Having a smaller kitchen space doesn’t mean you have to give up making your favorite meals. It can indeed present a challenge to accommodate all your kitchen equipment efficiently. However, fear not! There are various clever strategies and innovative solutions that can inspire you to optimize your kitchen practices and embark on the culinary journey of cooking in a small kitchen with flair and creativity. Don’t let the size of your kitchen limit your culinary aspirations – embrace the opportunity to get resourceful and inventive with your cooking endeavors!
Stove covers
If you often face the challenge of running out of counter space in your kitchen, considering the addition of a burner cover could prove to be a practical solution. By investing in a burner cover, not only will you create extra counter space when the stove is not in use, but this versatile accessory can also function as a convenient cutting board. What is not to love about the multi-functional stove cover? It helps tiny house homeowners to optimize their kitchens and is usually aesthetically pleasing. When it’s time to cook on the stovetop, lift off the cover and set it aside. It’s as simple as that! Making meal preparation a seamless and efficient process in your kitchen.
Wall-mounted pan racks
When you’re cooking in a small kitchen, you often face the challenge of limited cabinet space. This is where the addition of a wall mount can be magic. Relocate your pans from the crowded cupboards or countertop to the wall mount. This small update will create additional space for storing various kitchen tools and appliances. It should also make your cooking process easier in your compact kitchen. Imagine how much easier it would be to reach for the specific pan you need when everything is neatly displayed on the wall within arm’s reach. It’s a simple yet effective solution to maximize your storage space!
Spice racks
Spice racks are another common type of wall mount that can free up space in your cabinets, especially if you have a large collection of big and small spice containers. Not only are they practical and conveniently within reach while cooking, but they also lend a more luxurious aesthetic to the kitchen. Having a spice rack where all of your spices are on display may also inspire you to use a different variety of spices and get creative with your seasonings.
Store Away Counter Appliances
To maintain a clutter-free and organized kitchen space, it’s beneficial to store away counter appliances when they are not in use. While it may not be practical to store large and heavy appliances like a microwave every time you need to use them, smaller appliances such as coffee makers, toasters, blenders, and more can easily be tucked away when not actively needed. A lot of home cooks already put this into practice, but if you haven’t given it a try yet, it’s a simple yet effective way to keep your kitchen looking neat and tidy at all times.
Multi-Use Kitchen Items
To optimize a compact kitchen’s efficiency, limit your cooking tools. Ensure each appliance, utensil, pot, and pan has a specific role. Focus on top-notch tools that multitask. Take, for instance, the versatile stovetop griddle and oven sheet pan—ideal for baking cookies at night and whipping up breakfast in the morning. Why clutter your space with excess pans and sheets when one item can handle it all?
Collapsable Kitchen Tools
Have you heard of collapsable kitchen tools? These space savers can be an awesome solution when storage space is not your kitchen’s strength. These are available for different uses, a common use for these is strainers. Coming in multiple sizes, they are great for rinsing your small berries and can be great for big pasta straining as well. Tupperware is another great example! We all have this overflowing cabinet with Tupperware of all sizes and their lids. Imagine if you could cut that storage space in more than half. Well, with collapsable Tupperware it is no longer a dream, you can really do it.
Under-the -cabinet basket
This solution is a bit newer on the organization market than others. It basically consists of adding some under-the-cabinet baskets in your kitchen for small and/or flat kitchen tools. These baskets come in multiple sizes, shapes, and forms. They can be implemented with some sort of adhesive or simply slid in at the bottom of your cabinets. Easy to install and even more easy to use!
Kitchen Rail for Small Utensils
How many small utensils do you currently have on your countertop? The answer is often ‘’too many’’. One way to reduce the clutter of containers holding small utensils or them pilling around in drawers is to install a kitchen rail. On top of being really useful and greatly reducing the clutter, they can be quite fashionable. They can come in many different formats. From a minimalist magnet cover in stainless steel to a more rustic rail in copper, you can find something perfect for your small space.
Storage Rolling Kitchen Island
A small rolling kitchen island can work wonders for folks in tiny homes. This handy piece offers extra storage and a functional workspace in a compact package. With its mobility, you can easily move it around to optimize your kitchen space. Plus, it can double up as a dining table or extra counter when required. Ideal for those in tiny homes looking to maximize space without sacrificing style or function!
Prep your meals ahead of time
Simply pre-chopping vegetables, measuring out ingredients, and seasoning your protein ahead of time and storing it in the fridge until it’s ready to cook can save you space. Practicing meal prep also makes cooking generally less stressful and more efficient, since everything you need is ready to go – all you need to do is throw it in a pan or bake it.
These are definitely not the only things you can do to make your time in a small kitchen easier, but they definitely are a good place to start.
Frequently Asked Questions (F.A.Q.)
How to cook well in a small kitchen?
To cook well in a small kitchen, maximize your space by using multi-functional tools and organizing your essentials for easy access. Plan your meals ahead of time to minimize clutter and streamline the cooking process.
What is the best kitchen layout for a small kitchen?
The best kitchen layout for a small kitchen is often the galley layout, which features two parallel counters that maximize space and efficiency. Open shelving and multi-functional furniture can also help create an airy feel while providing ample storage.
What are small kitchens called?
Smaller kitchens are often referred to as “galley kitchens” or “compact kitchens.”
How do you make a small kitchen practical?
To make a small kitchen practical, maximize storage by using vertical space with shelves and cabinets, and opt for multi-functional furniture like a kitchen island that doubles as a dining table. Keeping the layout open and clutter-free enhances efficiency and creates a more spacious feel.
How do you make a tiny kitchen look classy?
To make a small kitchen look classy, focus on using a cohesive color palette and high-quality materials for countertops and cabinetry. Incorporating elegant lighting fixtures and stylish accessories can also elevate the overall aesthetic.
What color makes a small kitchen look bigger?
Light colors, such as soft whites, pale blues, and light grays, can make a small space look bigger by reflecting more light and creating an airy, open feel.
