When it comes to offshore cruising, your galley is much more than just a place to cook—it’s your lifeline to nutrition, morale, and comfort. On long passages, having the right gear can make all the difference in maintaining crew health and keeping spirits high. A well-stocked and organized galley doesn’t just enhance the cooking experience, but also saves time, space, and energy, allowing you to focus on sailing and enjoying the journey. Whether you're provisioning for a long offshore passage or preparing meals for your crew on shorter trips, these top galley gear essentials are must-haves for any serious cruiser.
Without a doubt, the best cookbook aka everything book that I simply cannot recommend enough is Amanda Swan's The Essential Galley Companion. It is the only resource we rely on so much that we wore our first (signed!) copy out completely! We had the great pleasure of sailing with Amanda and can attest that not only does she really know her stuff, but she's a fantastic gook and champion organizer of everything onboard. If you're trying to save space and decide which cookbook will carry you across oceans and help you provision anywhere in the world, this is the one. We don't leave port without it.
A high-quality cookware set is a cornerstone of any galley. The Magma 10-Piece Nesting Cookware Set is a perfect example of efficiency and versatility for the offshore galley. Space is always at a premium on a cruising boat, and this cookware set was designed with that in mind. It includes everything you need—pots, pans, lids, and more—yet it stacks together neatly, saving valuable cupboard space. The durable stainless steel construction ensures longevity, while the non-stick surfaces make cooking and cleaning easier. Perhaps the most valuable feature for us space savers is the removable handle. The kit comes with two, which is really all you need, and fits all the pots that require a handle, plus the saute pan, which we’ll get to next.
If you’re looking for a specific pan that excels at cooking a variety of meals without taking up extra space, the Magma Nesting Saute Pan is your go-to. This pan is especially useful for making one-pan meals—everything from stir-fries to pasta dishes or omelets, which it truly excels at. It features the same nesting design as the rest of the Magma cookware, which means it fits perfectly into your galley gear stack with minimal space requirements. We find that we reach for this one often, and rarely miss having a normal fry pan thanks to its high sides and premier nonstick qualities.
To prevent damage to your cookware and keep things secure and most importantly, QUIET, while sailing, Magma No-Skid Pot Protectors are a must-have. Cooking in a galley on a moving boat can be challenging, and the last thing you want is your pots and pans shifting around, causing damage or spills. These pot protectors sit between your cookware to keep everything in place and reduce the likelihood of scratches, dents, and other damage. The non-slip surface is perfect for ensuring your pots stay put during rough seas, and they can be easily removed and washed when needed.
When you're offshore, you often need to cook large meals quickly and safely, and that's where a quality Stainless Steel Pressure Cooker comes in. This galley essential allows you to prepare hearty, delicious meals in a fraction of the time compared to conventional cooking methods, while the locking lid keeps sloshing and spilling to an absolute minimum. Plus, you’ll save propane and keep the boat cooler thanks to the faster cook times it affords. Perfect for everything from stews to beans, this pressure cooker will save you hours in the galley, freeing you up to enjoy the journey. Its stainless steel construction is robust enough for the harsh marine environment, and its safety features ensure you can cook with confidence. Whether you're preparing a pot roast or cooking grains and legumes for a nutritious meal, the pressure cooker is a game-changer for any offshore galley.
Offshore life often means early mornings, long days (and nights), and increased desire for warm drinks. The Airpot Insulated Pump Top Thermos is great when it comes to keeping your drinks hot (or cold) for hours on end. On cool passages where we know our crew will be wanting tea on the regular, we keep it full of hot water so everyone can pour their cuppa without having to heat up water on the stove each time, which wastes valuable cooking gas. The pump top is especially convenient—just press down for a quick pour without having to remove the lid. This makes it easy to serve hot beverages to the crew without having to worry about spills, and it’s perfect for keeping your drinks ready while you’re focused on other tasks, like cooking or navigating. Plus, it’s highly durable, so just find the right size pot for your boat and a good place to restrain it and you’re good to go.
A Handheld Rechargeable Frother/Whisk is a great way to enhance your coffee, hot chocolate, or even make quick dressings and sauces. This small but powerful tool will froth your milk for a cappuccino or latte, or it can be used to whisk up ingredients for a quick salad dressing, powdered eggs, powdered milk, or soup mixes. We find that the rechargeable design is particularly useful for boat life because it doesn’t require disposable batteries, and it’s compact enough to store easily in your galley. It’s a simple tool that adds a touch of comfort, even on long passages.
Proper dishware can make a huge difference when cooking and eating at sea, especially when you’re trying to prevent spills in the galley. The Corelle Dinner Bowls and Corelle Soup Bowls are an excellent choice for cruisers who want durable, functional, and space-saving dishes. The rimmed design on the dinner bowls helps prevent spills and makes it easier to eat without worrying about food sloshing over the edge—an essential feature in a moving galley.
For coffee enthusiasts, a quality Manual Coffee Grinder is a must-have for the offshore galley. A manual grinder is perfect for boat life because it doesn't rely on electricity, making it a practical choice in environments where power sources can be limited. Even better though, it's quiet. So you can brew your morning cuppa without waking up off-watch crew members. Compact and easy to use, a manual grinder lets you adjust the grind size to your preference, whether you’re brewing espresso, drip coffee, or French press.
Mental Health Food
When you're offshore, your galley becomes a space of both necessity and comfort. The right tools can help you cook efficiently, save time, and even boost crew morale with delicious, well-prepared meals. These are our top picks for essential galley gear that will ensure that your time spent cooking on board is as enjoyable and stress-free as possible. With the right setup, you’ll be able to prepare nourishing meals, keep things organized, and focus on what really matters—enjoying your voyage. Whether you're provisioning for a long passage or just looking to improve your galley setup, investing in quality gear is a smart way to make your life at sea easier.
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Then you need to come sail with us. By joining a training expedition you'll get the opportunity to try new meals and serving techniques while gaining real-world liveaboard cruising experience and skills.
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