Top Small Kitchen Appliances That Help You Save Space

A small kitchen is a common problem, especially for urban city dwellers who may be renting tiny apartments. In fact, kitchens in average British homes are nearly as small as they were in the 1930s – the period when we had the smallest kitchens in history.

Thus, most of us are looking for ways to maximise kitchen counter space. If you don’t have the time, permission or inclination to remodel your home, you can make the most of the space you have available with some smart kitchen appliance choices.

How Can Kitchen Products Help You Save Space?

It sounds a tad counterproductive to say that buying kitchen appliances will save space. After all, won't buying kitchen appliances just contribute to the headaches? Well, that is certainly true if you don’t buy the right kitchen appliances and make the wrong choices. But by buying certain kitchen appliances that are either compactly designed or multifunctional, they can save you space.

For example, buying one item that does lots of useful things could make two of your other kitchen appliances redundant. You’re starting to get the picture. Without further ado, here’s a look at some must-have appliances for compact kitchens and how some of these models can help you save space.

1. Blenders

Blenders are an extremely useful addition to any kitchen. Whether you enjoy a smoothie or like to make sauces and soups, a blender gets the job done quickly and easily. Having a blender can save you buying several different pieces of equipment because they are so multifunctional. The problem is, some blenders are quite bulky.

The good news is that not all blenders are made equal and some can fit into a smaller kitchen more easily. Rather than leave your blender on the counter permanently, you’ll want one which fits neatly away into a cupboard, leaving your surfaces free.

Check the dimensions of any blender before you buy, as some are very tall and don’t easily fit into a cupboard. Other models are very heavy, with some weighing up to 10kg. Look for a lighter blender that is easy to move in and out of the cupboard as you need it.

There are many blenders for sale which are suitable for small kitchens, including cup blenders that make single portions.

2. Kettles

Out of all the modern kitchen appliances, the kettle is the one that no British person should be without. As well as making tea and coffee, it’s an essential piece of equipment for providing hot water while cooking – and warming those water bottles during the winter months.

You’ll find kettles are available in all shapes and sizes. If you’re buying an electric kettle, look for a cordless model. This will allow you to tuck the kettle into a small corner without considering power sockets. These moveable electric kettles make designing your countertop to be as space-efficient as possible much easier. A swivel base can also make a kettle easy to move around.

One space-saving alternative is to opt for a stove kettle instead. These take a little longer to boil on average but will free up room on your countertop. The area on top of a stove is rarely utilised so this has the advantage of actually creating more space while also looking quaint and attractive.

3. Breadmakers

There’s nothing quite like the smell of freshly baked bread wafting around your home to really get your belly rumbling. You don’t need to give up on your dream of baking just because your kitchen is a little on the small side.

There are many fantastic breadmakers which are perfect for the more bijou kitchen. These are also great for smaller households, or when you want to bake smaller batches. Look for a slimline design that’s narrow and tall, rather than a breadmaker which is squat and wide. This will maximise the space you have in cupboards and on the work surface, while in use.

Space-saving breadmakers don’t have to be a compromise. There are lots of models available which include extra features such as nut dispensers or jam and compote mode. If you plan on experimenting with your baking, look for a space-saving breadmaker which offers more than just the basics.

4. Toasters and Sandwich Toasters

Who doesn’t like to start their day with a slice or two of hot buttered toast? A toaster is another handy kitchen essential. From warming waffles to toasting English bagels and bread, you can guarantee your toaster will enjoy lots of use.

For this reason, you’ll probably want to keep your toaster on your kitchen surface, so a space-saving design is even more critical. The easiest way to achieve this is by choosing a two-slice model. However, if the whole household regularly wants toast at the same time, a two-slice toaster may create some family squabbles!

There are two and four-slice toasters which are deliberately designed to take up the minimum space. Sleek and narrow, they won’t crowd your work surface.

For a clever twist, look for a toaster with a glass or transparent side. This allows you to position your toaster further back on the countertop. You won’t need to be able to peer down the top of the toaster to check progress as it’s clearly visible from the side instead. Ingenious!

If you can’t get enough of toasted snacks, a |sandwich toaster](/cl/88/Sandwich-Toasters) could be another useful addition. Look for a model that’s not too heavy and can be easily stored in the cupboard until you need it.

Some types of sandwich toaster have other features such as waffle grills and omelette plates included, making them an even more versatile item for your kitchen.

The Key Takeaway?

Looking for kitchen appliances with a small dimension can help you save space in a kitchen. But looking for kitchen appliances that can be easily moved around or can provide multiple functions so you don’t need other appliances can also help.

Remember this when you next want to save space in a kitchen!