8 Must-Have Low Wattage Appliances for Van Life | Living In A Van

[@MeenasHappyLife]

Dash Mini Waffle Maker is 350 watts and the DASH griddle is 760 watts. The other items are in the description below. 😊

[@TrishBenedict]

I have an electric hot pot and air fryer that are different brands, functionally equivalent. I have a set for my house and a set for my van camper. And I have several of the other appliances like the Dash 8" griddle (also red!) and the mini waffler. But the dash appliance that I get the most use of is their little 1 cup rice cooker. At home I use it for rice (and I've given up using my stupid Instant Pot) and in the van I mostly use it for making steel cut oatmeal in the morning. But my favorite mini Dash appliance is the little baby Bundt cake maker. I buy a package of spice cake - my favorite - and divide it into thirds because the package calls for adding three eggs - so I divide the dry cake mix into thirds, bag two portions for later use, and add one egg to one portion of the mix. I might toss in some softened raisins. And you can get ~3 little Bundt cakes out of that 1/3 portion of the dry mix. Instead of frosting, I just put some sugar in a bowl and pick up the warm Bundt cake and roll the top of it around in the sugar. Easy peasy!

[@MeenasHappyLife]

That's a great idea for the baby bunt cakes! I make vegan mug cakes for my Granddaughters. I'll have to make them some cake pops with my newest gadget. Thanks for your great comment!

[@bessycorrales2259]

Thanks for sharing. Since this is about low wattage appliances, it would be helpful to share the wattage of each appliance. My Bluetti accomodates upto 600W, so I'm always on the hunt for appliances under 600W. Recently scored a 300W one cup coffee pot at the thrift store for $8. I was thrilled to find.

[@MeenasHappyLife]

I mentioned the Wattage where I could. I also listed All the items so you could check for yourself in case you wanted to purchase. I recently found some items from MyMini sold at Walmart. I have the toaster which is 500 watts and they have an electric noodle cooker and skillet that is only 260 watts. You might want to check that out. Thanks for watching!

[@frostyfrances4700]

If I'm not being too butinsky here .... At 79 I don't drive OR camp anymore. But I have been gathering a modest grid-down collection of items. I'd suggest that anyone in a similar situation might consider getting just the kettle and lunchbox if $'s much of an issue. You can do almost anything you really need to do for a few weeks with just those 2. Plus if you're able to have a solar generator of some sort and maybe a few extra batteries, these minis wouldn't drain your power so fast. Some people stuck in rentals might not be allowed (??) to use solar stuff since there's a lot of misinformation out there. Personally I prefer several copies of the same model since then if say the battery for one conks out, you can still use it with another one's battery. And if you go for models 1 or 2 gens back, you can often find them on excellent sales. The EcoFlow River series are big enough to power a medium full-size frig for awhile or a window AC under 6 BTU. They can be charged via solar or wall outlet or DC. After just a very few years I now have 5 generators and 4 extra batteries, all interchangeable. I figure even if I never do have to endure an extended grid down, the executor of my mini-estate will inherit some good camping gear. Luckily I'm not city-bound and don't need to camp to 'get away from it all' since that's where I live, in remote TinyTown, central Midwest where 3 times in 21 years I've been asked wth is Bob Dylan? :)

[@MeenasHappyLife]

I'm heading in that direction. I'm looking to get another power station with more Wattage. And I'm always on the lookout for new mini appliances.

[@frostyfrances4700]

@@MeenasHappyLife - Good for you. Of course we always want to be as comfortable as a sane wallet allows; just remember, a lunchbox and kettle are enough if that's all you can do. I have a coffee press that I may never use, simply bc you never heard of anyone as mean and nasty as I can get if I'm expected to do w/o coffee. An electric percolator pulls too much wattage for grid down though. ........................... As for 'moving in that direction', did you mean relocating entirely? If so, beware. These TinyTowns can be backward and vicious. Normally I don't stray into politics on a lifestyle page, but I owe you that reminder, even though you probably don't need reminding. But I've been here long enough to see several people come in search of Mayberry and they all wind up running away as fast as they can when they get a taste of the real thing. Most xenophic, racist hypocrites I ever met in a long lifetime of roaming the world. .....................Wouldn't matter either if somebody was the Mother of God, at best newcomers get treated savagely and will never be treated halfway decently by the vast majority of the christo-fascist oinkers. I had the local klan outside my front gate shortly after moving here. Due to unusual background and training, I knew how to put the fear of God into them, but it isn't for everybody and I wouldn't wish it on my worst enemy. ................... Somehow I did manage to make a very few friends, but most of these people I wouldn't get in a car with EVER for ANY reason. I don't regret moving here since this is the only kind of place I could own property on a little land and create my own paradise and animal park. But even so I couldn't survive here emotionally w/o the internet. And believe me, I'm staying out of sight mostly for at least a week after next Tuesday's election. So please forgive me if I've strayed a little too far into the weeds on this matter.

[@MeenasHappyLife]

Heading in that direction, meaning, I want to have more power in my van. More Wattage for my power station. I have my eye on a 1200w but just have to save up for it.

[@TayeIm]

I have seen many great high production camping videos in the past 5 years. What I loved about your video is the simple, honest, and genuine reviews. Keep making your simple but knowledgeable videos! Thank you for time and effort spent on these video 🙏

[@MeenasHappyLife]

Glad you enjoyed it! Thanks so much for watching!

[@MarieVaugn]

Thank you for the recommendations, will definitely be considering some for my kitchen. My favorite small device for my RV lives in my little office. It's my HomeFi router, I've been able to travel all over the US through remote areas and stay connected to the internet with it!

[@MeenasHappyLife]

That's great!

[@Tattiepoo1]

Which one do you have. Thank you

[@MarieVaugn]

@@Tattiepoo1 I have the Titan Pro, and no problem!

[@debrafrakes6479]

I also love grape jam with sausage ,.,l.l.l

[@MeenasHappyLife]

@debrafrakes6479 Yes!! Gotta have it on mines.

[@Camille_Lee_Eon]

❤ 18:29 Omgosh!!! Someone else that likes grape jelly on their sausage sandwich!!! My family and friends think I am odd...😊😊😊

[@MeenasHappyLife]

Yes! The best way to eat sausage biscuits or muffins! They shouldn't knock it if they haven't tried it. Thanks for watching! 🤗

[@eyesup9542]

I like mine with maple syrup too❤

[@dianevitale1214]

oooh like the griddle!! Love grilled cheese on rye and quesas.

[@MeenasHappyLife]

Yes, grilled cheese turns out awesome on the griddle.

[@davidbailey3289]

Love several of the appliances. As far as the dash products I am not a big fan. I have several of the my mini products like the toaster oven,the electric skillet,the sandwich maker and a few others. I plan on adding their mini deep fryer and the urban skillet that comes with a small frying pan and small hotplate. Most of not all run me less than 20 dollars each. I will definitely be buying some of the items you shared so thanks again for sharing.

[@MeenasHappyLife]

I started to get the mini deep fryer, but my hot pot will fry things. They (Dash) have so much to choose from .

[@davidbailey3289]

@MeenasHappyLife Its a personal preference for me. The one I forgot to mention I have off the my mini is the egg cooker. Love that thing.

[@MeenasHappyLife]

@davidbailey3289 ahh, the egg cooker. I have that one as well. Just didn't show it. My son brought it for me a few years ago.

[@MeenasHappyLife]

@@davidbailey3289 I wanted the toaster oven, but it has mixed reviews and I'm running out of space, lol! I do like the mini appliances though.

[@davidbailey3289]

@MeenasHappyLife I gotta say the toaster oven blew me away. It has a bit of a learning curve when setting the temperature but once you get that down your golden. If you do get it put either parchment paper or foil down on the bottom tray. It makes cleaning a breeze.

[@SweetTeeze]

Great video. I have that same electric lunchbox, but at only 60watts, it takes longer than i prefer to heat stuff up, although it does work. I found an 80watt one that is perfect. Much faster. I love having multiple options.

[@MeenasHappyLife]

Cool! The one I have is 80 watts also. I couldn't remember, but I looked at my order history on Temu. But I find that it takes about an hour for a frozen dinner. I will try something else and see how long it takes. Maybe soup or something like that.

[@gwb8445]

I use one frying pan and one pot. That's it. All I need. 😮

[@MeenasHappyLife]

Minimalistic, that's always good!

[@sz4179]

YES!

[@MeenasHappyLife]

I get it. 😁

[@angelatbluehairedsudios8106]

I enjoy cooking coming from a chef background. I also mostly use a butane stove and pot/pan. Gets boring! I have the power so if you got the power the world of culinary can be added to Van life. More one pot fill in the blank

[@MeenasHappyLife]

Yes, this is true

[@CityGirlGoneGreen]

Thanks sis!!! I’m ordering the portable blender/juicer right after this vid ends Always looking for new and practical additions to upgrade my Vanlife lifestyle ❤

[@MeenasHappyLife]

Great! That's awesome! I'm a gadget girl so I completely understand.

[@healing4thysoulministries453]

Enjoyed your video...certainly things I have to add to my stash. Blessings😊

[@MeenasHappyLife]

Thank you for watching! Blessings to you as well!

[@okmmauh]

I like this lady’s voice and she calls us family.

[@MeenasHappyLife]

Aww, Thank you so much! 🤗 Since we all spend time together each week I consider us Family!

[@frostyfrances4700]

@@MeenasHappyLife - The world in general, especially the internet, can be brutal. So it's very encouraging when people use technology for the common GOOD. That does make us family.

[@MeenasHappyLife]

@frostyfrances4700 Yep! I agree!

[@karendeterra2498]

Thank you for all the great info, much appreciated.

[@MeenasHappyLife]

You are more than welcome! Thanks for watching. 🤗

[@aubreyj.tennant1123]

I bought the 8” griddle. Great presentation. Thank you!

[@MeenasHappyLife]

Good choice!

[@karinhart489]

I’ve been using the smaller 4” one of these Dash griddle for several years instead of the waffle one. It’s perfect for a 1 egg omelet or 3 breakfast sausages. Great for car camping or even motel cooking.

[@longdogt6724]

Thank you for sharing! This helps narrow down the choices.😊

[@MeenasHappyLife]

My pleasure!

[@urdad9853]

Thank You Ms. Meena just got my van and I'm researching what I'm gonna get for cooking....actually I'm planning out my whole build.....I like multi purpose things so you totally sold me on the electric noodle pot, the hot air fryer and the 8" electric round griddle and thinking about the 2 in 1 portable blender.....once again thank you for posting it was very helpful I've subscribed to your channel.....Blessings

[@MeenasHappyLife]

Thank you so much! I hope you get good use of them like I do!

[@Free2b.Z]

Definitely considering the griddle and the blender. Thanks for sharing.😊

[@MeenasHappyLife]

You’re welcome 😊

[@hauk3839]

My fav is the dash toaster oven and 500 watt induction stove top. Between those two items you can cook any thing

[@MeenasHappyLife]

I've looked at the dash toaster oven. Is it worth it? I read mixed reviews.

[@juliebutler8241]

​@@MeenasHappyLifeI broil burgers and steaks in a shallow crock in mine. Works great! I wipe it out after every use.

[@MeenasHappyLife]

I may have to try it once I purge a couple of things. I just got the Mymini toaster last month.

[@dinkyshopYT]

The Dash mini has interchangeable plates for donuts, waffles, grill and pancakes and other shapes for about $24-35 depending on number of plates. The Dash may be better built, but $8 is a deal.

[@MeenasHappyLife]

Thanks!

[@lorimckellar2787]

Thank you for sharing your knowledge!!! Im hope to hit the road soon.💜💜💜

[@MeenasHappyLife]

You are so welcome! Just take your time and go when you are ready. And you don't need all the bells and whistles, just go with what's comfortable.

[@JeffeysMom]

A couple of your items were out of stock on Amazon. And I would never shop on Temu. However, I have both of those Dash appliances and a few others from that brand. I personally love them all. I use their mini toaster oven to make grilled cheese all the time they come out perfect! ❤👍🏻👨‍🦼🚍🐾 great video! Thankyou for sharing what works for you. I have got to get back to making videos in the near future. ❤

[@nomorebsforme]

I would like to know how to time things on the toaster oven? I got scared it gets so hot so fast. Thanks❤

[@MeenasHappyLife]

I was thinking about getting the toaster oven. Is it worth it? I read mixed reviews about burning or uneven cooking.

[@JeffeysMom]

@@MeenasHappyLife I really enjoy using it. You do have to watch it to make sure you’re not burning stuff. But yes, in my opinion it was well worth the little bit of money I paid.❤️👍🏻

[@JeffeysMom]

@@nomorebsforme just keep a close watch on it at first and then you will get it down pat as to what takes how long to cook in it. I mostly bought it so I could have grilled cheese.lol!

[@MeenasHappyLife]

@JeffeysMom Thanks! It's on my list of things to get.

[@karinhart489]

I have been using a 12v HotLogic Mini to slow cook food while driving & 12v kettle to heat up to 1 liter of water that I have been using for over 5 years. And a couple years ago Dash mini griddle the size of that waffle maker you showed (uses less power than the bigger griddle you showed… but mine is right size for me & the little one seems to be on sale at Target regularly.

[@MeenasHappyLife]

Great! I'm glad you found items that work for you. It's comforting to know you can still function in a smaller space.

[@MLynn05]

I love your channel! Thank you for the wonderful recommendations, so very helpful! Happy travels!

[@MeenasHappyLife]

You are so welcome! Thanks for watching 😄

[@nomorebsforme]

Great video I have several of the same gadgets they are so great!!!❤

[@MeenasHappyLife]

I love them!

[@nunyabeezwacks1408]

Thank you, for the helpful recommendations! I'm seriously considering getting that air fryer.

[@MeenasHappyLife]

You are so welcome! I really love the air fryer and it matches with a lot of my other appliances.

[@OutdoorsybyNature]

Very cool! I had no idea these existed outside of the Dash family.

[@MeenasHappyLife]

I'm always searching for new gadgets! Thanks for watching!

[@ghilly_one1720]

awesome for the keto waffle recipe - i was wondering about one!! thanks! great video btw.

[@MeenasHappyLife]

You're welcome and thanks for watching!

[@CorinneClassic]

Interesting gadgets. Outside of the dash, I haven’t seen the others before.

[@MeenasHappyLife]

Some I found on Temu, but Amazon also has them. You can compare prices. Temu just takes longer to ship.

[@TaraWmsT]

Good recommendations; IDK why I didn’t think to bring my mini dash waffle maker. And I’m ordering the first gadget the rice cooker/steamer

[@MeenasHappyLife]

Thanks for watching! That little cooker is a beast! Make sure to keep what ever you put in there stirred.

[@bondee5865]

All the comforts of home!

[@MeenasHappyLife]

Yes, and it is so freeing!

[@cecedavis9840]

Thanks for sharing 😊

[@MeenasHappyLife]

My pleasure 😊

[@susannewatkins8674]

Very helpful…thank you!😊

[@MeenasHappyLife]

You're so welcome!

[@vanliferollinwithaltharocco]

Excellent video thank you for sharing this. I think I’m gonna pass on The very last item you got from Ollies the price was good though I see all of these products, at Kohl’s but they’re very expensive. I always see them Goodwill day.

[@MeenasHappyLife]

Thank you! I got it mainly to make muffins in the van.

[@rhodonnasoto2826]

Thank you, food for the camper

[@rhodonnasoto2826]

Meant good, notfood😅

[@MeenasHappyLife]

Any time!

[@melmj4853]

I like the 3 in 1 gadget ❤ thanks for sharing 😊

[@MeenasHappyLife]

The Juicer?

[@melmj4853]

@@MeenasHappyLife the little thing that makes the cake pops and doughnuts 😊

[@MeenasHappyLife]

@@melmj4853 Ohhh, it's cute right?

[@melmj4853]

@@MeenasHappyLife yes

[@shirleyfrederickson4794]

Cool minis!

[@MeenasHappyLife]

👍🏽 Thank you!

[@4StonesHandcraft]

Thank you

[@MeenasHappyLife]

Thanks for watching!

[@frostyfrances4700]

Love the video. But do you perhaps know of a similar item that has a stainless steel interior - or even aluminum? I don't use teflon-type appliances bc my uncle worked for Monsanto when those first came out decades ago, and he swore up and down then that the stuff gets in your body and stays there. Even the modern versions aren't really trustworthy. I don't cook in plastic either.

[@MeenasHappyLife]

Do you mean the Hot Pot?

[@frostyfrances4700]

@@MeenasHappyLife - Yes, thank you. But the same goes for any of them. I can't bring myself to cook with teflon or plastic. I'd even be willing/able to pay a bit more if need be.

[@MeenasHappyLife]

Found this one. It says stainless steel interior. Dezin Hot Pot Electric with Steamer, Rapid Noodles Cooker, Stainless Steel Electric Pot 1.6 Liter, Perfect for Ramen, Egg, Dumpling, Soup, Oatmeal with Temperature Control and Keep Warm Function a.co/d/5k7Ao1y

[@frostyfrances4700]

@@MeenasHappyLife - Wow, thanks! I've been searching but w/o any luck myself. As soon as my credit card billing period rolls over, I'll see if I have enough to spare on my prepping project. But I can't thank you enough already.

[@IzzyZon]

Please please please, do not ever use anything non stick, Teflon etc. It's cancerous, proven!!

[@marygallagher3428]

Enjoyed the video!

[@MeenasHappyLife]

Glad you did! Thanks for watching!

[@broella6493]

Cute appliances! I own the first pot you showed. It does a great job, but food does burn easily, even on the lower setting. Just watch it closely.

[@MeenasHappyLife]

Yes, I watch it and keep it stirred. Somehow the rice turns out ok though.

[@emmyjoyful1]

I use mine to fry eggs. A bit of butter, break the eggs in and very soon you have an "egg pancake". Then I use it to boil the water I need. No mini-electric kettle needed.

[@MeenasHappyLife]

@@emmyjoyful1 Yes, it boils water quite quickly!

[@kendclife7913]

I have almost all of those you featured!

[@MeenasHappyLife]

Great! How do you like them? Which one do you use the most?

[@heythere5988]

Thank you so much ☺️

[@MeenasHappyLife]

You are welcome! Thank you for watching!

[@geminigreywolf6655]

Great recommendations. Thank you!

[@MeenasHappyLife]

You are so welcome!

[@Tipperary757]

Great info + advice. Thank you.

[@MeenasHappyLife]

Glad it was helpful!

[@john-ft8nt]

Thanks so much for the video sis I learned a lot going to buy some of the appliance

[@MeenasHappyLife]

You are so welcome

[@RuthAnn-f4j]

That was good info! Thanks

[@MeenasHappyLife]

Glad it was helpful!

[@AnnetteRosasGallo]

Great video!

[@MeenasHappyLife]

Glad you liked it!

[@duvessa2003]

Love the sound of the Keto waffle!

[@MeenasHappyLife]

They are really good! Here is a recipe I found. ** 2 eggs 4 tbsp butter melted ¼ cup water 1 tsp vanilla extract ¾ cup almond meal/flour ½ tbsp granulated sweetener of choice 1 tsp baking powder

[@MeenasHappyLife]

And I meant to say Almond flour, not coconut flour. And I use Almond milk instead of water

[@craftsbeautyandlife5163]

Great recommendations

[@MeenasHappyLife]

Thanks for watching!

[@dawnknowlton]

I see using the top of the cupcake plate for mini pies or cake.

[@MeenasHappyLife]

I may try that with my grand babies

[@peteranthonyofthefamilybir18]

Thank Yooooo VERY HELPFUL ❤

[@MeenasHappyLife]

Glad it helped!

[@urdad9853]

BTW what do you do for refrigeration....thanx

[@MeenasHappyLife]

I have a EUHOMY fridge/ freezer. I plug it in my bluetti.

[@urdad9853]

@@MeenasHappyLife Cool Thanx

[@ellenmorley1104]

Wow I saved this one

[@MeenasHappyLife]

Aww, thanks for watching!

[@HildaAcosta-y1k]

Buena ideas👍👍👍

[@MeenasHappyLife]

👍🏽🤗👍🏽

[@teresaforsyth6185]

I luv your accent.

[@MeenasHappyLife]

Aww, thank you!

[@nritti_]

Sold out

[@MeenasHappyLife]

Which one?

[@rebeccalankford9810]

I have rice cooker. A pot of boiling water, add butter and seasoning. Boil. Add rice. Bring to a boil. Cover and remove from heat. Same pot heats soup. Boils water for noodles. Lol Why so many Gadgets to store?

[@MeenasHappyLife]

😅🤣😊 Cause I love gadgets! I find them useful.

[@rebeccalankford9810]

@@MeenasHappyLife I do not like clutter. I like to keep it simple. Each to their own. 😉 enjoy

[@adventurebythemile]

I was at Kohls and they had about 10 small appliances. I did not but any thou.

[@lewisbale1]

Hello 🤗 New Subscriber here

[@MeenasHappyLife]

Welcome!! Thanks for subbing!🎉

[@sarahbyrd772]

Enjoyed this video. And yeah you should have read your directions 😂

[@MeenasHappyLife]

I know, right? 😉

[@Itsmevictoire]

🌻💖🌻

[@MeenasHappyLife]

Thanks for watching

[@Minombrenolomanejagoogle]

What your t-shirt saying about Colombia 🇨🇴?

[@MeenasHappyLife]

It says' It's Colombia, Not Columbia". I got it when I went to Medellín Colombia.

[@frostyfrances4700]

@@MeenasHappyLife - I was wondering too. I suppose North America spells the word with a 'u' bc of Columbus. Do you have to fight with auto-correct over the proper way to spell the country?

[@HisgGalore]

Here

[@MeenasHappyLife]

Thanks

[@kimdagnillo8246]

Read the instructions so you don’t break it ! 😊

[@MeenasHappyLife]

Thanks

[@mustangandfrankenstein]

Im out

[@MeenasHappyLife]

Que?

[@frostyfrances4700]

@@MeenasHappyLife - I think he took a powder.

[@MeenasHappyLife]

@frostyfrances4700 😄😆😁😅 Lol!