Hi, We are picking up a new Van after Christmas, the one thing I notice is very limited bench top space for food prep, Im thinking that a Lge HPDE board to fit over the entire stove top would be the answer, it would have to be raised either end so as not to put weight on and damage stove top surface, would any one have any ideas of where to obtain such a board or other ideas for this area. Have all outdoor cooking facilities, so use of stovetop will be limited, board could be in place most of the time, except when travelling. Many Thanks.
I've cut a board from MDF (melamine laminated) to fit over the stove top. It rests on the small bench "ledges" each side of stove. Cutting board goes on top of that.
As suggested by previous poster, I've often wished I'd thought ahead and asked for the stove top to be recessed during the build! More specifically, I wish manufacturers would use their experience and think to offer such options as this, whereas it may not occur to us among everything else there is to think about when ordering.
-- Edited by SouthernComfort on Sunday 29th of October 2017 03:51:17 PM
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Cheers,
Tony
"Opinion is the medium between ignorance and knowledge" - Plato
The kitchenette in the Aliner is nicely finished with black glass lids over the gas stove and the sink. As we currently spend all of our time at powered sites, we have not yet used the gas stove. I consider the glass cover over the stove to be lost space, especially when bench-top space is at a premium. So, I made up a lift-off timber cover which sits above the glass top and removes the danger of cracking the glass cover when items are placed on it. I made the cover from a piece of 16mm white laminated MDF board (550W x 450D), and fitted edging strips. I then screwed 6 small rubber feet under the cover to space it so no downward pressure is applied to the glass. We now have a greater usable area when preparing meals. I was going to make a similar cover to go over the sink, but as we use the sink frequently during the day, I decided that taking the cover off and putting it back on all day would be counterproductive.
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Wondering about ShortNorth ? - Short North is the railwayman's nickname for the NSWGR main line between Sydney and Newcastle
Thankyou to everyone for replying, you were most helpful, unfortunately it is to late to make changes to the build, Its only after everything has gone through, that you start thinking about these little annoyances.
ShortNorth your recommendation is exactly what I need, to keep the stove top safe, as ours is a glass lid which I fear would break under pressure and also scratch, it will also allow me the extra bench space which is very limited.
Thanks again, Cheers.
Thankyou to everyone for replying, you were most helpful, unfortunately it is to late to make changes to the build, Its only after everything has gone through, that you start thinking about these little annoyances. ShortNorth your recommendation is exactly what I need, to keep the stove top safe, as ours is a glass lid which I fear would break under pressure and also scratch, it will also allow me the extra bench space which is very limited. Thanks again, Cheers.
Actually, ShortNorth explained it better than I did. Mine is very similar to that (although I haven't bothered with those nice edges at this stage). My stove is also a glass top flush with bench ledges each side. I've used small self adhesive rubber feet at each end it so it hovers about 3mm above the glass. For travelling I throw it on the bed rather than risk it slipping off the bench.
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Cheers,
Tony
"Opinion is the medium between ignorance and knowledge" - Plato
Mario, generally the holes cut for the stove and sink produce waste material that is just thrown away. Ask your agent if he can request the manufacturer to have that waste put in the van when it is delivered to you. That way you can have a matching board. Back in the 90s they used to trim the board cut out for the sink so it made a nice cover over the sink. They even finished the edges off for you, it used to be a feature in the van. The van will not be on the production line yet, ask now, you have nothing to loose but your smokers cough. See what the agent can do for you.
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PeterD Nissan Navara D23 diesel auto, Spaceland pop-top Retired radio and electronics technician. NSW Central Coast.
I have a very large chopping board, purchased from a catering supply business. It travels on top of the stove with some rubber matting underneath. Has never slipped off or scratched glass cooktop. When using the stove, it can stand vertical behind the raised glass lid, or over the sink to provide extra bench space. Works great for us.
