Van Life 101: How to Cook When Living in a Van
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- Опубликовано: 9 июл 2024
- I'm often asked if you can cook in a van and my answer is YES YOU CAN!!. In the 16 years that I've lived in a van, I estimate I've cooked at least 10,000 meals inside a van! All without any safety issues or any stomach distress from it--YOU can do it too!! Soon after I moved into a van I realized I couldn't possibly afford to eat all my meals out at a restaurant and so I devised simple methods to be able to cook and wash the dishes inside it. In this video, I explain it all to you!
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Thanks for watching!
I'm so tired of paying half of my monthly disability check just for a small tiny apartment where my neighbors are not always nice. I'm now educating myself on living a "gypsy life" and I'm thinking to start out a 2 room cabin tent would be my best option, with emergency sleeping being in my car. I love travel, always have, and would like to finish my life exploring our amazingly beautiful nation!
Me too. I could start in a tent. If I do that ,I'm thinking to ranch in Arizona that Bob did the video on , for the Winter. I'd find a van to make comfortable then to travel in higher elevations for summer.
My car is a Toyota convertible ,so I'm not sure about sleeping in it.
I hear you. I've been thinking about the same thing. How are you doing now?
@@skipperrussell2025 I'm heading into a travel trailer and truck. Had the car/ tent for a year, a big ass dodge van for a year, and now I want the comfort of a trailer and the portability of a truck. I'm either moving up or not as comfortable as others in vehicles. (I really miss indoor plumbing!!)
You might want to just use a tent for storage, but sleep in your vehicle, or just get a minivan & have all of your necessities in there, much less hassle.
Started to live in a van in order to still care for the ex wife and kids. That's admirable. Having PTSD due to childhood neglect and abuse, I find that amazingly admireable. I don't know why so many tend to bad talk about you. You are here helping people still. So what if you make money from it! We all need to make money. You are helping people nonetheless. I find you an admireable and amazing man! Please know that!
ICU8 12 Nope, didnt see that until you pointed it out. Doesnt the bottom of pans get dark once used? The small pan looks bran new and unused. But, he did say he does most cooking by microwave thus don't really use these pans. He said the copper one was part of a set. Maybe he used a different one at his mom's to know he loves them and then measured out the space on this one which then allowed him to learn how much it'll fit?
Bob was just in Oregon spending time with his Mom, who is not well. He said she bought a set of them. I assume he then went out and bought one for himself, when he was leaving Oregon. Also, Bob is being filmed for various shows, and has indicated that he cleaned up his van for filming. Perhaps his pots needed to be updated. Teflon pots need to be replaced regularly. I don't know, but it's possible, so I try not to judge.
travelinmyblood Agreed! I get sick of people not asking and just assuming crap about me and Chopper so i try not to do that to others!
Servie Dog In Training Chopper
I took it SHE got a SET & Maybe Didn’t Need that Huge one & GAVE IT TO HIM
Hey Bob - great tips. As for the sanitizing spray, it's a bit pricey for what you get. After I bought a bottle of it (years ago), I started refilling if with my own mix. Basically a 10:1 ratio (10 parts water to one part bleach). A quart of pure bleach (be sure you don't get scented or the no splash type) will last you a very long time. And, the benefit of having a bottle of bleach around is you can make stronger solution - say for disinfecting your poo bucket or soaking white linens or clothing.
Been cooking inside with propane inside for many many yrs. and never think twice about it. I only wipe mine out with a bandana once usually and its good for me, I figure each time I cook it heats and kills anything in there. I use the spray bottle and its great. And thanks to your past videos, I now use a one burner to heat and cook! Thanks Bob, you surely made my life easier and one less item in my tiny space!
Debra here ... been cooking in my van ever since you went shopping with me in Flagstaff a few years ago to buy my first stove! Thank you, Bob.
Haha I guess the World Wide Web is a small place, I am in flag right now
What kind of stove you are using?
None of us are getting out alive so do what works for you is all you can do.
So true. 👍🏻
Bob, you're amazing. You have taught so many people how to live, even a simple yet happy life. I bet you cook well.
Hi, Bob. I don't think you mentioned the dog tongue pre-wash for your dishes. My cat refuses to co-operate so I use a spray bottle of Dr Bronner's Pure Castile Soap mixed with water. It's so convenient that I use it my house as well.
I am looking forward to one day being a nomad. I can never get rid of my cast iron! I'm an old school hill billy lady & we have all been taught that all gals need iron skillet for cooking due to monthly issues. Otherwise, we will need supplements & whatnot. Best to add the iron to our diets the old school way.
I'll always keep my medium size cast iron skillet & small Dutch oven LE CRUSET ( cast iron coated with enamel )
While I don't live in a van (yet), but I do camp, a LOT... I use a Texsport 6 pc family nesting cook set. 1qt pot with lid, 3 qt pot with lid, and a 6 qt pot with a convertible lid, skillet. I also use cast iron. Cast iron double sided griddle, 12" dutch oven, and 10" skillet. Serves all of my cooking needs fantastically.
I just love your laughter about your magical powers ! And I love the idea of going camping For the rest of my life
Bacteria can not live without moisture. That's why wood cutting boards are recommended as they dry out even in the cut marks, where plastic doesn't. I've cleaned with vinegar for years. Great info. Thanks Bob
@@chapter4travels its actually been proven. Moisture sits in plastic in the cracks along with food particles for far longer. Its why chefs use mainly wood.
i remember CSPI and nutrition action talking about this.
Yes, I agree, got a great medium size bamboo board from Aldi's and love it. I knew a chef who ranted against restaurant rules that mandate plastic instead. It is not healthy to use. And dulls knives. If you do use them, clean with baking soda and vinegar or buy a spray bottle of peroxide at dollar tree. You can take a blade and periodically scrape excess plastic from cuts off. My plastic boards are badly stained. If stains get in, why not bacteria? Wood board can be sanded.
@@serenakoleno9338 plastic doesn't dull knives, bamboo does. Bamboo is a grass so it has silica within its structure, which makes it incredibly hard. This is why bamboo is able to grow so tall. Silica is like glass, so it damages/scratches knife edges. Plastics are soft...very soft and this is why when you use a knife on plastic, you make gouges in it.
"I have magical powers"
Ok Santa.I believe you.
Funny you made this video I've been cooking this way in my pickup truck for the last several months. I modified my truck so I have a bed cabinets and a small table to cook and eat on. I have one of those little cheap Coleman coffee pot burner for my stove. Anyway I seen you really liked the copper cooking pan well Walmart has a copper panni maker basically two small pans clamp together and that thing make great grilled cheese or sandwiches. But after I clean the copper pans I have I put a dab of olive oil on them and spread with a paper towel. This helps protect the pans finish and also makes clean up a lot easier. Also thanks for all the videos I think I may even have my wife convinced after seeing your videos that we don't need a house payment anymore, she let me get a used camper and we are going to be moving into it soon. I've been used to this life for most of 8 years I haul campers from the manufacturer to the dealership so most of the time I'm living in my pickup truck. Well I'll quit rambling thanks again for all the videos.
,
Hello Bob! I ordered your book today How to Live in a Van. I've lived in vehicles for most of my life. No kidding. I drove a semi truck for almost 30 years and lived in a truck for the most part. So naturally I've picked up some knowledge. But I am always open minded and realize there's almost certainly new information out there. Since I have been watching your channel for quite a while I've even learned a few things... Like if I cook in my van I will almost certainly die! ;-) Thanks for your enjoyable and knowledgeable videos!
I have been watching these videos from my desk at work for a year..I now have a 2018 GMC Savana 2500 cargo van...I still have to work mon-fri...but my adventures have increased....Someday fulltimer I will be
If you have the electrical system that can support it, an induction cooktop (IKEA) and a small "InstaPot" (Walmart/Amazon) will also work well-- just make sure your pots and pans will work with an induction cooktop-- (check them with a magnet-- if the magnet is attracted to the bottom, it will work). I like this idea, because I would not then need to have propane, and all of the issues that go with that.
What electrical system do you recommend? I'm upgrading to a van eventually so don't mind going big. Was thinking to start with one panel and one battery, maybe add some on as I go.
My family and I have the same ceramic coating copper looking pan. I love that it mimics a pot and pan all in one. You can boil water and it, and fry food with it. It does both perfectly! :)
Can you tell me the brand of the copper pot that you have like Bob Wells’ pot?
I have a lot to learn since I never have camped and cooked outdoors. Thanks for the videos.
Whether it's in a van, truck camper, or fifth wheel this is an awesome topic. Thanks as always for sharing Bob.
The spray bottle cleanup system is brilliant! I've often just wiped pans out with paper towels when camping, but this takes it to the next level and makes it a "real" clean instead of a stop gap until I get to running water. Thank you!
Best sanitizer/cleaner for your pots in this cleaning method you show...1to1 water and vinegar. Half bottle water, half bottle white vinegar. For your counter tops, utensils and plates/bowls if not boiling water to wash...3parts water, 1 part vinegar (3/4 bottle water, 1/4 bottle vinegar.) . I worked in the food service industry as a chef for 35 yrs as well a teaching chef for another ten. This was my standby for cleaning over using chemical cleaners. Let everything air for about 10 min. and you won't have the vinegar taste later. Happy cooking.
I used a coleman 2 burner camp stove attached similarly to a large standard propane tank when I lived in my garage. Its cheap and efficient
Great job, thanks for the informative video,, I cook in my room I rent with a single burner camp stove, I have the window open of course, plus I'm careful with this cooker to,, I have the slipstone pots and pans that don't give off fumes,, I love to cook just like you,, keep up the great videos of your travels,,..ps: the money I save cooking for myself instead of going to restaurants is mind boggling, thanks again,,,,, gary gary
Can’t wait to see more in this series! Great video....big hug to you Bob.
Good advice all around, as always.
We have an Aliner fold-up camper, so we have a sink that drains into a grey water container. We use Zep spray bottles to clean our dishes, too. I use one spray bottle with clean water and one spray bottle with water mixed with a bit of Dr,. Bonner's scent-free soap. I wipe out the dishes with a paper towel, then spray them with soapy water, rinse them with clean water over the sink, and then I dry them with a dish towel. Zep spray bottles and Costco paper towels have been the best for our use -- they are both cheap and durable.
I started using the spray bottle approach to washing dishes when we camped in a car-top tent (a RoofNest Sparrow) and cooked outside because it uses less water. I still use this approach for the same reason.
Thanks for the video.
Great advice. It's funny how a person can make life so hard when cleaning like this is simple, quick and effective. I'm looking at my sink now, in my sticks and bricks and rolling my eyes at all the fussing. Love your videos. Eye opening. Blessings
Heat resistant glass cookware is also handy. Glass is the healthiest cookware out there. Give it a try if you want to. :)
Pam on the Lam has a 12 volt plug-in Road Pro frying pan for, I think, around $30 or so. She just cooks on a board or stand on her passenger seat and runs the car the 5 or 10 min. it takes to cook anything (maybe drive somewhere she has to go anyway to simmer), and she is done. The pan is as large as your square pan, Bob, so she can cook several portions to eat later or to share. She also has a Road Pro small oven too (same plug-in and price) she uses a lot. Great video, tho, Bob. Lots of options.
Betty Smith you can also get a 12 volt whirlpool truck microwave
Betty great idea
Hi Bob, Just want to say you are an amazing man that inspires me to find me a rig, I hope I can make it to the RTR. I just want to be happy & enjoy the rest of my life. Thank you so much for your so helpful videos.Take care hope to meet you one day!!!!!!!
Great tip Bob! Personally I would use a spray bottle of 50/50 water & vinegar to clean everything, it's much more bio friendly.
I'm building wooden inserts in both of my 4" thick side van doors to make 6". Putting a two burner fold down propane stove in the rear side one (extra hinges to hold weight of doors). Then a fold down cutting board and laptop table for the passenger captain's chair inside the front side, side door. Then a custom welded foldable, storable, mountable burner fan above the two burners to suck the water vapor out the side window when cooking inside (in addition to the 14" ceiling fan). I'll have both doors open, facing eachother for outside cooking. I could even mount a curtain & collapsible rod between the open side doors while cooking in a populated city to hide camp cooking activity in the summer!
The copper colored pan is made by MOSS & STONE. BOB by your recommendation I purchased that pan. I absolutely love it. In fact I also purchased the smaller frying pan with lid. Clean up is so easy. Just wipe them clean with a paper towel, wash and rinse. These pans brown and cook meat perfectly, eggs are easy. A very good investment.
Yes Bob, you have magical powers, you are the RV Wizard!
Instead of buying Pam try mixing up your own spray oil. Use 1 cup of water to 1/4 cup of your favorite oil in a spray bottle. It works just as well and doesn't have all the additives as the spray cans, it's also a lot cheaper.
I love the vodka in a spray bottle, is it one squirt for the pan, three squirts for me? Hahaha
Lol
just a fyi , Dollar Store MouthWash is WAY cheaper . its over 50 proof (dont drink it of course)
NWforager what a mouth wash is 50 proof
@@NWforager I wouldn't want to have mouthwash flavored food. ;)
Like when Julia Child's cooked. Heck she would burn down the van. Lol
I may be off to Texas to buy a converted Element...if everything works out on Tuesday morning⚛️
This is an old post; didn't work out😥 Maybe I'll get to buy an Astro van this weekend if I sell the rest of my stuff and thus make the money to buy the van🙏
Cleanup is where cast iron shines. One dry paper towel and you're done. Clean while still very warm the pan has been sterilized while frying. When you hear it up again, surprise, it's sterlized again! Best non-stick ever. You just have to use it often.
I’ve always cooked in my Van. I open my door and all is fine. I’m a vegetarian so my meals are pretty easy. I do carry cast iron and the copper. Just because I live in my Van doesn’t mean all the meals are unhealthy. Thank you for the video Bob!!
I soffritto onions and peppers and make a 5 min amazing Arroz and frijoles for 1 week
I love watching your channel, have been saving your videos, taking notes and look forward to the day I can join the on the road group. Thank you 😊
The only reason Bob can cook in his van is because he is a Wizard, he has magical powers.
Bob is the best! I've learned so much from the Wizard
Off the grid, yes same here
You're right about the magical powers, but he's not a Wizard, he's Santa Claus.
He's so laid back.
DUMBLEDORE van life!
" takes the bad job away of washing dishes" love it! That's hilarious. I think washing dishes is a
" bad job " also.
Bob I have great respect for what you do to help people. There are so many troll and may sayers out there I am glad that they don't effect your positive message!
Love everything Bob does. You have encouraged me to get out and can life . I am a slave to my home😠 Bob you are a great guy.
Love your videos and your integrity as well as your honesty, as a Trucker I had a Microwave as well as a 2000 watt Honda Ge-Set, I used it to power an electric frying pan, that and a can of Spam....
Working on my high top van now. I have the floors and walls almost done. Can't wait for the RTR. Thanks for the videos.
That little pot is such the perfect size. Heck I would save another step with that little pot that whatever I heated up in it .... I would just eat it right out of the little pot and that and my spoon or fork would be the only things to clean! I mean Who needs a bowl with that perfect pot!! I’ve gotten where I think simple too and it’s so nice! Makes life less stressful.
I have watched this a couple of times. You do have magical powers!! You are such a genuine person.
Your big square one with the ceramic looks like Panderno cookware. I have a huge round one and love it so much! Am definitely taking it with me in the van 😊
Bob..love every one of your vlogs..so much information.. all in the name life. love. And happiness..working on getting on the road...your friends Dan&Christy..great job..
Love your sweatshirt. My Mom was an RN at Climax in Leadville. She road a special leisure bus from Buena Vista every day before the 'Crack of Dawn' to get to work & she loved it! Thanks for the fond memory & your brilliant insight into cooking / cleaning that you have shown in this video!
Wonder Bags. It's a modern take on old fashioned hay boxes. You bring the dish to boil and simmer for approx 15 minuets then place the cooking vessel in the wonder bag. A few hours later the meal is complete. Good in summer and winter.
Bob - you make so many things simple.
I agree that you are a magical person, Bob. You saved me and a lot of people with your knowledge. Thank you!
Thank you for another interesting video and for inviting me into your van to see how you cook. I do enjoy seeing how van dwellers go about their day to day business. My only concern about cooking in a small place is how to cope with condensation - ventilation must be stressed here. Thanks again from a house dweller, I always pick up some useful tips and tricks.
Excellent video, Bob! I’ve used white vinegar in a spray bottle for cleaning and it really works well. Your approach is spot on! And, I have a couple of copper chef pans-they are simply fantastic and clean up so easily. Instant Pot (pressure cookers) are wonderful. A 6 qt. Instant Pot and recipes on RUclips are rampant-they work great! Thanks for all you do for all of us on your channel!
I love my electric pressure cooker it steams veggies, browns meats and has slow cooker setting on it
Magical Bob! I love your no nonsense way of thought! Simply logical! Devo does driving 💋
A quart of Vodka would not last past the first dish in my van.
Dana Johnson AA
Great video Bob.I'm putting together a weekender minimalist van setting up the galley has been a lot of fun so far some homemade burgers just great am looking forward to a deeper meal, 16 years that's incredible!
I love your Vlogs because you give others alternatives on how to make it. Blessings to you and your family...
THANKYOU! BOB SIR YOU REALY GAVE ME A TON OF INFORMATION, ON THIS VIDEO. I WOULD STAND AT THE SINK LETTING THE WATER RUN FOREVER WASTING WATER WASHING POT AND PANS AND DISHES. I TOOK IT FOR GRANTED WASTING WATER, THANKYOU! I NEVER THOUGHT TO DO IT THAT WAY
Thank you Bob for sharing good information. Your videos always helping. Blessing to you.
I saw saw you in a small documentary the other day about nomadic life, I have much respect for you. I watch your videos all the time and enjoy them.
I got a good chuckle out of the magical powers comment. I am making my kitchen smaller. I fixed one out of scrap wood, it's to big for the space I am putting my kitchen. Yours is so simple, and yet practical and has everything u need. Thanks for sharing.
Bob, your magical power is common sense.
Brilliant! The washing up tips are excellent. Thanks for your videos.
Planning every day for my family to move into the nomadic life, we are excited for it and to travel and learn about different cultures and places and give my son the healing power that nature holds
Constant inspiration from your youtube channel. Thank you so much for the idea. I will use a spray bottle to do my dishes as well when I get my van!
as always, a wonderful informative video. thanks Bob
Thanx Bob....always helpful and informative!
Great video, I love to take my insta pot camping. I am not full time yet. But the insta pot lets me plug in at rest stops for 3 to 30 minutes and have a great meal. I love the spray bottle of Vodca idea as well.
Where are outlets to plug it in at rest stops? I have a new one I planned to take, thinking to use if I have shore power or find a park with a pavilion.
That copper pr fits perfectly on your little stove. I've seen them but now I want one.
Thank you for this informative video, Bob.
I use an electric three quart Instant Pot. It doesn’t use a huge amount of electricity. It also has a sauté feature.
So helpful as always. Thanks Bob!
Good tips. Thanks for the video.
Never thought of using vodka as an antiseptic. Adding that to the idea file. Thanks for passing on your friend's tip.
If you have some firewood, a pile of hot coals. Some heavy duty aluminum foil. You can cook up boy scout stew that rivals grandma's home cooking. Paper plates and there's no clean up, no fumes in that small enclosed van.
Thank you for sharing your knowledge
Bob Teflon doesn’t bother me at all I’ve cooked on flat rocks before really like your advice rock on bob hey from Florida
Thx for the advice about cooking inside
Thanks for sharing an inexpensive way to enjoy stealth cooking in a van. I enjoyed your clear voice, also. Many thanks n blessings❣️🎁♥️🥳
I wouldn't recommend using vodka for cleaning as you could be hit with an open container if you're stopped by police.
Jillian D how does this play out though when you live in your vehicle? There’s got to be a defense there is think
@@mikemead2315 Where do you live that open containers apply to passenger also because I've never heard if that before? Just curious. Thanks in advance
Mike Mead you correct. I used to teach remedial drivers ed classes to court mandated people with DUIs. I did hear some of their stories-people arrested for open containers lying in back seats and not near the driver. People get DUIS in many ways, and some of it defies sense.
This is from Washington state, my understanding is that most states have similar laws. "Alcoholic beverages-Drinking or open container in vehicle on highway-Exceptions."
"(4) This section does not apply to a public conveyance that has been commercially chartered for group use or to the living quarters of a motor home or camper ... PROVIDED, That nothing in this subsection shall be construed to authorize possession or consumption of an alcoholic beverage by the operator of any vehicle while upon a highway."
So as explained to me, by an attorney, the "living quarters" is pretty much any part of the RV not within arm's reach of the driver's seat.
Pour the vodka in a spray bottle. Problem solved. We sometimes think to hard about what might happen rather than how to solve a problem.
I haven't seen anyone solar cooking. I solar cook all summer where I live. You can cook and bake anything with no heat.
I liked how the old Chevy Corvan camper had the kitchen on the swing out doors so you could cook inside or out.
Me, we need to carry a whole outside kitchen setup :(
Although I prefer an alcohol stove for indoor use, I do not recommend strong alcohol on a paper towel as a cleaner. Unintended Alcohol fires are often invisible, even in relatively low light. A clean fuel, but has this dangerous downside.
Very helpful!!! Also this cleaning technique saves from needed a sink and dealing with grey water.
Good job Bob, thank you. I think Vodka idea your friend had is brilliant! I think even putting a bit of water (not even a cup) let it simmer, swish out pot, then dry would work too.
Wow. I love that gas stove. Also love watching your videos. Thanks!
Thank you and god bless you! Be sure and well and have a wonderful day!😃❤
I have the same stove - I wrapped the steel rods where pan sits with Aluminum wire to make it less slippery so pan does not slide around - works well - yup wiping pans is way to go
GroovyVideo2 Where do we get aluminum wire? Not familiar
I used TIG aluminum welding rod - worked well
Thanks Bob I have waiting to see how you cooked in your van. You said you are doing more videos on this .Good I will be watching!!
Very interesting and informative. REALLY looking forward to your microwaving video and learning which microwaves are best for van-dwelling nomads.
I have the same copper pan - love it!!!
Love the copper pans had to buy 2 different sets. Great video.
You're extremely clean for your dishes...a few wipes and I'm done..spray only if needed!
I cook in my van. I make Bacon and eggs. Fry Hamburger ...throw in two eggs and put some cheese on to melt. Put a kettle of water to boil for tea or coffee. Never had a problem...usually had the door open or the windows down. I have a two burner stove hooked to a 5 gallon propane bottle. After watching your video on how to heat your van with a propane stove...I now use the stove for heat as well. I use the inside pot fron a steamer. It has a lot of holes in it and I fastened a lid on top to keep the heat from going up.
Best cleaning video, very realistic.
Good info Bob, thank you!✌️🏜️
Bob in Monasteries they never use chemicals and use apple cider vinegar or distilled vinegar with 3 parts water for rinsing dishes, washing countertops, etc. Kills 99% bacteria .