20 Items for the Perfect RV Kitchen in my T@B 400

[@justjourneys2806]

OK I have watched a million videos and never felt the need to comment until today. Your video was fabulous for so many reasons but the BEST part is you get to the point and you don't drag out useless dialog just to hear yourself talk. These wanna be Hollywood actors are nauseating. Bravo! You rock and I am a fan on the first video I have seen of yours!

[@MandyLea]

I am honored to make your first comment! (and such a good one at that). It actually takes a lot of effort to be brief and to the point... and of course a lot of editing, haha. I'm always trying to make the shortest video I can with the most information.

[@jerryb953]

AMEN!!!!

[@shawnahansen8597]

so true ! Great video and to the point! I was soooo happy when I saw the French press - I was worried they would like the aeropress and recommend it :) Love the French press and glad to see others like it too!!!

[@dianefusco4394]

I agree with Charmon Poche. She stated my sentiments exactly. Best of luck with your channel and safe travels.

[@paulcseley3881]

Absolutely wrong about the instantpot, multi use including baking. Oh and by the way you come across as major coffe snobs.

[@CriticalRoleHighlights]

If anyone would be interested, here's my way of cleaning and maintaining my cast iron pans. It's the way that I've found works the best. 1) I only clean my pans with hot water and 2 tbs. of salt. That way you remove any dirt and debris as well as disinfect your pans. You also avoid getting detergent into the pores of the metal that'll dissolve the seasoning and oils that keep your pan from rusting. 2) I never use a scraper tool for my cast iron pans. I use a small ball of aluminum foil like I would a sponge. It removes anything and everything and even deep cleans and removes bitter soot from the pan as well. 3) I always oil my pans with neutral rapeseed oil after cleaning and drying them. I also go over it with a dry piece of paper towel afterwards to remove any excess oil. After probably 140 years of daily use, my great grandmother's 1800's cast iron pan still looks brand new thanks to my family taking care of it in pretty much the same way as I do :) I hope this was useful to someone :)

[@MandyLea]

Very good tips! thanks so much!

[@joleezanes5938]

Great tips! I recently discovered the salt method of cleaning cast iron after years of frustration with cleaning them the conventional way. It really works and scours them well!

[@YeshuaKingMessiah]

I cant get a seasoning surface on my cast iron ware. I use coarse salt only, never detergent. I gave up n bought an enamelled cast iron skillet at least 🤷🏼‍♀️

[@mrequi1]

@@YeshuaKingMessiah keep trying, keep cooking in it. I had a pan that didn't want to season. After I got into deep frying in pure lard all summer so there was grease in the pan all summer. It never got cleaned beyond wiping with a paper towel while changing oil. Now, that I'm living in my van full time, I haven't had a chance to season that pan, but I don't need to. I can even cook eggs and fluffy omelettes without sticking

[@brendaswadling6622]

Critical Role Highlights h

[@JayHutchG]

She is a natural! This is the way KZbin vids should be done. But what people often can’t learn is the calm, quick and very natural delivery you see here with Mandy. Kudos Mandy.

[@MandyLea]

Thank you so much Jay! It's a tricky balance for sure!

[@craighellberg6269]

I agree with many others who have commented that you’re straightforward, get to the point way of making videos is very good. You explain the what and why quickly, clearly and with a tone that is easy to listen to. Your video edits are well done. There is no camera shaking making it nauseating to watch the video. Great work and I hope to see more of your videos. Safe travels.

[@MandyLea]

Thanks Craig! Thats exactly what I aim for!

[@richiela2488]

Best rv accessorie vid I've seen yet,and I've been full time rving 3 years!

[@MandyLea]

Wow! Now that's a great compliment because there are so many videos out there. Thank you Richie

[@ThePhurian]

I am transitioning to trailer life after 26 years in an apartment. THIS WAS ABSOLUTELY the most helpful guide/starter for me and my two dogs. Thank you so much

[@MandyLea]

You are absolutely welcome!! And, welcome to the full time life! I hope you love it

[@rndmparker561]

I loved the added bonus tidbit on the paper towel. My daughters have grown up with a Mom who can't throw a good paper towel away that has only been slightly used. I will put it under my sink to pick up messes on the floor. Etc.

[@MandyLea]

Haha! They are very strong indeed!

[@JessiesFamily]

Viva Paper Towels are grrrrrreat! They're definitely worth the price.

[@marthahorne2912]

Victoria, you are not alone! I do the same. Since i have cats, they sre perfect for cleaning up any kitty messes. Slightly O T: I also wash and reuse zip lock bags if they only held veggies fruit or bread. Saves $ and reduces waste.

[@marysaunders243]

@@marthahorne2912 we wash bags also

[@saintejeannedarc9460]

The show stopper, red toaster oven she showed is the one I have, for at least 5 yrs and counting: Nostalgia Electrics, Retro Series. Everyone would walk in and notice it in my kitchen and say it looked like an old radio and how nice it was. It's also the best toaster oven I've ever owned. It's a convention oven, bakes well, toasts of course and will cook a chicken, roast and can do up to 12 toast w/ the double racks. It's also deep enough to get a medium pizza into.

[@MandyLea]

Nice! I think that would be neat in a house too!

[@2000talon]

Cast iron is the best,and I just figured out I'm always cleaning,paper towels is my best friend.

[@nslouka90]

Don’t be afraid to give a good toaster oven a chance, they’ve come along way. I have one in my apartment and I use it almost everyday for lots of things, it replaced my microwave and a few other appliances and makes everything taste better.

[@maur2far]

You just gave me a great idea. I’m going to drop my tiniest bunt pan in my Dutch oven and see if I can bake with it on the stove.

[@teresacamp3365]

Roll a little tin foil in between the bunt pan and dutch oven! Really good tip .

[@amyfreeze9772]

@@teresacamp3365 an old camping tip!

[@meman6964]

I used to bake bread and moist cakes in liner inside the crockpot

[@annehedonia156]

But why does it have to be a bundt pan and not a cake pan?

[@bjnslc]

Tip for French press coffee. After you add water to your coffee in the press, put a paper coffee filter on top between the floating grounds and the press. Then press. The coffee filter has finer pores than the screen on the press, so pressing will go slowly. But the filter will trap the fine particles that make French press coffee cloudy and potentially more bitter.

[@MandyLea]

The nice thing about the Planetary Design presses are that they have almost a double filter sort of process that is very fine and keeps grounds from going back up through the filter. But that is a great idea!

[@sherriekeller319]

Mandy, you are awesome! Love your presentation. Agree with Charmon, you cut to the chase and get it done. Very informative. Thanks.

[@MandyLea]

Thanks Sherrie! I try my best to be concise. I hope you enjoy them all!

[@mikevigil3677]

I just bought my first motorhome a couple days ago to spend winters in warmer climates and made sure I had an oven 3 burner stove and plan on making a batch of tamales for us and all our friends I can tell you know your way around a kitchen us cooks can adapt and overcome....

[@MandyLea]

Mmmmm... now I want tamales.

[@unbridledhubris2921]

What a great video - a million dollars worth of advice in 13 1/2 minutes. We love to camp and got tons of great ideas from your clip. Thanks so much for your time in putting this together and promoting good stewardship of resources. Two HUGE thumbs up!

[@MandyLea]

Thank you so much for the great comment! I try hard to be both concise and useful - it's hard!

[@sjordan7085]

Hello Mandy, I was looking for a stove top oven like yours. At the Thrift Store, I came across a Joycooker, for less than $10.00 on Senior Discount day. Very similar idea to the one you have. It sells new for $180.00, but doesn't have all the accessories yours does, though I will likely be able to improvise. I love thrifting, because it really helps when one is on a budget. Thank you for your ideas, I am now on the hunt for a tiny manual coffee grinder like yours, though I also have power packs and a generator, I like the idea of having options. Again, your presenting skills are excellent and it is enjoyable to watch your videos. Thank you, and safe travels.

[@2rabid]

My current situation has me living in a travel trailer. I've never heard of the stove top oven. I can't wait to get one. Thank you

[@MandyLea]

You're welcome! It's A LOT of fun!

[@angiebumbalough4072]

Same!

[@willar1338]

I see that several people have warned against nonstick pans. I would suggest stainless steel pots and cast iron for anything that needs to be nonstick. Seasoned correctly, as some have suggested, cast iron IS nonstick. And unlike the chemicals in Teflon, etc, iron is good for you. Excellent video, I am subscribing and will probably binge watch.

[@MandyLea]

I hope you enjoy binge watching :) You'll notice that cast iron is my favorite and go-to cooking appliance!

[@cherriemckinstry131]

I like how organized you are. Plus there is so much you can cook with these items. Cast iron can be used like a dutch oven too. The open space in the middle was pretty cool ideal. Thanks for all the great ideas..

[@MandyLea]

Thanks Cherrie!

[@jonedwards2107]

I have a stovetop Coleman drip coffee maker, just like the Mr Coffee Maker, but can sit on a propane burner. I also have a Coleman Max propane stove. Not made anymore. Oval single burner, with three different stovetops, wire grill for pots, slotted grill for meats, etc, allows fats to drain through to an oval grease tray, and a griddle for pancakes, etc. it also as a slow cooker that sits on top. Indoors, we use cast iron, mostly. I will switch on my inverter for a couple minutes, when boondocking, if my wife wants to use the microwave. Almost forgot. I also have a Coleman folding oven with a wire rack that sits on a burner. Has a thermometer so we can get the heat right for baking.

[@amberamber100]

Man I am so grateful for this free content

[@MandyLea]

Thanks Amber! So glad I can help out!

[@allisonchiliak9728]

My partner and I lived in our travel trailer for a few months last summer. The plan was to have sufficient solar power to be fully off-grid... but we had some issues with our suppliers. Long story short, we stocked our trailer with the understanding that we would always have power. We purchased a Instant Pot Duo Mini (3 quart) because we had seen some videos by other full-time off-grid people who had good luck using theirs even on a full solar set up. It has a lower power draw than the larger models. It was great for keeping the heat of cooking out of the trailer during the summer, because I could just carry it outside to vent the pressure and open the lid. That Instant Pot has become a huge part of how we prepare food, even now that we live in house for the winter. I do use it to make soup and stews and sometimes rice, but I mostly use it instead of an oven for cooking meats.

[@MandyLea]

Yes I've heard good things about them. Maybe I'll get one someday when I'm not on the road!

[@allisonchiliak9728]

I completely understand your reasons for not having one right now. I also understand your experimentation with baking in your stovetop oven! I plan on trying to bake cheesecake in my IP one of these days.

[@wanderingstar5673]

Great video. I have a vintage West Bend Ovenette that has a meat roasting pan, muffin tins, and cake pan. It also has a thermometer built into the top. Can find them on eBay, thrift stores, and yard sales. Very versatile.

[@doraexplora9046]

The LPG oven was the one that did it for me. The rest are pretty common sense and anyone that's been camping for awhile will know about. But that pizza dish is seriously cool.

[@amandafekety2297]

"coffee: black; bourbon: neat" kindred spirits!

[@MandyLea]

Haha, you noticed!

[@allysonmccormack5529]

Very helpful. I don’t love in an RV but I help others make the transition. A few tips I’ve learned along the way is: 1. No paper towels - costly and not environmentally friendly. Use Norwex kitchen cloths and towels. Remove bacteria and spills. Rinses our and use again. 2. Use Norwex towels all around - less laundry as they only need to be washed every 2-3 weeks depending on use. 3. Norwex enviro cloth will clean every surface so no “cleaners” needed. My clients rave about how these changes have made RV life so much easier and cost effective. Happy to share more if you want samples.

[@MandyLea]

I've heard great things about Norwex, but this sounds like a sales pitch post.

[@allysonmccormack5529]

Mandy Lea Photo - free to share what works . Yes, I sell them. But anyone can search Norwex and purchase from anyone else as well. I would love the connection but most important is getting a safe, affordable option into people’s hands. I used it for 18 years as a customer and host before becoming a consultant 2 years ago. Be blessed !

[@amberwalker8785]

Really love the velcro idea for the dish soap caddy. Also nice tip on the towel hanger!

[@MandyLea]

Thanks Amber!

[@chau8238]

For anyone wanting an oven that's a little bigger, Coleman camp oven works pretty well. It's made for coleman stoves, but should work fine on rv gas stove tops.

[@gisellegonzalez2628]

I love my Omnia, I can finally bake!!! I’m a Van dweller and this was such a game changer. It’s funny how some folks can’t believe that you can cook real food while dry camping, yes you can. Great video! Safe travels 🙏🏽💖

[@MandyLea]

OMG, me too!!! Thanks for the kind words.

[@gisellegonzalez2628]

Mandy Lea Photo quite welcome 💖

[@SigridFrings]

I love my Omnia too, but I don't have the cupcake thing. Second 'but': Hubbie made a hole in the lid and put a thermometer in for the baking temperature.

[@daniellewissmiller3318]

we love instant pot. It can be used to make anything quick. (rice cooker, slow cooker, pressure cooker, you can bake if you have a pot within a pot. It is awesome and my favorite thing! It is the only reason we use a generator lol.

[@daniellewissmiller3318]

i think your baking idea is awesome

[@MandyLea]

LOL, not a bad idea!

[@monicae67]

Which do you own? Where did you purchase it?

[@julieschaubhut686]

Just tried the Viva paper towels in my semi truck after watching my Bounty towels unravel as I was driving. 😖 The Viva towels stay put and I really like their absorbency and texture. Thanks!

[@MandyLea]

You're welcome! Simple things make me happy!

[@bnwing]

Julie Schaubhut Viva have been my fav for years!

[@brendaescalon2175]

Julie Schaubhut only paper towels I use.

[@julieschaubhut686]

@@brendaescalon2175 They're incredible. Bye bye Bounty!

[@carolyntschupp3874]

Julie Schaubhut I use a 2 liter plastic bottle cut off top and bottom slit up side from top to bottom. Put over paper towels while traveling. Voila! No more paper towels on floor.

[@rosebud8336]

I think this is the first time I've commented on a personal video made for personal reasons your fantastic you're well-spoken articulate well get to the point described very well

[@MandyLea]

Wow, thank you Rose! I'm very honored to be your first!

[@juliacampbell5881]

Hello Mandy, My husband and I are full time, retired last Oct, campers and in Florida right now. We have an Atwood stove/oven. Last Christmas my son gave us an Instant Pot as well as a hotplate. And I have to say I use the Instant Pot all the time. We have a 38 ft camper and this tiny oven heats the whole camper up just baking a loaf of bread. I can pressure cook, saute, steam, and yes even bake using the Instant Pot without all the heat. I found at a yard sale an old hand crank meat grinder with 3 blades, I think the date is 1896 and believe it or not, I use the smallest blade to grind my coffee beans when the power is out. I only have to run them through twice and have perfectly ground coffee.

[@gaemay8179]

Love your videos, thank you so much and God bless you, happy trails 😊😍

[@StacieDude]

Thank you for the informative video. As for the Instant Pot, which is a pressure cooker (PC), you may have under sold this very useful and versatile item. We have been using PC's for over 10 years. I have not owned an Instant Pot but, other electric PC's. We started with stove top PC's which are compatable with propane, and electric, cook tops. When we were temporarily full-timers, we found ourselves without our PCs (left them behind) which required us to buy new ones. We were once again enjoying PC cooking. Even used both at the same time to cook a 14lb turkey for Thanksgiving. Legs, thighs and wings in one and the body in the other. My wife used the leftover turkey to make her famous Turkey Tetrazinni which we shared with the couple that gave us the turkey. If you like beans you will love PC. Fall off the bone ribs in 20 minutes. Oh, don't forget the collapsible silicone strainer. Thanks again for your video.

[@MandyLea]

Yes I hear great things about Instapots... my biggest reason for not getting one has just been for the fact that I stay away from electric. We dry camp a good amount of the time... but maybe a stove top PC could be good. :)

[@DorothyBeaury]

AWESOME! Perfect for Tiny Kitchens in apartments, homes, rv's everywhere! Also may I say it's refreshing to see your beautiful omnivore cooking - nearly every small rv-er out there is Vegan and I feel guilty while eating my Spam sandwich watching their channels..

[@MandyLea]

Hah! That does seem to be true! But I think I could never give up my bacon...

[@SS-bz4ze]

Lol, spam...Not steaks....

[@lauraniemczyk2439]

So glad I stumbled upon this video! First time RV owner (25ft camping trailer). Just ordered a stove top oven! Thanks for the great tips for my small kitchen!

[@MandyLea]

Yay!! I think you'll love it!

[@debscreepy]

I use the Viva cloth like paper towels. Great video. I live full-time in my 25 foot class A Winnebago Warrior motorhome with my little dog Tinkerbell making videos for about a year and a half now. I make all kinds of videos while traveling but my favorite are the creepy and abandoned places.

[@MandyLea]

Sounds like you're livin the good life!

[@debscreepy]

I have been living my dream. It has not been easy all the time. I wish my motorhome had better storage. I have had several things go wrong. Thank goodness for KZbin videos!

[@thatbee3585]

Me and my bf just barely got our Rv delivered and we will be living full time !!! So this really helpful thank you

[@MandyLea]

That is awesome! You'll have so much fun!

[@jipsiemune]

What a great idea a cover from a casserole dish to put pans , thanks for all the tips

[@MandyLea]

You're welcome! Thanks for checking it out!

[@anitathomson-carlisle8936]

Jipsie Mune - Agreed. Now, where do I find such a cover?

[@sharong8511]

Anita Thomson-Carlisle Thrift stores come to mind. If you can’t find one tell them what you’re looking for and why. A kind employee may keep an eye out and set one aside for you. Yard sales would be another possible source but in these times of COVID-19 I don’t think they’re happening right now.

[@shelbymcgrath2740]

Fantastic ideas, for sure the paper towel holder was one of my favourites. 😉

[@MandyLea]

It been working great! Thanks for watching.

[@lamarrharding4776]

Traveling in a minivan with solar panels and 12 volt compressor chest refrigerator, 12 volt wave box oven, corning ware for eating, cooking, and storing. Use a bungee cord for paper towels (Viva preferred). Stainless steel square thermostatic frying pan with 1500 watt inverter for frying and baking using a rack and lid, add a stainless pressure cooker for an instant pot. Had stainless (Yeti) tumblers but found "Engle" insulated tumblers with a screw on lid don't spill as much and fit in vehicle cup holders. Aquabot spray bottle for clean up and water fights. In a trailer we've had Copper Bottom Revere Ware and LeCruset enameled cook ware for over 40 years of marriage and it has held up and still cleans up easily.

[@dianeadams4884]

Oh, my! Thank you so much for this video. It is the BEST I have ever seen on kitchen items for RVs. Again, thank you so much.

[@MandyLea]

Thanks Diane! What a great compliment :)

[@GinaKayLandis]

The tips would def work for tiny house living too!

[@lb4lov]

We use a small stovetop pressure cooker. Great for plant based eaters to cook beans and grains without electricity, plus works for regular cooking as well. No nasty nonstick coating either!

[@MandyLea]

That sounds fabulous!

[@waytoson]

We live in our Van but I love some of these products. Saving the video so I can quick reference it later

[@MandyLea]

Awesome! Thanks and glad you enjoyed!

[@jewelssylva3738]

Viva paper towels! They really are the best. One side is soft & the other is rougher. Very strong & absorbent. They cost a little more, but they offer more.

[@MandyLea]

Exactly!! Love them!

[@heatherd6461]

This was one of the most helpful videos I have seen as a 1st time trailer traveler! Thank you!

[@MandyLea]

Thank you Heather! So glad to be a small part of your journey!

[@angus6032]

Cast iron is the way to go- we cook everything in our pans. We also use the Weber portable gas grill that has a thermostat on the outside. I baked apple crisp in it by putting the baking pan on top of an upside down cast iron skillet. If we don't have a fire we still use the cast iron frying pan inside the little grill. Also have a cast iron enamel dutch oven that fits in the grill - we had to invert the knob handle on top - great for stews, pulled pork, chili, roast chicken. We don't do a lot of cooking inside and prefer to keep most smells outside. Happy Trails!

[@MandyLea]

Awesome setup. We love castiron!

[@fredwilson9113]

Now there are some great ideas. I need to show this video to my wife when she gets off work. Thank you for sharing this video

[@MandyLea]

Thanks Fred! I hope she enjoys it!

[@maryhumphrey2236]

I love the round stove top oven. So. I looked it up on Amazon and the price seemed steep. But, wait a minute, as a person living in a small RV who uses her oven for storage (I hate lighting it), this little oven is priceless! I enjoyed your video and have hit the subscribe button.

[@m.corege9726]

That was incredible - you have an amazing public speaking voice - did you ever work on radio - first time to your channel and loved all your products - well done - cheers from Canada

[@anetteclarke3682]

We use our slow cooker for soups and chilli. Electric frying pan can be for cooking inside and out. I have cooked 3 small turkeys in the propane oven. Perfect each time.

[@MandyLea]

As long as you're camping with power those are great. We tend not to have power.

[@travelfun3513]

This was a great video. 😊 you are very good speaker! Easy to listen to.

[@MandyLea]

Thank you very much!

[@pearl_r]

Yes that’s true, she explains good

[@joannapahlow7504]

Viva paper towels are so worth it!! We actually have less pots and pans then you do in our Airstream. You are so organized. I love cast iron, but got rid of them when we went full time. We have aluminum double wall insulated wine “glasses” with lids, but they were a gift so I can’t take credit for them. We have a Nespresso mini for electric situations and a aluminum French press for non electric. Coffee is my #1 priority.

[@MandyLea]

Coffee is a good #1 priority!! Way to go and keep it simple :)

[@gypsybelle4757]

Thank you for so many great ideas! The coffee breakdown is something I’ve been researching and trialing for years. Trying to go more dry camping friendly with everything. Thank you for sharing!

[@MandyLea]

It's hard when there are so many options! I've found people that prefer other methods, but that french press is definitely our favorite.

[@jennifersmith.johnston8570]

My fiancé used a hand rail as our paper towel holder. Screwed to the wood and we love it!!!

[@MandyLea]

Perfect improv!!

[@barbarajean2092]

Perfect for gifts for my friends. Thank you for the links!!!

[@MandyLea]

Thank you for using them!

[@bettyechols6405]

You can bake in the cast iron on top of the stove. Put your biscuits/pie, whatever, in the cast iron skillet, put the lid on, turn the fire on very low, and the product turns out perfect

[@Rolfunther]

This was an exceptionally useful video.

[@MandyLea]

That makes me exceptionally happy :)

[@damianauberuaga1116]

Just an FYI. Lodge makes a wonderful cast iron wok and it is nicely seasoned. You can get it online from Walmart for $50. It is heavy, but I use it all the time, from breakfast to dinner and dessert......

[@MandyLea]

Thanks for the tip!

[@tannyacarter-schwartz7398]

You had me with that intro bad ass dinner ! Thanks

[@maryfrady7149]

I used the zippered cover for my tiny charcoal grill for my cast iron dutch oven. Perfect fit. I'll definitely be on the lookout for a good used casserole zippered cover for my skillet and grill pan.

[@kampkat6089]

Great video. Ninja makes an air fryer/ instant pot all in one. Kinda cool

[@jaynecrabdree6924]

We'll be getting a camping trailer for the first time this Spring. We're very excited to do so and I'm happy I found your video with these well thought out tips and tricks. These are great ideas and shortcuts to keep in mind. Even though we will not be living in the unit, I appreciate all of your advice on what works well for you. Of course the type of cookware and items you chose are your preference and everyone needs to fit their own tastes. The haters need to understand that fact and to choose what works best for them and their circumstances. I appreciate all of your suggestions on what you two like and love. Thank you. :)

[@MandyLea]

Thanks for the kind words Jayne! Yes, camping in general should be made to fit the camper, a different style for everyone! Hope you find some helpful videos!

[@ursulaq3653]

So great to learn a stovetop oven exists! Thank you!

[@MandyLea]

Yes its very cool!

[@janebass4057]

Great job. I too love the Viva cloth like paper towels. Best invention since paper towels.

[@mrg8056]

I really like this young lady I could listen to her all day.

[@MandyLea]

Aw thanks, I think I sound funny, but I guess everyone thinks that about their own voice :)

[@sundialsoft]

I was nearly at the end of the video when it dawned on me that this was not a campervan. It's a very nice little caravan and the run through of the various cook pots etc was interesting. Mandy is a very good presenter. I was able to watch it all despite being turned off by the tattoos and piercing. (I'm a 20th century guy). It's a campervan we have but this kind of little caravan is what I would go for if I was after one.

[@MandyLea]

To each their own :) Thanks for watching anyway! I hope you enjoy all the vids!

[@jamiesmith1343]

Thank you for all the VERY useful information! I have been looking for oven's for my camper, I like to make braids for my bread anyway so this will work. the other information was also useful. Great video, thanks again!

[@MandyLea]

You're welcome! I think you'll love it!

[@jerrywellborn]

Great video! I went from Boy-Scout-dad to home-built-tiny-trailer to 27-ft-Airstream. Through it all, I have used the EXACT set of backpacking pans that you have. 🤠

[@nursnlern]

I liked your video. Good job! We try to avoid aluminum and plastics. Love stainless steel and cast irons.

[@MandyLea]

I said aluminum in the video but I was just being braindead... it's all stainless steel.

[@SoCalDaveL]

Pro Tip for Backpackers: I LOVE MY GSI Outdoors Infinity Backpacker Mug. Have it with me for all my hikes. It's light weight. The mug however can slip out of the "insulated sleeve". Simply add a rubberband to the plastic cup and it'll keep it firmly in the insulation.

[@MandyLea]

Awesome! Great advice! We just got ours at Christmas so I'm not a pro yet ;)

[@GinaKayLandis]

Kudos, great video! And yes, those Viva cloth like towels are amazing!

[@MandyLea]

Thanks Gina!

[@Kkffoo]

This video is really helpful because of the thought process which has gone into choosing items, I particularly love your paper towel solution.

[@MandyLea]

Thank you! It took some time to find the best items for sure!

[@loveu2222]

Best 13 minutes,thank🗽☮️✌️

[@MandyLea]

Thanks Zoltan!

[@e.daletaylor5958]

Thank you so much for this video. I got some great ideas, as always. My husband walked into the room and heard you and said “Thats the hippie chick Tab girl. You have listened to her so much I recognize her voice “. Yep, I’m a big fan!

[@smokeythebear3690]

I want your Tshirt! Great idea on the towel holders btw!

[@MandyLea]

I love it! It was a Christmas gift so I'm not sure where it came from.. but it is sooooo soft!

[@tinab6032]

Found t-shirt online at Hot Topic. Google search - Smokey The Bear Floral Only You T-shirt

[@lindasekavec4570]

was super helpful! Even for those of us not camping yet I like small space taking multipurpose items. Thank YOU

[@MandyLea]

Glad it was helpful!

[@ADONAIsays-so]

First of your vids I've seen. Great job!

[@MandyLea]

Thanks Mr. C!

[@mrsbutterkup3849]

Thanks for sharing. I started a new saved category for RV Living Products and added this video first. Thanks for the inspiration! Stay safe and enjoy the journey!!

[@nadinesawtell3267]

I hope you have replaced your backpacking pots. I noticed the non stick finish was chipping off

[@nonyabizness.original]

best rv/vanlife pots imho, stansport 7 piece heavy duty stainless steel set with an interchangeable, detachable handle. thick pots like nice quality traditional cookware, but nests to take up little space.

[@gilladamson3722]

The flexible chopping boards are great as you can pull the sides towards each other after chopping veg etc. and slide the items into the pan without them dropping onto the floor! I use them all the time and they’re a godsend if you have arthritis and wooden boards are too heavy to lift.😀. Really interesting video, thank you.

[@MandyLea]

Thanks for watching! We love those cutting boards!

[@monicasahu07]

I LOVE COOKING and this makes me finally love Van Life 😍

[@MandyLea]

There is so much you can do on the road!

[@websurferlady6223]

I use my Instapot everyday... great for soup, veggies, Sautee. I do pourover coffee with a tiny little filter over my coffee cup.

[@MandyLea]

Sounds great!

[@rhondalyn100]

Great ideas, especially for those of us who love our small travel trailers...thanks! :-)

[@MandyLea]

You're welcome, thanks for watching!

[@stevez340]

Great video for people with limited space! There’s nothing like the sound and smell of an old fashioned stovetop coffee percolator to help wake you up in the morning. I have found that tervis insulated glasses and coffee mugs work really well for us. I buy them on amazon in sets of 4 for $20-30. Tall glasses for mixed drinks and beer, and shorter glasses for wine. Also, a service for 4 of melamine plates and bowls take up little room and do not break easily. However, I do cheat with pots and pans. I have about 6 pieces of nonstick T-fal which makes cooking and cleanup so easy.

[@patsykluting-lucas3804]

Awesome ideas I've got a 18' Rpod. Very compact. Safe travels

[@MandyLea]

Yes, very similar. I'd probably have the exact same set up in that.

[@soundislistening3155]

You are wonderful at giving information. Easy to listen to and so laid back. Thank you.

[@MandyLea]

Thank you! It actually takes a lot of effort :)

[@bassface84]

"Coffee Black, Bourbon Neat..." I literally hollered: "AMEN! Hallelujah!" LOLOLOL...

[@MandyLea]

LOL! My favorite sign!!!

[@p.s.womack6734]

another idea is a shower rod for multiple areas can put hooks to hang things, example where your paper towel holder is you could use a spring tight rod with hooks, or hang towels over. just an extra idea. they also make shower curtains with pockets..

[@margaretreed5968]

Thank you for the great tips! We love French press coffee too and will be looking into the Planetary Designs pot! I was wondering if you found any good kettle for heating water? I am looking for something with a smaller footprint. We just bought a TAB 400 and are itching to try it out!!

[@marciawelch4130]

Woohoooooo!! On the road again! Looking forward to your adventures!

[@MandyLea]

Yay!

[@janbanks3264]

Viva paper towels are my preference, too. I don’t know why it took me so long to find them. They’re amazing!

[@MandyLea]

Me too!

[@ursulaq3653]

Viva all the way!!

[@kathleenveltsos7973]

Unless your Smokey the bear. Paper towels come from trees. I applaud their living choice though.

[@angiebumbalough4072]

I was eye balling the paper towel holder the whole time😍must be the full timer thing and the ocd about counters, they’re so limited anyway. Thanks for the Viva reminder 💕✌️

[@MandyLea]

Still my favorite towel ever!

[@Birdzy100]

Careful with the Peeling nest of pans. The middle one! Looks like Teflon; you do NOT want to consume that.

[@kathenley2811]

felt seperators are very helpful along with silicon cookeware so you dont scratch the nonstick surfaces

[@dd0465]

I saw that too. You do not want to have Teflon leach into your food.

[@grannyphoenix6520]

Yep, I saw that and my maternal instincts went ape-shit. DON'T use those things, even one more time, please

[@sharong8511]

Yes I noticed that too. For anyone buying new nesting camping gear for cooking, make sure you put something between! You can get fancy and cut a round piece of thin fabric to size. I would probably use coffee filters or paper towels.

[@briancraig8192]

Your presentation is first class. Great job of editing. I watched the video from beginning to end just because you were fast and thorough. Now I am going to check your inventory of videos. Thank you.

[@MandyLea]

I appreciate that!

[@Dinki-Di]

I just hate drinking from plastic. Have you seen the magnet drinkware made in Germany by Silwy?

[@angelarohr2479]

Right...not good for wine

[@laurawagoner9136]

Oooo my mini cast iron skillet is my hero!!! With those camping stacking tiny pot sets. When things got/get tough propane can be a luxury. I have charcoal as backup and I’ll use three bricks and Doritos or oil to start them inside the mini cast iron skillet and use the stacking pots to cook my bacon and eggs and then I’ll put my English muffin half under the cast iron skillet- perfectly toasted, impossible to burn or over-cook the toast. That set up and my electric skillet is my do all.. need nothing else and can cook everything I can in my normal kitchen and I live full time in my rv

[@MandyLea]

Very nice! Sounds like you have your system down!

[@greatdaneacdc]

Great video ! Better to buy stainless Your backpacking pots and pans are peeling BAD sign!

[@Desertdweller1965]

david c smith they’re peeling as they aren’t seasoned properly & lodge doesn’t machine the cook surface. Look at garage sales for the old ones that are machined smooth. A lodge will never be non stick.

[@barbaravander9853]

@@Desertdweller1965 Agreed, newer ones are as good as the older ones.

[@NikJaKen]

Great tips, thank you! I love my tiny electric tea kettle for boiling water for pour-over coffee, tea, and hot chocolate. But, it's electric. Loved the 'dry camping' type tips for our future travel!

[@MandyLea]

yes, I think if we had electric more often I would have one of those too...

[@robinnelson3868]

non-stick pots are teflon flu, (stainless steel would be better), aluminum mugs are bad...cause Alzheimer's. Everything else, in my opinion looks great. I take off my hat to you both.

[@MandyLea]

My bad, the mugs actually are stainless steal... my mouth was moving faster than my brain!