Cooking on a boat is different from cooking at home. You have less space, limited power, and sometimes even variable weather conditions. Yet, you can still prepare delicious meals on the water—as long as you have the right equipment and manage the available space wisely. Whether you're going on a day trip, a weekend getaway, or a multi-day voyage, the right boat kitchen accessories will make your life a lot easier.
In this guide you will discover what you need as a minimum, which cooking appliances are suitable for use on board and how to keep food and drinks cool during longer trips.
1. Suitable cooking appliances for on board
A good stove is the foundation of any boat galley. The choice depends on the space available on board, the power supply, and the type of boat. Most boaters opt for a gas stove, alcohol burner, or compact electric cooktop.
- Gas stove with gimbal suspension — stays upright in waves
- Spirit stove — safe and independent of electricity
- Electric hob — suitable when you have shore power or an inverter
- Barbecue or skottelbraai — perfect for use in the harbor or on shore
- Compact ship oven — ideal for warm rolls and oven dishes. View our ovens & accessories .
Make sure your stove is securely mounted and that gas bottles are always well-ventilated. Never use open flames in enclosed, unventilated spaces.
2. Keep food and drinks cool
Keeping cold drinks, vegetables, meat, or dairy cool is essential for longer trips. The right cooling solution makes a huge difference in comfort and safety.
Do you have a smaller boat or are you planning a day trip? Then a portable cooler is ideal. For longer trips, a built-in refrigerator is often more reliable and energy-efficient.
- Portable cooler — lightweight, flexible, and perfect for day trips. Browse our collection of coolers .
- Compressor cool box — powerful cooling down to freezing level, ideal for multi-day trips.
- Built-in refrigerator — stable temperature, operates on 12V or 24V. See our refrigerators .
Tip: cool food and drinks at home in advance to reduce the strain on the on-board cooling system.
3. Essential cooking tools for the boat
Even in a small boat kitchen, you need decent cookware. Choose compact, stackable, and stainless steel materials that can withstand a few knocks.
- Compact pan set (preferably stackable)
- Sharp knife for slicing and filleting — indispensable for every meal.
- Cutting board with non-slip
- Storage boxes that are airtight and watertight
- Kettle for quick preparations
- Fireproof gloves for safe cooking
Where possible, choose stainless steel, as it rusts less quickly and is more resistant to moisture and salt.
4. Safe cooking on a moving boat
Cooking on the water requires extra attention to safety. The boat can move, list, or catch unexpected waves. So make sure everything is secure and that you're well prepared.
- Always ventilate when using gas or open fire
- Secure pans with anti-slip or pan holders
- Store gas bottles upright and properly closed
- Keep a fire extinguisher within reach
- Use knives safely and store them immediately
Safety always comes before comfort — especially in small cabin boats.
5. Tips for smart and efficient cooking on the water
- Choose dishes that require little water and space
- Prepare marinades or cuttings at home in advance
- Provide plenty of drinking water, especially during hot days
- Use a cooler as extra storage next to your refrigerator
- Plan meals for multiple days and work compactly
With good preparation, you can cook on the water just as easily as at home.
Frequently asked questions about cooking on board
Which stove is best suited for a boat?
A gimbal-mounted gas stove is the most stable on a moving boat. For small sloops, an alcohol burner is a safe and simple choice.
Can I use a regular refrigerator on my boat?
Only if it's suitable for 12V or 24V. A dedicated boat refrigerator is more energy-efficient and more resistant to vibration and movement.
How do I keep food cool without a refrigerator?
Use a compressor cooler or a well-insulated passive cooler with ice. For day trips, this is more than sufficient.