How One Family’s Bold Caravan Move Helped Slash a $97 Monthly Expense: ‘You Just Don’t Get It!’

When living in a small space like a campervan, it’s easy to think you need all the comforts of home—like a washing machine, fridge, and yes, even an oven. But do you really need an oven while on the road? That’s where the camping community gets lively in discussions.

Kat Sobczyk, a mother of three who has been traveling around Australia for over two years, explored this very question. Initially, she and her husband, Stuart, chose a van that came with an oven. However, they quickly found it wasn’t practical.

“We had three young kids, and cooking with the oven was slow,” Kat explains. They spend most of their time off-grid, which meant constantly juggling gas bottles. Sometimes, they’d pay as much as $97 for a single bottle! So, they decided to ditch the oven in favor of a stovetop and air fryer.

Here’s the interesting part: by removing the oven, they shaved off 38 kilograms from their van. Plus, they gained valuable storage space and could run everything on solar energy. “No more gas bottles!” Kat says enthusiastically.

Now on their fourth van, Kat has even swapped out the stovetop for a portable induction cooktop from Kmart. At just $54, it’s become a gamechanger for her family. It frees up counter space and allows them to cook outside, making them feel part of the camping experience rather than stuck inside a hot van.

Speaking of outdoor cooking, the Sobczyks also utilize a gas Weber BBQ. “You can use it like an oven with an extra trivet,” Kat says. They’ve baked birthday cakes and fresh bread on it, proving that you don’t need a traditional oven for delicious meals.

Interestingly, the debate about ovens divides the camping community. Some swear by their ovens and can’t imagine van life without one, while others echo Kat’s sentiments. One user said they never used their oven and prefer cooking outside, while another found they had more room in their new van without an oven.

Social media reflects this divide. Many campers share their hacks and experiences using air fryers and BBQs, trending on platforms like Facebook and Instagram. Meanwhile, others post about the joys of using their oven, especially on rainy days.

Ultimately, the choice of whether to have an oven might come down to personal preference and lifestyle. Some families love the convenience it offers, while others are all about simplicity and outdoor cooking.

In a recent survey by RV Industry Association, 42% of campers noted that they rarely cook indoors. This shows a growing trend towards outdoor cooking and simplified living in small spaces.

In the end, van life is all about what works best for you and your family. Whether you choose to forgo the oven like the Sobczyks or embrace it as part of your home on wheels, the goal is to enjoy the journey.

For more ideas on van living and tips on cooking in small spaces, consider checking out resources like The RV Industry Association.

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