RVs have always promised the freedom to go anywhere, but today’s buyers expect to cook well once they get there. A new feature in RV PRO magazine explores exactly how RV kitchen design is evolving and what that means for dealers, technicians and the people who live and travel in these vehicles.

The full article, The Future of RV Kitchen Design: Balancing Functionality & Space, is available now on RV PRO.

Here’s a look at what’s inside.

Outdoor “basement kitchens” are the new must-have upgrade

One of the most exciting trends covered in the article is the transformation of the typical RV basement storage compartment into a full outdoor kitchen — grill, mini-sink, refrigerator and all. These slide-out entertainment stations, built on heavy-duty drawer slides and often shaded by automated canvas covers, are turning the exterior of motorhomes into genuine social hubs.

For dealers, these setups represent a compelling high-margin upgrade story. Being able to show a customer a space where friends can gather under an awning, watch a game on an integrated outdoor TV and share a meal together is a powerful selling moment.

Why electric grills are replacing propane

Electric grills offer several practical advantages in this setting:

• No risk of gas leaks or accidental ignition when the unit is stored away
• Faster heat-up time thanks to direct contact between the element and cooking surface
• Simpler installation — the grill housing stays cooler, reducing insulation requirements
• Easier cleanup — many models wipe down with a paper towel, and grates can be dishwasher-safe

The article also recommends that technicians always install electric safety switches that cut power the moment a grill lid closes or the drawer slides back into the coach — a simple addition that makes an enormous difference for safety.

Check out Kenyon’s Electric Grills →

Induction cooktops are becoming the interior standard

Inside the RV, induction is rapidly replacing radiant and gas cooktops. The appeal is intuitive: induction only generates heat when compatible cookware is in place, the surface itself stays relatively cool, and the energy efficiency gains are real. In a small galley where accidental contact with a hot surface is always a concern, that kind of built-in safety matters.

The article also covers what technicians need to know about proper installation — particularly the importance of adequate ventilation beneath the cooktop to manage heat from the electronics below the glass surface.

Check out Kenyon’s Induction Cooktops →

Marine-grade durability makes the difference

One theme that runs throughout the piece is the strong overlap between marine and RV engineering. RVs and boats share a common challenge: appliances must perform reliably while enduring constant vibration, humidity swings and the rigors of life in motion.

Kenyon has been designing for exactly those conditions for decades. The article highlights how marine-grade construction — including components mounted on springs rather than rigid brackets to absorb road shock — gives RV owners appliances that are built to last well beyond the typical one-year residential warranty. Some manufacturers back their induction units with warranties of up to five years, a reflection of genuine confidence in the product.

Whether you’re an RV owner thinking about an upgrade, a dealer exploring new product lines or a technician staying current on installation best practices, this article is worth a read.