Words by Steve Fennell
The introduction of lighter materials, innovative interior designs, and new technology have all played a vital role in the evolution of more practical and stylish RV galleys. As manufacturers have been re-tooling user-friendly layouts and using more functional aftermarket products, this space not only looks good in today’s RVs, but they are also twice as comfortable and convenient.
Although you may not have the budget to completely re-do your galley or choose every option on a new RV spec sheet – you don’t need to. Sometimes “less is more” in this space and it all depends on your tastes, RV lifestyle, and level of comfort you want on the road.
“People often learn more about their RV once they start using and living in it,” says Aaron Lane, Design Engineer and Director of Marketing for Creative Mobile Interiors, “This is when they decide what they like, what they don’t like, and how space in a galley can better be used. This is where ideas for modifications usually come from.”
Cooler RV Galley Choices
Whether you’re buying a new rig with a gamut of galley options or looking to upgrade this space in your existing one, you’ll realize there are more than a few choices of appliances. More often than not, refrigerators are the first featured item on any new RV spec sheet, and the options at an RV supply stores are vast.
"From what we have seen, RVers are often interested in swapping out the refrigerator more than anything else in their galley," says Lane. “We’ll commonly replace an older unit with a residential-style refrigerator. Also, now that RVs have more efficient power sources, a lot of people choose electric-based units over propane."
Dometic, NorCold, Furrion – to name a few – are all popular brands with great power efficiency, weight savings, along with design and function. They are available in several sizes ranging anywhere from 6 cu. ft. to 10 cu. ft. with even smaller units available. Additionally, to meet certain capacities, they range in weight from a mere 45 kg (100 lbs) to 68 kg (150 lbs), respectively. Yet, the most important question to ask is, do they keep your food cold and fresh on the road? Are they power-friendly for an RV? Do they look good? You bet.
The Americana Plus DM 2682 from Dometic is built to last. It features superior-grade seals and magnets to minimize frost, runs on 12V/120V power and touts a full-surround steel frame to optimize cooling. It even has various panels available and lockable doors to ensure they remain closed during travel – not bad for a fridge in your RV.
However, not everyone has space for a large double-door fridge or may not even want a fridge in their first place. That’s where electric coolers come in. All the rage with space-saving abilities and utmost function, there are many on the market and are worth their weight in gold for couples or solo travelers.
One of the more recent choices is Furrion’s eRove, introduced in early 2019. Compact, and efficient with a stylish design, this mobile, 1.5 cu. ft. two-wheel fridge/freezer looks more like it was designed to rove on Mars than offer a great cooling option for RVers.
Nonetheless, it can offer seven days of cooling efficiency with its re-chargeable ePod battery and offers ice retention for up to 10 days without power. It’s even solar-friendly. Planning steak or seafood for a few dinners on the road? No problem. The eRove can cool or freeze down to -8 F (-22 C) and has a 45-quart fridge/freezer capacity. A wireless charging dock, pull-out serving tray, and 2.0 and 3.0 USB ports are also featured.
Aftermarket Cooking Upgrades
In the event you can’t fully justify a large residential style-oven with all the bells and whistles, convection microwaves and cook-top stoves are great alternatives with the ideal form, function, and design.
A good example is the Sharp R1874T Over-the-Range Convection Microwave, which was voted one of the best units by www.smartrving.net. It’s compact and has a bevy of great features for RVers. Yet, a key highlight is its exhaust/fan system, making it a great addition to vent smoke when sizzling a meal over a cooktop stove or electric grill.
If your RV lifestyle demands more culinary convenience, Dometic’s Drop-In Electric 1.5V Cook Top is another great option. It's space-friendly with a width of 45 cm (18 in) and has a depth of
35 cm (14 in), and features two burners offering 7,200 and 5,200 BTUs. It even has a one-piece design for easier cleaning and an optional cover to maximize counter space when not in use.
"Sometimes RVers don't want a larger four-burner stove as it takes up too much counter space," explains Lane. "So, they choose to take it out and simply use a plug-in induction burner and utilize the added counter area.”
Aside from product upgrades, Lane explains galley choices or modifications are commonly based on function over design, as they are sometimes concerned that the galley will stand out as a new improvement and not match the rest of the interior.
“RVers don’t want to change the look of the galley too much,” says Lane. “This can often lead to a domino effect as they feel they have to modify other parts of the interior just to match the galley, which can end up being very costly. Often, people also don’t want to overdo it due to the terms of the resale market. In the end, it’s really about making the galley work for what they need and how they can utilize the existing space.”
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Creative Mobile Interiors
Clean with more function - an older coach with new counters and appliances.
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Creative Mobile Interiors
If your budget allows it, this is an ideal example of new, functional custom cabinets.
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Creative Mobile Interiors
A little thought can result in a clean fit and finish.
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Creative Mobile Interiors
Some enhancement leads to more function with good, clean looks.
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Creative Mobile Interiors
It’s also important to match the theme, colours and overall design of the rest of your RV.
Other Galley Tips, Tricks, and Advice
Add Some Bling.
Just as backsplashes are popular in homes, they are great additions for RV galleys. “Designs have come a long way and are closing the gap more between residential kitchens and RV galleys," says Lane. "Backsplashes are great additions as they can make it more functional and quickly add some extra pizzazz.”
Keep it Simple and Affordable.
Rather than redesign entire cabinets or drawers, simply increase function inside the drawers or cabinets. Pull-out pantries or drawer trays are popular choices.
Create More Countertop.
Lane explains a great solution for more counter space is opting for a fold-out countertop, which can be retracted when not in use, and easily folded out when more space is needed.
Don’t Disregard Smaller Appointments.
Updating lighting or fixtures, vent fans, facets, and even the kitchen sink are all nice added touches and make all the difference in style and function.