Cruising in an RV allows you to explore the world while enjoying your home comforts. Yet if you want your rig to truly feel like home, you may want to invest in a good set of RV pots and pans.
What’s special about RVs? Why can’t you use any pots and pans?
One word: space.
In fact, the lack of space in my kitchen, in my house, is a source of eternal frustration to me. It has too much cookware that takes up too much room. Space saving cookware is an advantage even in a house.
But it’s essential in the small space of an RV or boat.
This guide to the best RV cookware set will explain it all – and help you choose what pots and pans you want for your rig.
Contents
What To Consider When Choosing RV Cookware Sets
Material
How your cookware performs in the kitchen will largely depend on its construction. Usually, most RV cookware sets are either made of stainless steel or aluminum.
I find regular stainless steel a good compromise between durability and lightness, but it’s not suited for induction cooking. Stainless steel is also prone to hot spots.
With more than half of the cookware sold today being aluminum, you can expect aluminum cookware sets designed for RV life. It’s lightweight, cooks evenly, and ultimately safe-if anodized.
For a set that will last a lifetime (or more), I suggest getting a cast iron cookware set. (As long as the hefty weight and high maintenance don’t bother you, that is.)
Size
Before settling on a cookware set, you might first consider factoring in the number of people in the RV.
Smaller sets are ideal for duo or solo RVing, while bigger sizes are favorable for family or group camping.
Frying pans will mostly be measured in inches, while saucepans’ measurements will be in quart capacity. A rough guide is 1 to 1.5 quarts (0.95 -1.4 liters) will cater for one person.
Don’t worry; I’ll explain how many people each set serves. I will assume you have at least a couple of hobs, though! If you have one hob, you may need to look at the size of the biggest pot or pan.
Never forget, though, this cookware set needs to actually fit in your RV!
On the other hand, if you believe storage space isn’t an issue, for some reason, then what matters is the type of cooktop! Check out my different cooktop based guides:
Type of Stovetop
The kind of cooktop in your RV significantly influences your choice of cookware set. The most important characteristic is whether you need cookware compatible with induction cooking.
Rig owners with ceramic or glass stovetops should opt for flat bottomed cookware construction. You should avoid cast iron with a glass stovetop as it can scratch it.
Nesting
If you have been in an RV, you know how crucial space-saving cookware is. Or just anything else. There isn’t much space here, so cookware that can nicely nest on each other is ideal.
I love sets that can nest in any order, so people could always take only the cookware they need and keep the rest at home.
However, you can expect your things to bounce and move as your kitchen is always on the move. Hence, it’s wise to invest in pot protectors to avoid ending up with scratched cookware.
Though, I often just use a sheet of kitchen paper between each pot.
Getting yourself a set of nesting bowls will also save you plenty of storage space. Check out the best stackable pots and pans.
Handles
Cookware sets can come with removable, foldable or permanently secured handles.
Cookware sets with detachable handles are much easier to store and won’t sit awkwardly in your RV. I also like that with a removable handle, you can easily switch from your stovetop to your oven or open flame, making the set versatile.
Once you remove the handle, you can also use the pots and pans as a serving or storage dish. (I don’t recommend serving or storing food in non-stick cookware though.)
Just make sure you don’t lose the handle!
Lids
Lids are lifesavers when it comes to containing the mess and trapping heat and flavors when cooking.
I love tempered glass lids with vents as I can easily monitor the food at a distance, while the vents allow the steam to escape. Riveted handles on the top capable of staying cool are a plus.
I also find sets with interchangeable lids space-saving as it’s easier to transport two lids than five different sized ones.
Of course flat lids can be great for space saving. Sometimes they can be a bit awkward to cook with, though.
Here’s a pro tip: turn domed lids upside down to save space!
Non-stick
You can only appreciate the importance of non-stick cookware if you have tried cooking an egg on a sticky pan.
If looking for cookware that will give you an easy time when cooking and cleaning, then I advise getting a non-stick cookware set.
With a non-stick coating, you can choose between ceramic or Teflon.
Ceramic is popularly sought after in this sector owing to its toxic-free nature, durability, easy to clean, and quick nonstick release.
However, beware, some ceramic actually contains PTFE, the active ingredient of Teflon.
Although some people have concerns about Teflon’s safety, I find it ok as long as it’s high quality and not the peeling and flaking stuff. However, if you can find a better alternative, I suggest going with that.
If you aren’t one to gamble with coatings, I advise getting yourself a set of cast iron pots and pans. It remains genuinely non-stick with proper seasoning and will serve you for generations to come.
Stainless steel cookware sets are pretty safe, and low maintenance, but they can be extra work when it comes to cleaning up.
Ease of Cleaning
When buying cookware, often are times we forget that it will need to get cleaned. And fast! You don’t want to spend most of your time scrubbing pots while you should be enjoying kayaking.
I like RV pots and pans that I can just throw them in the dishwasher. It also makes it much more enjoyable to cook, knowing there won’t be the hassle of handwashing everything.
Of course how important this is, depends on whether your RV has a dishwasher! Many of them don’t. In that case, non stick, which easily wipes clean, might be a great choice.
Warranty
It can be a good idea to get a cookware set with a warranty. In theory will cushion you against any damages incurred before the warranty period elapses.
However, be wary of brands that don’t honor to their warranties. It’s a more common practice in today’s market than you may think.
Best RV Cookware Set Reviews
Magma Products, A10-360L 10 Piece Gourmet Nesting Stainless Steel Cookware (Best Compact “Pure” RV Cookware Set)
Designed for boats and RVs, this 10-piece stainless steel Magma Products A10 set comes with everything needed to cook a full meal for 5-6 people in only half a cubic foot of cabinet space.
This stainless steel cookware set includes three saucepans, a stockpot, a sauté pan, two interchangeable lids for the pans, two removable handles, and a convenient Bungee storage cord.
As long as you season it correctly, this RV nesting cookware set isn’t too sticky and is quite easy to clean.
I like the pan’s triple-clad bottoms that allow the heat to distribute evenly, eliminating hot spots. The set also nests neatly while the bungee cord ensures they stay intact during all the commotion.
If concerned about your pans scratching when stacked together, feel free to get the pot protector set for your cookware.
One major downside with this set is that it’s not induction compatible. So, you may have to look elsewhere if you have an induction cooktop. There are also complaints about the handles burning when used on a gas stove.
Pros:
- Neatly nests together
- Ultra compact
- Dishwasher safe
- Oven safe to 260° C (500° F) without handles
- Easy to clean (for stainless steel)
- Ideal for 5-6 people
- Two removable handles and interchangeable lids
Cons:
- Costly
- Induction incompatible
- Reports of handle burning on the gas stove
Magma Products, A10-366-2 Gourmet Nesting Non-Stick Cookware (Best Teflon Free Non Stick RV Cookware Set)
Featuring a stainless-steel exterior and slate black ceramic nonstick interior, this 10-piece set from Magma Products A10 set is ideal for RV owners looking for durable cookware.
Like our previous pick, the set includes three saucepans, a stockpot, a sauté pan, two handles and lids, and a bungee storage cord. Both the sets are similar with the key difference being that this one is stainless steel and the previous one is non-stick.
I love the pads that come with the set to cushion against banging and chirping while traveling. The healthy ceramic interior ensures your delicate meals don’t stick while allowing for much easier cleanup.
The set also comes in a cobalt blue enameled model for those interested in splashing some color in their kitchen RVs.
Although dishwasher safe, I advise handwashing the set and using non-metallic utensils to avoid damaging the nonstick coating.
Pros:
- Nestable, thus space-saving
- Ultra compact
- Oven safe to 260°C (500° F) without handles
- Two removable handles and two interchangeable lids
- Ceramic nonstick coating
- Easy to clean
- Ideal for 5-6 people
- Comes with protective pads
- Dishwasher safe
- PTFE (Teflon) Free
Cons:
- Not suited for induction cooking
- Costly
- Reports of the nonstick coating wearing off after a while
- Handles melt on gas stoves
Stanley Base Camp Cook Set for 4 (Best Ultra Compact Cookware Set)
The Stanley base camp 21-piece set features one of the smallest cookware options among the options on my list. It includes a stainless-steel pot, fry pan, utensils, dish drying rack, heat resistant trivet, and a locking bungee.
Everything fits into the pot! How neat is that?
The set packs up to a tiny kit that’s easy and convenient to store. I love that everything is large enough to be user-friendly and small enough to be RV friendly.
I like the thought that went to the handle. It’s rounded (so won’t scratch your hands), it can fold out, and works on either pot.
In theory, this set serves four people. Yet many users report it’s not quite enough for a family of four. Three should be fine. The utensils might also be a little smaller than advertised.
Aside from that, this is a cookware set I recommend to RV owners looking for aversatile yet budget-friendly RV nesting pots and pans. If you have 4+ family members, consider getting two sets.
Pros:
- Nestable; truly space-saving
- Affordable
- Comes with plates, sporks, and bowls
- Durable
- Foldable handle
- Plates / utensils for four people
Cons:
- Induction unsuitable
- Difficult to clean
- Limited capacity for four people
- Small utensils
Calphalon Premier Space-Saving Stainless Steel Supper Club Set
If you are a minimalist and interested in getting a space-saving, yet versatile cookware set for your RV, I highly recommend this set. It includes a 4-qt chef’s pan, an 8-qt stockpot, and a 5-qt sauté pan, each with a lid.
The set is designed to stack and nest in any order, so you can always leave the piece you don’t need. It’s not big on space-saving, but still better than none.
I love the flat tempered glass lids, which are convenient to use. However, there have been several complaints about the difficulty of handling them, especially when hot.
Owing to its 3-layer metal construction, you can count on the heavy-gauge aluminum core to evenly cook your food without any hotspots. Its stainless-steel finish is also dishwasher-safe for seamless cleaning and oven safe to 230° C (450° F).
This set is also induction compatible and metal utensil safe. I also love that the handle stays cool, although it isn’t detachable.
The model also comes in three, six, ten, and fifteen-piece options. This 5-piece model is convenient for four to five people and won’t scratch when stacked together.
Get the 3 piece model for one to two people.
The 10 and 15 piece models should serve large numbers of people. The thing is – how many hobs do you have in your RV?
The 5 piece cookware set is ideal for RVs.
Pros:
- Induction compatible
- Nestable
- Dishwasher safe
- Oven safe up to 230° C (450° F)
- Stainless steel handle that stays cool
- Metal utensil safe
- Heavy and durable
- Long and sturdy handle
- Range of size options
Cons:
- Pricey
- Flat lids are difficult to handle
- A little challenging to clean
T-fal All-In-One Hard-Anodized Nonstick Cookware Set (Best Budget RV Cookware)
The T-fal hard-anodized 12-piece nonstick cookware set is ideal for anyone who loves cooking in their RVs. I love the extra utensils included to ensure your RV kitchen is ready to cook whatever your taste buds desire.
With a 10″ (25cm) diameter and 2 3/4″ (7cm) depth, the sauté pan is big enough to serve a group of 2-4 people on its own.
Like any other T-fal cookware, the set features a thermo-spot heat indicator that guides you when the pot/pan is hot enough to throw in your ingredients.
Dishwasher safe and oven safe to 204° C (400° F), the set easily transitions from the stove into the oven and onto the dining table.
The pots also stack nicely on each other, saving 45% more space in the cabinet. I also love that the lids are see-through and have riveted handles.
This beautiful set won’t scratch with nesting either, thanks to its hard titanium-reinforced interior.
Pros:
- Great value
- Nonstick interior
- Vented glass lids with riveted handles
- Nestable
- Dishwasher safe
- Oven safe up to 204° C (400° F), lids up to 350° F
- Easily serve 4 + people
Cons:
- Induction incompatible
- Complaints of the bottom showing burn marks too easily
- Could nest / stack more efficiently
Calphalon Premier Space-Saving Nonstick Set (Best RV Cookware for very large groups)
This is probably the set with the highest number of cookware on my list. If you need nine pots and pans with six lids, then it’s a set I would recommend. If not, I suggest sticking with their smaller set.
I love that its nonstick, stackable, dishwasher safe, and oven safe up to 230° C (450°F). The flat lids are also convenient for nesting, although they might be a pain when cooking. The whole set nests in any order so, you can just carry what you need and leave the rest at home.
Unfortunately, there are reports of the cookware peeling and warping after several uses.
I am also disappointed that Calphalon doesn’t stand with their warranty with this one.
Pros:
- Nine pots and six lids
- Easy to clean
- Suitable for family RVing
- Non-stick
- Dishwasher safe
- Nestable
- Oven safe up to 230° C (450° F)
Cons:
- Expensive
- Reports of cookware chipping and warping over time
- Reports of manufacturer not always honoring warranty
- Induction incompatible
Gotham Steel Stackable Pots and Pans Set – STACKMASTER (Best RV Cookware)
Uniquely designed for easier stacking and nesting, this cookware set will be a great addition to your RV kitchen. Combined with super-strong titanium, the ceramic coating offers a perfect balance of nonstick and durability.
This 15-piece set includes frying pans, skillets, saucepans, and stockpots. Gotham also offers a 10-piece cookware set.
These aren’t just stackable. Its revolutionary design allows the set to conveniently nest together while preventing the nonstick coating from getting scratched.
Although non-detachable, the stainless-steel handles provide a solid grip.
I love that the set is suitable for all stovetops, including electric, gas, and induction. It is also dishwasher safe and oven safe up to 285° C (550° F).
The set additionally includes three universal interchangeable tempered glass lids allowing you to monitor food while it cooks.
Pros:
- Induction compatible
- Non-stick
- Great value
- Interchangeable tempered glass lids
- Nestable
- Oven safe up to 285° C (550° F)
- Dishwasher safe
- Suitable for large families (6+)
- Option to take some pans and leave others at home
Cons:
- Reports of handles and lids getting hot while cooking
- The flat lids are great for stacking but are hard to handle
- Smaller diameter pans challenging to fit on induction cooktops
- The handles don’t fold – awkward with very small storage spaces
Check out my Gotham Steel Cookware Roundup or my Stackmaster Review for more from this brand.
Pre-Seasoned Cast Iron Skillet 4-Piece Complete Chef Set (Best Cast Iron RV Cookware Set)
If you are familiar with cast iron cookware, you already know it performs excellently in the kitchen and lasts for a lifetime or more!
This 4-piece set is crafted with seasoned cast iron that can last for generations. It comes with non-slip, heat resistant handles for convenient handling.
As with all cast iron cookware, this set is induction compatible and provides even heat distribution for improved cooking and frying.
I find cast iron cookware perfect for my kitchen, but I am not sure how these will perform in a rig with all the maintenance needed. The handles are also permanent as they are part of the cast.
Pros:
- Induction compatible
- Nonstick
- Durable
- Helper handles for easy carrying
- Great value
- Serves a group of 4-5 people
- Includes silicone hot handle holders
Cons:
- Needs much maintenance
- Limited to skillets
- Heavy
- Handles are awkward
Farberware Neat Nest Space-Saving Nonstick Pots and Pans Set
Farberware’s 13-piece nonstick cookware set includes three frying pans (8″, 10.5″, and 12″), two saucepans with lids (2-qt and 4-qt), two sauce pots with lids (1.5-qt and 3.5-qt), and a 6-qt stockpot.
All the pots and pans feature an enhanced nonstick interior that offers excellent food release and cleans easy. Plus, these are oven safe to 175°C (350° F).
The handles are dual-riveted for sturdiness and interlock with each other, so the cookware ‘floats’ on each other when nested to prevent scratching.
I also love that the glass lids are shatter-proof and act as a convenient base for resting the pots and pans when nesting.
There are many complaints about the nonstick layer peeling off, pots and pans warping, and lids not fitting. I would be careful with these.
You can find more Farberware cookware in my complete review.
Pros:
- Budget-friendly
- Nonstick
- Nestable
- Oven safe to 175° C (350° F)
- Shatter-proof glass lids
- Can accommodate a group of 4-5 people
Cons:
- Low-quality (pots and pans warp and lose their nonstick ability)
- Lids don’t fit
- Not induction safe
- Not dishwasher safe as advertised
Verdict: The Best Cookware For RV
Best RV Cookware Set
I would choose the Gotham Steel Stackable Pots and Pans Set – STACKMASTER as the best RV cookware set. Although its handles are permanently secured, it’s genuinely space-saving, works on all cooktops including induction, and is dishwasher safe. This 15-set is also oven safe up to 285° C (550° F), which is quite commendable.
I also love the set’s design that allows the pans and pots to nest together without scratching. The three interchangeable glass lids are also a plus.
There are a lot of pots and pans here. Probably more than you need! I would recommend taking half of them on any trip. Leave the other half at home.
To be honest the whole space saving thing is a great idea anyway. My kitchen is overcrowded and I could really do with these.
I do have some gripes though.
First the handles and lids can get quite hot while cooking.
Second the handles aren’t foldable and the cookware is quite big. It’s great, and space saving for a larger RV with the family. For a couple in a smaller rig, it might be a bit much
Overall, this is a great set that I highly recommend in making your RV feel like home. Or for making your kitchen feel more spacious.
Best Ultra Compact RV Cookware Set
There’s space saving cookware and then there’s cookware you could pop in your backpack. That’s what makes the Stanley Base Camp Cook Set the best RV cookware set for a small RV. This is great if you are two or three people and don’t need as much food.
Or even if you are prepared to cook in batches – one meal for the kids and one for the adults.
I love this cook set because it has everything I need in a small container – including accessories
Best Compact “Pure” RV Cookware Set
If you’re looking for a no frills cookware set, with just cookware then consider the Magma Products, A10-360L Stainless Steel Cookware. It doesn’t come with accessories, like plates or sporks, but packs an incredible amount of cookware in a small space.
If you have only a little space in your RV, but need to cook for 4+ people, this cookware set is ideal.
