13 Small Appliances and Gadgets That Make Tiny Kitchens More Functional

Think outside of the box that is your small kitchen (or lack thereof) with these clever, compact appliances.

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June 25, 2021

Living with a super tiny kitchen? (Me, too.) You're probably always making tough decisions based on what you can and can’t do in your space. And sometimes it probably feels like a big puzzle. Living with a tiny kitchen often means that you can’t even fit standard-sized appliances in your cook space, or maybe you live in a dorm with no real kitchen at all. The good news is there are lots of options out there for more compact appliances designed especially for small-space dwellers.

From truly tiny countertop kitchen electrics to larger but still compact appliances like narrow refrigerators and dishwashers, these items can help you maximize your tiny kitchen's functionality.

$10

Available in several fun colors, this best-selling waffle maker from Dash will make mornings in a small space better. Weighing just one pound and measuring four inches, this gadget is super portable and easy to store, and the dual, non-stick waffle plates make cleaning a breeze.

$20

Who's to say an ice cream maker isn't a "must-have" kitchen staple? If you want homemade ice cream in your tiny space, this personal ice cream maker from Dash can make it happen. It makes almost two cups of ice cream in 30 minutes or less.

$50

If you don't have a cooktop or oven, then a kettle for heating water is a must. Whether for tea, oatmeal or ramen, this collapsible tea kettle with one easy-to-operate power switch has a capacity of 20 ounces, is made of food-grade silicone and packs flat to be super portable for backpacks, dorms or camping.

$37

Just because you live in a tiny kitchen doesn't mean you have to forgo morning smoothies. This handy USB portable blender will not only save precious cabinet space when stored, but this blender-in-a-bottle will also cut down on your dishes, too. It's also great for on-the-go parents who want to puree baby food easily.

$42
Back in stock Sept. 1

Don't want a coffee machine to take up your precious counter space? Opt for a single-serve palm press, which collapses down and can be stored in a cabinet or drawer. To brew the coffee, fill this palm press with coffee grounds, add hot water, screw on the lid, flip over on top of a mug and press with your palm.

$30

Make toast, bagels, paninis and even cookies in this adorable mini toaster oven from Dash. Available in multiple colors, it features an automatic shut-off function so you can set it and forget it.

Counter space is truly precious in a tiny kitchen. This means that a compact cube microwave is a perfect choice when you don’t have a lot of room. If you don’t have any space on your counter, consider putting your microwave on top of your fridge or even on a separate cart in your kitchen.

For tiny kitchen dwellers who are also wine lovers, you might be willing to give up some of your precious counter space for a wine fridge like this one. This slim wine cooler is perfect, as it’s only 10.25 inches wide.

$849

This super slim dishwasher can fit into most tiny kitchens. It’s a great choice for a smaller family or a couple. Despite its small size, you can still fit about 10 place settings in each load. Buttons and controls are also hidden on the door, so the dishwasher will look super sleek in your space.

$294

If your apartment doesn't come with a dishwasher and you can't renovate, don't stress. A compact countertop dishwasher will save you from doing dishes 24/7. This dishwasher comes with six wash settings, a delay start feature and the capacity for six place settings at a time. A countertop dishwasher is also a great option for RVs and campers.

If you love the look of SMEG refrigerators but have a small budget, check out this retro-inspired compact mini fridge from Magic Chef, available in white, black, red and aqua. Perfect for a dorm, home office or guesthouse, its capacity of 3.2 cubic feet allows you to store plenty of your favorite beverages and frozen snacks. The glass shelves are adjustable for easy organization and cleanup.

If you're looking for something with more capacity than a mini fridge but definitely can't go full size, this top-rated LG refrigerator might be the perfect happy medium. A typical refrigerator is usually 30 to 36 inches wide, so you can enjoy some significant space savings with this 24-inch-wide model.

Most average stoves are 30 inches wide, but this Frigidaire model clocks in at only 24 inches. It’s a gas oven, so it will still appeal to anyone who likes that flexibility when cooking; it just requires much less real estate in your tiny kitchen. With a cooktop and an oven, it’s a great choice for cooks and bakers alike.

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