. You can hang mugs, dish towels, utensils, etc. Try placing them under cabinets or on a side wall.
9. Under-Sink Tension Rod for Hanging Spray Bottles
You can install a tension rod under the kitchen sink to hang cleaning supplies. This makes full use of vertical space and keeps bottles easy to grab. It’s also not permanent and an easy DIY you can arrange in minutes.
10. Basket as Produce Storage
Use wire baskets for produce storage. You can attach them to the side of a cabinet or a wall. They save counter space and give you easy to access your produce when cooking! Check out this set of baskets that can be mounted with screws or adhesive.
11. Stackable, Lightweight Dishware Saves Space and Weight
When choosing bowls, plates, baking ware, opt for ones that nest inside each other, or collapse flat. Another pro tip is to use enamel or melamine dishes — they won’t break if they are dropped or shift while moving and are lighter than ceramic of glass for instance.
12. Hidden Trash/Recycling Bin Slide-Out
Install a pull-out, or tilt-out trash system inside a cabinet. While it does take up cabinet space, it keeps the smell of garbage and recycling down, and gives you back precious floor space in your kitchen!
13. Hidden Storage Over Stovetop
We love this clever storage hack! The hood over the RV stove is used with a lift-top panel to reveal a large amount of storage. this is great for pots and pans, and other items you use while cooking.
14. Wall Mounted Shelves for Storing Spices
These types of narrow and long wire spice racks are lightweight and easy to install. You can use screws or even heavy-duty adhesive strips for a less permanent solution. They keep the counter and cabinets free of spices, but give you ample space for them, right in reach!
Love the look and use of mason jars? We have a whole post on how to use them wisely in an RV!
15. Slide-Out Pantry Drawers with Clear Labels
Sliding clear bins with labels make it easy to see and access pantry staples in tight cabinets. We like ones that stack (if you have the height in your cabinet). These also help keep items from shifting within the cabinets when in transit. It’s a win-win!
16. Collapsible Silicone Food Prep Bowls
These bowls expand when needed and flatten to store in a drawer, which make them ideal for RV living. They are great for mixing, prepping, and even baking without taking up precious storage space! Bonus – they are lightweight too!
Find more clever collapsible kitchen items in this article.
17. LED Strip Lighting Under Cabinets
This may not seem like a storage solution, but if you need more light in your kitchen workspace, but want to use minimal power (like when you’re off grid!) then peel and stick LED strips under your upper cabinets is an awesome trick.
18. Side of Island Flat Storage
![19. DIY PVC Towel Bar Beneath the Sink (Fresh Idea)[Photo placeholder – Alt text: small RV kitchen ideas DIY towel rack with PVC]A bit of PVC piping and some brackets can create a simple, durable towel bar. Place it on the inside of the cabinet door for easy access.](https://rvinspiration.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/06/kitchen-storage-1-681x1024.jpeg)
The side of the kitchen island is a great piece of storage real estate. You can add hooks to hand fruit bags, or like they did in the photo above, hang a pocket-storage holder that can store your pot lids. This is great because pot lids often take up an annoying amount of space, and prevent pots from nesting in each other inside the cabinet.
19. Slide Out Drawers Within Kitchen Cabinets
![20. Slim Slide-Out Cutting Board Hidden in Cabinet Slot (Fresh Idea)[Photo placeholder – Alt text: small RV kitchen ideas slide-out cutting board]Install a thin slot in your cabinet frame for a custom cutting board. It slides out like a drawer and tucks away when not needed.](https://rvinspiration.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/03/cabinets-with-drawers-inside-768x1024.jpeg)
Adding slide out drawers within your cabinets not only is a way to make your life easier, but it can maximize storage. It’s also quite easy to install and often comes in kits!
21. Double Stack Floating Shelves
Shelves don’t have to just be aesthetic for decor and a few nice stacks of pretty plates! Stacking shelves with just enough room for small items can make them functional while maximizing wall space. See more ideas for organizing with decorative items in our article 17 Space Saving RV Ideas That Are Both Beautiful And Practical.
Conclusion
The best part about these small RV kitchen ideas? You don’t need a full remodel to make them work! Whether you’re installing a fold-down counter or just swapping your dish rack, even small changes can make a big difference in function and feel. They can be both transformative to your space and inexpensive.
Your RV kitchen should be a place that works for you, not frustrates you. With the right layout, organization, and tools, cooking in your RV can feel just as comfortable as it does in a stick-and-brick home. Try one or two ideas from this list and see how much more enjoyable space you have!
Have a genius hack or a before/after photo of your RV kitchen setup? We’d love to see it! Share with us in the comments or tag us on Instagram.
If you found this article helpful, you might also want to read these ones:
- The Ultimate RV Storage Guide to Organizing Your RV Kitchen
- RV Kitchen Storage Hacks
- Space-Saving RV Ideas
- RV Pantry Organization Ideas
- Space-Saving Spice Storage Ideas
Katherine Bitner spent a year full-time RVing with her husband and dog around the US. As a former interior designer, her favorite thing was budget-friendly ways to make her home on wheels feel luxurious and Pinterest-worthy! She is now a full-time writer and author.
