The world of camping gear is continually evolving, and the Kitchen Cruiser by Cinch, in collaboration with Wild Land, is a testament to this progress. This innovative product is designed to make outdoor cooking a more convenient and enjoyable experience, particularly for those who love the freedom of the open road but don’t want to sacrifice the comforts of a well-equipped kitchen.
The Kitchen Cruiser is not just another piece of camping equipment; it’s a portable kitchen that transforms barren camping grounds into an RV-like cooking space. When I first came across this product, I couldn’t help but recall the frustrations I’ve faced on past camping trips—hauling heavy, awkward cooking gear, and then struggling to find a flat, stable surface to prepare meals. The Kitchen Cruiser seems to address these common camping woes with a design that emphasizes both functionality and portability.
Compact design with impressive features
The Kitchen Cruiser is a compact unit that folds down to 22.2 x 15.9 x 18.7 inches (56.5 x 40.5 x 47.5 cm) when packed, making it easy to stow in the trunk of your car alongside other camping essentials. Although it doesn’t feature wheels or an extendable pull handle like some other camp kitchens, this design choice is likely intentional. Without wheels, the Kitchen Cruiser can load flat and stable, reducing the risk of it tipping over during transport—a feature that I, for one, would appreciate after having my fair share of tumbling gear mishaps.
Setting up the Kitchen Cruiser at camp is where it truly shines. The unit unfolds not only in width but also in height, thanks to its four folding legs. These legs can be extended for a standing worktop height or folded flat for use at ground level, depending on your cooking preference. The side shelves fold upward to create additional workspace—one serving as a worktop and the other holding a collapsible sink. This layout is especially handy when you’re juggling multiple tasks, like chopping vegetables and washing dishes, in a limited space.
A standout feature of the Kitchen Cruiser is the lithium battery-powered tap that connects to an external water source, such as a water canister or bottle (not included). This tap provides a steady flow of water for cooking, drinking, or washing, which can be a real game-changer when you’re miles away from a reliable water source. I can imagine how much easier this would have made my past camping experiences, where water management was always a challenge.
The top of the Kitchen Cruiser lifts up and back to reveal a 2.2-kW LPG stove, included as part of the kit. This stove is more than sufficient for most camping meals, and there’s even space to add a second single-burner stove if you need more cooking power. Additionally, the Cruiser comes with several drawers for storing cooking tools, knives, and cutting boards—keeping everything organized and easily accessible.
Practical insights and usage
One of the practical aspects of the Kitchen Cruiser that I find particularly appealing is its ability to stay packed and ready to go. The idea of having a grab-and-go cooking solution, where all your essential tools are already in place, is very appealing to anyone who’s had to endure the tedious process of packing for a camping trip. This efficiency is especially important for those spontaneous weekend getaways where the less time you spend packing, the more time you have to enjoy the outdoors.
Having spent years packing camping gear into the back of a pickup truck, I’ve developed a keen eye for space optimization. The Kitchen Cruiser’s design, with its square and vertically walled structure, would fit neatly alongside other gear like WaterBricks or Front Runner Wolf Packs, both of which are known for their efficient use of space. This kind of thoughtful design consideration ensures that the Kitchen Cruiser not only provides functionality at the campsite but also during the journey there.
Market reception and pricing
As of now, Cinch has launched a Kickstarter campaign to bring the Kitchen Cruiser to market. Early bird pricing starts at $449, which might seem steep at first glance. However, the market response suggests that many find the price justified—nearly 160 backers have supported the campaign, which has already exceeded its goal seven times over with time still left in the campaign. This strong backing indicates a significant demand for a product that simplifies the outdoor cooking experience.
Source: Kickstarter
