Having a small kitchen presents its own unique challenges. With limited counter space and storage, every item needs to be carefully chosen to maximize functionality. The right small kitchen tools and organizational items can make all the difference in creating a highly efficient cooking space. In this article, we will cover some of the top small kitchen necessities that belong in every tiny kitchen.
Essential Small Appliances
When space is tight, you need versatile small appliances that can perform multiple functions. Here are some of the most useful small kitchen appliances for compact cooking:
Instant Pot
The Instant Pot has become one of the most popular kitchen gadgets in recent years, and for good reason. This electric pressure cooker can slow cook, sauté, steam, and more, replacing the need for several other appliances. It cooks food quickly and is perfect for cooking in bulk for meal prepping. The 6-quart size is ideal for most small kitchens.
Air Fryer
An air fryer is another small but mighty appliance. It uses hot air to produce crispy “fried” foods with little to no oil. Make everything from frozen fries to chicken wings to baked goods. An air fryer crisps up leftovers nicely too. Go for a compact 3-4 quart size.
Electric Kettle
An electric kettle boils water faster than the stovetop and is a must for tea or coffee drinkers. They take up minimal precious counter space. Opt for a 1 liter cordless kettle. Some models even allow you to adjust temperature for the perfect cup.
Hand Blender
Immersion or “stick” blenders are handheld and extremely useful for blending soups, smoothies, and sauces right in the pot or cup. Much easier to store than a traditional blender. Look for one with multiple speed options.
Single-Serve Coffee Maker
For your daily caffeine fix, a single-serve coffee maker like a Keurig is perfect for small spaces. It brews just one cup at a time and tucks away neatly. Get a model with a removable water reservoir for easy filling.
Space-Saving Cookware
Quality nonstick cookware will make up for having fewer pots and pans in your cabinets. Here are some great space-saving options:
- Nesting cookware sets with saucepans and stockpots that fit inside each other
- Nonstick 10 or 12 inch skillet with lid that doubles as a shallow pan
- Cast iron skillet that can sear, fry, or bake and lasts forever
- Small 1-2 qt saucepan for boiling eggs, heating milk, making sauces
- Mini 3-4 qt Dutch oven for soups, braising, baking
Look for cookware with dual handles or helper handles, which take up less room in a drawer or cabinet.
Essential Utensils
You don’t need a ton of specialized utensils when space is limited. Focus on high-quality, multi-purpose utensils:
- Slotted turner for flipping items in a skillet or removing from boiling water
- 12-inch tongs for tossing salads and turning meat
- Ladle for serving soups and stews
- High-heat silicone spatula that’s heat resistant up to 600°F
- Whisk for sauces and dressings
- Meat thermometer for perfectly cooked meats
Also invest in some quality, sharp knives – an 8″ chef’s knife and a 4″ paring knife are ideal for most tasks.
Cutting Boards & Prep Tools
Having a few good cutting boards and prep tools will make your small kitchen much more functional.
- Thin flexible plastic cutting boards that can double as serving trays
- Wooden chopping block if you have a bit more space
- Bench scraper for scooping up chopped ingredients
- Microplane for zesting citrus and grating garlic, ginger, nutmeg
- Food processor for chopping in bulk when counter space is very limited
Look for space-saving skinny containers to hold kitchen shears, microplane, brush, etc.
Smart Storage Solutions
When cabinet and drawer space is scarce, you need clever storage ideas to keep essentials accessible but out of the way.
Drawer Organizers
Invest in some high-quality drawer organizers. You can find ones made specifically for utensils, cutting boards, pots and pans, and more. This keeps items orderly and easier to find.
Spice Racks
Mount a slim spice rack inside a cabinet door to keep spices organized and visible without taking up counter space. For frequently used spices, keep them in a small turntable on the counter.
Under Cabinet Storage
Installing sliding shelves or baskets under wall cabinets is a great way to utilize wasted vertical space. Use for less frequently used items or small appliances.
Hanging Rails
Hang pots, pans, and utensils on rails mounted under cabinets. Get them up off the counter and easily accessible while cooking.
Tiered Shelving
Make use of awkward corner spaces with tiered corner shelving. Great for vertical storage of items like baking sheets, cutting boards, cookbooks, etc.
Pantry Organizers
Maximize every inch of a tiny pantry with pull out shelving, stackable can organizers, door storage, and multi-tiered holders for packaged foods. Labelling helps keep things tidy.
Countertop Organization Aids
With minimal countertop real estate, having a few organizational tools makes your workspace much more functional.
Cutting Board Holder
A cutting board holder props up your cutting board to save space as you chop and prep. Models with built-in storage keep kitchen shears and utensils right at your fingertips.
Collapsible Colanders
A collapsible colander rolls up flat when not in use, great for straining pasta or washing produce. Silicone models are extra flexible.
Magnetic Knife Strips
Magnetic strips mount on the wall to hold knives and free up drawer space. They keep sharp knives at the ready but safely out of the way.
Spice Jars
For frequently used spices and herbs, keep them in small jars on the counter for easy access. Mark jars clearly and keep near the stove.
Pot Lid Holder
A lid holder mounts to the wall and keeps pot lids organized vertically to save cabinet space. Great for lids without storage inside the pots.
Summary
Small kitchens can absolutely be just as functional as larger ones with some smart organizational tools and space-saving appliances and cookware. Focus on high quality versatile items that can multitask. Prioritize your most frequently used tools and find creative ways to store less used items out of the way. A few wall mounted or countertop storage options can also free up valuable workspace. With a bit of clever optimization, you can transform your tiny kitchen into a highly efficient cooking space.
Frequently Asked Questions About Small Kitchen Necessities
What are the most essential small appliances for a tiny kitchen?
The most useful small appliances are the Instant Pot, air fryer, electric kettle, hand blender, and single-serve coffee maker. These versatile tools can perform multiple cooking tasks in a small footprint.
What types of cookware work best for compact kitchens?
Look for nesting cookware sets, smaller Dutch ovens, and skillets with lids that double as shallow pans. Nonstick is ideal. Cookware with dual handles takes up less space.
What are the most important utensils for a small kitchen?
Focus on quality multi-purpose tools like tongs, a slotted turner, high-heat silicone spatula, whisk, and sharp knives. You don’t need a ton of single-use gadgets.
How can I maximize storage in a small kitchen?
Use drawer organizers, install sliding shelves or hanging rails under cabinets, get corner storage solutions, optimize your pantry, and use wall mounted pot lid holders.
What countertop organizational tools help maximize workspace?
Cutting board holders, collapsible colanders, magnetic knife strips, wall-mounted spice jars, and pot lid holders help keep your counters clutter-free.
Should I invest in any special small kitchen cookbooks?
Yes, look for cookbooks developed specifically for cooking in cramped spaces. They offer tips, hacks, and recipes optimized for tiny kitchens.
What are some key things I can do to make a small kitchen more functional?
Focus on multi-use appliances and cookware, use organizational tools to maximize storage, declutter ruthlessly, and keep frequently used items easily accessible.
How can I maximize vertical storage space in my small kitchen?
Use wall mounted racks, shelves, rails and holders. Also install pull out shelves in corner cabinets or pantries to utilize all available space.
Will organizing a small kitchen require any renovation work?
Not necessarily. Things like sliding drawers, drawer organizers, and wall mounted racks require no major construction, just minor installation. But solutions like pull out shelves may need some renovation work.
What are the best ways to organize a tiny pantry?
Install pull out shelves, stackable can dispensers, door storage bins, multi-tiered shelving for dry goods, and acrylic organizers for snacks. Labelling helps too.
Conclusion
A small kitchen requires some creative storage solutions and space-saving gadgets, but with the right tools it can function just as well as a larger cooking space. Invest in multi-purpose appliances like the Instant Pot and high-quality cookware with nesting capabilities or dual handles. Keep essential everyday tools easily accessible. Organizational products like drawer dividers, wall mounted racks, and countertop helpers maximize your limited workspace. With a bit of optimization, you can make the most of every inch and have an incredibly efficient small kitchen.
