In the galley – or pantry, as many sailors call it – space often decides which things are really allowed to stay on board. You do not need many things. And besides stability and size, it is often versatility that decides whether they get a permanent place.
Our absolute favourite items
Robust tableware
Tableware has to take a lot and be especially shatterproof. Some boat manufacturers supply tableware with the boat and some chandleries sell special “boat crockery”. Often these sets are made of plastic. That does make them very robust, but at the same time rather questionable in terms of health. Because most of these products contain melamine, a substance considered to be carcinogenic. That is why we avoid plastic as far as we possibly can, especially when we are eating or drinking hot food directly from it, particularly with mugs (see below), bowls and plates.
Coffee pot & thermal mugs
Nothing works without good coffee – at least not for us. We do not want to miss out on it when we are on the move either. We are super happy with our French press and our thermal mugs from the German company Grønenberg (no paid advertising!). The first thing that convinced us to buy them was simply the look. But besides the timelessly beautiful design, they are also extremely practical.
Grønenberg French press & thermal mugs
The metal pot (French press) keeps the coffee nicely warm and we simply love this way of preparing coffee. And the matching mugs are completely leakproof and very robust. Everything is 100% plastic-free and indestructible!
Kettle
When we are at anchor or under way and do not have 220 V power, we cook with gas. For boiling water we bought a small whistling kettle. We did not just like the retro design, but also the fact that it saves gas.
Kettle
One litre capacity, stainless steel and so loud that you can hear it from the cockpit while under way. We bought it in Kalmar and so it always reminds us of that lovely spot by the castle.
Cupboard lighting
Of course this is not a must and sailing purists will shake their heads. But when you live on board, it is the little things that make life a bit easier. Like the light in the cupboard that switches on automatically when you open it. We have it in the fridge and in the cupboard under the sink, where very little light reaches.
Magnetic LED cupboard lights
The wireless LED lights with motion sensor are nice and bright and still not big. They can be installed very easily using magnetic strips. A perfect, simple solution for cramped cupboards. Not just in the pantry.
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