I have an old (over 100 years old) cast iron skillet. The finish is incredibly smooth and truly acts as non-stick when kept properly seasoned. You can’t beat old cast iron - nothing sears as well, and it does work on induction. Some water and a plastic scraper when needed to clean. Wipe with paper towel, a drop of oil to keep it seasoned, and good to go.
I came here to say the same thing. I clean mine by boiling some water with a drop of soap and I find that I use way less water than I did with a regular skillet as it just wipes right out. I keep mine well seasoned and it is great for everything from eggs on up.
I found that using either clarified butter or coconut oil (just enough to coat the surface) - I have several non stick pans that are over 5 years old and are still non stick. I usually cook with all clad stainless steel fry pans and use barkeepers friend to wash them with and then use the coconut oil or clarified butter - also since I use an induction cooktop I don’t heat the pans up over 400 degrees. Induction is the way to go since it doesn’t overheat the pans. You have an inverter so use it to cook with and forget a radiant heat or gas burners - they will burn the anti stick coating and it wont be anti stick any more.
Appreciate all the tips, another great video! A propane saving item we use is a camping solar shower. Solar heated hot water, or filled from the electric kettle when plugged in, that can easily hang in the AI wet bath. We also use it to have on demand hot water outside and it packs flat.
My favorite is the liquid soap dispenser...great idea! Thank you! I use the Le Creuset’s Nonstick Stainless Steel Fry Pan purchased at a Le Creuset's Outlet for a cheaper price. I was tired of replacing frying pans so often. Le Creuset's is a great quality...expensive...but great quality. I don't cook the pan on high heat, just medium or below.
I have a stainless steel pan that I put a little water in and let it boil dry before adding oil, butter, or what you use for cooking. Nothing sticks to it and it is easy to clean. I LOVE your videos.
Thanks so much for sharing all your favorite gear! My hubby and I are new van life people and are just starting to go places and produce videos. Love your channel! Hope to see you sometime along our journey!
Highly recommend SharpShark (QVC) knife and scissor sharpener. Suction cup and compact. Pans, sold on Induction and Curtis Stone (HSN) non-stick cookware. All range kinds can be used but, Induction is my favorite. (I'm terrified of fires). Good House Keeping has dual end rubber kitchen tools. One is perfect for small jars and getting into groves. Highly recommend getting a HALO BOLT AIR (QVC), get 2 if you can...it has the ability to inflate tires, air mattress, etc., jump your vehicle, plug in a fan and charge phones. Can recharge from outlet or cigarette lighter in vehicle. Air Inovations have rechargeable fans. Run on its internal battery and recharge is rather fast. I have telescope type were it can be floor fan or tabletop. It is compact.
I only use cast iron on gas stoves and radiant heat cooktops. After seasoning, they become nonstick. Also don’t get them too hot (less than 400 degrees). I use an electronic infrared thermometer from the medicine kit to test the heat of my pans.
Enjoyed you accessories and your gear use in your RV living . There was some useful tips that a part time RV travel will use like the table and chairs. Thank you for sharing and taking the time to make this video!!! BS & BK
I bought two Oster pans (8" & 12") that have a red exterior and are black and grey speckled inside and I love them for cooking. Food just wipes clean out of them with a damp paper towel. I got them both for less than $25 from my local DD's Discount Store. I'm a full-time RV'er so having one or two pans that are super easy to use is wonderful.
As a serious home cook who loves to work with fresh, locally sourced foods whenever possible, I definitely understand the need for a great, hard working pan. Cast iron pans are great, however you might want to watch out for what this element does to our brains 🧠 I've been using The Rock pan series for about 6 years. I first tried out their small 6" to test its durability and quick cleaning and was so impressed. I now use exclusively The Rock 6", 10" and 12" frying pans as while was their reversible flat-top / griddle combo. Nothing sticks to the surfaces and clean-up is quick and doesn't use much water. Seriously a quick wipeout while still hot with a clothe and that's it. I just don't know if they are compatible with an induction cook top. Good luck 🍀
Thanks we are in need of a new 12 inch and have been using the Ninja pans for about a year and really like them, but they still wear out. We'll try your recommendation. Just to clarify it is the THE ROCK by Starfrit Fry Pan ?amzn.to/3I9iI1e
Just found your channel after RV Unplugged. I've enjoyed your videos and wanted to send a Thank you for this video. We took your recommendation on an outdoor rug and this was a winner! Also took your lead and finally plunged on an air fryer! So, just wanted to say high and thanks!
I enjoy your presence in my "inbox" every time. Very good list. For a skillet, I have given up on all non-stick kind. I now use a stainless steel Cuisinart, model 722-24C. You have to keep the heat quite low and learn how to use it to prevent things from sticking. Warm it up low and slow and it won't stick. I have had mine for several years now and it is great and easy to clean. Shine it up with baking soda.
Lol I have that exact same 10" skillet. Lasted about 6 months of daily use before it became difficult. Still better than a stainless steel pan though. Supposedly OXO skillets are highly recommended for regular nonstick, or scanpan if you want to keep it ceramic.
I'm excited to hear you still like the rug. Ours is so bulky it never makes the cut ✂️ for our trips. I like how compact this one is! Thanks to you... I just added $600 to our Amazon cart (wish list)!
On the skillet, get a good cast iron one; nothing sticks to seasoned cast, no water to wash it, just a dab of oil and some salt, fry, sear, bake in it, totally worth the few extra pounds and they last forever. Also, they work with induction. :)
Every time my wife and I watch one of your videos we learn something new or something interesting. This video in particular was chock filled with really good ideas. Thank you so much for making camping in a class b even better. We started with a small, 26.5 foot class A. Learned from that experience and got a 24 ft class c and towed a Jeep. That got old after a year and we downsized again to a Pleasure-way class b. We got it on March 2 and are now on our fourth trip. We are trying out many of your suggestions and boy, do they make traveling easier. We love the flexibility of a class b and even when staying at a full hookup campsite, we seldom bother to use full hookups. Especially if we are exploring different sites each day. Thank you so much. Tom
Hey Tom, thanks for watching!! Congrats on the PW... sounds like you guys are loving! They are so versatile and make traveling easy and fun!! Take care!
To disinfect a scrubby sponge saturate the sponge with water and put it in the microwave for 2 minutes. The microwave wipes out easy and the sponge is not stinky anymore. It should last for about a month and you can disinfect the sponge weekly or whenever you need!
Just watched your comprehensive review. It’s the best we’ve seen. We’ve been considering the 2021 Beyond 22C. It seems that they carried all your concerns and really improved it. Kaizen - the Japanese process of incremental improvements over time applied to American built vehicles.
Kaizen...that's interesting! Sounds like a similar approach Chris takes to small incremental improvements of good habits over timer for her fitness and nutrition coaching! Have heard good things about the Coachman Beyond! Enjoy🤗
We’re getting our first camper van next month. This video shared the answers to so many questions I’ve had as I’m preparing. Thanks so much and we can’t wait for part two!!
Your tips are so helpful especially about the Berkeley, after watching you video and your comment on where you store it, we were convinced it would work for us in our Plateau TS. Thanks so much!
Using a cast iron keep it seasoned and the key is to find how hot to get pan without burning and food will cook even without sticking when done with paper towel wipe out food run cold water re-wipe season pan. When you reheat to start new meal any bacteria is sterilized wipe clean add food repeat. 😅
Good call on the 12v laptop charger! One thing I love is that many devices are moving to USB-C. I have 90w USB-C chargers, and it'll run my laptop, charge my phone / tablet / Nintendo switch, Gopro, portable battery bank, etc. Really cuts down on the clutter.
@@IreneIronTravels air conditioning is one place that 12v doesn't help power consumption a ton - at least directly. For example, the air conditioning unit on most vans will be 15,000 - 18,000 BTU. Meanwhile the CruiseNCool 12v units are around 7500 BTU, and they draw 1/3 to 1/2 as much power. So, you might be more efficient than the roof unit (or maybe not), but the biggest power saving comes from half the cooling. If you add enough insulation, are in a climate where that's enough cooling, or can set up your van to say, only cool the back / front, huge win. But any unit I'm aware of isn't that much more efficient and is more about size... The exception is swamp coolers - if you're someplace hot AND the humidity is below 50%, you can evaporate water for low energy cooling. It uses a lot of water, though...
Oh makes sense.... I was thinking of that new unit they are putting in the Coachmen Galleries , but don't know much about it. Its a Proair 20,000 btu 12 volt. Sounds cool, but haven't looked at them much.
@@IreneIronTravels You've opened up Pandora's box for me. I haven't heard about these ProAir units before... It seem like they mostly sell directly to builders, and I can't find them for sale anywhere online (which is probably why I haven't heard of them). The CruiseNComfort 7.5k btu unit draws 42-49 amps at 12v. However forum posts of people talking about Coachmen RVs are claiming these ProAir units only draw 60 amps for literally 3x the cooling... If they somehow figured out how to do that... Wow that's quite a game changer.
Whoa 60 amps! That would be a game changer. My dometic penguin ii draws about 150 amps........ it's nice to be able to run it for a couple hours, but 60 amps would be great to have and not destroy my entire battery bank for a little bit of ac.
LOVE your videos!!! ! Could you explain streaming from your iPad to a tv please?? New to camping and not tech savy!! Need a video for idiots please!! Thanks so much!
My FAVORITE pots and pans are some Gotham Steele ceramic ones that I got 3+ years ago. Some are just now starting to get a little scratched, but if I’d been diligent about not using metal on it, they’d probably be perfect. They clean up sooooo easily, even eggs and cheese and stuff like that. I just got a van, and I’m planning on using them on the road. I just ordered one of those silicone food scrapers from gsi outdoors to use even less water.
Buy any ceramic lined skillet/fry pan. Walmart has them $26-$30 for the 12 inchers. Wipes out clean with paper towels. Have not gotten burn marks or scorched food whenever I cook on high with my Nuwave induction at all. Stay away from metal utensils other than your flipper...just cautionary.. Any ceramic lined pots & pans are in my life forever now!
A well seasoned cast iron skillet will be non-stick. Also conserves water. Just use a little oil and salt. Use a paper towel to scrub with the salt and wipe into the trash. About once a month use a little cast iron conditioner. I cook eggs all the time and have no problem.
Great ideas, we have a lot of the same things. We downsized from our Class A and had to rethink everything. Everything has to serve duel purpose. Our Roadtrek is 20’ plus we have a fur kid on board. Love our Vornado, we used in our A too. Thanks for sharing, love you two! Happy Trails!!
Hey guys, just want to say that we enjoy your videos and we also liked the Pico chairs you showed in a previous video so much, we ordered them through your link. We had the GCI rocking chairs, but we also travel with limited space and we absolutely love the way these chairs pack and the carrying case! We already had the GCI table. Thank you for the tip. If you're ever in Sierra Vista AZ. and want to park we have 30amp hook up. Let us know if you're interested. Safe and happy travels. 😁
Thank you so much 😁 really appreciate you guys watching! When we passed through Sierra Vista a couple times in Feb, we both commented on how nice of a town/area it was! Appreciate the offer, thank you!!😀
Good info, good vid guys. Where are you? ( Not stalking, lol ) just curious seeing the background. You should always mention general info on where you stay so your fans can check out those places too, specially if you guys think the place is a good spot or location. We're traveling too and always on the lookout for good places to use for overnight or maybe do a short term visit. Adding quick, short reviews to your vids of any place you stop at, including rest stops, parks, gas stations, etc is good interesting info for your subscribers like us who travel too. Adding quick reviews of these places could potentially be good business for your channel too, like sponsorship, etc. Wink, wink...😉
Great suggestions, thank you! We have left Arizona and made our way into Texas with a quick couple days stop in New Mexico! Appreciate the comment thanks!
Great video Really enjoyed it Specially the first part with the mini kitchen tour, I'm all about the kitchen stuff 😁. Gave me alot of good ideas as well. Can't wait for part 2.
Thanks for the tips! I’m going to cut my sponges in half! Also, I just got the cutting board sheet roll and I LoVE it!!! I’m using it at home too. It’s so big that I’ve split it between our camper trailer and our home base. Nobody needs to be washing chicken juice 😝
Great video, love those chairs. I use a Green Pan non-stick fry pan. I cook no-oil method and this is a great non-stick pan. You can buy online or at stores. There’s a wide range of prices depending on what you get.
We've tried the Venice Pro green pan and really liked it, but it is just starting to stick on us. It is the white one in the video. We just can't seem to get them to last!
The secret to a non-stick skillet lasting is to avoid dry searing (having a bit of oil or water in the bottom of the pan) and to keep the food constantly moving using wood or high temperature silicone (non scratch) utensils. If you want to let food sit and sear, get something stainless that you can scrape down with a steel scraper and scrub with a brillo pad, or just take the plunge into the world of cast iron!
Great stuff! Take a look at Oxo Good Grips Non-stick 10 inch skillet. They were VERY well reviewed by Cooks Country so I ordered from Amazon and they are the very best non-stick pans I have ever used. I can cook with no oil and not have any issues with things sticking.
Great list. I would suggest a knife sharpening stone of 5000 and 2000 grit instead of those gadgets. Nothing sharpens a knife like a whetstone. Those gadgets are superfilouse sales mumbojumbo.
Hi! Have you considered cast iron for your 10-inch skillet? They’re nonstick if well seasoned and they work with induction cooktops. You can also use them on a campfire. 🤷🏽♀️
@@IreneIronTravels 10 inch iron skillet is def. most versatile - everything from tacos to pizza, awesome for searing meat, and it works on many surfaces, grills, open fire, regular stove top, oven. It's not non-stick though and heavy, but it will last you forever, and they are cheap, $10. I have one other deeper non stick frying pan with a lid that I use for everything else - eggs, rice and pasta meals like curry's and stir frys, etc. good luck!!
Question 1) what size for the zero G water hose do you recommend? 25 or 50’? We have ordered a Class B which has not been delivered yet. I’ve never spent a night in an RV before. I’m learning about them in videos. Thank you for your help❣️ Question 2) What size do you recommend for the sand free patio rug? Question 3) what size garbage dry bag do you recommend? They come in 40L & 70L. I was surprised to hear that you use it even at RV parks. I can see it would be quite handy. Thanks again. I enjoy your videos very much.
Hello! Our hose it a 25 foot and that will cover you in 95% of the situations. Some camp sites have a weird spot that is longer, but I think we've only ran into that twice. We have the 10x10 which is really nice size, but the 8x8 would also work for van sizes I think. Our garbage bag is the 70l and we don't use it at camp sites often. It would work as a recycle bag or an outside garbage bag as well! Thanks!
Love your videos! Thank you for helping us all be better informed! I am wanting to venture into part time van life. A hair dryer is a must have since I have very short haired that must be styled. I use an 1875 watt dryer and a curling iron at home. Drying my short hair is not a long process and I think it goes quickly because of the 1875 watts. How long does it take to store up enough power to use an 1875 watt dryer for about 10 minutes or less? I don't understand the wattage conversion, etc. Another question, how do you like your Mercedes van? I am a Mercedes fan, but have heard that the vans on the Ram chassis are easier to get worked on. Do you find that to be the case? Thanks in advance!
Great information and tips along the way. Can the Hybrid heat kit still use LPG for when off the grid or is this a permanent install? Look forward to part 2. Thanks for sharing.
Thanks Michael! Yes, the hybrid heat kit is completely separate from the propane heat. You can use them separately or at the same time as the propane is faster than the electric. They have seperate thermostats as well. We use just the propane while boondocking. If we had more solar we could use the hybrid off grid as well.
Ive been learning how to use a cast iron skillet more. Even eggs and omelets slide right out. They last forever so no extra trash. Coated pans create a ton of trash. If you have to use a coated pan...oxo is prob the best.... just my 2 cents...
I'm a huge fan of RV living and tiny homes and van life. On a recent RUclips video a van life couple sprayed dishes with vinegar and wiped w a paper towel to conserve water. Have you considered this method?
We saw the same thing when we were watching and planning this lifestyle, but haven't had to go that extreme. About 40 gallons of water is enough for us two for about a week with showering every 2-3 day, washing dishes, drinking, and cooking. But, I suppose we do use paper plates while boondocking.......so it might work to save on those, but use more paper towels........
Hey Aaron and Chris, definitely enjoy your channel; and your sharing of ideas. So on that note, in a couple of your videos you mentioned that you 'deleted your TV' because you don't really use it and it was in the way ... and because you stream from you iPad anyway. But you also said that it would be great if you could get a 25" iPad. So to that end, what I did was buy a DC capable (although it can also run on AC [and you said DC is better]) 24" monitor/TV ( www.amazon.com/gp/product/B007GFD3EW/ref=ppx_yo_dt_b_asin_title_o00_s01?ie=UTF8&psc=1 ) and a TV mount that not only 'swivels" but the end "rotates" so you can store the TV in 'Portrait' position instead of 'Landscape' position so it won't it stick out into the aisle of the coach (this is the mount I used www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00XUARRLW/ref=ppx_yo_dt_b_asin_title_o01_s00?ie=UTF8&psc=1 ). And then I use an Apple HDMI adaptor that plugs into my iPhone and the HDMI port on the monitor/TV; and I can stream EVERTHING (Netflix, Hulu, PBS, RUclips, etc ... any App that's on the phone) from my iPhone straight to the monitor/TV at 1080 res (this it the Apple adaptor: and I suggest only using the true 'Apple' one; even though there are cheaper knock-offs www.amazon.com/Apple-Lightning-Digital-AV-Adapter/dp/B009WHV3BM/ref=sr_1_3?dchild=1&keywords=apple+hdmi+adapter&qid=1615847897&sr=8-3 ). This set up will also allow you a much bigger monitor to do your video editing on, by using an HDMI cable from your Dell computer directly to the monitor. Just sharing ... feel free to reach back out if you want more details on how I did mine.
Oh wow, that's great! A DC monitor makes a ton of sense! I did just recently see a tv swivel that looked like it would store in the vertical position but I wasn't sure. Thank you for your input, really appreciate it!!
Hey guys! So many great tips on this video. Thanks for taking the time to put this list together. We just recently purchased a 17" Blackstone and have made a couple different meals. In your list of affiliate links, there are two different hoses and one elbow connector. I'm want to get a hose to connect to my quick connect on our Roadtrek. Assuming I need the "Blackstone elbow connector" for the regulator issue, just not sure which hose to get as they look like they have different ends. Looks like they are different lengths too. Just not sure which to purchase. Thanks so much!
Hey Russ! Glad to hear you are digg'n the Blackstone! The different links are the connector and hose separately and then a link for a hose that already has the Blackstone connector attached. It looks to be a tad cheaper with the combo, but I bought them separately incase I need to get a longer hose, or replace one of the items in time. There are a bunch of different brands, lengths, and straight/angle connecter. It was a bit confusing the way I had them listed...hope this helps! 👉 Blackstone elbow connector ONLY amzn.to/3eDrpFZ 👉 Blackstone hose ONLY amzn.to/3rQVDcu 👉 Blackstone hose with connector already attached amzn.to/3vo9mJS
@@IreneIronTravels makes total sense now. Think I’ll do the same as you and get them separate. Thanks for the prompt reply!! Much appreciated! Safe travels
This will help a lot when I get a class B rv thank you. I am also going to install a solar panel for the roof and have wifi as well. how well is the AC? I haven't seen much talk about the AC how about during a hot summer day?
👍 The AC works really well into the 90’s. But because of all the windows and metal it’s not as well insulated as other rigs. The hotter it is, the more the AC runs and it is pretty loud in a van. 😊
@@IreneIronTravels Thank you so much for this information and replying. welp looks like I will be having a solar fan turning or something to help push the ac wind around. LOL
Thanks! This is a great topic for sure. Probably number one is to park in the shade if you can. The sun really heats up RV's and especially all this metal and glass. The awning will provide shade for your passenger side if its not to windy and the fantastic vent fan and open windows really help too!
Concerning your induction stove, I believe the reason your pans do not last more than 6 months is because you are required to use special pots & pans when using an induction stove. Pots & pans should last many years, if not a life time.
Induction cooktops require pans that will stick to a magnet, like steel, in order to work. I have been very happy with my non-stick Scan Pan pots/pans over the years and they come in both aluminum and stainless steel. To preserve the non-stick coating, silicone utensils are best as they don’t scratch the finish.
Does the dry bag stop the smells from garbage or reduce the smells? I have a Winnebago class B and love the idea of the dry bag garbage to save space. Thanks!
Great video! I’m a new subscriber. Can you tell me the brand of your super slick hand weights? You have a couple of shots with them in the background. Looks like stainless steel. I love them. Would like to know where to get them and brand. Thanks!!
At 450w you could EASILY run that electric hot water heater off your inverter, especially if you find your batteries getting full in the afternoons - or on days you're doing a long drive and have the engine running.
Very true! If we had more solar we would probably leave it on during dry camping. Thought about the long drives as well at first, but haven't done it yet. Thanks for the reminder!
The propane tank is a factory item built in by Airstream (and most RV's) so that you can run all of the propane appliances on board, like the stove, heater, generator, and water heater. There is a port outside that you can go to most propane places ( gas stations, uhauls, truck stops,) and they run a hose to fill it up!
I have an old (over 100 years old) cast iron skillet. The finish is incredibly smooth and truly acts as non-stick when kept properly seasoned. You can’t beat old cast iron - nothing sears as well, and it does work on induction. Some water and a plastic scraper when needed to clean. Wipe with paper towel, a drop of oil to keep it seasoned, and good to go.
We do need a cast iron!
I came here to say the same thing. I clean mine by boiling some water with a drop of soap and I find that I use way less water than I did with a regular skillet as it just wipes right out. I keep mine well seasoned and it is great for everything from eggs on up.
I am also a cast iron girl.. love love love it
Does cast iron work with induction tho?
@@bfourney yes!
I found that using either clarified butter or coconut oil (just enough to coat the surface) - I have several non stick pans that are over 5 years old and are still non stick. I usually cook with all clad stainless steel fry pans and use barkeepers friend to wash them with and then use the coconut oil or clarified butter - also since I use an induction cooktop I don’t heat the pans up over 400 degrees. Induction is the way to go since it doesn’t overheat the pans. You have an inverter so use it to cook with and forget a radiant heat or gas burners - they will burn the anti stick coating and it wont be anti stick any more.
Appreciate all the tips, another great video! A propane saving item we use is a camping solar shower. Solar heated hot water, or filled from the electric kettle when plugged in, that can easily hang in the AI wet bath. We also use it to have on demand hot water outside and it packs flat.
Great tip! We have heard of the solar showers, but haven't used one before. Sounds cool!
My favorite is the liquid soap dispenser...great idea! Thank you! I use the Le Creuset’s Nonstick Stainless Steel Fry Pan purchased at a Le Creuset's Outlet for a cheaper price. I was tired of replacing frying pans so often. Le Creuset's is a great quality...expensive...but great quality. I don't cook the pan on high heat, just medium or below.
Cool! We have a le crueset cast iron pot and love it! Would love their fry pan!
Great as usual! I’m feeling kinda bad; benefitting from all y’all work, time & testing. Really appreciate both of you so much :) Thanks it’s a keeper
Our pleasure! We have a blast doing this! Thanks Mary.
I have a stainless steel pan that I put a little water in and let it boil dry before adding oil, butter, or what you use for cooking. Nothing sticks to it and it is easy to clean. I LOVE your videos.
Ohhhh, this is an interesting tip that I will have to try out!! Thanks :)
Thanks so much for sharing all your favorite gear! My hubby and I are new van life people and are just starting to go places and produce videos. Love your channel! Hope to see you sometime along our journey!
Highly recommend SharpShark (QVC) knife and scissor sharpener. Suction cup and compact. Pans, sold on Induction and Curtis Stone (HSN) non-stick cookware. All range kinds can be used but, Induction is my favorite. (I'm terrified of fires). Good House Keeping has dual end rubber kitchen tools. One is perfect for small jars and getting into groves. Highly recommend getting a HALO BOLT AIR (QVC), get 2 if you can...it has the ability to inflate tires, air mattress, etc., jump your vehicle, plug in a fan and charge phones. Can recharge from outlet or cigarette lighter in vehicle. Air Inovations have rechargeable fans. Run on its internal battery and recharge is rather fast. I have telescope type were it can be floor fan or tabletop. It is compact.
Ballarini Parma Forged Aluminum 3-pc Nonstick Fry Pan Set, Made in Italy (buy on Amazon for $110) I’ve had mine for a couple years and love these!
I only use cast iron on gas stoves and radiant heat cooktops. After seasoning, they become nonstick. Also don’t get them too hot (less than 400 degrees). I use an electronic infrared thermometer from the medicine kit to test the heat of my pans.
Enjoyed you accessories and your gear use in your RV living . There was some useful tips that a part time RV travel will use like the table and chairs. Thank you for sharing and taking the time to make this video!!! BS & BK
Awesome! Thank you Larry! Appreciate you watching! BS&BK!
I bought two Oster pans (8" & 12") that have a red exterior and are black and grey speckled inside and I love them for cooking. Food just wipes clean out of them with a damp paper towel. I got them both for less than $25 from my local DD's Discount Store. I'm a full-time RV'er so having one or two pans that are super easy to use is wonderful.
Thanks for the suggestion!
As a serious home cook who loves to work with fresh, locally sourced foods whenever possible, I definitely understand the need for a great, hard working pan. Cast iron pans are great, however you might want to watch out for what this element does to our brains 🧠 I've been using The Rock pan series for about 6 years. I first tried out their small 6" to test its durability and quick cleaning and was so impressed. I now use exclusively The Rock 6", 10" and 12" frying pans as while was their reversible flat-top / griddle combo. Nothing sticks to the surfaces and clean-up is quick and doesn't use much water. Seriously a quick wipeout while still hot with a clothe and that's it. I just don't know if they are compatible with an induction cook top. Good luck 🍀
Thanks we are in need of a new 12 inch and have been using the Ninja pans for about a year and really like them, but they still wear out. We'll try your recommendation. Just to clarify it is the THE ROCK by Starfrit Fry Pan ?amzn.to/3I9iI1e
@@IreneIronTravels, that's the one. The Heritage one is the best. I hope you have as good luck with them as I have.
Just found your channel after RV Unplugged. I've enjoyed your videos and wanted to send a Thank you for this video. We took your recommendation on an outdoor rug and this was a winner! Also took your lead and finally plunged on an air fryer! So, just wanted to say high and thanks!
Awesome! Thank you! Glad it was helpful and we appreciate you watching!! 😊
I enjoy your presence in my "inbox" every time. Very good list.
For a skillet, I have given up on all non-stick kind. I now use a stainless steel Cuisinart, model 722-24C. You have to keep the heat quite low and learn how to use it to prevent things from sticking. Warm it up low and slow and it won't stick. I have had mine for several years now and it is great and easy to clean. Shine it up with baking soda.
😀 That SS looks really nice! I hear there is a learning curve to cooking with them... but everything takes practice. Thanks Mrs.T!!
Lol I have that exact same 10" skillet. Lasted about 6 months of daily use before it became difficult. Still better than a stainless steel pan though. Supposedly OXO skillets are highly recommended for regular nonstick, or scanpan if you want to keep it ceramic.
I'm excited to hear you still like the rug. Ours is so bulky it never makes the cut ✂️ for our trips. I like how compact this one is! Thanks to you... I just added $600 to our Amazon cart (wish list)!
Definitely a compact rug! Thanks for watching, appreciate it Denise!
On the skillet, get a good cast iron one; nothing sticks to seasoned cast, no water to wash it, just a dab of oil and some salt, fry, sear, bake in it, totally worth the few extra pounds and they last forever. Also, they work with induction. :)
Thanks for the tips! Another vote for cast iron!!
Sandra Westley I don’t believe cast iron skillets work on induction hobs.
Every time my wife and I watch one of your videos we learn something new or something interesting. This video in particular was chock filled with really good ideas. Thank you so much for making camping in a class b even better. We started with a small, 26.5 foot class A. Learned from that experience and got a 24 ft class c and towed a Jeep. That got old after a year and we downsized again to a Pleasure-way class b. We got it on March 2 and are now on our fourth trip. We are trying out many of your suggestions and boy, do they make traveling easier. We love the flexibility of a class b and even when staying at a full hookup campsite, we seldom bother to use full hookups. Especially if we are exploring different sites each day. Thank you so much. Tom
Hey Tom, thanks for watching!! Congrats on the PW... sounds like you guys are loving! They are so versatile and make traveling easy and fun!! Take care!
Thanks for the real world reviews!! I've been on the fence jumping on to the Blackstone bandwagon, so I appreciated the real feedback. 🙂
We love it! They go on sale a lot so watch for the deals!😁
@@IreneIronTravels, thanks!! I didn't realize that. ❤ love your new name.
I love my blackstone grill the best!!!
To disinfect a scrubby sponge saturate the sponge with water and put it in the microwave for 2 minutes. The microwave wipes out easy and the sponge is not stinky anymore. It should last for about a month and you can disinfect the sponge weekly or whenever you need!
Just watched your comprehensive review. It’s the best we’ve seen. We’ve been considering the 2021 Beyond 22C. It seems that they carried all your concerns and really improved it. Kaizen - the Japanese process of incremental improvements over time applied to American built vehicles.
Kaizen...that's interesting! Sounds like a similar approach Chris takes to small incremental improvements of good habits over timer for her fitness and nutrition coaching! Have heard good things about the Coachman Beyond! Enjoy🤗
We’re getting our first camper van next month. This video shared the answers to so many questions I’ve had as I’m preparing. Thanks so much and we can’t wait for part two!!
Great to hear! That's awesome your van is arriving next month! Exciting! Thanks for watching part 2 will be out on Sunday!
That sparkle smile thing in the beginning of this vid: haha, well played
🤣😂
Thanks for the tips on the products you use. It was time to replace a few items and add a few more.
This was so helpful! I’d love to see how and where it’s all stored! Or maybe that’s in another video?
Me too!
Liking the extending broom, and the mini vac.
👍👍
We love the nonstick skillets from Ikea. They are surprisingly great!
I love you two and all your videos! My hubby and I are new at RV'ing in our Thor Sequence and I rely on your videos! Thank you!
Ahhhhhhh thanks so much for watching! And congrats on the new RV life!
Your tips are so helpful especially about the Berkeley, after watching you video and your comment on where you store it, we were convinced it would work for us in our Plateau TS.
Thanks so much!
Glad it was helpful! Thank you for watching!!!
Using a cast iron keep it seasoned and the key is to find how hot to get pan without burning and food will cook even without sticking when done with paper towel wipe out food run cold water re-wipe season pan. When you reheat to start new meal any bacteria is sterilized wipe clean add food repeat. 😅
Love the video, thanks for the tips! As far as the pan goes, try cast iron, once you get the hang of it, it lasts forever!
Thanks for tip!
@@IreneIronTravels You are welcome😊
Don't know if you've already done a video on this, but I would sure love to see how you stow all of these items in your van.
Good call on the 12v laptop charger! One thing I love is that many devices are moving to USB-C. I have 90w USB-C chargers, and it'll run my laptop, charge my phone / tablet / Nintendo switch, Gopro, portable battery bank, etc. Really cuts down on the clutter.
12 volt everything is the way to go for sure! Would love to have one of the new 12 volt AC units that are out!
@@IreneIronTravels air conditioning is one place that 12v doesn't help power consumption a ton - at least directly. For example, the air conditioning unit on most vans will be 15,000 - 18,000 BTU. Meanwhile the CruiseNCool 12v units are around 7500 BTU, and they draw 1/3 to 1/2 as much power. So, you might be more efficient than the roof unit (or maybe not), but the biggest power saving comes from half the cooling.
If you add enough insulation, are in a climate where that's enough cooling, or can set up your van to say, only cool the back / front, huge win. But any unit I'm aware of isn't that much more efficient and is more about size...
The exception is swamp coolers - if you're someplace hot AND the humidity is below 50%, you can evaporate water for low energy cooling. It uses a lot of water, though...
Oh makes sense.... I was thinking of that new unit they are putting in the Coachmen Galleries , but don't know much about it. Its a Proair 20,000 btu 12 volt. Sounds cool, but haven't looked at them much.
@@IreneIronTravels You've opened up Pandora's box for me. I haven't heard about these ProAir units before... It seem like they mostly sell directly to builders, and I can't find them for sale anywhere online (which is probably why I haven't heard of them). The CruiseNComfort 7.5k btu unit draws 42-49 amps at 12v. However forum posts of people talking about Coachmen RVs are claiming these ProAir units only draw 60 amps for literally 3x the cooling... If they somehow figured out how to do that... Wow that's quite a game changer.
Whoa 60 amps! That would be a game changer. My dometic penguin ii draws about 150 amps........ it's nice to be able to run it for a couple hours, but 60 amps would be great to have and not destroy my entire battery bank for a little bit of ac.
Great video and great ideas for boondocking. I will be using.
LOVE your videos!!! ! Could you explain streaming from your iPad to a tv please?? New to camping and not tech savy!! Need a video for idiots please!! Thanks so much!
That blower/vacuum is brilliant
👍👍 we still have it years later. Love it 😊
@@IreneIronTravels even better! So what's the brand then?
Being from Minnesota also I really appreciate your knowledge as far as vans are concerned. Thank you
Glad to help! Appreciate you watching!!
Very very informative and inspiring ! Thank YOU 🎉
Great idea to cut the sponges in half! Thank you. We have an our place skillet. Best non stick I’ve ever had!
Thanks!!
My FAVORITE pots and pans are some Gotham Steele ceramic ones that I got 3+ years ago. Some are just now starting to get a little scratched, but if I’d been diligent about not using metal on it, they’d probably be perfect.
They clean up sooooo easily, even eggs and cheese and stuff like that. I just got a van, and I’m planning on using them on the road. I just ordered one of those silicone food scrapers from gsi outdoors to use even less water.
Thanks for the suggestion, appreciate you watching!
love the table and the chairs!
Absolutely fine list of accessories for the RV; short list; VERY. Practical; THANKS!! 👍😷👣
Glad it was helpful! Thanks for watching!!
Buy any ceramic lined skillet/fry pan. Walmart has them $26-$30 for the 12 inchers. Wipes out clean with paper towels. Have not gotten burn marks or scorched food whenever I cook on high with my Nuwave induction at all.
Stay away from metal utensils other than your flipper...just cautionary..
Any ceramic lined pots & pans are in my life forever now!
Great job showing tons of cool products! Keep enjoying "living the dream" as you two do! Enjoy the upcoming week and stay safe out there🍷🍷🍷🍷😎
Thank you John! Will do!
A well seasoned cast iron skillet will be non-stick. Also conserves water. Just use a little oil and salt. Use a paper towel to scrub with the salt and wipe into the trash. About once a month use a little cast iron conditioner. I cook eggs all the time and have no problem.
Chris wants a cast iron!😳
I've had the same iron skillet for over 40 years
Whoa! Another vote for cast iron!! Thanks 😊
Kaleidoscope arms? Lucy in the sky with a dust pan.
🤪🤣
Medium cast iron...nonstick and wipes clean. Lasts forever. Med. size not too heavy.
Thanks for the tip!
Great tips! Thank you for sharing.
great video The heater , what a great tip!
Excellent video, packed with information. Zero fill.
😊 thank you for watching!
Great ideas, we have a lot of the same things. We downsized from our Class A and had to rethink everything. Everything has to serve duel purpose. Our Roadtrek is 20’ plus we have a fur kid on board. Love our Vornado, we used in our A too. Thanks for sharing, love you two! Happy Trails!!
So true! Dual purpose and no room for frivolous stuff on class B's! Thanks for watching guys!!😍
Hey guys, just want to say that we enjoy your videos and we also liked the Pico chairs you showed in a previous video so much, we ordered them through your link. We had the GCI rocking chairs, but we also travel with limited space and we absolutely love the way these chairs pack and the carrying case! We already had the GCI table. Thank you for the tip. If you're ever in Sierra Vista AZ. and want to park we have 30amp hook up. Let us know if you're interested. Safe and happy travels. 😁
Thank you so much 😁 really appreciate you guys watching! When we passed through Sierra Vista a couple times in Feb, we both commented on how nice of a town/area it was! Appreciate the offer, thank you!!😀
Good info, good vid guys. Where are you? ( Not stalking, lol ) just curious seeing the background. You should always mention general info on where you stay so your fans can check out those places too, specially if you guys think the place is a good spot or location.
We're traveling too and always on the lookout for good places to use for overnight or maybe do a short term visit.
Adding quick, short reviews to your vids of any place you stop at, including rest stops, parks, gas stations, etc is good interesting info for your subscribers like us who travel too.
Adding quick reviews of these places could potentially be good business for your channel too, like sponsorship, etc. Wink, wink...😉
Great suggestions, thank you! We have left Arizona and made our way into Texas with a quick couple days stop in New Mexico! Appreciate the comment thanks!
Great video
Really enjoyed it
Specially the first part with the mini kitchen tour, I'm all about the kitchen stuff 😁.
Gave me alot of good ideas as well. Can't wait for part 2.
Glad you enjoyed it!
Chris loves the kitchen stuff as well! Could have spend all day talking about it!😂
Great ideas! We use an induction also, love it! Love your idea of cutting sponges in half! 👍👍
Thanks so much for watching! 😊
We have the GCI Pico chairs on our boat...love them. We use them inside also, as they are more comfortable than the settee.
They are great chairs! 👍
T-FAL skillets work great
The rock fry. Pan is aluminum so you will need to use steel transfer plate
Bags are great to save space plus they make washable reusable ones although you’ll use water cleaning them.
👍👍
Thanks for the tips! I’m going to cut my sponges in half! Also, I just got the cutting board sheet roll and I LoVE it!!! I’m using it at home too. It’s so big that I’ve split it between our camper trailer and our home base. Nobody needs to be washing chicken juice 😝
Glad those cutting boards are working out, we love them as well!! Thanks for watching!!
Great video, love those chairs. I use a Green Pan non-stick fry pan. I cook no-oil method and this is a great non-stick pan. You can buy online or at stores. There’s a wide range of prices depending on what you get.
We've tried the Venice Pro green pan and really liked it, but it is just starting to stick on us. It is the white one in the video. We just can't seem to get them to last!
@@IreneIronTravels the one I got is black and diamond infused. I don’t think they have it online now. It might only be at someplace like Sur La Table.
The secret to a non-stick skillet lasting is to avoid dry searing (having a bit of oil or water in the bottom of the pan) and to keep the food constantly moving using wood or high temperature silicone (non scratch) utensils. If you want to let food sit and sear, get something stainless that you can scrape down with a steel scraper and scrub with a brillo pad, or just take the plunge into the world of cast iron!
Thanks for the tip Paul! Chris really wants a good cast iron and we should look into them!
Great stuff! Take a look at Oxo Good Grips Non-stick 10 inch skillet. They were VERY well reviewed by Cooks Country so I ordered from Amazon and they are the very best non-stick pans I have ever used. I can cook with no oil and not have any issues with things sticking.
Thanks, will do!
I also have a couple of blackstone griddles .love to cook hamburgers.chicken patties and steaks on my 17 inch table top blackstone.
Blackstone!!👍👍
I love my carbon steel pan. Pretty non stick, but not as non stick as a nonstick pan, but it will last forever after seasoning
Oh, good to hear! Thanks for the tip!
Just FYI, the dry bag is also good for preventing animals from smelling your trash.
Great list. I would suggest a knife sharpening stone of 5000 and 2000 grit instead of those gadgets. Nothing sharpens a knife like a whetstone. Those gadgets are superfilouse sales mumbojumbo.
Thanks for the tip!
Hi! Have you considered cast iron for your 10-inch skillet? They’re nonstick if well seasoned and they work with induction cooktops. You can also use them on a campfire. 🤷🏽♀️
We're getting a lot of votes for cast iron! We'll have to try one out , thanks! 😊
@@IreneIronTravels 10 inch iron skillet is def. most versatile - everything from tacos to pizza, awesome for searing meat, and it works on many surfaces, grills, open fire, regular stove top, oven. It's not non-stick though and heavy, but it will last you forever, and they are cheap, $10. I have one other deeper non stick frying pan with a lid that I use for everything else - eggs, rice and pasta meals like curry's and stir frys, etc. good luck!!
Love our Greenspan’s.
Great info, I am learning so much. I will be ready for van life.
Best of luck!
Question 1) what size for the zero G water hose do you recommend? 25 or 50’? We have ordered a Class B which has not been delivered yet. I’ve never spent a night in an RV before. I’m learning about them in videos. Thank you for your help❣️
Question 2) What size do you recommend for the sand free patio rug?
Question 3) what size garbage dry bag do you recommend? They come in 40L & 70L. I was surprised to hear that you use it even at RV parks. I can see it would be quite handy. Thanks again. I enjoy your videos very much.
Hello!
Our hose it a 25 foot and that will cover you in 95% of the situations. Some camp sites have a weird spot that is longer, but I think we've only ran into that twice.
We have the 10x10 which is really nice size, but the 8x8 would also work for van sizes I think.
Our garbage bag is the 70l and we don't use it at camp sites often. It would work as a recycle bag or an outside garbage bag as well!
Thanks!
Ok I finally figured out why you look familiar!! You gotta checkout the old show “Happy Days”, you look just like the teenage Joanie Cunningham.
🤣 that's too funny! Now Chris just has to rock the same doo from the 70's! I showed her and she said she doesn't see it. But I do in the face!
Love your videos! Thank you for helping us all be better informed! I am wanting to venture into part time van life. A hair dryer is a must have since I have very short haired that must be styled. I use an 1875 watt dryer and a curling iron at home. Drying my short hair is not a long process and I think it goes quickly because of the 1875 watts. How long does it take to store up enough power to use an 1875 watt dryer for about 10 minutes or less? I don't understand the wattage conversion, etc. Another question, how do you like your Mercedes van? I am a Mercedes fan, but have heard that the vans on the Ram chassis are easier to get worked on. Do you find that to be the case? Thanks in advance!
Cast iron pans are great!
👍
You might look into the Hexclad pan. Not has heavy as cast iron, my sister loves them.
We will look into Hexclad. Thanks for the tip!
Hexclad cookwear lasts forever and doesn’t scratch
Great tips and products. Thanks!
Thanks for watching!
Cast iron or pampered chef...have pots/pans that are both - all over 20 yrs old!
Great information and tips along the way. Can the Hybrid heat kit still use LPG for when off the grid or is this a permanent install? Look forward to part 2. Thanks for sharing.
Thanks Michael! Yes, the hybrid heat kit is completely separate from the propane heat. You can use them separately or at the same time as the propane is faster than the electric. They have seperate thermostats as well. We use just the propane while boondocking. If we had more solar we could use the hybrid off grid as well.
@@IreneIronTravels great and thanks for the info.
The thumbnail made me think this was a video for van lifers over the age of 75... What a cool pair of grandparents they would be 😎
Too funny!!🤣
Ive been learning how to use a cast iron skillet more. Even eggs and omelets slide right out. They last forever so no extra trash. Coated pans create a ton of trash. If you have to use a coated pan...oxo is prob the best.... just my 2 cents...
Plus you can obviously use cast iron outside on an open fire.
Yes, I think we will end up getting a cast iron down the road!!
I'm a huge fan of RV living and tiny homes and van life. On a recent RUclips video a van life couple sprayed dishes with vinegar and wiped w a paper towel to conserve water. Have you considered this method?
We saw the same thing when we were watching and planning this lifestyle, but haven't had to go that extreme. About 40 gallons of water is enough for us two for about a week with showering every 2-3 day, washing dishes, drinking, and cooking. But, I suppose we do use paper plates while boondocking.......so it might work to save on those, but use more paper towels........
Hey Aaron and Chris, definitely enjoy your channel; and your sharing of ideas. So on that note, in a couple of your videos you mentioned that you 'deleted your TV' because you don't really use it and it was in the way ... and because you stream from you iPad anyway. But you also said that it would be great if you could get a 25" iPad. So to that end, what I did was buy a DC capable (although it can also run on AC [and you said DC is better]) 24" monitor/TV ( www.amazon.com/gp/product/B007GFD3EW/ref=ppx_yo_dt_b_asin_title_o00_s01?ie=UTF8&psc=1 ) and a TV mount that not only 'swivels" but the end "rotates" so you can store the TV in 'Portrait' position instead of 'Landscape' position so it won't it stick out into the aisle of the coach (this is the mount I used www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00XUARRLW/ref=ppx_yo_dt_b_asin_title_o01_s00?ie=UTF8&psc=1 ). And then I use an Apple HDMI adaptor that plugs into my iPhone and the HDMI port on the monitor/TV; and I can stream EVERTHING (Netflix, Hulu, PBS, RUclips, etc ... any App that's on the phone) from my iPhone straight to the monitor/TV at 1080 res (this it the Apple adaptor: and I suggest only using the true 'Apple' one; even though there are cheaper knock-offs www.amazon.com/Apple-Lightning-Digital-AV-Adapter/dp/B009WHV3BM/ref=sr_1_3?dchild=1&keywords=apple+hdmi+adapter&qid=1615847897&sr=8-3 ). This set up will also allow you a much bigger monitor to do your video editing on, by using an HDMI cable from your Dell computer directly to the monitor. Just sharing ... feel free to reach back out if you want more details on how I did mine.
Oh wow, that's great! A DC monitor makes a ton of sense! I did just recently see a tv swivel that looked like it would store in the vertical position but I wasn't sure. Thank you for your input, really appreciate it!!
First rate suggestions and advice. Thanks. Looking for Part 2...
Coming soon!👍
KYD used these wind shields for the Blackstone:
Broilmann 5017 Wind Screen for Blackstone 17" Griddle
Thank you! We'll check them out for sure!
I'm thinking of going full time camping. I would be interested to know, how much it costs for parking and gas . or overall expenses
Hey guys! So many great tips on this video. Thanks for taking the time to put this list together.
We just recently purchased a 17" Blackstone and have made a couple different meals. In your list of affiliate links, there are two different hoses and one elbow connector. I'm want to get a hose to connect to my quick connect on our Roadtrek. Assuming I need the "Blackstone elbow connector" for the regulator issue, just not sure which hose to get as they look like they have different ends. Looks like they are different lengths too. Just not sure which to purchase. Thanks so much!
Hey Russ! Glad to hear you are digg'n the Blackstone! The different links are the connector and hose separately and then a link for a hose that already has the Blackstone connector attached. It looks to be a tad cheaper with the combo, but I bought them separately incase I need to get a longer hose, or replace one of the items in time. There are a bunch of different brands, lengths, and straight/angle connecter. It was a bit confusing the way I had them listed...hope this helps!
👉 Blackstone elbow connector ONLY amzn.to/3eDrpFZ
👉 Blackstone hose ONLY amzn.to/3rQVDcu
👉 Blackstone hose with connector already attached amzn.to/3vo9mJS
@@IreneIronTravels makes total sense now. Think I’ll do the same as you and get them separate. Thanks for the prompt reply!! Much appreciated! Safe travels
Thanks, I got a couple of good ideas from you.
Glad to hear it! Thanks!
This will help a lot when I get a class B rv thank you. I am also going to install a solar panel for the roof and have wifi as well. how well is the AC? I haven't seen much talk about the AC how about during a hot summer day?
👍 The AC works really well into the 90’s. But because of all the windows and metal it’s not as well insulated as other rigs. The hotter it is, the more the AC runs and it is pretty loud in a van. 😊
@@IreneIronTravels Thank you so much for this information and replying. welp looks like I will be having a solar fan turning or something to help push the ac wind around. LOL
GREAT Tips! Thanks . Any Ideas for keeping the Van cool without using the loud AC
or generator?
Thanks! This is a great topic for sure. Probably number one is to park in the shade if you can. The sun really heats up RV's and especially all this metal and glass. The awning will provide shade for your passenger side if its not to windy and the fantastic vent fan and open windows really help too!
Concerning your induction stove, I believe the reason your pans do not last more than 6 months is because you are required to use special pots & pans when using an induction stove. Pots & pans should last many years, if not a life time.
Could be, thanks!
Induction cooktops require pans that will stick to a magnet, like steel, in order to work. I have been very happy with my non-stick Scan Pan pots/pans over the years and they come in both aluminum and stainless steel. To preserve the non-stick coating, silicone utensils are best as they don’t scratch the finish.
Does the dry bag stop the smells from garbage or reduce the smells? I have a Winnebago class B and love the idea of the dry bag garbage to save space. Thanks!
Yes it does! It is air tight as long as you close it up properly and no smells can escape until you open it back up!
Lots of good info
Glad you enjoyed it!!
Thanks!
Welcome! Thanks for watching!
Great video! I’m a new subscriber. Can you tell me the brand of your super slick hand weights? You have a couple of shots with them in the background. Looks like stainless steel. I love them. Would like to know where to get them and brand. Thanks!!
Hello! Are you talking about the adjustable dumbells? They don't sell our Hoist brand anymore, but the new ones are called Ironmaster dumbbells.
At 450w you could EASILY run that electric hot water heater off your inverter, especially if you find your batteries getting full in the afternoons - or on days you're doing a long drive and have the engine running.
Very true! If we had more solar we would probably leave it on during dry camping. Thought about the long drives as well at first, but haven't done it yet. Thanks for the reminder!
Ok. Rewind, please. You just skimmed over the propane tank under your van. Tell us more about that... Where did you get it? How do you refill it? 😁
The propane tank is a factory item built in by Airstream (and most RV's) so that you can run all of the propane appliances on board, like the stove, heater, generator, and water heater. There is a port outside that you can go to most propane places ( gas stations, uhauls, truck stops,) and they run a hose to fill it up!
Best non-stick is Chef Curtis Stone’s DuraPan. Also NEVER use cooking spray (Pam) on non-stick.