Sinks & Splashbacks: Choosing the right kitchen for your van conversion

Whether you're building your own or you're considering coming to Pine Campers for a bespoke commission. It's important to consider the elements you want when it comes to the kitchen.

Now, whether you're a serious foodie or just see what you eat as a way to re-stock your energy - you'll be wanting a kitchen unit in your van. Even if it's a beautiful day, you could be staying in an area where you're not allowed to barbecue, you could be in a space where you're far off-grid and nowhere near facilities for cooking... whatever the situation is sometimes it's just convenient to have even the most basic set-up.

So in this article I'm going to run through the options and how they fit into the space of a typical van (such as the Citroen Relay).

Fully Equipped Foodie

You're not looking to slum it when it comes to your adventures. Your idea of 'rustling something up' is spending 2 hours prepping the honey roasted carrots and cutting them Julianne style... you're not doing it by halves when it comes to taking to the road.

That's where the following design comes in.

A fully functionning over with a three ring hob and space for prepping is where it's at for you. The oven in 'Atlas' has 3 seperate rungs so if you're doing a pasta bake, proving bread rolls or juggling a full blown roast you're sorted.

This kitchen is also fitted with a massive amount of generous storage. So you can bring your Le Creuset casserole pot as well as that wok you've definitely used more than once. There's also a fridge/freezer fitted under the bed which could be fitted into the cabinet space if you don't mind compromising on crokery-space. But this means that you can store food for longer periods knowing your ingredients will be fresh when you come to use them.

As well as base cabinet storage there's also overhead storage for keeping all your herbs and spices at hand. And of course a fitted tap and big sink for washing up afterwards.

Mod-Con Prep & Go

If you're less obsessed with cooking three course meals and more of a pasta with lots of salads person, then the next option might be more up your street.

The Birch kitchen has loads of prep space with the very useful addition of a moveable flap attached to the end of the unit next to the 2 ring hob which you can have up when cooking or put down for more space. Also note all of the socket and USB attachments betwen the sink and hob; so all your gizmos can come with you for healthy smoothies or home made dips.

There is, as always, a mini fridge/freezer and in this van it's built into the storage space of the kitchen unit. So you can easily access everything you need.

And of course there's lots of generous storage space for all of your food, cooking equipment and gadgets.

Minimalist Flash Fry

This kitchen is perfect for anyone who wants to spend all day out and put a vegan or meat steak on to fry as soon as they're back with a handful of fresh veg and some potatoes boiling on the next ring.

Functional and beautiful this is a small but very effective cooking space. Even with a cute little shelf and mug-hanging space above the sink.

Do note it also comes with a mini fridge/freezer.

Choices, Choices...

As you can see, there's a lot of choice when it comes to getting the design for the kitchen right for what you want to use it for. That's why choosing to do a bespoke commission is the best choice for getting the van that will suit you and your requirements the best.

Not everyone wants or needs an oven, not everyone wants or needs a lot of prep space, sockets for gadgets etc. Everyone wants something different and that's why a commission is often the best option. You can get the finish, the layout and the fittings you want.