“Creativity is key to finding meal prep and storage solutions for your RV kitchen or boat galley!”
Finding a large place to store all of your kitchen essentials to do all your meal prep, clean up and storage is a hefty challenge in small kitchens.
Even harder is finding space saving kitchen essentials because most kitchen cabinets in RVs and boats are much smaller than your standard home kitchen cabinets.
And really, it’s not feasible to bring all your glass or ceramic mixing bowls and metal kitchen essentials because they will be way too heavy to carry in your RV.
But our solution to that quandary are kitchen essentials that collapse down for easy storage!
So, let’s take a look at which collapsible kitchen gadgets we use for our food prep and storage in our RV. They’re great for any size camper, boat galley as well as tiny kitchens in your cottage or cabin.
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Space Saving Collapsible Kitchen Gadgets
Kitchen Food Prep & Storage Solutions for RVs, Boats & Tiny Kitchens
Collapsible Salad Spinner
I use my 3-quart collapsible salad spinner for washing and spin drying all of my fruits and vegetables. It’s also multi-purpose for not only food prep, but also for serving and food prep!
After washing and spin-drying our salad greens, I can use the bowl as my salad serving bowl. And, I can use the strainer part for rinsing my other cold produce.
To store this fun salad spinner, simply collapse it to less than 3″ in height. This by far, is one of my most favorite RV kitchen gadgets.
✰ PRO TIP ✰ Did you know that you can use a salad spinner to hand wash smaller pieces of clothing (leggings, socks, lingerie or underwear).
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Over The Sink Collapsible Colander Strainer
I absolutely love my collapsible kitchen sink strainer because its extending handles allow it rest on my countertop over the sink edge.
Anything I can’t stand is putting a strainer in the sink and dumping my boiled pasta only to have the strainer sitting in whatever else is in the sink waiting to drain. This solves that unsanitary issue.
Then to store, I just collapse my kitchen strainer to about an inch and a half and store it upright in my kitchen cabinet.
Collapsible 2-in-1 Microwave Plate Cover Strainer
One of the chores I loath is cleaning the inside of the microwave oven. Nothing is worse than dried remnants from exploded food from three days ago.
We just use this 2-in-1 collapsible microwave plate cover strainer. It’s made of microwave-safe BPA-free plastic. So now, I’m just washing the cover rather than the whole inside of the microwave oven.
This trusty collapsible kitchen gadget scales down for easy storage in the drawer beneath (after cleaning it, of course!). It has slitted air vents in top that allows steam to escape. And, the best part, is it doubles as a collapsible strainer too!
Collapsible Produce Strainer and Storage All-in-One
This adorable quart-size collapsible produce keeper is one of my favorite kitchen gadgets in our RV.
We can wash and store smaller amounts of produce all in in one container. It doubles as a small strainer and storage. And, the clear lid allows us identify contents without having to open the container.
The water reservoir keeps moisture away from the produce making your fresh garden varieties last longer. And, the easy-slide vent adjusts for proper air flow.
We can also collapse it shorter for smaller portions of berries, beans, grape tomatoes or other small produce to store in our RV refrigerator.
Collapsible Silicone Air Fryer Liners
If you’re an air fryer user, you know what pain in the rear it is to scrub out your air fryer basket. And if you’re camping or RVing with limited water, that could present a problem.
But then we found these collapsible silicone air fryer liners that are practical and are super easy to clean.
Each air fryer basket is made of safe food-grade silicone. They’re non-stick, non-toxic, and BPA-free. And they can withstand up to 464° F and down to -42° F for air frying.
The best part is they are a great alternative to disposable parchment liner that are expensive and take up trash space.
You can get them either circular, square and even rectangular based on the design of your particular air fryer.
Collapsible Large Mixing Bowl
Hands down, this is my all-time favorite kitchen bowl! In fact, it’s my everything bowl because it’s a large collapsible bowl that offers many different uses.
For example, I use it for mixing large quantities such as potato or pasta salads. Or, it’s the perfect size for potluck salads. It’s also perfect as a pass-around bowl for chips and popcorn around the campfire. I even use it to wash my produce before eating.
But, just because it’s a huge doesn’t mean you have to sacrifice kitchen cabinet storage space. It measures only 2″ deep when fully collapsed which makes for easy compact storage!
Also, each graduated layer of this large collapsible bowl snaps into place to perform its desired function whether storing flat or expanding for use.
It’s made of FDA-approved plastic and silicone that’s totally food safe. It also comes in a much larger 5 quart size collapsible bowl from the same company!
Collapsible Storage Bowl Set
Mini but mighty is how I describe this cool collapsible bowl set!
These graduated size bowls are fantastic for storing leftovers and reheating. I also make smaller portion tuna, chicken and egg salads in them.
They are perfect for food prep and storage and can go just about anywhere. With three convenient storage bowl sizes, they are great for taking in a cooler or to potlucks.
After washing, we just collapse them down to one third of their usable height for convenient storage in our RV kitchen drawer.
Collapsible Food Storage Containers
As eco-minded RV travelers, it’s important to us that the kitchen products we use are safe for the food we eat as well as the environment. Which is why these collapsible food storage containers are a great addition to our tiny RV kitchen.
These space saving containers collapse to 1/3 their size which makes them perfect for storing in your small cabinets in your boat, RV or van. And, their snap-top airtight lids will ensure your food stays fresh longer.
They are eco-friendly and sustainable; made of 100% premium BPA-free, lead-free, and non-toxic food grade silicone. They are dishwasher-safe, freezer-safe and microwave-safe which makes them great for storing and reheating leftovers.
Collapsible Berry Strainer
This snazzy little berry strainer set is ideal for the biggest motorhome to the smallest camper. Because they’re collapsible, you won’t have to worry about bulky strainers taking up precious space in your kitchen or galley drawer or cabinet.
They are the perfect size strainer too! A quart of strawberries, raspberries or blueberries fits perfectly to wash away pesticides and dirt. And, these cute little collapsible kitchen strainers are also perfect for rinsing a can of beans, fruits or vegetables.
Collapsible Measuring Cups
As with all of my other collapsible kitchen gadgets, these collapsible measuring cups are why I love having them as part of my food prep gadget collection.
The measuring cups collapse down to only a couple inches which makes them store perfectly in shallow drawers.
This complete set of collapsible measuring cups includes four pieces (1/4, 1/3, 1/2 and 1 cup measures) and a 4-piece measuring spoon. Both measuring cups and measuring spoons can separated for measuring, scooping and washing.
Collapsible Dish Pan
In my opinion, it doesn’t matter what size RV or boat you have, you should always keep at least one portable wash basins accessible.
In fact, in our tiny Winnebago View class C motorhome, we keep two of these multi-functional collapsible dish pans with us at all times.
Because they’re so versatile, they offer many different uses. From washing dishes, soaking an injured hand to sanitizing fruits and vegetables, their perfect for van life or living large in a big rig RV or cabin cruiser!
Each wash basin measures at 9.5 quarts when deployed at full capacity. They are made of durable plastic and silicone.
When we’re boondocking, we use one for washing our dishes while the other dishpan is used for rinsing. By using these allows us to measure and monitor our water usage more precisely.
The best part is both collapsible dish pans fit in our RV kitchen farmer’s sink which means less mess. When I’m finished with them, I simply dry them out, collapse them, snap them together and slide them upright in our cabinet under the sink.
These versatile collapsible kitchen essentials are also perfect for outdoor kitchens, washing kids hands and bare feet before coming into the RV, sponge baths, etc.
They’re also great for loading up and carrying our grilling tools, or condiments and table settings to take outside to the picnic table.
✰ PRO TIP ✰Collapsible dish pans are the perfect accessory for your RV maintenance kit too!
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Collapsible Dish Drainer
Unless you’re the Tetris champion, stacking dishes after washing them on a dish drying mat will just result in a disaster.
But, a collapsible dish drainer will save you from that. You can wash, rinse and stack in your dishes to let the water drain right off. And, it doesn’t require you to towel dry if you don’t want to. A half hour of setting out to air dry and voila!
Collapsible 10 in 1 Multi-Function Slicer Kitchen Set
Because an RV kitchen and boat galley are so small, it’s important to have kitchen gadgets that not only take up little space, but also are multi-use.
This is the perfect reason for stocking your kitchen supplies with a collapsible 10 in 1 collapsible cooking utensil set.
It comes with a food-grade cutting board, foldable silica gel drain basket, five switchable slicer, kitchen knife, fruit knife, and a multifunctional bottle opener. Combined accessories for all your kitchen needs.
The multi-functional cutting board set has a scientific storage design making it perfect for camping, tailgating, fishing, beach, RV or van, boat, picnics and barbecue, etc.
Collapsible Travel Hot Water Kettle
This cute little collapsible hot water kettle is perfect for van life, RVs, boats, camping and any other outdoor activity where storage space is constrictive.
It’s also great to pack in your suitcase to make your own hot tea, pour over coffee, instant oatmeal or grits, ramen noodles, etc. It definitely can save you money instead of eating out for quick meals in your hotel room.
And though it is electric, you can still use it with your generator or ample battery capacity in your RV or boat.
Collapsible Silicone Pour Over Coffee Dripper
Don’t ever think you have to give up good tasting coffee while you’re camping, RVing or vanlifing.
An easy to use and super practical collapsible pour over coffee dripper is just the ticket for on-the-go and outdoor-minded adventure seekers. Because it collapses, it deploys and stores in just a push.
Then, set it on top of your favorite mug, load top with a cone filter with your coffee grounds, Then, pour boiling water (from your kettle above!) into the top. Watch the coffee slowly drip through the bottom until complete and ready to drink.
Once you’re finished brewing your coffee, discard the coffee grounds, rinse your dripper and collapse it for easy storage or clip it onto you bag for portable coffee on-the-go.
MORE collapsible kitchen gadgets & food storage containers
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Wrapping up our favorite Collapsible Kitchen Gadgets
As you can see, you don’t have to sacrifice your favorite kitchen accessories just because you have a small kitchen or galley. These collapsible kitchen gadgets and food prep accessories are what we use in our RV kitchen. It’s a no brainer why they are our favorites.
These innovative and space saving kitchen accessories are absolutely perfect for RVers and campers. But also, they can be used in boat galleys, tiny home kitchens, small apartments, college dorms, cabins and cottages!
Collapsible kitchen essentials are just the ticket for anyone living in small spaces who are trying to maximize kitchen storage space.
More Space Saving RV Storage Ideas
