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Episode 6: Minivan Camper Kitchen – A Sliding, Flame-Free Cooking and Storage Unit for a Toyota Sienna

▶ Watch Episode 6 on YouTube

One of my biggest design decisions was an indoor kitchen instead of an outdoor setup. I first planned a propane stove, but the limited clearance between the countertop and the ceiling made an open flame a real safety risk, and burning propane indoors could create health hazards. So I went fully electric: an induction cooktop powered by battery and solar. The result is a cooking and storage unit that is a true transformer on rails.

Detachable plywood cooking unit outside a Toyota Sienna minivan camper with the lid open, showing the induction cooktop and a drawer holding cookware and a kettle
The cooking unit lifts out of the van for use on a picnic table.

Location and Layout

I placed the kitchen as the rightmost cabinet module, near the entry so steam can escape through an open or slightly lowered window. That spot also holds the spare tire access, so unlike the sink and fridge, this unit has to be easy to remove. I also wanted it compact enough to carry outside. The cabinet therefore has three sections: a base over the steel angle foundation and spare tire access, a middle storage unit, and a detachable cooking unit on top.

Sliding Configurations

Woodworking drawer slides and HDPE gliding inserts let me shift or fully remove the units. Slide the storage unit forward, with the front passenger seat moved fully forward, and you get easier entry and more legroom when the bed is set up. Slide it back and the cooktop sits closer to the sofa. With the cooking unit removed, nighttime access to the toilet is easier. Oversized latches lock everything for travel.

Base section of a minivan camper cabinet with black tracks and latches, with the storage unit slid toward the front of the van
The base has tracks for the storage unit, which slides away from the entry.

Cooking Unit

The cooking unit’s induction cooktop sits under a countertop lid with soft-close arms and two rotating locks. It gets 120 V power through a detachable connector from my power station inverter, and a side outlet runs a kettle or panini press. I must not run the cooktop and another appliance at once, to avoid overloading the inverter. Below is a push-to-open drawer for the cooking set and kettle, with no handle to get in the way at the entry.

Frying pan with glass lid on a Duxtop induction cooktop inside a minivan camper, with lid open and a towel holder on the cabinet
Cooking inside the van with the lid propped open.

Storage Unit

The storage unit currently holds a separating composting toilet, a requirement in some locations and a valuable backup for stealth camping. It slides out for use in a shower tent, and two crisscrossed bungee cords keep it in place while driving. When no toilet is needed, the space works for general storage.

Separating composting toilet in the plywood storage unit of a minivan camper, held by two crisscrossed bungee cords
The toilet stays put in transit with two crisscrossed bungee cords.

Handy Extras

A shoe tray holder keeps muddy shoes off the floor. After a rainy late-September trip to the Canadian Rockies, I added a golf-cart-style umbrella holder for a 130 cm IKEA umbrella (about CA$7) that shelters the door while changing shoes. It folds down when not in use. I also added an adjustable towel holder and a magnetic-closure garbage bag with a built-in light.

Side wall of a minivan camper cooking unit with a collapsible umbrella holder, a 120 V outlet and a black shoe tray holder
Side wall: umbrella holder, outlet and shoe tray.

Quick Facts

  • Vehicle: Toyota Sienna minivan
  • Cooking: induction cooktop, 120 V, no open flame
  • Structure: base, storage unit and detachable cooking unit
  • Movement: drawer slides with HDPE gliding inserts and oversized latches
  • Storage unit: separating composting toilet or general storage
  • Extras: shoe tray holder, umbrella holder, towel holder, magnetic garbage bag

Next up, Episode 7: The Electrical Module. I cover the space challenges, why I have two batteries, the Eco-Worthy battery, the Renogy charger and One Core display, the control panel and securing components for safe driving.

← Episode 5: Fridge  |  Full build story  |  Episode 7: Electrical →