Best Caravan Slide Out Kitchens in Australia

One of the best aspects of caravanning is having a mobile kitchen.

However, sometimes it feels more like a curse when you’re stuck indoors while the rest of the family sits outside. Using your caravan oven inside can be hot, exhausting and leave your camping vehicle smelling like a Bunnings sausage sizzle.

A caravan slide-out kitchen is a perfect solution.

Simply pull this appliance out from the side of your van. Then you can create a feast without feeling cramped and uncomfortable. In this guide, we’ll look at some of the best options available.

Let’s get started!

Dometic Large Slide-Out Kitchen

Dometic produces some of the best caravan kitchens on the market.

Their target market for this premium option is large caravans and RVs. This is a sizeable pull-out unit with a lot of storage space (640 x 335 x 1670mm). It has dual-side access so that it maximises its use of space and has a pull-out drawer.

Meanwhile, it has an impressive three gas burners and a large food preparation area.

This is more than many caravan kitchens have inside. You’ll be able to cook up a storm with multiple pots and pans on the go at the same time. Indeed, it’s the perfect size for a family of four or five.

It’s also made from high-quality stainless steel and aluminium. The latter is light whereas the former is more sturdy and durable. This large caravan kitchen weighs 44kg so it won’t be suitable for all camping vehicles.

Furthermore, it’s expensive coming in at a bit under $3,000 (with a 1 year warranty). We’re not saying this doesn’t represent good value because it’s an excellent appliance. However, many customers won’t feel the need to spend this much.

Dometic Small Slide-Out Kitchen

The Dometic Small Slide-Out Kitchen is our #1 pick.

This is simply because of its size. It’s effectively a scaled-down version of their large kitchen that we just looked at. However, they use aluminium throughout the unit in place of stainless steel.

At 280 x 620 x 1220mm, it’s more likely to be suitable for the majority of caravans and motorhomes.

Otherwise, it is very similar to the Dometic Large Slide-Out kitchen. There are still three burners and it also has a sizeable food preparation area. Meanwhile, there is significant storage with easy dual-side access.

This product also comes with a chopping board and a caravan sink, like the larger alternative.

Dometic is rightly proud of the simple 3-step installation process. You can also add extra accessories like wind deflectors, drink and utensil holders and bottle openers. However, these are not included.

You can find this product for about $2,500 with a 1 year warranty.

Kitchen Pro Sliding Combo Unit

The Kitchen Pro Sliding Combo Unit is a solid combination sink and stove.

It has two burners which are less than either of the Dometic options. However, this might be enough for some potential customers.

The dual-function glass tops enable you to cover the stove or basin and use it as a surface instead. This provides a valuable workspace for when you’re preparing food or stowing dishes out of the way.

According to Kitchen Pro, the stove weighs just 27.5kg. However, the lockable draw slide is a hefty 225kg. The advantage of this is that it’s durable and sturdy. But you should consider your payload before purchasing it.

This caravan kitchen is made from stainless steel and has a powder-coated finish to prevent corrosion.

Arguably it represents poorer value than the Dometic Small Slide-Out Kitchen. If you choose the latter, you will get an extra stove ring and more workspace for just a couple of hundred dollars more.

However, if space is a constraint and you know that you’ll only need two burners, this unit is a decent option. It costs about $2,300 with a 1 year warranty.

Trailer Parts - Standard Slide-Out Kitchen

Finally, let’s look at this caravan kitchen from Trailer Parts.

This Australian brand claims to make its products for Australian conditions. They have created a simple unit based on lightweight aluminium construction. It’s also easy to mount and set up this appliance.

Trailer Parts supply a fold-out sink, storage drawer, drainer and a bucket. This may make it a decent option for camper trailers without indoor kitchens.

However, the overall value of this unit is debatable.

Essentially, you’re paying for a glorified workspace with a few accessories. Sure, it’s about half the price of the other options in this guide. But you could buy a fold-up table and a plastic basin for a tenth of the price.

We only recommend this for camper trailers because of their limited space and storage capacity. You could use it in conjunction with a portable barbecue.

It costs $1,275 with a one-year warranty.

Buying Guide

Remember to consider certain aspects from our buying guide before you buy a caravan slide-out kitchen. Check them out now!

FAQs

Where does a slide-out kitchen fit in a caravan?

You must install your caravan kitchen in an available access door on the side of your caravan. It’s important to check the dimensions of your kitchen to ensure that it will be compatible.

Most caravan kitchens come with sliding rails and brackets for easy access.

What optional accessories are available?

Optional extras are available for most caravan kitchens.

These include utensils and cup holders. Wind deflectors are another useful extra because they keep the burners working in gusty conditions. You can also get bottle openers and other useful accessories.

How many burners do I need?

This depends entirely on your lifestyle and the amount of cooking you intend to do.

If you plan to cook a lot and for several people, it’s advisable to have a minimum of two rings. Just bear in mind that the cost will rise with the number of burners.

Perhaps you prefer to cook off a portable barbecue and use the microwave for reheating. In that case, you might not even need burners. The Trailer Parts option may suit your needs in this situation.

Just make sure that all gas installations in your caravan comply with the relevant legislation.

Final Thoughts

There's no better feeling than cooking up outside in the fresh air under your caravan awning. Slide out kitchens make this possible, by letting you pull out a mini kitchen right from the side of your vehicle.

Dometic is an industry leader when it comes to caravan kitchens.

Our best overall pick is their small slide-out kitchen. It’s still bigger than the Kitchen Pro option and comes with an extra ring. However, if you have an RV or a larger caravan then the Dometic Large Kitchen is also an excellent option.

The Trailer Parts kitchen is a solid option for camper trailers or customers on a tighter budget.

If you have any questions about these products, please leave a comment below!