Appliances & Cookware Review

Summary

Is there anything more enjoyable and relaxing than being out on a boat on a beautiful, sunny day? Perhaps not, although the experience can be even better with the proper appliances and cookware. Most boat owners can benefit from the many accessories available from a variety of manufacturers.

A drink holder prevents your drink from sliding away from you and adapts to many sizes of drinkware. If you’re trying to keep that soft drink cool, look for a collapsible koozie that will require almost no space to store. There are a wide variety of cookware and galley accessories available to give you all the conveniences of home. Dishes and utensils come in many patterns and designs ranging from casual to formal. There are placemats available to anchor your table settings in place, as well as non-skid mats to keep that cooler on deck.

You do not need to dock and go into town for that morning cup of java. There are coffeemakers that can be mounted under a cabinet or, if you’d rather have a smoothie, look no further than the blender in the galley. A slow cooker will make easy work of dinner. Or, if you have someone on board who is a barbeque chef, there are also grills for use on boats. Refrigerators, dishwashers, ovens and microwaves are readily available in a wide of styles and prices.

Pros

• Cookware sets are stackable to maximize limited space. Often some lids are interchangeable with other pots in the set. Removable handles fit all pans and skillets on some sets.
• Coffeemakers can be mounted under the cabinet for more security. Some feature a pump dispenser to minimize spills. They run on either 12 volt or 120 volt AC.
• Drink holders are usually plastic and some use suction to stay in place. They accommodate many sizes of drinks. One brand that we found folds up when not in use.
• Non-skid mats and placemats are great for keeping your plate on the table and some even come treated to resist mold and mildew. They are manufactured in many colors to complement any table setting. Use them inside your cabinets as a liner to keep dishes in place.
• Dishes that are break-resistant and dishwasher safe are available in nautical themes, or in a variety of other themes and colors. Flatware is often stainless steel to wear well and comes in a storage case or caddy.
• Generally, appliances and cookware made specifically for boating are designed to be compact and space saving to maximize the limited galley space.

Cons

• Since many of these things are specialty items or especially adapted to boating, they tend to be more expensive than a similar item you would buy for your home.
• Much of the tableware is made of melamine which may be objectionable to some people.

Featured Manufacturers

Magma, Waeco, Trident Rubber, and Force 10

Conclusion

Whether you’re enjoying a Saturday afternoon on the river or sailing to Bermuda, there are a number of reputable appliances, cookware and accessories on the market to make life on a boat more convenient and enjoyable. Do a little research on the product you’re considering, check online reviews, and then confidently make your purchase. Chances are it will be well worth the investment.