How Much Counter Space Does One Really Need? - RV-Dreams Community Forum

Lucky Mike · RV-Dreams Family Member

How Much Counter Space Does One Really Need?

KellyVA · RV-Dreams Family Member

This is what I'm thinking - maybe instead of looking at what is or isn't there, look at whether it can be modified for a better set-up. Thanks guys!! :)

-- Edited by KellyVA on Thursday 28th of February 2013 05:30:02 PM

KellyVA · RV-Dreams Family Member

Hi all,

While out looking at RV's today I was determined I needed more counter space than any of them offered but on the way home realized I actually only use a small area here at home in my kitchen, so I'm wondering if I'm putting too much emphasis on this than need be. In reality do you really need much more counter space or is it just a feeling that it would be nice to have. If you were cooking up a storm would you bring in a small table such as a card table or use the dining table for part of your counter space?

thanks much,

Kelly

GENECOP · RV-Dreams Family Member

Kelly, no doubt that for a cook counter space is welcomed, the more the merrier. That being said if you modify your style and can learn some techniques that require less space you will do fine with whatever you have. We also installed a drop down piece of counter that really comes in handy...

Cindy T · RV-Dreams Family Member

For me, as much as I can possibly get! We have a decent counter space around the sink & cooktop plus we have a kitchen island. I use all of it when I'm baking or making dinner from scratch, which is pretty often. I think it depends how much you cook & bake.

I will often have the crock pot cooking on the island, which still leaves me space to use the counter by the sink/cooktop. We've been FT for over a year & I've never felt like I had too much or wasted counter space.

We also had a flip-up/drop down counter extension. I didn't find that extremely useful, so we removed it. In its place, my husband built a 2 shelf kitchen stand. I store my crock pot, toaster oven & coffee pot on those shelves. So I agree with Lucky Mike, look at your space & see how you can adapt the space to be a better fit for you.

flyone · RV-Dreams Family Member

Kelly--like all have said---the more the better. But also you use what you have ---its kind of like storage, you store as much as your space will hold, if you want to store something else then something has to go, same with counter space. That being said, you do need some counter space just to help in meal prep and convience. I don't know exactly what you are looking for in a trailer but if it is counter space you seek look at my fiver floorplan "Crossroads Cruiser CF305SK" I havent measured it but I would say I have 12 ft of counter top--of course the sink takes out about 2 ft and the stove takes out about 2 ft so I have 8 ft of clear corian counter top. When we are at a CG we leave the coffee maker out the toaster out and still have plenty of room to prep for meals. The right trailer is out there, get on line and just pull up every manufacture and look at floor plans--start a spread sheet to keep track of the ones you are interested in then when you go to a show you have a list of the ones you want to see. Keep notes on each one about the things you like and dislike. Sorry about getting so long winded, but if you want counter space look until you find one you are satisfied with.

Flyone

RVKevi · RV-Dreams Family Member

This was one of our concerns. Both Kev and I are sometimes in the kitchen at the same time, so we need space for both of us. Anyway, our Heartland Big Horn 3670 RL has space for both of us. It also seems to have more cupboard and drawer space than many we looked at.

Jo And Craig · RV-Dreams Family Member

I must put in my two cents... for what it's worth! Check out the Lifestyle Luxury RV, models LS36FW (the one we plan to purchase when we can leave home) and the LS37IK. Both are similar floor plans. The LS36FW has a full wall slide-out. The counter space plus the island is absolutely incredible! I believe Mark (on this board) purchased one in November. All of this, not to mention how well made the entire unit is! Good luck!

MarkS · RV-Dreams Family Member

We are foodies and love our kitchen. The whole family cooks. On holidays we are all in the kitchen each one doing something different. We measure our counters in acres. We have eliminated some models because we don't feel we will be happy with small counter space.

Lucky Mike · RV-Dreams Family Member

HHHhhhmmmmmm............you all realize, that one time you really need that extra counter space... right after you just added more counter space....that there still is not enough counter space ......I hate it when that happens!!!!

And the pizza guy and Chin at the chinese restaurant say they dont deliver out this far, but they will be more than happy to serve me at the counter!!! (we are back to counter space again)..............

nightsky · RV-Dreams Family Member

Not just "how much" but how it's laid out is also important IMHO. The KZ has a good amount of square footage for counters (square inches? lol) but due to the angle the sink is set at I found it less than convenient for most things. The lack of any useable space between the stove and sink really was bothersome to me. The space between the sink and wall was pretty much wasted, other than parking space for the coffee maker. Well thought out and plentiful cupboards and drawers also rank way up there for me, someting the KZ also fell short on. I really learned a lot about what I wanted and didn't want by living in it all last summer.

I'm hoping to keep the original configuration in the Caboose when it's redone. Lots of counter and lots of drawers and cupboards for a 20' trailer. Excuse the mess LOL

Edited because I can't spell lol

-- Edited by nightsky on Friday 1st of March 2013 03:28:48 PM

cejones4210 · RV-Dreams Family Member

I know when we refurnished our Airstream this last year, having plenty of storage and counter space was big for me. We eat at "home" more than we go out at least two meals a day and most of the time 3. Unless we are on the road traveling from one location to another, then more likely two. Even though it is just the two of us, I need space to work and serve. It makes cooking easier when you have the room to do the tasks. Personally, I don't think you can have too much counter space. Even though we were doing a refurbish, left the bathroom and "living" room the same, the kitchen and dining area was totally gutted to give me the "dream" kitchen I wanted in the Airstream. Our dinette is extra large and sits 4 comfortably with plenty of elbow room and folds down to a true full size bed. Remember this is an Airstream and they are great, but just don't have the storage like a 5er or class A. We have a huge amount of storage under the seats for items I don't need everyday. Anyway, cooking in instead of going out is one way to stay within budget and whatever it takes to make it more enjoyable, i.e. counter space.....than I think of it as a necessity. Just MHO. Have fun looking!

Grams · RV-Dreams Family Member

Check out the kitchen in this one...

http://www.palominorv.com/productinfo.aspx?model=columbus&page=floorplandetails&floorplanid=4986&RVType=#

It's a 5th wheel Palamino. Our saleman called us after it came out, knowing our desire for plenty of counterspace.

We plan to order it as soon as the house sells!

Edit by moderator: Activated link. Terry

-- Edited by Terry and Jo on Friday 1st of March 2013 11:15:38 PM

KellyVA · RV-Dreams Family Member

I'm thinking the manufacturers should hire fulltimers to design their rigs!

We plan on eating in most of the time so I will keep the counter space high on the list of must haves or must be able to modify to have.

The Bear II · RV-Dreams Family Member

We decided to by a 6 foot longer 5th wheel because it had an extra 12 inches of depth on the rear counter in the kitchen. The 32 footer only had 8 inches and the 38 footer has 20 inches. We use every inch of it at times... mostly for appliances while cooking.

We also got a Washer/Dryer closet with the 38 footer so counter space wasn't the only consideration.

Terry and Jo · RV-Dreams Family Member

Well, I can certainly tell you that Jo (my wife) would say that EVERY RV manufacturer ought to have a woman helping with the design. In fact, she also used to say that back when we were looking at regular homes. I can also say that if I had any say in the design of an RV, there would be a gun safe mounted between the rails of the frame somewhere. That would have changed some things with our lifestyle.

Maybe Jo and I ought to "farm ourselves out" to a manufacturer to "advise" on design.

Terry

nightsky · RV-Dreams Family Member

I like the gun safe idea, something to consider in my rebuild.

KellyVA · RV-Dreams Family Member

LOL! We actually saw a "closet" yesterday and I told Jay, that's where the guns go! It was suppose to be for coats, I think..just inside the entry door..looked like a great place for a few shotguns!

WestWardHo · RV-Dreams Family Member

I'm with Mary Sunshine about that 41 ft. Trilogy counter space and the others who say one can't have too much counter tops. Besides the pantry in it is to die for!

Lucky Mike, might you post pictures of your mod?

Sherry

donamok · RV-Dreams Community Member

I think more counter-space provides more scope to be artistic in the kitchen and it gives more confidence and comfort to the cook.

-- Edited by donamok on Sunday 14th of April 2013 10:24:10 PM