Cooking in the open air, with a view and without filling the van with smoke and smells, is one of the small pleasures of camper life. The outdoor kitchen, whether fixed or improvised, frees up space inside and is a real treat, especially in summer. But it also has its downside when it rains. Let's look at the options and when it's worth it.
The advantages of cooking outside
- Frees up interior space: you don't need a large kitchen inside.
- Less damp and fewer smells inside: cooking (especially boiling or frying) generates a lot of moisture that causes condensation (see condensation). Outside, that problem disappears.
- More pleasant in summer: you don't bring the heat from the stove inside the van.
- The atmosphere: cooking with the scenery in front of you is part of the experience.
Types of outdoor kitchen
- Rear slide-out drawer kitchen: a module that slides out through the tailgate with a hob, sink and storage. Very practical and tidy, typical of converted vans.
- Portable gas hob: the simple, budget option; you take out a hob (cartridge or small bottle) and cook on a table outside.
- Cooking under the awning: making the most of the shade and shelter of the awning (see awnings and canopies).
The downside: rain
The big drawback of cooking outside is bad weather: if it rains or is windy, you're stuck. That's why it's best to combine the two: something minimal inside for bad days, and the outdoor kitchen for good weather. Many people carry a portable hob precisely for this flexibility.
Practical tips
- Safety with gas: cook in a ventilated, stable area; never inside with poor ventilation.
- Protect the flame from the wind (a windbreak helps).
- Clean up well: don't leave leftovers that attract animals or dirty the surroundings.
In summary
The outdoor kitchen frees up space inside, reduces damp and smells, and is ideal in summer, with the drawback of rain; the best approach is combining it with something inside. The step to take today: even if you have an indoor kitchen, bring a portable gas hob for cooking outside in good weather; you'll gain space, avoid damp inside and enjoy cooking with a view. Pair it with easy recipes.
