Introduction
Kitchens present unique challenges for nomads who are constantly on the go. As frequent movers, nomads cannot always rely on having a fully-equipped kitchen available. At the same time, it’s important to be able to prepare quick, healthy meals without a lot of hassle. The good news is that with a few simple fixes, any basic kitchen can be transformed into a functional cooking space for nomads. This article explores six easy kitchen fixes to make any space more nomad-friendly. With some clever solutions, nomads can whip up delicious home-cooked meals from even the most modest kitchen setup.
Optimize Storage
One of the biggest obstacles for nomads is having enough storage space for food, dishes, and cooking tools in a small, temporary kitchen. Luckily, there are many ways to maximize storage, no matter the size of the space.
Use Vertical Space
Hanging pots, pans, and utensils from ceiling hooks, racks, or rods takes advantage of vertical storage space. Mounted wire shelving units on walls provide extra space for dried goods in airtight containers. Sturdy over-the-cabinet organizers can hold everything from baking sheets to spices.
Consider Collapsible Items
Collapsible dish racks, strainers, and food storage containers take up less space. Silicone collapsible bowls are light, compact, and perfect for camping trips. Fill empty under-sink spaces with expandable organizers.
Organize with Bins
Clear plastic bins allow you to see contents at a glance while keeping items neatly corralled. Label bins for different categories like baking, spices, canned goods, etc. Stackable bins conserve precious cabinet real estate.
Store Food Efficiently
Transfer bulk items like rice, beans, pasta, etc. into uniform clear containers that stack efficiently on shelves. Invest in some reusable, compression baggies to remove air and flatten bulky items.
Add Extra Storage Where Possible
A freestanding utility cart provides a movable storage tower for additional pantry items. Mount a paper towel holder inside a cabinet door to utilize unused space. Even a over-the-door shoe organizer can become extra vertical storage for packaged foods.
Equipment for Meal Prep
Nomads moving from place to place need compact, portable cooking equipment to whip up all their favorites. With some multipurpose tools, any meal can be prepared in a tiny home kitchen.
Choose Electric Appliances Wisely
Opt for small countertop versions of larger appliances like a single-serve coffee maker or mini food processor. A compact convection oven, slow cooker, and induction cooktop provide full cooking functionality.
Get Multi-use Pots and Pans
Choose stackable pans and pots with interchangeable lids. An all-in-one skillet with removable handles saves space. Opt for one large stockpot rather than several smaller pots.
Don’t Forget the Extras!
Carry lightweight, collapsible tools like silicon steamer baskets, folding splatter screens, snap-together cutting boards, and adjustable mesh strainers. Small prep bowls, reusable storage bags, and silicone pinch bowls take up little room.
Use Space-Saving Utensils
Telescoping cooking tools like retractable whisks and silicone collapsible spatulas are perfect for tight spaces. Hang utensils from hooks or magnetic strips to keep counters clutter-free.
Invest in Quality Knives
A compact, sharp chef’s knife, paring knife, and serrated bread knife are essentials. Store them in a sleek knife block, sheath, or magnetic strip.
Keep Surfaces Clear
Limited counter space is always a struggle for tiny home chefs. But with some adjustments, any kitchen can stay clutter-free.
Add Portable Cutting Boards
Keep counters clear by using cutting boards that can be stashed away. Flexible, rollable boards take up little room. Small wooden chopping blocks can do double duty as serving trays.
Make Use of Appliance Lids
Flip-up lids on a blender or food processor keep these bulky appliances out of sight. Store other small appliances in cabinets or slide them under countertops when not in use.
Install a Fold-Down Table
A small fold-down table or butcher block mounted to the wall serves as extra food prep space when needed, and folds flush with the wall when not in use.
Get Creative with Storage
Mount paper towel holders and knife blocks on walls or sides of cabinets. Use wall-mounted rail systems with S-hooks to hang utensils and free up drawers. Stash spices in wall-mounted racks.
Minimize Clutter
Only keep essential food items on the counters or shelves. Store cooking utensils in drawers or hanging racks. Use baskets or trays to corral small items likerecipe books.
Upgrade the Sink Area
Having an optimized sink and cleanup area is crucial for any kitchen, but especially in compact nomad kitchens. A few tweaks can make dishwashing and food prep much easier.
Install a Sink Cover
A custom-fit cutting board top creates more workspace over the sink when needed. Look for a lightweight cover that is easy to lift on and off.
Add a Dish Drying Rack
Roll-up dish racks unroll over the sink to dry washed dishes. Silicone dish drying mats stick right to the counter or sit on top of the sink.
Organize Cleaning Supplies
Mount cleaning brush holders and soap dispensers on the wall. Hang sponges from hooks to dry. Store scrub brushes and soaps in caddies to keep the area tidy.
Get a Sink Caddy
An over-the-sink caddy provides extra storage for sponges, brushes, and scrubbers right where you need them. Some caddies have adjustable plates to fit any sink.
Extend the Faucet
Faucets with pull-down sprayers give more room for washing large pots and pans. Soap dispensers can attach right to the faucet neck for easy access.
Add Lighting Options
Proper lighting is essential in any kitchen, allowing nomads to see ingredients clearly when cooking and prepping food. Well-placed lights can make all the difference.
Install Under-Cabinet Lights
Affordable, battery-powered LED puck lights or flexible strip lighting brighten up counter workspaces brilliantly. Hardwired under-cabinet lighting provides even illumination.
Use Portable Lamps
Tabletop clip-on utility lights direct brightness right where it’s needed. Rechargeable camping lanterns provide perfect portable task lighting.
Light Up Shelves
Battery-powered LED cabinet lights illuminate inner shelves to easily see contents. Opt for slim, low-profile designs.
Add Hanging Pendants
Hanging pendant lamps centered over the main workspace cast light right where you’re prepping and cooking. Go for dimmable, energy-efficient LED lights.
Place Lighting Strategically
Position lights over key cooking areas like the stove, sink, and countertops. Avoid shadows by layering light sources like overhead, task, and ambient lighting.
Make a Moveable Cooking Cart
For nomads working with extremely tight spaces, a movable cart provides extra storage and expands the usable cooking area.
Find One with Locking Wheels
Carts should have good locking wheels that keep them stable when prepping food. Sturdy stainless steel or wood carts are best for frequent transport.
Look for Multiple Shelves
Several stacked open shelves allow you to store essential items and move them from space to space easily. Some have mesh panels to hang utensils.
Add On Accessories
Customize your cart with handy accessories like paper towel holders, knife blocks, spice racks, towel rods, and side trays that slide in and out.
Use as Extra Counter Space
A cart parked near the kitchen doubles as a rolling food prep station. The top can hold appliances while the shelves below store ingredients within arm’s reach.
Take It Anywhere
Wheel the cart outside to transform patios, decks, etc. into outdoor cooking spaces. Carts make grilling, campfires, and picnics simpler.
FAQs
How can I add more kitchen storage as a nomad?
Maximize vertical storage space with wall-mounted racks, hanging utensil organizers, over-cabinet racks, and floating wall shelves. Store food in uniform clear containers that stack efficiently. Use collapsible, space-saving tools and appliances.
What basic cooking equipment do nomads really need?
Focus on quality multi-use pots and pans, a few essential knives, portable electric appliances like an induction cooktop and mini food processor, and lightweight, collapsible prep tools like silicone steamer baskets and cutting boards.
How do I keep limited counter space clear in a small nomad kitchen?
Add rollable cutting boards, keep appliances in cabinets when not in use, install fold-down prep tables, mount paper towel holders and knife blocks to walls or cabinets, and contain small items in trays and baskets.
What are some ways to make the sink area more functional in a nomad kitchen?
Add a sink cover cutting board, roll-up dish drying rack, over-sink caddy for sponges and scrubbers, wall-mounted cleaning brush holders and soap dispensers, and a pull-down faucet sprayer.
How can I improve lighting in a nomad kitchen?
Install under-cabinet LED lights, portable clip-on utility lamps, battery-powered cabinet lights, hanging pendant lamps over the central workspace, and properly positioned overhead and task lighting.
How does a movable cart help maximize cooking space for nomads?
A cart with locking wheels provides extra storage, counter space, and a movable cooking station to transport essentials from area to area. Accessories like paper towel holders, knife blocks, and side trays customize the cart.
Conclusion
Whether downsizing to a tiny home or constantly on the move, nomads can transform any basic kitchen into a fully-functional cooking space perfect for preparing delicious home-cooked meals. With solutions like vertical storage, portable appliances, counter space hacks, sink upgrades, and smart lighting, kitchens can be optimized for convenience, portability and comfort. A well-organized cooking cart even brings the functionality of the kitchen along anywhere it needs to go! With some clever fixes, nomads can whip up their favorite foods and enjoy home cooking no matter where the journey takes them.
