Hey everyone! Jaime here, contemplating a move from a cozy van build to a more compact Subaru Outback. The transition comes with its share of challenges, and one burning question on my mind is how to handle cooking. While I don’t need a five-star kitchen, whipping up a warm meal now and then is a must. Enter the camp stove – a trusty companion for the van life gourmet.
So, can you cook outside your vehicle without drawing unwanted attention or setting off the smoke alarms in your ride? That’s the real puzzle. Thankfully, the vanlife community on Reddit had some intriguing insights.
Parking Lot Pitstops and Outdoor Culinary Adventures
Share wisdom from their Ford Windstar mini-van, where the rear hatch doubles as a rain cover. Cooking inside or setting up shop at a picnic table offers flexibility. The key is having options, adapting to weather, and possibly using the vehicle’s features to your advantage.
embrace a more unconventional approach, cooking on the hood of their truck. Surprisingly, no one seemed bothered. This approach, mixed with a bit of stealth and common sense, might be a game-changer in various spots like parking lots or side-of-the-road gourmet sessions.
suggest checking out 12v lunchboxes and food warmers as alternatives. It’s always great to have a Plan B for those days when setting up a stove outside seems like more trouble than it’s worth.
Invisible Cooking and DIY Stoves
Now, here’s where it gets intriguing. hint at using meth stoves (using methylated spirits) – almost invisible from afar. Trangia, a popular brand, was mentioned, but for the DIY enthusiasts, creating one from a soda or pop can seems to be a viable option.
add a touch of personal experience, recalling fast-food days in rainy weather. Creating a spot for a small camp stove under the sunroof became a game-changer. It seems improvisation is the spice of life, even in van cooking.
Gourmet on the Go: Single Burners and More
suggest a single-burner butane stove for its size and versatility, with Coleman being a reliable brand. A practical choice for whipping up meals without sacrificing precious space.
exploring Indian foods and rice in foil bags, available at stores like Trader Joe’s. Paired with a Jetboil for boiling water, this offers a quick and tasty meal solution.
Propane Power and Unique Cooking Kits
Going a step further, some vanlifers swore by propane stoves. Avocate for a propane stove with an oven, offering a decadent dinner of biscuits and gravy with scrambled eggs. Talk about living the culinary dream on the road!
Delved into the intricacies of a well-prepared cooking and cleaning kit. From 12v kettles to 2-burner Coleman propane stoves, their setup covered all bases, even addressing potential rodent issues. An airtight food storage system and versatile spray bottles for hygiene added a layer of practicality.
Culinary Creativity: Van Stews and Cooking Simplified
Jumping into the world of van stews, simple yet hearty recipe – the Van Stew. A concoction of potatoes, carrots, onions, lentils, and various spices, it’s a testament to making delicious meals with minimal resources.
On the other end of the spectrum, suggest a focus on rice and lentils for healthy, budget-friendly options. They emphasized the importance of vitamins and recommended pills as a cost-effective alternative to fresh fruit.
To Cook Inside or Out: The Vanlife Dilemma
Now, let’s tackle the ongoing debate – cooking inside vs. outside. highlight the versatility of their van setup, initially built without a kitchen inside. However, after a few months, a change of heart led to ripping out the shower to make room for a kitchen.
For those questioning the need for an indoor stove, provide a crucial perspective. Cooking inside is a game-changer during bad weather or when you find yourself in a less-than-ideal location.
The Inside Cooking Controversy: A Vanlife Divide
The debate between cooking inside and outside sparked interesting responses. prefer cooking outside to avoid lingering smells, findd joy in cooking inside with a Coleman 2-burner stove and proper ventilation.
On the other side of the spectrum, endorse the use of a portable induction burner and microwave, emphasizing the convenience of indoor cooking.
Conclusion: A Feast of Possibilities
In the vast world of vanlife, the question of cooking is as diverse as the nomads navigating it. Whether it’s the simplicity of a single-burner stove, the elegance of propane ovens, or the creativity of DIY setups, vanlifers are concocting gourmet solutions on the road.
As I prepare to downsize from a van to a Subaru Outback, these insights have expanded my culinary horizons. From invisible cooking to gourmet van stews, the vanlife community is a treasure trove of culinary creativity. Whether you opt for the practicality of propane or the simplicity of a butane stove, the road is paved with possibilities for delicious meals under the open sky.
