I've been working with Docker Compose and Traefik for quite some time and it's been fantastic for my development environments. Now, I want to dive deeper and experiment with different orchestration methods. I've tried Kubernetes locally and really enjoyed it, so I'm looking to deploy it on a fresh VPS. Last time, I manually installed Kubernetes components following Google's documentation, but I'm curious if there are better, more modern ways to set up a single-node Kubernetes instance or a small cluster. For someone used to Docker Compose with Traefik, what's the best approach to set up a production-ready Kubernetes environment on a new VPS? What tools or installers do you recommend (like kubeadm, k3s, MicroK8s, Talos)? Are there any best practices regarding networking, ingress, storage, and updates? Lastly, is there anything I should avoid when running Kubernetes on just one VPS?
1 Answer
You should definitely check out RKE2. It's really simple to install and will have you up and running in no time. Plus, it’s versatile for scaling if you decide to expand beyond a single node! Just be aware of any limitations with resources since it’s only one VPS. Some prefer k3s for its ease, but I think RKE2 strikes a good balance for newcomers.

True, k3s is easier, especially if you want to keep it simple. It’s worth considering whatever aligns with your comfort level.