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If one of your favorite things to do while camping is cook, you may be in the market for a Class C RV with an outdoor kitchen.
Having an outdoor kitchen on your RV comes in handy more often than you think, but before making your final purchase you’ll need to consider what RV brands are reliable when it comes to their construction and kitchens in general?
In this article, we will go over everything you need to know about some of the best Class C RVs with outdoor kitchens. We will give you all of the shopping tips and tools you’ll need to make an informed purchase, as well as let you know some of our top picks for Class C RVs on the market today.
If you’re ready to learn more about RVs with outdoor kitchens, let’s get started now! However, if you are only looking for our list of some of the best Class C RVs with outdoor kitchens, click here to jump ahead to our top 9 options available on the market currently!
What Are The Benefits of an Outdoor Kitchen in a Class C RV?
There are a number of different benefits to purchasing a Class C RV with an outdoor kitchen. If you are on the fence about whether or not an outdoor kitchen is right for you and your camping experience, here’s a list of some of the possible benefits:
- More time in the great outdoors. While having an RV makes it easy to enjoy camping no matter the weather, having an outdoor kitchen means that you spend more time in the great outdoors. Most outdoor kitchens have awnings above so that you don’t get rained on while you cook. You’re most likely camping so that you get closer to nature in the first place, so this way, you don’t have to spend time inside cooking every single meal at camp!
- Less smell and noise inside your RV. Whether you’re camping with a number of people inside of your Class C RV or not, having an outdoor kitchen means you have the option to cook an early camp breakfast without waking anyone else. You can always go outside to make your coffee and whip up a quick meal, which allows everyone inside a bit of peace and quiet, as well as less odor from cooking.
- Allows you to cook for large groups. If you are camping with a large group of people, you may realize that you’re indoor RV kitchen can’t handle the task of cooking for so many people. While you can always cook over a campfire, having an outdoor kitchen can give you more options for both meal prep as well as cleaning up!
- Keeps your Class C RV cool. There’s nothing worse than cooking inside a cramped RV in the summer. By purchasing an RV with an outdoor kitchen, you can avoid adding excess heat inside of your cool RV by simply cooking outside!
- Wash up with ease. Sometimes, the biggest perk of an outdoor kitchen on an RV is the fact that you can wash your hands or otherwise wash up without needing to go inside. If you travel with children or animals frequently, you may find that having an outdoor sink makes all the difference in the world in terms of keeping the interior of your RV clean!
While all of these reasons may be enough for you to feel confident in purchasing a Class C RV with an outdoor kitchen, you may also find that an outdoor kitchen is a luxury purchase that you don’t necessarily need to make.
Outdoor kitchens are a must for some RVers, but not for all. You may find that these secondary stations take up more space than you would prefer, and it does mean that you have double the amount of appliances and plumbing lines to maintain.
However, if you know you love cooking and plan on doing so frequently while you camp, having an outdoor kitchen may make your life easier as well as inspire you to cook more in the great outdoors!
What to Consider in a Class C RV with an Outdoor Kitchen?
If this is your first time shopping for a Class C RV with an outdoor kitchen, you may be wondering what you should consider in a floor plan or particular model. Let’s go over some helpful tips and shopping tools for your Class C RV with an outdoor kitchen now!
Layout or Floor Plan
Whether you’re shopping for a Class C RV, a travel trailer, or a large Class A motorhome, choosing an RV with a convenience layout or floor plan is a must. While you may not know what you were looking for right off the bat, it is important to familiarize yourself with a number of RV floor plans to find one that works well for you and your family.
Besides an outdoor kitchen, it is important to consider what priorities you have or want out of a Class C RV. Some of these priorities may include the ability to boondock, a large master suite, spacious theatre seating, and more. Plus, there are many features and perks to certain layouts that you may not have even been aware of!
If you are able, I highly recommend traveling to your local RV dealership so that you can tour or otherwise check out a variety of RV layouts. This gives you the opportunity to ask whatever questions you may have, as well as get a true feel for whatever particular Class C you have an eye on.
Class C Length and Size
While Class C RVs are easier to drive than many other larger options, you should pay particular attention to the overall size and length of your desired Class C. This is because, the longer the RV, the more difficult it can be to drive. Height is also important, and Class C RVs can get tall.
The average Class C RV ranges in length from 20 feet to over 40 feet long, depending on the make and model. While you may find that 20 foot Class Cs are not large enough for your family, a 40 foot long Class C RV might be too large!
You should also keep in mind that many parks and RV camping destinations have site length limits, so it may be more difficult to park your RV, the longer it gets. There’s a floor plan and Class C RV size for everyone, depending on your needs and comfortability on the road, but you should definitely consider how big of an RV you want before you begin shopping.
Indoor Kitchen vs Outdoor Kitchen
It is important to remain realistic about the features and appliances found in both your indoor kitchen and your outdoor kitchen. Since you are shopping for a Class C with an outdoor kitchen, it is obvious that cooking is important to you. However, you likely won’t have everything you want in both kitchen setups.
The indoor kitchens on most Class C RVs have microwaves, stove tops, sinks, and fairly large refrigerators. Outdoor kitchens have either stove tops or griddles, sinks, and a small counter space. You may or may not have a small refrigerator outdoors, as well as a microwave, but the chances of you having everything you need outside is slim.
It’s safe to say that the majority of your cooking and prep should happen inside, though some outdoor kitchens are more well-equipped than others. If you want to prioritize cooking outside, you should make sure that your outdoor kitchen has just as many features as your indoor kitchen!
How Many People Do You Want to Host?
Similarly to your floor plan desires, you should make sure that you find a Class C RV that is capable of hosting the average number of travelers that you plan on bringing with you while you camp. All RV listings should be able to tell you how many people can sleep comfortably inside, but this is also an easy question to ask an RV dealership.
If it is just you and your significant other traveling, you likely won’t have any issues finding a Class C RV with an outdoor kitchen that can sleep both of you. However, if you want to travel with a large group of friends or many other family members, you may need to work a little bit harder to find something that suits everyone.
Thankfully, Class C RVs are broken up into two different categories: the classic Class C RV and the newly manufactured Super C. Super Cs are desirable because they are very large, offering many different sleeping arrangements and living areas to suit large groups. This is something to keep in mind as you shop, as a Super C may suit your lifestyle far better than a classic Class C RV!
Awnings and Outdoor Setup
Let’s say you find a Class C RV with an outdoor kitchen, and everything is just about perfect. You purchase it and take it camping, only to find that the practical outdoor set-up of your Class C is terrible.
Before you make your final purchase, you should attempt to find out whether or not the outdoor kitchen setup works well for you. You should make sure that there is an awning above your kitchen so that you can use it even in inclement weather.
You should also make sure that the kitchen doesn’t interfere with any other RV elements, such as an outdoor entertainment center or outdoor shower. Hopefully, the RV manufacturer has already thought about this sort of thing, but it isn’t unheard of to get a Class C RV with an ill-fitting layout!
Ability to Boondock
While this may not matter to all of you, there are a number of people who purchase a Class C RV with boondocking in mind. Also known as dry camping, boondocking is the ability to camp without RV hookups or utilities, as everything remains self-contained.
There are a number of Class C RVs on the market today with outdoor kitchens that also have fantastic boondocking features as well. However, you may need to consider your budget if you are hoping for an off-grid Class C RV.
Many popular boondocking features such as solar and propane-free options can cost more than the average Class C RV. Depending on the manufacturer, you can typically add these features after the initial purchase price, but you should know that it will cost more overall.
However, if you truly want to go off-grid and off the beaten path, choosing a Class C RV with a few key boondocking features may be a good idea!
Towing Capabilities
Something that many new RVers may not know about Class C RVs is the fact that they can tow cars or boats behind them, depending on their towing capacity. If this is something that you are interested in, you should make sure to check out the relevant numbers and statistics before making your final purchase.
Having the option to tow a residential vehicle or other recreational equipment behind your Class C RV can be a huge plus. This gives you more freedom to enjoy your camping adventures, though it will make your Class C a bit more difficult to drive.
You should never tow more than your RV’s towing capacity can handle, so make sure you know the relevant figures and weights before you fall in love with a particular Class C RV. If your residential vehicle weighs more than your Class C’s towing capacity, you should probably choose another option!
Budget
Last but certainly not least, you should have a particular budget in mind before you begin shopping for a Class C RV with an outdoor kitchen. Depending on the size and features available, Class C RVs range in price from just under $100k to over $400k once you begin shopping for luxury Class C RVs.
Given the fact that there are so many options on the market today, you will likely find a Class C that suits your budget, and that also has an outdoor kitchen. However, it is important to remain realistic about how much you can spend, and how much things cost!
9 Best Class C RVs With Outdoor Kitchens
Feeling confident in all of your needs and wants when it comes to a Class C RV? Let’s take a look at our top 9 Class C RVs with outdoor kitchens so that you can find the best option for you and your family now!
Best Overall: Thor Quantum
- Outdoor kitchen with griddle and cooler
- 30 feet long and sleeps 6
- High towing capacity
- Only one-floor plan with an outdoor kitchen
The Thor Quantum ends up topping many best Class C RV lists and for good reason. It offers customers a number of floor plans, and convenient features and everything comes at a fair price. Plus, the Quantum has a floor plan with an outdoor kitchen.
Before I go any deeper I do want to mention that the video features a different floor plan, the LF31 instead of the LC28. While it doesn’t have an outdoor kitchen it’s still worth a look to see what you can expect from this model when it comes to the interior.
But I know we’re here to talk about the outdoor kitchen in-depth, so let’s talk about it now!
There’s room for six people to sleep inside of the 30-foot Thor Quantum. Not only can you get an optional outdoor kitchen with a griddle and a 12-volt cooler, but you can also get optional Theater seating indoors.
Built on a Ford Chassis with a gasoline engine, the Quantum is a large and in charge Class C RV. You can tow up to 8000 pounds with this particular floor plan, which means you should have no trouble bringing along your residential vehicle or boat, should the camping trip merit it.
Not only is this floor plan ideal for families and groups of friends, but it is also ideal for the full-timing couple on the road. This particular floor plan has a fantastic queen bedroom, with steps leading up to two distinct wardrobes and a walk around bed.
While your focus may be on an outdoor kitchen, the indoor kitchen on the Quantum is also great. It has plenty of counter space given the setup of this interior kitchen, and ample room given the fact that the kitchen is in a spacious corner of the RV. You have a 3 burner cooktop and a microwave, as well as a spacious kitchen and sink.
The Quantum starts at $144k, making it relatively affordable compared to many other options on this list. The only drawback? There’s only a one-floor plan on the Quantum with an outdoor kitchen, which may feel limiting. However, it’s a great option to choose from, all backed by Thor’s fantastic warranties!
Most Compact Class C: Jayco Redhawk
- Budget-friendly price point
- Compact frame with decent towing capacity
- Delightful interior design with a well-equipped outdoor kitchen
- Outdoor kitchen floor plan only has a sofa bed
If the Quantum seems larger than what you are looking for, you should definitely check out the Jayco Redhawk. Starting at just under $150k and 28 feet in length, the Redhawk offers a great outdoor kitchen floor plan that is compact and efficient. Let’s look at it in more detail now.
Not only is the Redhawk compact, but it also has a floor plan that suits full-time living in a number of ways. The rear of the rig is a spacious dry bathroom, with a shower and plenty of counter space. The outdoor kitchen is also very efficient for full-time living, with an additional refrigerator and griddle cooktop.
While the primary bed is within a sofa, this gives you plenty of space to move about the RV during the daytime. However, not having a designated bedroom may be something that is a deal-breaker for some of you. You may want a more traditional mattress within your RV, as a sofa bed is not everyone’s ideal!
However, the sofa bed set-up of this particular floor plan means that you have plenty of space for a U-shaped dinette, a spacious indoor kitchen, as well as an entertainment center with an electric fireplace. This is positioned directly across from the bed, making it cozy and romantic.
Plus, the interior design of the Redhawk is pleasant and homey, with unique laminate floors and rich hardwood cabinets created exclusively through Jayco. Plus, you can get this rig backed by Jayco’s fantastic warranties and other build features, making it a worthwhile investment!
Best for Small Families: Coachmen Leprechaun
- Floor plan works well for families
- Outdoor kitchen has plenty of counter space
- Well priced for the size
- Interior design leaves much to be desired
While the Coachmen Leprechaun may not have top-notch interior design, there’s a lot to love about the floor plan that they offer with an outdoor kitchen. Spacious and affordable, this Class C RV is ideal for small families. Let’s check it out in more detail now.
Nearly 33 feet long, the Leprechaun has plenty of sleeping space for the entire family and your pets. There is a convertible u-shaped dinette, a large walk-around queen bed, as well as an over-cab bunk area for sleeping, and, finally, a sofa. This means you can sleep the entire family, and still have enough space to enjoy yourself.
While the bathroom may not be the most spacious, it has the toilet and shower separated, making it even more convenient for the average family to utilize. But we have yet to talk about the outdoor kitchen that is available in one of the Leprechaun floor plans. Let’s take a look at it now!
Stretching in a convenient L shape from one of the outdoor storage compartments on board your RV, the outdoor kitchen on the Coachmen Leprechaun offers a sink, stove, and a mini-fridge, which is hidden in another storage compartment. This gives you plenty of counter space in order to prep outside, and you have even more refrigeration should you need to bring more food for the whole family.
Speaking of storage, the outdoor kitchen floor plan offered by this make and model of RV has multiple wardrobes and closets in the master bedroom. This means that you should feel comfortable bringing everything you need along with you on your journey, and you should be able to tow your residential vehicle behind this Class C as well.
There’s even an outdoor entertainment center underneath a large 21-foot awning, which also covers your outdoor kitchen. Plus, there’s even more outdoor storage found behind the RV and on the opposite side of the outdoor kitchen. Besides the interior design, This Class C RV is well priced and well-appointed!
Best for Boondocking: Winnebago Ekko
- Unique AWD and boondocking rig
- Outdoor kitchen still leaves you with plenty of storage
- Sleeps up to 4 people in a compact RV
- Higher price point compared to other options
The Winnebago Ekko is a favorite RV on many different lists, including our list of some of the best Class C RVs with outdoor kitchens. This compact and easy to drive RV includes a number of surprises that you won’t find anywhere else. Let’s take a look at one of my favorite Class C RVs now!
Resting on a 23-foot chassis, the Ekko offers your inner adventurer a number of different features that are perfect for boondocking and getting off the beaten path. You get all wheel drive as well as a slightly raised rig, which makes it easy to traverse a number of different road styles and terrains.
There are many other convenient boondocking features such as solar panels and on-demand hot water, but one of the most surprising perks of this RV has to be the outdoor kitchen. While it is compact, you have an available outdoor cooktop and 12 volt cooler, which is just another fantastic boondocking feature.
This kitchen is stored in a convenient outdoor storage compartment, which is something that the Ekko has plenty of. In fact, the Ekko has garage style storage compartments, allowing you to store your kayaks or bicycles toward the back of the rig. Plus, you can also store things on the roof, with a built-in roof ladder and roof rack.
It may surprise you to hear, but you can actually sleep up to four people inside of this compact Class C RV. This is largely due to the convertible twin bedroom set up as well as a raised roof bedroom, with the option of a lofted bunk. Not only is this unique, but it also gives you plenty of storage above your heads.
So, what’s the catch? This Class C RV starts at under $172k, making it a fairly high price for what you are getting. If you are hoping to sleep more people and aren’t interested in boondocking or all-wheel drive features, you may want to look somewhere else. However, this RV is extremely unique, and it may be what you have always been looking for!
Best on a Budget: Coachmen Freelander
- Spacious floor plan that sleeps 6
- Plenty of storage, inside and out
- Outdoor kitchen gives you plenty of counter space
- Interior design is significantly lacking
Similar to the Coachmen Leprechaun, the Freelander is another budget-friendly choice if you are searching for an outdoor kitchen on a Class C RV. This floor plan works well for a variety of people, given the split bathroom and the master suite. Let’s take a look at it in more detail now.
Starting in the master suite, there are multiple closets and wardrobe solutions for the whole family. As you move into the living room, you will pass by the bathroom, with the shower and toilet separated from each other. This allows you access to both amenities at once, which is convenient for large groups and families.
You can get the living room outfitted with theatre seating rather than a sofa, but either way, it is across from a hidden entertainment center. The television is automatic, raising and lowering into your kitchen countertops. This gives you plenty of kitchen counter space when you need it, but it also gives you a convenient entertainment center.
The U-shaped dinette gives you plenty of seating for everyone indoors, though you may want to sit outside and enjoy the outdoor kitchen to the fullest. Just like the Leprechaun, the outdoor kitchen has a separate mini-fridge and all shape design, giving you plenty of prep space as well as a sink and stovetop.
So, what’s the catch? Much like the other Coachmen RV on this list, it needs some loving in order to feel like a home. The interior design is lacking and the overall feel inside this rig is forgettable. However, priced under $100K, the Freelander offers you just about everything you need in an RV without breaking the bank!
Most Stylish: Entegra Coach Odyssey
- Stunning and unique interior design
- Outdoor kitchen area has awning and entertainment center
- Large bathroom and electric fireplace
- High price point
If you are disappointed when hearing about the Coachmen RV options lacking interior design, then you should definitely check out the Entegra Coach Odyssey. This particular Class C RV not only has an outdoor kitchen available on one of its floor plans, but it also has a stunning interior design that is unique to just about any RV manufacturer. Let’s check it out now!
Once you step into the Odyssey, it is easy to see why it might become your top choice of Class C RV. The outdoor kitchen floor plan rests on a 28-foot-long chassis, and the inside feels comfortable and elegant. There is a contemporary tile backsplash in the kitchen and bathroom, rich wood cabinetry throughout, and luxury upholstery covering the dinette and sofa.
The layout of the Odyssey is strikingly similar to the layout of the Jayco Redhawk, with a large rear bathroom and convenient sofa bed. However, those of you who are only interested in a proper mattress on board your RV may want to skip this layout, especially when you consider just how much more this rig costs compared to other options.
Just like the Redhawk, The Odyssey has its sofa bed positioned directly across from a cozy electric fireplace and entertainment center. Without a mattress getting in the way, you have plenty of space for a large indoor kitchen and a convenience wardrobe for all of your clothes and belongings.
Outside, the kitchen is covered by a large 19-foot awning, and there is an outdoor entertainment center as well. While there isn’t as much outdoor counter space as there is indoors, the outdoor kitchen has a convenient refrigerator and cooktop area, which means you can make whatever camp meals you want outside just as well as in!
Best Starter Class C: Forest River Forester
- Outdoor kitchen and entertainment center covered by an awning
- Floor plan sleeps a number of people
- Attractive and simple interior design
- Indoor kitchen feels disjointed
If this is your first major RV purchase, you may be wondering what option is essentially foolproof. I highly recommend checking out the Forest River Forester, an extremely popular and versatile make and model of Class C RV. Plus, one of the layouts has an outdoor kitchen. Let’s talk about it now.
Often considered the sweet spot of Class C RVs, the Forester floor plan with optional outdoor kitchen stretches to just over thirty feet long. At the back of the RV, you’ll find a queen-size bedroom with plenty of wardrobes, right next door to a bathroom that has the shower separated from the sink and toilet.
There’s a dinette that converts into a sleeping space, as well as a sofa and over that a bunk bed, which means you can sleep a number of people inside of this Class C RV. In between the bathroom and the living area lies the kitchen, though this may be one of the least desirable aspects of this RV.
The main reason the interior kitchen leaves a lot to be desired is that it is fairly disjointed. The stove top, fridge, and sink are all in separate locations. While they aren’t far apart when you consider the overall living space inside of your RV, many chefs may find this setup inconvenient.
That’s why you may want to turn your sights to the outdoor kitchen, which has everything all in one convenient place. You have a fridge, cooktop, and entertainment center, along with a minimal amount of counter space. Plus, an awning covers everything, keeping you dry and protected from the elements while you cook.
Forest River is a great brand to start your RV journey with, and I highly recommend you read our full review of this particular brand before making a final purchase. The price point on the Forester is fair, and this RV has just about everything you can think of for a newcomer!
Best Super C: Thor Magnitude
- Spacious and beautiful interior, especially the kitchen
- Functional and convenient outdoor kitchen
- Powerlift king bed in the master suite
- High price point and only sleeps four
Just under 39 feet long, the Magnitude from Thor is a wonderful choice for those of you seeking something a bit larger, without sacrificing your budget. Is important to note that the Thor Magnitude costs just under $290k, making it not ideal for everyone, so keep this in mind as we talk about it now.
When you first walk into the Magnitude, you can tell that it is well-appointed and well-thought-out. The layout that has an outdoor kitchen is particularly lovely, with a large living space, indoor kitchen, and huge master bedroom. This bedroom has a power lift king bed that you can walk around, and it faces an entertainment center and wardrobe setup.
There is a large refrigerator inside, with plenty of counter space to prep your delicious meals on. While this RV only sleeps four people, it is comfortable and spacious for the full-timing couple as well as the group of Weekend Warriors. Plus, you can get optional Theater seating instead of a sofa, making the living area even cozier.
While the interior kitchen is stunning, the outdoor kitchen is well appointed too. It has a sink and refrigerator, as well as some amount of counter space so that you can prep both inside and out. Plus, it is all covered by a convenient awning, which means you can cook in any type of weather scenario.
The Thor Magnitude may be very large and a bit pricey, but it might be the RV that you have been looking for. With a 12000 pound towing capacity, you should have no issue bringing your residential vehicle with you on just about any adventure you can think of!
Best for Full Timers: Thor Omni
- Plenty of full-time living amenities
- Beautiful interior design and spacious layout
- Well-equipped kitchens, both indoors and out
- Very high price point
Starting just under $296k, the Thor Omni is not going to be within everyone’s budget. However, if you are considering living full-time in your RV while you hit the road and travel, it may be a great option for you to consider. Let’s take a closer look at it now.
Nearly 38 feet long, the Omni gives you plenty of interior living space and 75 cubic feet of exterior storage. You will find the outdoor kitchen under your power awning, and it has everything you need to cook a great meal outdoors.
Not only is this RV spacious and convenient, but it also has plenty of closet space and shelving. This particular floor plan of the Omni can have either bunk beds, or the bunk beds can be converted into additional closet space, making it ideal for full-time living.
Another ideal amenity that helps with living in an RV full time is the fact that you can get a washer and dryer in the master bedroom of this RV. Speaking of the master bedroom, the walk around king bed on board this particular floor plan is ideal for the full-timing couple, particularly seniors.
The bathroom is also spacious, and the kitchen is equipped with plenty of counter space as well as a pantry beside the residential size refrigerator. While this Super C may be a bit more difficult to drive than other Class C RVs on this list, there’s a lot to love about this floor plan. So long as you can afford it, the Omni is a great choice for those of you hoping to live full-time in your RV!
Final Thoughts
Finding a Class C RV with an outdoor kitchen can be tricky, but this article should help you find an option that works well for you.
With all of your needs and wants in mind, you should have no trouble choosing a Class C RV with a reliable and efficient outdoor kitchen, giving you the freedom to cook in the great outdoors!