One year has passed since first writing about RV essentials in the kitchen. What has worked? What didn't? Did we need to add or subtract anything? Let's find out as we begin a new series on Freedom Rolling, "Did It Work?" This is where we look back at our predictions and see what's actually worked, and what sort of adjustments we needed to make along the way.
First and foremost, there were a list of appliances we intended to bring. The combination slow cooker, pressure cooker, and maker of quite a few other things, has been one of the main staples of the kitchen. This is used several times a week, doesn't take up very much counter space, and packs very well in the equipment cupboard. The immersion blender, not so much. The food processor attachment is a "nice to have", however the whisk has proved to be a bit too powerful and ends up making a mess. The induction cooktop has been a great thing, but sadly was a bit old, and has since stopped working properly. We'll think about getting another, as it does help to save on propane, which we'd rather use for grilling and boondocking. Our combination blender/chopper is on its last legs as it's seven years old, but we have been finding great use for it, so this was a good choice.
One thing briefly touched a year ago was the cookware and tools. We ended up not taking cast iron pans with us, and probably for the better, given their weight and bulkiness. In speaking of bulkiness, one of the not-so-good choices we had made was our large induction frying pan with lid. The whole contraption is very difficult to fit in the equipment cupboard with the long handle sticking out, and is a pain to pack. We also have a griddle pan with cumbersome handle, but thankfully it is flat, making equipment easier to pack. A cookware set that has been fabulous, though, is a chef-endorsed eight-piece induction-friendly cookware set with removable handle that packs in a very surprisingly compact manner. The carrying bag didn't survive long, but the pots and pan certainly have, and is one of the best small kitchen essentials. Our butcher block knife set, along with a mandolin, have served us well. too.
There are always things you wish you had brought but didn't, and kitchen gadgets is no exception. While on the road, one of the staples we ended up finding was a small air fryer. Although it doesn't get as much use as the slow cooker, it has been a boon for our travels. With a traditional coffee maker not surviving very long, a single cup coffee maker has been quite the help. This accepts the pods that are placed in fancy machines, or the regular grounds, with a travel mug fitting well beneath the machine. Although we've only used it while parked, one item that will serve us well is a miniature waffle maker. We brought a larger model with us that has seen rare use, and who knows what will happen with this smaller item, but at least they don't take up too much space.
Following your Internal Compass always seems like a great idea, but it's always a good idea to learn from the past when doing so. Here's to kitchen needs being in a better spot for the future.
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