Van Advice

Cooking On The Road: Best Ways To Cook Out Of Your Van

Vanaways
Vanaways
5th May 2023
Cooking On The Road: Best Ways To Cook Out Of Your Van

It is a well known fact that food tastes better when consumed in the open air. Whether you’re embarking on a beach picnic or a summer barbeque, you can guarantee that whatever you cook will be complemented by the salty sea air or bright sunshine. This is something a van can facilitate, whether you’re eating on the go in an impromptu manner or cooking on the road as part of your regular van life.

If you’ve decided to pursue the eco-friendly alternative lifestyle of van dwelling, then you will likely have fitted out your vehicle with all the amenities you need to eat, sleep and wash. When you set out, you may be intending to cook within your van for long periods of time, in which case you will need to consider how to plan for this properly.

Read on for a guide to van life cooking, including tips on preparing meals ahead of time and keeping yourself safe within your vehicle.

Preparation

Meal plans & provisioning

If you’re going to be travelling continuously, then planning and cooking meals ahead of time that are easy to re-heat can be a great way to prepare.

Fill the freezer

A full fridge and freezer in your van will keep its contents colder than a half-filled one, so it’s always best to prepare and store as many meals as you can.

Meat free alternatives

Vegetarian and vegan meals are easier to store and reheat without worrying about health risks associated with undercooked produce.

Plan for outdoor living

Living in a van will provide opportunities to cook outdoors and to prepare meals communally, which you can prepare for to maximise your resources.

Equipment

Store appliances & tables

Countertop stoves and appliances can be stowed away in drawers, whilst fold-away tables are an excellent space saver for on the go.

Nest dishes

Investing in pots, pans and tupperware that can nest easily is a good way to store multiple containers in a small space.

Maintain tools

Having a few well sharpened knives and tools is better than having lots of poorly maintained ones, so always bring your sharpening kit with you.

Safety

Fire management

Cooking in a tight space will increase your risk of a kitchen fire, so investing in extinguishers and fire blankets is a must.

Ventilation

You should think about kitchen ventilation when converting your van interior as a top priority, where a carbon monoxide detector will ensure your safety.

Emergency supplies

You never know what will happen on the road, so it is always a good idea to have an emergency non-perishable food supply.

Van Sales UK: Supplying Your Van Life Vehicle

At Van Sales UK, we’re here to help you find the perfect van for your conversion projects, whether you’re after a new, used or electric model.

Our Luton, box and transit vans are all ideal for van dwelling, where you can contact us today for expert advice on which vehicle will be best for you.

Vanaways Reviews

   
Mark Carter

Mark Carter

01 April 2025

"First class service, I must mention Adrian & Ash on an excellent deal & swift turn around under the short notice I had to buying a new van. Slight delay in the delivery of the van from manufacturers end but Adrian agreed to cover the cost of a hire van until my new van was delivered which allowed me to continue working. its the first time i've purchased a van without physically entering a dealership and i wouldn't hesitate to do it again."

Jackie Lee

Jackie Lee

28 March 2025

"Excellent service from start to finish. Jake Wheelock was professional, efficient and really genuinely helpful. Had my truck in less than 2 weeks. Great communication and reliable. Would highly recommend!"

Paul

Paul

29 April 2025

"Overall dealings were good. Broadly speaking, response to emails could've been more timely. Joe, Snr Cust Service advisor in particular, was very good indeed. Sorted out the paperwork issues promptly. Overall, would recommend."

Steve Cole

Steve Cole

14 May 2025

"Great service, great price, great communication. As it should be done, They made it so easy to buy two vans. 10/10"

Jessica Allard

Jessica Allard

11 March 2025

"From start to finish Morgan and the team have been fantastic in sorting 2 new defenders out for us from the quote 3 weeks ago to them being delivered they have been brilliant the deal they got us was unbeatable thank you Lewis @ steve Allard and son stonemasons"

4.9 out of 5 from 450 reviews
Back to top