Inflatable Kitchen Transforms Tiny Vans Into Full Campers

Imagine packing a full kitchen that weighs less than a toddler and takes up barely more floor space than a yoga mat. A German company just made it real.

Stuff Bubble launched an inflatable kitchen system that solves one of camping's biggest headaches: how to bring cooking essentials without filling your entire vehicle. The kitchen packs down to just five inches tall during travel, then inflates into an 18-inch-tall workstation at camp in about three minutes.

The basic version includes a countertop with sink basin, cutting board, and storage compartments. Campers can upgrade to add a complete water system with electric faucet and water bladders for washing dishes and rinsing food. The top package includes something nobody saw coming: an inflatable electric refrigerator with a soft-sided body and cooling lid.

The whole setup weighs between 17 and 33 pounds depending on features. One person can easily carry it, and when packed flat, it leaves room for coolers, luggage, and gear that would normally get squeezed out by a permanent kitchen installation.

Stuff Bubble will showcase the kitchen at Germany's CMT camper show this month alongside an inflatable folding bed that uses the kitchen as part of its foundation. Kia Germany is partnering with them to display an electric van outfitted entirely with inflatable camping furniture.

The real win? This technology is already heading to North America. Stuff Bubble displayed the kitchen inside a Volkswagen ID. Buzz at the LA Auto Show in November, then took it to San Francisco for testing. American campers won't have to watch enviously from across the Atlantic this time.

Why This Inspires

This kitchen represents something bigger than clever camping gear. It shows how rethinking basic assumptions can make outdoor adventures accessible to more people. Not everyone can afford a $60,000 camper van with built-in everything, and not everyone wants to give up cargo space for permanent installations.

By making kitchens collapsible, Stuff Bubble opened camping to anyone with a small vehicle and a sense of adventure. Families can pack sports equipment alongside their cooking setup. Weekend warriors can bring both bikes and a real kitchen. Solo travelers can downsize their vehicle without downsizing their comfort.

The inflatable fridge particularly breaks new ground. Electric coolers have existed for years, but they're bulky and rigid. Combining refrigeration with inflatable design means campers get real cooling power that disappears when not needed.

Early bird pricing starts around $1,450, with European deliveries beginning in February. North American availability and pricing will follow this summer. Orders are already open on the company's website.

For anyone who ever looked at their packed vehicle and thought "I wish I could fit just one more thing," this kitchen offers a simple answer: now you can fit everything.