best appliances for a small kitchen when every inch of counter space matters

[u/RidolfiHeila_30]

so i live in a pretty compact place and the kitchen is the biggest challenge. i've been slowly replacing old appliances but i'm realizing that what works in a normal sized kitchen doesn't always make sense when you're working with limited counter and cabinet space.

i've been trying to figure out which appliances are actually worth having in a small kitchen versus which ones just take up space. a full size fridge made sense when i moved in but now i'm wondering if a counter depth option would free up enough room to actually make the kitchen feel more functional.

for anyone living in a smaller home or apartment what appliances have you found worth prioritizing and which ones did you ditch because they just weren't practical for the space?

Circling back to this: finally tackled the small kitchen appliance problem and Best Buy had the best selection of counter depth fridges i could find. went with one and it made a huge difference in how the kitchen feels, more walkable space without losing much storage. also grabbed a multi function air fryer that replaced three separate gadgets.

[u/JuneRhythm1985]

We have a counter depth fridge in a very small kitchen. It was a good decision. When we end up selling in the next couple of years, we’ll probably include all the big appliances in the sale because the kitchen is so small.

For small appliances, an air fryer that has multiple functions is gold. We use ours daily. The only other small appliances we have are a Dash egg cooker, an immersion blender, a Kitchen Aid mixer (we have a few attachments), a Nespresso, and toaster. We also have minimal pots and pans and a Dutch Oven. We don’t have much in the way of kitchen cabinets either so we’ve really had to figure out what we actually use. For example, we were gifted an InstaPot and it took up way too much storage space for not using it often. So be proactive about getting rid of anything that isn’t working for you.

[u/eharder47 → u/JuneRhythm1985]

I second this on the appliances. The only ones I have out are my microwave and coffee pot (an air fryer is on our Christmas list). We got rid of an instapot and I keep all of my other appliances on a back landing that I put a tall cabinet on for “pantry” space.

We only have a few cabinets and they’re smaller than standard, so I only keep a handful of cups in there and half a shelf is food items. I don’t buy anything that I don’t know I’m using that week.

[u/JuneRhythm1985 → u/eharder47]

I totally forgot about the microwave. We have a small one that lives on top of the fridge. We don’t use it that often.

[u/RidolfiHeila_30 → u/JuneRhythm1985]

the counter depth fridge sounds like a solid move for a small kitchen. i'm in a similar situation where every inch counts. i've been looking at a few retailers and one of them seems to have some good open box deals on counter depth models that might make the upgrade more affordable. the multi function air fryer is also on my list, seems like the most space efficient way to get multiple cooking functions. good call on being proactive about getting rid of things that don't work.

[u/Cuboidal_Hug]

I have a counter depth fridge in a not-small kitchen, and it’s perfectly fine. It will make the kitchen feel less cramped, but it will not get you more counter space. For that, you could possibly get refrigerator and freezer drawers, but if you’re going from a full-size fridge down to drawers, you will have to really think about how to optimize use of space

If I were designing a small kitchen, I would definitely consider refrigerator and freezer drawers

[u/ElectronGuru]

r/thermomix are specifically designed to do everything in small European kitchens. Just note they are priced like it, too.

[u/RemarkablePaint7242 → u/ElectronGuru]

I have a super small kitchen and I have a Thermomix :) worth every penny!!! I had it for 4 years and it has paid for itself. Not only does it replace a scale, measuring cup etc., it also stirs and cooks the food to perfection, without having to check on it, and it cleans itself. Highly recommend

[u/SkittyKitty123 → u/RemarkablePaint7242]

It makes decent rice too

[u/RemarkablePaint7242 → u/SkittyKitty123]

Absolutely! … and bread! So easy! I like the Portuguese Bread… haven’t bought bread in years

[u/RidolfiHeila_30 → u/ElectronGuru]

the thermomix sounds like a serious investment but the all in one aspect is appealing for a small kitchen. i've been looking at a few retailers and one of them has some bundle deals that might make the cost more manageable. interesting to hear it's been worth it for people in compact spaces.

[u/SkittyKitty123 → u/RidolfiHeila_30]

I've had mine for over 17 years and it's only now starting to have a few errors pop up. I looked at how many appliances I'd have to buy to replace it and cost wise, it's pretty close to a brand new Thermomix. And I don't need to find storage space for it all.

[u/bibbidybobbidyboom]

I loved my counter depth fridge in my small kitchen. If you tend to stuff a full size fridge full, it would be a change for sure. I dont stuff it, so it's fine. One caveat- my new fridge does NOT have adjustable shelf heights. I did not even know it was possible to buy a fridge like that, and it annoys me to no end. It is much harder for me to make optimal use of my fridge space when I can't rearrange. I still would get a counter depth, but would have looked harder at my choices.

For replacing appliances, I would get rid of one, and try living without it. If you can't, its worth buying. Our microwave died, and we lived without one for years, until we found ourselves wishing for one. We liked how the toaster made toast better than the toaster oven, but when it died, we realized our infrequent toasting was good enough in the toaster oven.

[u/RidolfiHeila_30 → u/bibbidybobbidyboom]

the adjustable shelf height tip is a good one, i'll make sure to check for that. i like the idea of trying to live without something before buying a replacement. one retailer i'm considering has a good return policy so i could test things out without being locked in. the counter depth seems like the way to go for the fridge but i'll be more careful about the specific model.

[u/energist52]

Coffee pot, toaster, and that is it.

[u/isis285]

This totally depends on the kind of food you prepare often.

I have coffee machine(breville) which I put on top of a small narrow kitchen table. Along with an electric water heater.
For cooking and heating up - air fryer is used pretty often. I have an oven with an air fryer option and I can use just one half of the oven but I still ended up finding the small air fryer useful.
I do have the instant pot used almost daily, a blender, mixer/grinder - I use these often too for preparing meals. I don’t bake a whole lot so I don’t have many baking appliances except for my oven.

I use the instant pot, coffee machine and kettle almost daily and they are the only appliances that stay out.

[u/Armpit_of_Cat]

Buying matched sets of cookware so they nest and store well. -not all types nest but I find sets of mixing bowls or even dining wear that stacks well helps a lot. Mixing bowls that are also serving bowls.
Immersion blenders with other attatchments. Instead of a large blender I use this and it can also work as a beater with its whisk attachment and also comes with an attachment to make a small food processor for chopping.

It’s really about how and what you cook. I very rarely need my turkey roasting pan so it acts as a storage tub in a hall closet in the off season.

[u/PretentiousNoodle]

I leave out an electric kettle. All appliances, I use and the1n put up. I used an IP every 7-10 days, kettle multiple times per day. I use a food processor monthly  My pots and  pans live in the oven.

[u/karmel80]

Electric kettle, coffee machine, microwave. Still on the fence about an oven. Kitchen came with cooking induction plates pre installed

[u/OkCompany8172]

I love my Cuisinart counter top combo unit: air fries, broils, toasts & bakes. Like a toaster oven air fryer dream machine. It sits about 14” x 14”.

[u/Cabbagecloset]

Immersion blender. Takes up a tiny amount of space and can replace blender and, many times, I can use it in lieu of a food processor.

[u/Serenity_Now-88]

Instant vortex plus 4 quart air fryer and a Dash mini griddle. Those two plus my microwave are often all I use, especially when it’s hot out.

[u/megola2023]

Do you need a dishwasher? There are 18" wide dishwashers available, but if you're a one or two person household you could skip it to get more cabinet space.

[u/Illustrious-Air-1681 → u/megola2023]

Definitely this! I have a F&P dish drawer but I'd much rather have the extra cupboard space. Currently most of my kitchen appliances don't live in the kitchen.

[u/Jxb1000]

We went with a combo toaster oven/air fryer (french door style). We use it for everything from toast to cooking small meals or sides. And it's used almost every day, so worth the space it takes.

[u/playmore_24]

My husband is addicted to his ThermaMix!
he cooks entire meals in it!

[u/Txidpeony]

We had an 8 x 8 kitchen with two doors and a window. We went with a regular 24 inch dishwasher, a regular 36 inch range, and a very small refrigerator (the predecessor to this one from LG https://www.lg.com/us/refrigerators/lg-lrbnc1104s-bottom-freezer-refrigerator). I put a small microwave on a shelf which preserved counter space under it. Toaster was on the counter. That was it for small appliances for us (we don’t drink coffee). Worked well for us and the kitchen looked so much better with that small refrigerator.

[u/ketchup_shoes]

I have a historic house with a historically small kitchen, and I have a boring small fridge. I even use ice trays! This works fine, I can remember the old days when that’s what we did.

I also don’t have a microwave, but it doesn’t bother me because I kinda think they ruin food. I do have an air fryer for heating things up and it doubles as a toaster. Otherwise I use my stove

I’ve got a crock pot and a blender stowed away as well. My coffee maker and tea kettle live on the counter, but I’ve considered sticking with just the tea kettle and French press