How To Make the Most of a Small Kitchen
House sizes are shrinking, with the average UK new-build measuring just 76 sqm – which means our kitchens are getting smaller too. Want to learn how to make the most of your space? Sometimes less really is more and having a small kitchen doesn’t need to compromise your quality of living. The first step to space-saving is deciding what’s needed and what’s not. Read on to find out more.
Banishing Your Unused Appliances
It might be a no-brainer but getting rid of your unused appliances is an effective way to make the most of your small kitchen.We are all guilty of buying items we don’t need. The idea of juicers and egg poachers are appealing at the time, but how often do we really use them? A stock pot may come in handy if you cook soup and stews regularly but can take up a lot of space if not. Save your kitchen storage space for appliances you will use.
If you have accumulated a bunch of appliances which need discarding, you can donate, sell, or recycle them. Unsure of the best disposal method? Check out our ‘How to Dispose of Your Appliances’ blog.
Or are you having trouble parting with an appliance? Move it to a usable space and make a commitment to use it regularly for 30 days. If you don’t use it, then it’s time to get rid of it.
Storing Appliances Correctly
Once you’ve decided what appliances you really need, keeping your kitchen organised will help you make the most of limited space. Although there is no ‘correct’ way to store appliances, there are many space-saving tricks to utilise. For example, pushing items to the back of the cupboard takes up more space than you’d think. Stacking appliances neatly saves space and makes them easily reachable when needed. If your appliances are difficult to access, they’re more likely to be neglected!See some other appliance storage tips below:
- Only keep regularly used appliances on countertops. Appliances that are used less frequently should be stored away in cabinets, especially bulky items like toasters and mixers.
- Wrap the cord around each appliance after use and keep smaller attachments in zip lock bags.
- Give your kitchen a regular clear-out, so unused appliances don’t take up precious space.
Multi-Use Appliances
Limited space doesn’t mean you have to go without – the key to making the most of a small kitchen is picking the right appliances. Integrated products, like microwaves, can save valuable counter space and there is also a wide range of multi-use items available.
Washer Dryers
BekoWith a spin speed of 1200 rpm, there’s no stain too stubborn for the WDL742441W. Dry up to 4 kg and wash up to 7 kg of items – ideal for small and big families with limited kitchen space. For the environmentally conscious, you’ll find an Eco programme that uses less energy. There’s also a Sensor Drying function which automatically stops the cycle when your desired dryness level is reached. And, for when you’re in a rush, use the Daily Quick programme to wash 7 kg of laundry in just 28 minutes.
Hoover
Featuring a washing capacity of 10 kg and drying capacity of 6 kg, there’s plenty of room in the HDB5106AMC. The ability to wash and dry in one continuous cycle means you’ll never be stuck for something to wear. Have a clothing emergency? The Quick Wash function will have them clean in 14 minutes. You can even wash a full load in just 59 minutes.
Microwave Ovens
NEFFThis C1AMG84N0B NEFF microwave will help you cook and grill all your favourite foods. Whether you’re heating up a meal for one or trying out a brand-new recipe, you’re sure to find a setting to suit you. You’ll find 15 automatic programmes, and five different functions including CircoTherm®. As it’s a built in model, it will fit perfectly into even the smallest kitchens.
Ovens
NEFF Slide & HideAvailable in contemporary stainless steel, the B3ACE4HN0B built-in oven from NEFF will fit into modern kitchens beautifully. With two shelves and a 71 litre net capacity, this oven offers plenty of space to cook up a storm.
Plus, this oven features NEFF’s innovative Slide&Hide® function – a fully retracting door which tucks away neatly for unrestricted access. Perfect for smaller spaces.
Top tip: try to avoid items with only one use unless you use them frequently.
Small Appliances
Ninja
6-in-1 Multi Cooker
A perfect fit for individuals and couples, the OP100UK Foodi MINI 6-in-1 Multi Cooker from Ninja makes mealtimes a breeze. With six cooking options to choose from, you can create delicious meals for up to two people in one pot. Pressure cook, air fry, slow cook, sear/sauté and bake/roast all in one appliance.
A perfect fit for individuals and couples, the OP100UK Foodi MINI 6-in-1 Multi Cooker from Ninja makes mealtimes a breeze. With six cooking options to choose from, you can create delicious meals for up to two people in one pot. Pressure cook, air fry, slow cook, sear/sauté and bake/roast all in one appliance.
Air Fryer & Dehydrator
The Ninja AF100UK 3.8L Air Fryer & Dehydrator offers a quick and easy way to cook everything from fries and crisps to vegetables and beef jerky – all in one handy appliance. Not only can you create delicious main meals and side dishes, you can also reheat leftovers for that fresh out of the oven taste – perfect for pizza lovers. You can even gently dry fruits and vegetables to make your own crisps or snacks for work or your children’s lunchboxes.
The Ninja AF100UK 3.8L Air Fryer & Dehydrator offers a quick and easy way to cook everything from fries and crisps to vegetables and beef jerky – all in one handy appliance. Not only can you create delicious main meals and side dishes, you can also reheat leftovers for that fresh out of the oven taste – perfect for pizza lovers. You can even gently dry fruits and vegetables to make your own crisps or snacks for work or your children’s lunchboxes.
Blender & Soup Maker
More than a soup maker, Ninja’s HB150UK Hot & Cold Blender & Soup Maker lets you enjoy a delicious variety of hot and cold food and drinks at any time of day. Driven by a 1000W motor, Ninja’s purposefully-designed High Speed Crushing Blade easily blends both hot and cold ingredients, including fibrous fruit and vegetables, nuts, seeds and even ice.
More than a soup maker, Ninja’s HB150UK Hot & Cold Blender & Soup Maker lets you enjoy a delicious variety of hot and cold food and drinks at any time of day. Driven by a 1000W motor, Ninja’s purposefully-designed High Speed Crushing Blade easily blends both hot and cold ingredients, including fibrous fruit and vegetables, nuts, seeds and even ice.
These Ninja appliances not only offer a range of cooking functions, but style and innovative technology too – they’re the perfect companion in any sized kitchen.
Pint-Sized Appliances
Bigger isn’t always better. An increasing amount of people are moving into studio flats and apartments – which has increased the range of compact kitchen appliances on the market. Depending on the number of occupants, a mini fridge could be a solution to saving space. Why purchase a full-sized fridge when you can fit your weekly shop into a smaller one?Other popular choices include:
- Undercounter fridges and freezers
- Slimline and countertop dishwashers
- 20-inch apartment-sized stoves
- Single hot plates
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