Cabin Life: Cooking in a Smaller Space
- eatcleanhealthandd
- 6 days ago
- 3 min read
When I first bought the land, I called it “a journey to a simpler life.” I didn’t quite realise then just how much that simplicity would shape the way we live — especially in our kitchen.
Cabin life has never been about deprivation. It’s been about intention. About using what we have. About making it work beautifully. And about realising that sometimes less really is enough.
The Heart of the Cabin – Our Small but Mighty Kitchen
The kitchen is compact — and I mean compact. But it is also one of my favourite spaces.
Craig has beautifully crafted the scorched wood and resin worktop and sink stand. The richness of the charred wood against the resin finish offsets the dark grey cupboards and wall units perfectly, tying in seamlessly with the hob hood. It feels rustic yet modern. Practical yet personal. Every mark and grain tells a story.
Space, however, is a premium.
I love to cook. I love to experiment. I do miss spreading out ingredients across long expanses of worktop. But for the last few years, this small space has worked — whether it’s just the two of us or all six of us together.
The Oven That Never Was
We don’t — and never have — had a full-sized oven in the cabin.
Initially, it was the cost. Then it became the space. The area where an oven might have gone ended up storing a backup worktop oven, the toaster, and chopping boards. And somehow… we just never got round to installing one.
Instead, we adapted.
About 15 months ago, the microwave packed up. Its corner spot on the worktop was quickly reclaimed for something more useful. Despite the occasional whinge from the kids — and Craig (usually when his coffee has gone cold!) — we’ve managed perfectly well without it.
We’ve reverted to “old school” methods:
Hob.
Pan.
Patience.
And honestly? It works.
What We Do Have (And Couldn’t Live Without)
In a tiny kitchen, every gadget has to earn its place.
Here’s what makes the cut:
The Kettle
Non-negotiable.
We do have a bean-to-cup coffee machine, but truthfully? Most of the time we go old school. Boil the kettle. Freshly grind the beans (a grinder I bought Craig years ago that’s still going strong). Then into the cafetière.
Simple. Slower. Better.
Coffee Bean Grinder
Still one of the best gifts I’ve bought him. There’s something grounding about grinding beans fresh — the smell alone feels like home.
The Slow Cooker
This is my hero gadget.
Perfect for:
Busy days
Limited space
Reducing food waste
Batch cooking
It quietly does its thing while we get on with life. And it makes cabin cooking feel effortless.
The “Outdoor Kitchen” Game Changer
One purchase that took some convincing (on my part!) was Craig’s Ninja Outdoor Woodfire electric grill and smoker — inspired by his first experience of outdoor cooking in New Zealand.
It lives in the pump room, which means a bit of traipsing across the drive in all weathers. But
it has been an absolute game changer — especially without a proper oven.
A roast garlic and rosemary leg of lamb? Perfect.A homemade Victoria sponge? A regular favourite with the kids (and Craig).
Yes, it involves layers and a dash across the drive when it’s raining. But it’s worth every step.
Storage, Simplicity & Being Intentional
With such a tiny workspace, storage is everything.
There’s no room for hoarding. No space for “just in case” gadgets. No forgotten ingredients hiding at the back of cupboards.
This kitchen has:
Made us use what we have
Naturally limited waste
Simplified clean up
Forced creativity
It has taught us that abundance doesn’t come from space — it comes from mindset.
Fridges, Freezers & Practical Living
Inside the cabin we have an undercounter fridge.
In the pump room/shed we keep:
A backup fridge freezer
A chest freezer
The washing machine
It’s not conventional. But it works. And it keeps the cabin itself uncluttered.
Looking Ahead
Would I love a bigger kitchen one day? Absolutely.
When the house is built, I will have a slightly bigger one. A little more prep space. Definitely a proper oven, ideally a range style one.
But here’s the truth:
This tiny kitchen works for us.
From quiet mornings with just the two of us, to noisy dinners with all six around the table — it holds us. It feeds us. It supports us.
Cabin life was always meant to be a journey to something simpler. And in simplifying our kitchen, we’ve simplified so much more.
Less space. Less clutter. Less waste.
More intention. More flavour. More appreciation.
And really — that’s what Eat Clean, Health and Dream has always been about.
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