Small Kitchen Buying Guide: Tips and Tricks for Designing and Outfitting Your Space

If you’re one of the many homeowners, renters, or dorm dwellers with a small kitchen, you know how challenging it can be to cook, eat, and entertain in such a limited space. However, with some careful planning and smart purchases, you can make the most of your small kitchen and turn it into a functional and stylish space.

In this small kitchen buying guide, we’ll provide you with tips and tricks for designing and outfitting your space, so you can maximize storage, optimize workflow, and create an inviting and efficient kitchen environment.

Assess Your Needs and Space

The first step in designing a small kitchen is to assess your needs and limitations. Ask yourself some key questions:

• How much storage do I need? What types of items do I need to store? Is there enough cabinet and drawer space?
• How much counter space do I need? What will I be using it for? Do I need a prep area, a dining area, or both?
• What appliances do I need? What are my must-haves, and what can I do without? Can I store some appliances elsewhere?
• How much traffic will be flowing through my kitchen? Do I have enough room to move around comfortably?

Once you’ve answered these questions, take a look at your kitchen space and determine its limitations. Measure the dimensions of the room, including the height, width, and length, and note any obstacles such as doors, windows, or corners. This information will be helpful as you start to plan your kitchen design and outfit your space.

Maximize Storage

One of the biggest challenges of a small kitchen is finding enough storage space for your cookware, dishware, utensils, and food. Here are some tips for maximizing storage in your small kitchen:

• Utilize wall space: Install shelves or hooks on your walls to store items such as pots, pans, utensils, and spices. Use a pegboard or magnetic knife strip to keep knives and other metal utensils within reach.
• Optimize cabinet and drawer space: Look for tall cabinets that reach the ceiling and incorporate pull-out drawers and shelves for easy access to items stored in the back. Use organizers and dividers to keep your cabinets and drawers tidy.
• Use under-cabinet space: Install under-cabinet lighting and use the space beneath your cabinets to store items such as wine glasses or spices.
• Consider a kitchen island: If you have the space, a kitchen island can provide extra storage and counter space. Look for an island with built-in cabinets, drawers, or shelves to maximize its storage potential.

Optimize Workflow

In a small kitchen, it’s important to optimize your workflow to make cooking and cleaning as efficient as possible. Here are some ideas for optimizing workflow in a small kitchen:

• Create work zones: Divide your kitchen into zones for food prep, cooking, and cleaning. Keep all the necessary tools and supplies within reach of each zone.
• Streamline your layout: Arrange your appliances and work surfaces in a logical and efficient flow. Place your sink near your dishwasher for easy cleanup, and keep your stove and oven close to your prep area.
• Minimize clutter: Clear your counters of unnecessary items, and keep your workspace clean and uncluttered. Store small appliances, utensils, and dishware in cabinets or on shelves to keep your counters free.
• Invest in a quality cutting board: A sturdy cutting board can make food prep much easier and safer. Look for a board that fits well on your counter and is easy to clean and store.

Focus on Multi-Functional Tools and Appliances

In a small kitchen, every inch of space counts. To make the most of your kitchen appliances and tools, look for multi-functional items that can perform multiple tasks. Here are some examples of multi-functional kitchen tools and appliances:

• An immersion blender: This versatile tool can be used for blending soups, sauces, and smoothies, and can also be used to whip cream or make whipped egg whites.
• A slow cooker: A slow cooker can be used to cook stews, soups, meats, and vegetables, and can also be used to make oatmeal, risotto, and even desserts.
• A food processor: A food processor can chop, slice, shred, and puree a variety of foods, and can also be used to make dough, salsa, hummus, and nut butter.
• A toaster oven: A toaster oven can be used to toast bread and bagels, bake small items such as cookies and muffins, and even roast vegetables or reheat leftovers.

Choose Stylish and Space-Saving Furniture

In a small kitchen, every piece of furniture counts. When choosing furniture for your small kitchen, look for items that are stylish and space-saving. Here are some tips:

• Choose a compact table: Look for a table that can fold up or be stored when not in use. Consider a table with built-in storage or a drop-leaf table that can be expanded when needed.
• Use stools instead of chairs: Stools take up less space than chairs and can be tucked away under your table or counter when not in use.
• Choose a stackable or folding chair: Choose a chair that can be easily stored when not in use, either by stacking or folding. Look for chairs that are lightweight and easy to move if needed.

Select Energy-Efficient Appliances

When outfitting your small kitchen with appliances, it’s important to choose appliances that are energy-efficient and save on space. Look for appliances that are specifically designed for small kitchens, with features such as:

• Smaller dimensions: Look for appliances that are designed to fit in small spaces, such as compact refrigerators, dishwashers, and cooktops.
• Energy-star ratings: Choose appliances with an energy star rating to save on energy costs and reduce your environmental impact. Look for appliances with features such as a timed drying cycle, a high-efficiency compressor, or a convection oven.
• Multipurpose features: Look for appliances that can perform multiple functions, such as a combination microwave and convection oven or a range hood that also functions as a ventilation system.

Conclusion

Designing and outfitting a small kitchen may seem daunting, but with some careful planning and smart purchases, you can create a functional and stylish space that meets your cooking and entertaining needs. Focus on maximizing storage, optimizing workflow, and choosing multi-functional, space-saving appliances and furniture. With these tips and tricks, you can turn your small kitchen into a welcoming and efficient hub for cooking, eating, and socializing.