Family's controversial caravan move to save annoying $97 expense: 'People don't understand'
When you think about living in a small space, particularly somewhere like a campervan, logically you'd think you need all the same appliances as you'd have in your home. Who can survive without a washing machine, a fridge, and an oven?
It turns out that maybe that last one is not quite as crucial as you'd imagine, with the camping community divided on whether or not having an oven is a necessity. While the debate is mostly raging within the online forums for keen caravanners, it could be applied to anyone living in a confined space.
Sharing her side of the conversation is mum of three, Kat Sobczyk, who has been travelling around Australia for the last two and a half years and, during that time, she and her husband, Stuart, have bought four different vans.
When they were rookies, they bought their first with an oven but quickly realised the error of their ways.
RELATED
Kmart find transforms caravan family's kitchen for $10: 'We don't have drawers'
Kmart shoppers praise 'brilliant' kitchen storage idea using unlikely $9 item
Kmart shopper solves common storage issue with $20 'must-have' item: 'So easy'
'We had three young kids and we needed to cook quickly, but the oven was so slow,' Sobczyk told Yahoo Lifestyle. 'Plus, we spend 90 per cent of our time off grid, so we were constantly chasing gas bottles. We like to be remote, and we've had to pay up to $97 for one in some places.'
It means when they bought their second van, the oven was quickly taken out, and a simple stove top and air fryer were put in.
'The difference in weight was 38 kilos, which is a lot. It also meant more storage space and we could run it all on renewable energy from our solar, so no more gas bottles,' Sobczyk, who shares their journey on @retreating_into_the_sunshine, said.
The Sobczyk's are now on van number four and haven't reverted back to using an oven. They've even gone one step further, replacing their stovetop with a clever Kmart hack.
View this post on Instagram
A post shared by Stu ☀️ Kat ☀️ + 3 (@retreating_into_the_sunshine)
'We have a $54 induction cooktop from Kmart. It's given us more bench space, and you can use it outside,' Sobczyk said.
It's something she loves about her air fryer, too, as being stuck in the van making dinner wrecks the camping vibe. 'You can be part of the conversation or the sunset,' she said.
It also means the van doesn't heat up, which is what used to happen with the oven and stove top on.
'I get it in winter – it's nice, but not on a hot day. The van is pretty well insulated, so it would be hard to cool it down afterwards, too,' she said.
When it's not sunny and the solar is out of action, the family has another option with their gas Weber BBQ.
'You can use the BBQ as an oven with an extra trivet,' Sobczyk explained. 'It redirects the heat from the bottom to all around, and it works a treat. We've made birthday cakes, muffins, rolls and bread on that. You just make them like you would in an oven.'
'I'm definitely pro Weber! I don't think an oven is really needed in the van either. The Webers do everything! We love doing pizzas in ours,' said one woman.
'I do so much baking in our Ziggy [BBQ]. We make cakes, pizza, potato bakes, bread. Whatever you can do in an oven can be done in a Ziggy,' agreed another.
A recent discovery is the little camp oven, which allows them to cook on an open fire.
'You get this authentic camping fire vibe. We've made zucchini slice and apple crumble on it, and the kids love it,' Sobczyk said.
View this post on Instagram
A post shared by Stu ☀️ Kat ☀️ + 3 (@retreating_into_the_sunshine)
While the Sobczyk's are anti-oven, she said her posts about it online are a mixed bag.
'Some people don't understand it. Traditionally, people are talking about simplifying and making life easier, so why would you complicate things with extra appliances? But for us, this is our lifestyle,' she said.
'Love our oven. I wouldn't be without,' said one woman on a Facebook post asking whether ovens are necessary. 'I don't want BBQ or stuff that is BBQ-flavoured every day, and love it on rainy days. Plus, you can still use it as storage space. And I often think those who think it stinks cooking inside must be bad cooks or eat lamb chops every day.'
SHOP:
🧽 Aussie mum's $6 solution to most hated household chore: 'It smells incredible'
👯♀️ Aussie sisters create product that sells every 55 seconds: 'Couldn't believe it'
⚡️ Secret spot to get away from the crowds at Sydney Harbour during Vivid 2025: 'Incredible'
'I wondered this also,' said another camper. 'Then I thought, why the heck not have it. Gives you the feeling of your van feeling like home.'
However, plenty of people agree with the Sobczyks.
'I've never used the oven once!! I don't like cooking in the van at all!! I cook everything outside on the BBQ, or air fryer, or on the gas cooker, or in camp kitchens,' said one camper.
'We had one [an oven] and didn't use it often as it wasn't great. We have just got our new van, no oven. Plan to use the Weber and possibly look at an air fryer if I miss the oven. I wanted the extra storage space,' agreed another.
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
Miami Herald
2 hours ago
- Miami Herald
Where to Eat, Drink and Chill in Kauai's Tastiest Beach Town
Before traveling to Hawaii for the first time, I spent hours browsing through Instagram and TikTok foodie posts. Gathering ideas for all the delicious meals I'd eat, I had high expectations for the food in Poipu Beach, located on the south shore of Kauai. As it turns out, this island's food scene impressed me even more than expected. From nicer, more sophisticated spots like Red Salt Restaurant to quick bar bites at Kalapaki Joe's, check out these best Kauai food and drink spots on your next visit. These must-visit restaurants in Kauai won't let you down. I love Indian food and will make a point to grab it during any trip. This tucked-away restaurant, "That Indian Place", has excellent food and will adjust to your spice preferences. I ordered the butter chicken (mild) and the chicken sagwala (mild), along with some garlic naan bread. The local atmosphere and outdoor dining patio really made this place stand out as one of my favorite spots to eat throughout the whole trip. Top menu items Mango LassiButter ChickenChicken Tikka MasalaChicken SagwalaPaneer Tikka Stop by Brennecke's Beach Broiler as you stroll along Poipu Beach for a lively, vibrant atmosphere. Locals and visitors alike know this top spot as one of the best places for food and drink on Kauai. While crowded, you can grab some phenomenal bites here as well as tropical-style frozen cocktails. I loved the desserts here too. If you plan on doing some appetizer or bar hopping along the main strip, definitely make this restaurant/bar a must-visit spot. Top menu items Seafood Pupu PlatterMango MadnessLava Lava FlowPineapple Rum Upside Down Cake If you want to try a Loco Moco, stop by Red Salt Restaurant, attached to the beautiful Ko'a Kea Resort. This spot served the best Loco Moco I had while in Hawaii. A Loco Moco is a Hawaiian favorite comfort food, made with white rice, gravy, a hamburger patty, and topped with a fried egg. It sounds interesting, but trust me once you try it, you'll want to order it time and time again. The ocean views from this restaurant also set the scene for a nice meal. Top menu items Lemon Pineapple PancakesLoco Moco Acai Bowl Unlike other islands with numerous national chains, Kauai offers a more locally inspired dining scene. This laid-back, down-to-earth island provides numerous options for fresh, local seafood, including mahimahi, ahi tuna, and ono. The island also has many traditional Hawaiian plates to try. I highly recommend trying at least one classic Hawaiian dish, such as the Loco Moco, during your visit. You'll also find spam musubi almost everywhere, another classic food in Kauai. Where to Stay in Kauai, Hawaii's Gorgeous Garden IsleBest Time to Visit Hawaii: A Month-by-Month GuideUnwind & Recharge: Choosing the Ideal Hawaiian Island for Your Family Getaway10 Dreamy Honeymoon Spots in the USA20 Fun Things to Do in Hawaii with Kids The post Where to Eat, Drink and Chill in Kauai's Tastiest Beach Town appeared first on She Buys Travel. Copyright © 2025 SheBuysTravel · All Rights Reserved
Yahoo
3 hours ago
- Yahoo
Your Spice Jar Lids Have a Not-So-Secret Feature That Everyone Is Just Finding Out About — And It's Totally Brilliant
I have a spice rack in my kitchen that I am very, very proud of. All of the little jars are the same size and shape, with matching labels on the lids that make it easy to spot and grab whatever spice or seasoning I need. While this certainly is aesthetically pleasing, the real reason I set up this rack is because I truly hate the plastic bottles that your seasonings come in. They don't make for a pleasant user experience, and when you go to shake them while you cook, nothing really comes out — or you end up with a huge mess. So I quit the battle and made my own setup. Yet now, after finding out this clever spice jar trick, I'm wondering if all my work to make the perfect spice rack has gone to waste. Here's the hack: Instead of shaking that seasoning or spice jar on top of your plate, pot, or pan, twist the lid back and forth. Yes, just like you would with a pepper mill or a salt grinder; you pinch the plastic perforated top with your thumb and pointer finger, gently twist, and the seasoning will come out effortlessly and evenly. View this post on Instagram A post shared by Aaron Turk (@fatsdabarber) This tip was shared on Instagram by Aaron Turk from @fatsdabarber, who hilariously seasons an empty plate with dried herbs and spices and continues to repeat, 'I just learned this today,' as he twists different jars with wide, exasperated eyes. 'You could have been twisting the top this whole time,' he says, his voice full of shock and joy. Fellow home cooks are sharing how 'mind-blown' they are in the comments of Turk's post. 'You mean to tell me all that splashing I've been doing all these years of cooking, I could have saved myself all the cleaning around the stovetop counter? Oh crap, it works, just tested it,' writes one follower. 'I'm sorry for all the mean things I've said to my spice jars,' jokes to say, if you've been getting arm cramps every time you shake your seasonings and spices — and end up with a messy countertop because of it — we apologize that you only just had to learn this post originally ran on The Kitchn. See it there: Your Spice Jar Lids Have a Not-So-Secret Feature That Everyone Is Just Finding Out About — And It's Totally Brilliant We Tested (and Rated!) All the Living Room Seating at Burrow to Determine the Best for Every Space and Need I Just Discovered the Smartest Way to Store Paper Towels in Your Kitchen (It's a Game-Changer!) We Asked 8 Pro Travelers What They Never Pack in Their Carry-On, and Here's What They Said
Newsweek
3 hours ago
- Newsweek
Dad Going to Work Hears 'Wait'—Unprepared for What Security Cam Captures
Based on facts, either observed and verified firsthand by the reporter, or reported and verified from knowledgeable sources. Newsweek AI is in beta. Translations may contain inaccuracies—please refer to the original content. A father leaving for work was forced to make a U-turn after hearing "Wait!" coming from his driveway. In security camera footage captured on the Ring doorbell, Aaron Weatherford pulled out of his driveway after calling out, "Bye! Love you!" to his family inside. Seconds later, his 7-year-old daughter, Ella, runs after him yelling, "Dad! Wait! Dad!" Split screen of Ring doorbell camera footage of Black car reversing out of driveway and 7-year-old girl holding up her arm. Split screen of Ring doorbell camera footage of Black car reversing out of driveway and 7-year-old girl holding up her arm. @dadatbat Unaware, Weatherford had already started down the road, until his phone lit up with a FaceTime call. "Initially, I thought something tragic happened," Weatherford told Newsweek. "A fall? Something with mom? She was holding the phone just under her chin, enough for me to see her tears coming down from her cheeks. My heart sank." But the truth, while less dramatic, hit him even harder. In a soft, sad tone, Ella told her dad: "You left and didn't hug me." The clip then cuts to Weatherford pulling back into the driveway and walking into the house. He posted the footage on Instagram (@dadatbat) with the caption: "Don't ever miss a chance to love on your kiddos not just with words, but with actions." For the dad of three, those words carry the weight of profound personal loss. "We lost my oldest daughter, Olivia, September 12, 2023 to pediatric cancer after four and a half year battle," he told Newsweek. "I cherished moments with her and our family when we were together... [but] I look back on those moments and think, 'Where would I have shown love more?' If we say, 'I love you' I want them to know what love looks like, not just what it sounds like." That mindset has shaped every interaction since. Hospital visits for Olivia were spent away from his two younger children and now, he's got a new perspective on parenting. "Our perspective now has changed to focus more on intentionality and essentially addressing our internal need to 'make up' for lost time," Weatherford said. "If I can make a moment and heal tears, I do whatever I can to do it. My wife and I felt so helpless and useless at times during the cancer journey. If I can, I will." Weatherford's reel has had an overwhelming response online. Since it was posted on March 20, the clip has been viewed almost 19 million times. Thousands of comments poured in with admiration for his actions. "So precious! She'll always remember you turning around for her!" one user wrote. "I would rather be late and hug my kids one more time, every day of the week. No matter what the appointment or meeting. Nothing is more important than my family," another added. Many others believe Ella saved her father from a fateful car accident by getting him to turn around. Weatherford told Newsweek that the heartwarming moment between him and his daughter reinforced the idea of making every moment count. Ella, who is the middle child, has the most memories of Olivia's journey, and her parents' trips to the hospital. "I've always been worried that me leaving so often with Liv would impact her and Eli, so I've tried to be more intentional with treating their emotions and pivotal moments of impact carefully," Weatherford said. "That's where this particular moment fell dead center in my heart. I didn't even consider the consequences of work when I answered that call. For her, for my family, they take priority."
