The Ultimate Guide to the Campervan Kitchen Unit

The kitchen is often referred to as the heart of the home, and the same holds true for our campervan. We knew that crafting a functional and comfortable kitchen was essential for the success of our van conversion. After much research and planning, we settled on the perfect layout and gathered all the materials we needed to make it happen.

From installing the stove and sink to creating storage solutions for portable stove, we poured our hearts into every aspect of the build process. Now, we’re proud to say that our campervan kitchen truly feels like home- a place where we can gather, cook a delicious meal, and make unforgettable memories on the road.

Our van kitchen is more than just a kitchen. It’s a space where we can unwind, relax, and indulge in our favorite meals or drinks. The custom cabinets and sleek countertops were designed to complement each other and make the best use of the available space.

Every detail was carefully considered, from the materials used to the layout of the cabinets, to ensure that our kitchen is both stylish and practical. Whether we’re cooking up a storm or just grabbing a quick snack, we know that our kitchen is the perfect retreat for any time of day. It’s a true testament to the power of thoughtful design and attention to detail.

Our campervan kitchen layout

Converting a van into a campervan can be an exciting and daunting task. One of the biggest decisions you will make is choosing the layout. The kitchen is undoubtedly an important area to focus on. When my partner and I created our own campervan, we knew we had to dedicate just under half the van to the kitchen.

Living in rainy England, we understood the importance of having enough indoor space to cook and prepare food. But our well-organized and functional campervan kitchen unit and area has done more than just keep us dry. It has made all the difference in our vanlife experience.

A successful vanlife adventure requires careful planning and attention to detail. So, if you’re building your own campervan, don’t underestimate the importance of a well-designed kitchen. It may just be the key to making your journey an unforgettable success.

Closing off the cab

When it comes to converting a van into a camper, there are many decisions that need to be made. One such decision that we made was to close off the cab from the back, which may not be the choice for everyone. However, for us, it was the best decision we ever made.

Not only did it provide an added layer of security knowing that our belongings weren’t visible from the front and driver’s seat of the van, but it also created a cosy atmosphere that truly felt like home.

Moreover, since we had enough space in the van for our LWB, we didn’t require the extra space that swivel seats would have provided. All in all, we are happy with our decision to close off the driver’s seat in the cab and feel grateful that it has made our camper feel like a home away from home.

Designing a kitchen is an exciting task, but it can be challenging when space is limited. It’s tough to balance a desire for a spacious kitchen with the practicalities of everyday use. This is where creative planning and ingenuity come in to save the day.

Closing off a small section of the kitchen, for example, can make a huge difference. By doing so, you can achieve an L-shaped layout that maximizes counter space while accommodating a large hob and sink. The result is a kitchen that feels sleek and modern, with all the space you need to create culinary masterpieces. With a bit of creativity, even the smallest kitchen can be transformed into a practical and stylish space.

Designing the layout

Designing the perfect camper or tk van kitchen layout can seem overwhelming, but with the right tools, it doesn’t have to be. Adobe Illustrator is an excellent tool to create a scaled-down version of your ideal layout, giving you a clear vision of how everything will fit together.

This method can save you a lot of time and money by allowing you to perfect your design before any major purchases are made. Take inspiration from the trial-and-error approach used by successful campervan and tk van kitchen designers. With patience and persistence, you too can create the ideal setup for your adventure needs. The end result will make your travels more enjoyable and comfortable, with everything you need just a few steps away.

Designing a kitchen can be a daunting task, especially when it comes to creating a balance between functionality and aesthetics. For one homeowner, fitting a hob, sink, tap, and fridge into a limited space was a difficult challenge. But with a bit of creativity, they were able to create a unique L-shape design to make the most of the available area.

By choosing a 600mm depth on the right-hand side removable camp kitchen to accommodate the hob two burner stove, and fridge, and a slimmer 450mm on the left-hand side to avoid interfering with the doorway, they were able to achieve a removable camp kitchen layout that’s both practical and stylish. It’s an inspiring reminder that sometimes unconventional solutions can lead to the best outcome, and that compromise doesn’t have to mean sacrificing on design.

All-In-One Van Kitchen

Embarking on an outdoor adventure is an incredible way to create unforgettable experiences and memories. But let’s face it, there’s nothing worse than roughing it without the essential amenities. This is where a well-equipped campervan comes in handy. Imagine having a marine grade water system complete with faucets and high efficiency pumps and filters, along with storage bladders and toilet attachments to make your travels comfortable and convenient.

And don’t forget about style: the camper van-style cooking area features shelves, a utensil drawer and drawers, and an expanded work surface for easy meal prep. The flip-down tables also provide an attractive workspace. Whether you’re hitting the road alone or with a group, a campervan with all the bells and whistles will make your outdoor adventure a dream come true.

Trail Kitchens Campervan Kitchen Pods

As an avid adventurer who loves van camping, finding enough space to cook and store food can be a serious challenge. But thanks to the Trail Kitchen series, those struggles are a thing of the past. Mack’s father swears that his Aluminum Camper Van Kitchen pod has revolutionized the way he camps. With a fully equipped kitchen that’s compact enough to fit in your van, you’ll never have to compromise on your culinary indulgences, no matter how remote your camping spot is.

And with a Dometic refrigerator connector hose hot water heater and pump, you can keep everything chilled and ready to eat. The customization options for the kitchen pod, stove, table and countertop are the cherry on top of this already innovative product. So why not step up your camping game with the Trail Kitchen? It’s the ultimate outdoor kitchen for any adventure-loving foodie.

Every minute spent planning is 10 minutes saved working on the van!

Turning your camper into a dream home on wheels may seem overwhelming, but our guide to conversions makes it a thrilling journey. From creating a design to insuring the final product, we cover everything you need to know. Our detailed steps and tips will guide you through each stage of the process, including electrical and plumbing systems.

Whether you’re a beginner or an expert, our guide offers insights and practical suggestions to achieve your desired van conversion throughout. Don’t miss out on the opportunity to hit the road in style – read on to begin your adventure!

Try Nomadic Energy, our free electrical system design service

Are you curious about our wizardry? Our team has cracked the code and calculated over 100 parameters to create the perfect system. Don’t miss out on the juicy details!

Re-write the way you live

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Building the campervan kitchen units

Building a Campervan Kitchen that saves space and weight is a smart idea, but how do you do it without compromising on quality? Instead of opting for the heavy and dense 18mm MDF used in IKEA cabinets, we went a different route.

We chose a single thickness 12mm plywood that’s both lightweight and sturdy. Not only does this save precious space in your tk van kitchen fits well, but it also saves you from lugging around unnecessary weight. By doing some budget calculations, we realized we could create a stunning tk van kitchen fits all out of plywood instead of modular IKEA cabinets. So now you too can upgrade your tk van kitchen on a budget and be the envy of fellow travelers!

Building the campervan kitchen units

Embarking on a campervan adventure is an exciting time full of possibilities, but it’s important to keep practicalities in mind. We wanted to make sure our home-on-wheels was as lightweight as possible, so we decided to get creative and build our own kitchen units from scratch.

Our material of choice was single thickness 12mm ply, which not only saved weight but also gave us the freedom to customize the space to our specific needs. While pre-made IKEA cabinets may seem like a convenient option, we knew that the double thickness 18mm MDF carcasses would only add unnecessary weight to our mobile home. By using our own materials, we were able to cut down on weight and create a space that was truly our own.

Take a seat, because this will leave you in awe: after some number-crunching, we realized that by crafting our entire kitchen from 12mm ply instead of hitting up IKEA for those trendy, modular cabinets, we managed to save a whopping 35kg! That’s right, we practically shed a whole person’s worth of weight from our kitchen without sacrificing style or function. Talk about a smart move for both our wallets and the environment.

Transforming a plain out van kitchen into a dreamy campervan oasis is easier than you might think. Building your own custom removable camp kitchen units from scratch can be a fun and rewarding experience. Using single sheets of 12mm ply, there are two ways to approach building the units: clamping the pieces together with a batten or using a router to slot the pieces together with a touch of wood glue.

By designing your own camp van kitchen, you can ensure it fits your exact needs and preferences. No more cramped cooking or awkwardly placed appliances, you can even conceal your fridge within the depths of your perfect campervan kitchen.

Transform your kitchen with the versatile METOD cabinet legs from IKEA! These legs aren’t just for mounting your carcass unit onto the floor – they provide an opportunity to customize the height of your kitchen table, ensuring a level surface for all your culinary creations. Plus, they make for a convenient hiding spot for wires and pipes, keeping your space looking neat and organized. Upgrade your kitchen setup with the simple yet functional METOD cabinet legs today!

When creating our L shaped kitchen, we knew we had to make use of every inch of space. Originally planning to stash our water tank in the corner, we decided to move it to the boot for weight distribution and convenience. This left us with a whole lot of potential storage space for non-perishables. We got creative and carved out a secret compartment in the neighboring cupboard, allowing us easy access to our canned goods and other dry ingredients without sacrificing counter space. Now our kitchen not only looks sleek but is incredibly practical too!

Transforming a lifeless carcass into a functional kitchen masterpiece, we strategically placed delicate strips of ply to reinforce the countertop’s foundation. Our careful craftsmanship guarantees a seamless blend of functionality and elegance in this culinary sanctuary.

Setting up the van kitchen was a breeze! We decided to do things a little differently and built it on the outside of the vehicle for ease of construction. Once it was perfected, we carefully attached it to the walls of the van, making sure it was a perfect fit, snug and secure. Now, we can cook up a storm from the comfort of our cozy, van kitchen. Bon appétit!

The worktop

When it comes to decking out a campervan kitchen, every inch counts. That’s why we turned to Worktop Express, the budget-friendly wooden countertop supplier, to revamp our mobile cooking space. After some careful consideration, we settled on the 22m thickness option – the thinnest they offer – to ensure our setup wouldn’t weigh us down on the road. Our journey to achieve a practical yet stylish campervan kitchen has just begun, and it all started with a smart and savvy decision.

Transforming our kitchen table into a masterpiece table required some serious skills! With a jigsaw, we sliced the worktop table down to the precise size, then carefully screwed it onto the carcass of our table through thin strips of ply. Finally, we sealed the deal with some powerful jointing compound, locking in the magic of our new and improved kitchen table!

With the stove and framework in place, it was finally time for the thrilling task of cutting out the spaces for the stove and sink. Armed with drill bits and jigsaws, we carefully measured and mapped out where each appliance would go. And with a few deft moves, we sliced through the solid surface of the countertop to reveal the slots where the cooking magic would soon take place. It was a satisfying moment, watching the kitchen slowly come to life beneath our skilled hands.

Transform your table top into a stunning, long-lasting masterpiece with the power of Osmo Polyx oil. This clear matte wax coating brings to life the natural beauty of your wood surface while providing unbeatable protection against everyday wear and tear. Say goodbye to unsightly shiny finishes and hello to a worktop that will leave you charmed every time you lay eyes on it.

Making the cupboard & drawer fronts

Transforming a boring space into a personal paradise can be quite the undertaking. But one DIY enthusiast has taken it to the next level by using IKEA drawers, while simultaneously crafting beautiful and unique drawer fronts from 12mm ply.

Not stopping there, they completely customized all cupboard fronts with concealed frog hinges – just imagine the seamless look! And of course, what’s the point of all the hard work if things aren’t properly secured? That’s why standard roller catches were added to keep everything safely contained while on the move. This is how you turn an ordinary project into an extraordinary masterpiece!

We got creative with our kitchen renovation and installed a front fascia for storage right in front of the sink. To finish it off, we used two thin strips of ply as blanking pieces to make it look sleek and seamless. After constructing it all, we painted everything white and added some stylish cupboard handles.

But we didn’t stop there – we also added a splashback made out of birch ply to protect our walls from splatters and spills. Not only does it look great, but it’s also practical in preventing anything from falling behind the counter. Our little kitchen renovation project is now complete, and we’re thrilled with the end result!

Our kitchen appliances

Sink

Buckle up and get ready for the story of our most frivolous van purchase yet: a gorgeous Belfast sink from Shaws of Darwen. Now, when you’re putting together a badass, van conversion yourself, saving space and weight is usually the name of the game. But we couldn’t resist the allure of this beauty – all 460 x 380 x 205mm of it. Why did we go all out for a sink, you ask? Well, dear reader, not only do we adore the classic aesthetic of a Belfast sink, but we also knew that having a big, deep sink for all our van life washing up needs would be priceless. Sometimes, you just have to let your luxe flag fly.

Our kitchen is not only beautiful but also impressively light! By using single thickness 12mm ply instead of a bulky, pre-made IKEA kitchen, we saved a whopping 35kg. And let’s just say, our Belfast sink weighing in at 32kg certainly adds to the impressive weight reduction. Feeling pretty chuffed with ourselves over here!

We can’t imagine our life without it! The convenience of having ample hot water and the ability to easily wash dishes and clothes on-the-go is simply priceless. It’s like having a portable spa and laundry room in one. We highly recommend it to anyone looking for a luxurious yet practical solution.

Transforming our campervan’s water system was no easy feat. We had to purchase a state-of-the-art domestic tap from Lusso Stone and get creative with our plumbing connectors to switch from standard household water pressure to metric boat/caravan plumbing sizes. It was a challenging process, but the end result was worth it. If you’re curious about our journey and how we accomplished this impressive feat, be sure to check out our informative blog post on installing a top-notch campervan water system.

Hob

Cooking in your motorhome or boat can be a real challenge, especially when you’re dealing with pricey and limited hob options. That’s why we opted for a standard kitchen hob for our mobile home. We went with a Neff hob, which not only gave us ample cooking space with its 4 ring two burner setup, but also allowed us to switch to metric gas fittings with the help of a handy connector. And to top it off, we even connected the hob’s sparker to our inverter via a 3 pin plug. So if you’re looking for a practical and affordable hob solution for your mobile lifestyle, this is definitely worth a try!

Cooking on the go should be simple and hassle-free. That’s why when it came to selecting a stove for our mobile adventure, a non-fixed burner stove wasn’t even a consideration. The idea of constantly having to set it up and break it down for every meal or cup of tea seemed like a major inconvenience. Instead, we opted for a portable stove top that connected to our LPG bottle and allowed us to maintain plenty of counter space in our compact kitchen. Cooking and brewing up hot water is effortless, leaving us more time to focus on exploring and enjoying our surroundings.

Fridge

When it comes to van dwelling, having a reliable and efficient fridge is essential, and the Dometic CRX50 fits the bill perfectly. This 12V fridge is a staple for many van dwellers, thanks to its removable freezer portion and decent storage size.

Plus, the easy front access makes it just as functional as a standard household fridge. However, it’s not just about having a quality fridge – it’s also about smart design. By building our van kitchen units with deep cupboards, we were able to seamlessly incorporate the Dometic CRX50 into our van kitchen setup, maximizing space and functionality. Whether you’re a full-time van dweller or a weekend warrior, investing in a fridge like this can make all the difference in your home on wheels.

Heading out on an adventure in a campervan is an experience unlike any other, but even the most rugged explorers need a place to prepare a good meal.

That is where the campervan kitchen unit comes in. This all-in-one piece of equipment is the perfect solution for those living the van life. The unit is designed to fit snugly into the living space, with features like a sink, stove, fridge and storage compartments all within easy reach. You may be in the great outdoors, but with this compact and efficient kitchen, you can enjoy gourmet meals to rival any restaurant. And, with the freedom to travel anywhere, anytime, the campervan kitchen truly is the ultimate way to live life on the open road.

Decorating our kitchen

Transform your van into a luxurious mobile space with beautiful real ceramic tiles from Mandarin Stone! Not only are they stunning, but they also won’t break the bank, costing only about £12 for your entire project. No need to worry about stability while on the road, these tiles hold up against any driving bumps or rattles. Say goodbye to dull and boring van interiors and hello to a chic and elegant space!

Revamping our van for our next adventure, we picked up an IKEA spice rack, which turns out to be a must-have for any vanlife enthusiast! This little shelf became the perfect storage spot for all our knick-knacks, and with a few strategically placed magnets, they stayed put as we hit the road. But we didn’t stop there – we went full-on DIY and crafted a bookcase for our cookbooks using beautiful birch ply and dowelling. Now, our van is not only functional but stylish too!

The door handles on cook inside of our kitchen cabinets are from IKEA, and the rattan handle on cook inside of our bulkhead storage is from Anthropologie.

On the wall on the front of the van in our kitchen cabinet by the sliding door, we have attached some coat hooks and also made a shoe holder. We find it super useful having these, to keep the floor of the van from getting messy with all of our shoes and jackets.

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