Living in apartments has become a common phenomenon. However, these shoebox city apartments are not big enough to accommodate big furniture, decor and appliances. Things get even more complicated when it comes to setting up a small kitchen. You can use all sorts of DIY storage techniques for your spices and pantry items, but it is the appliances that take up most of the space. We have gathered a list of must-have small kitchen appliances that can be easily stored or placed on the kitchen counter.
Portable Cooktops
Gas, induction or a hotplate, each of these portable cooktops is excellent for small kitchens. Butane gas stoves have a super compact design, are lightweight and are easy to operate. Moreover, you can even carry it with you when you go camping. Electric induction cooktops are an excellent investment as they are much safer than the gas alternative. Moreover, these heat up in seconds and only transfer heat directly into the vessel. Hotplates work on electricity as well and are super easy to operate. Iron, cast iron and stainless steel utensils can be placed on a hot plate.
Compact Fridge
There is a huge variety of fridges in the market but when you are working with limited space, you need to make the right purchase. Single-door refrigerators are ideal for small kitchens. Look for a fridge that has a slim build but can pack enough food at once. Retro fridges are an excellent choice, especially when you are struggling with space.
Microwave Oven
When the space is limited, you have to think smart. Microwave ovens serve two very important purposes in the kitchen. Surviving without a microwave and oven seems almost impossible, but if you don’t have the space to have both these appliances then you should invest in a microwave oven.
Benchtop Dishwashers
While in-built dishwashers are common in most households, this may not be the case for you and we have got an alternative. You can opt to wash your dishes in the sink or you can choose to buy a benchtop dishwasher. A mini dishwasher doesn’t take up too much counter space and is spacious enough to wash all your dishes from one meal. The best part is these are often portable, hence they don’t need any installation. Just add water manually and it does the job like any other dishwasher.
Toaster and Kettle Sets
For a lot of people, breakfast means a piece of toast and a cup of tea or coffee. So, it only makes sense to have a toaster and kettle at your disposal. We would recommend going for a simple two-slice toaster and kettle set. On the other hand, if you feel that a toaster and kettle would take up too much space on your countertop, then opt for stovetop kettles. Stovetop kettles can easily be stored in a cabinet and provide you with boiling water in a matter of minutes.
Bullet Blenders
Blend, crush, whip and chop with bullet blenders. The best thing about bullet blenders is their compact size. They don’t take up a lot of space and can easily be stored in a small cabinet. Moreover, the different functions are perfect for home cooks. On the other hand, if you don’t feel the need to own a bullet blender manual and electric choppers are also great tools to have in a small kitchen. Electric food choppers can quickly chop up your ingredients saving you a lot of time, plus these choppers are small and can fit snuggly in your kitchen cabinets or drawers.
Espresso Makers
Coffee is an important part of many people’s morning routines. A good morning brew goes a long way, so a good coffee maker is important. However, coffee machines can take up a lot of space. You have two options, go for a classic espresso machine but the smallest one available. If you really want an espresso machine instead, you can opt for a portable one. On the other hand, you can always get a coffee pod machine as its slim design will fit perfectly in a small area.
Moka pots and drip coffee machines are also great options for small kitchens. Moreover, these don’t necessarily have to sit out on the counter. You can store them in a cabinet and take them out whenever you’re brewing a fresh cup of coffee.
The Rest Is Up To You
Setting up a small kitchen can be quite problematic if you don’t plan it out beforehand. The appliances mentioned above are the essential ones you will need in your kitchen. From storage to counter space, the aforementioned appliances will fit easily in a small kitchen. Additionally, if you feel like there is enough space to add more appliances or buy bigger appliances then go for it. However, we would recommend leaving some negative space in the kitchen if you’re dealing with a small kitchen. The lack of negative spaces will just make it look a bit too stuffed.
