Innovative Outdoor Cooking – In early 2022, as the overlanding craze surged, a new project took shape at the ArtCenter College of Design. People, eager to reconnect with nature post-lockdown, were flocking to national parks and off-road trails in vehicles like the Land Rover Defender and Ford Bronco. These vehicles offered a comfortable and accessible way to explore the great outdoors. Market research conducted by the designer of this project revealed two major concerns for overlanding enthusiasts: the lack of toilets and inadequate cooking solutions.
While the first concern was significant, the focus shifted to enhancing outdoor cooking experiences. Many outdoor adventurers enjoyed dining in nature but were put off by flimsy gas stoves or the high cost of luxury options like the Rivian Camp Kitchen.
Designer: Daniel Berman
To create a competitive product, it needed to be more functional and affordable than existing options. The goal was a kitchen with all the comforts and amenities of a home kitchen, but compact enough to fit in popular overlanding vehicles.
Key Design Features – Innovative Outdoor Cooking
- Compact and Efficient: The kitchen design was limited to a 36-inch width to fit easily into vehicle trunks or onto towbars, despite trunk protrusions for wheel articulation.
- Modular Design: A lightweight 36″ by 20″ frame houses four appliance modules and a swing-out countertop for additional surface area.
- Storage and Appliances: The prototype included storage modules, a built-in espresso maker, and a low-profile induction stove that could be placed on top of the frame when in use.
- Customizable Options: Customers can choose from various storage and appliance modules, including cold storage, ovens, microwaves, and dishwashing facilities, making the kitchen versatile and adaptable.
The innovative outdoor cooking kitchen’s design aimed to solve the problems of traditional outdoor cooking. The swing-out countertop and top cooking area offered plenty of space, making it easy for people to cook and chat together. Inspired by aeroplane wings, the prototype was first made from birch wood to see if it worked well. For the final product, lightweight and strong materials will be used, making the kitchen easy to move around. Testing in California’s mountains showed that the design works great. The small team cooked delicious meals and enjoyed the comforts of a home kitchen. This smart design improves the overlanding experience and sets a new standard for mobile kitchens.
Without any doubt, we can say that this modular, efficient, and comfortable outdoor kitchen redefines what is possible in mobile cooking. By blending functionality, modularity, and comfort, it ensures an uncompromised and enjoyable experience for new and seasoned overlanders alike. This game-changing kitchen makes outdoor adventures more enjoyable, transforming the way people cook and socialize in the wild.
About Designer
Daniel Berman is a 21-year-old student studying Industrial and Transportation Design at ArtCenter College of Design. Originally from New York City, he chose design to help shape the future. He believes designers can bring calm and clarity to a noisy world. This summer, he is interning as an automotive designer in Affalterbach, Germany. He is excited to grow as a function-driven designer and learn a lot.