Best Small Kitchen Appliances for Compact Spaces

Transform any kitchen into a culinary haven with this hand-picked collection of the best small kitchen appliances. Cooking has never been this convenient.

Small kitchen appliances offer diverse options to cater to different cooking needs and preferences. Whether you're a coffee lover, a baking enthusiast or simply looking for convenient ways to prepare meals, there's an appliance out there for you.

These essential kitchen helpers streamline meal preparation. For example, a multi-purpose blender can whip up smoothies, purees and even homemade salad dressings in seconds. This means less time spent preparing ingredients and more time enjoying delicious meals.

Tips for choosing compact and small kitchen appliances

When selecting small kitchen appliances for limited counter space, prioritizing compactness is important. Here are some tips to help you choose the right compact small kitchen appliances:

1. Prioritize compactness: Look for appliances that have a compact size and won't take up too much valuable counter space. Opt for sleek designs that can easily fit into tight corners or cabinets.
   
2. Multi-functionality is key: Consider appliances that serve multiple purposes in one device. This way, you can save both space and money by having one appliance perform various tasks. For example, look for toaster ovens that also function as air fryers or blenders with interchangeable blades for different food preparations.
   
3. Energy efficiency matters: Check the energy efficiency ratings of the appliances you're considering. Energy-efficient models not only help reduce your carbon footprint but also save on utility bills in the long run. Look for appliances with Energy Star certification or high energy-efficiency ratings.
   
4. Consider your specific needs: Think about what functions are essential to you and prioritize accordingly. If you love making a homemade vanilla bean Frappuccino, a compact blender might be more important than a coffee maker if you don't drink coffee regularly.
   
5. Read customer reviews: Before making a purchase, take some time to read customer reviews online. Real-life experiences from other users can provide valuable insights into the performance, durability and functionality of different small kitchen appliances.
   

By following these tips and considering factors like compact size, multi-functionality, energy efficiency and personal needs, you can make informed decisions when choosing compact small kitchen appliances for your limited counter space.

Top picks

I've listed my top picks for appliances that work well in small kitchens. These items don't take up much space and can easily be stored away when not in use.

Blender

My top pick is the Nutribullet Pro. This compact blender packs a powerful punch, making it ideal for everything from avocado smoothies to sauces. Its small size means it won't take up much room on your countertop. I like that it comes with two different size containers and several lids. The lid with the pouring spout is great for storing premade drinks in the refrigerator.

Toaster oven

When it comes to compact toaster ovens, I like the Breville Smart Oven Pro. This sleek and efficient model offers nine different cooking functions, allowing you to toast, bake, broil, roast, warm and even slow-cook your favorite meals. It's what I use to make homemade personal pizza.

If you need something more budget-friendly, check out this basic toaster oven by Mueller Austria. It's perfect for baking, broiling, toasting and warming food and doesn't take up much space. It also saves money on electricity when you use it instead of a full-size oven.

Coffee maker

The Krups 5-Cup Coffee Maker is an excellent choice for limited counter space. This compact brewer may be small but doesn't compromise on taste or quality. It offers effortless brewing with a reusable coffee filter, a measuring spoon and a no-drip carafe. Plus, I find the coffee tastes just as good or better than what I get at local coffee shops.

If you want something even more compact, consider brewing your coffee in a French press or a pour-over coffee maker. I love the flavor I get when making French press coffee at home.

You may also want to consider getting a small coffee grinder to grind your own beans for the freshest coffee flavor. It grinds all types of coffee beans and can be used to grind nuts and seeds too.

Electric Kettle

Are you a tea drinker? If so, I recommend using an electric kettle as it heats the water faster than a stovetop. My top pick is the Mueller Austria Ultra Kettle. It's made with high-quality Borosilicate Glass, stainless steel and a heat-resistant copolyester for the best-tasting water. After using an electric kettle, I'll never go back to heating water on the stove.

Air fryer

My top choice for air frying is the Instant Vortex Plus 6-in-1 4 Quart Air Fryer Oven. With six functions packed into one device - including air frying, roasting, broiling, baking, reheating and dehydrating - this compact yet powerful appliance has been a game-changer for me. Its sleek design and user-friendly interface make it an excellent choice for beginners or anyone seeking an efficient way to prepare delicious meals in limited-space cooking areas.

Microwave

For those in need of a small microwave, I recommend the Toshiba EM925A5A-BS model. With its 0.9 cubic feet capacity, this microwave may be small in size but not in power. It features six pre-programmed settings and a one-touch start button speeding up the cooking process. I like that it also comes with a power-saving eco mode which makes it more energy-efficient.

Electric pressure cooker

My top pick for compact spaces is the Instant Pot Duo Mini. This 3-quart electric pressure cooker may be small in size, but it packs a punch when it comes to functionality. It offers seven functions, including pressure cooking, slow cooking, sautéing, steaming, rice cooking and even yogurt-making. I've had no trouble fitting this appliance onto my counter thanks to its compact design.

Slow cooker

I love the Crock-Pot 4-Quart Cook & Carry Programmable Slow Cooker. Unlike other small size slow cookers, this one features a digital timer that allows you to set your desired cooking time and temperature. This has made it easy for meal planning and busy days when I want to come home to a warm home-cooked meal.

Mini Food Processor

My top pick for compact spaces is the Ninja Food Chopper Express Chop. This small but mighty machine has a 16-ounce bowl capacity and features an ergonomic power head that makes it easy to handle. I like that it comes with a no-slip base that keeps it steady on the countertop so it won't start moving while operating. With its sharp blades and powerful motor, this mini food processor can quickly chop up onions, garlic, herbs and more in seconds.

Making the best choice for your kitchen

Having a small kitchen doesn't mean that you have to sacrifice functionality or style. With the right appliances and organization strategies, you can make the most of your compact space and create a kitchen that not only meets your needs but also feels inviting and enjoyable.

One key tip is to maximize your countertop space by investing in multi-purpose appliances. For example, a toaster oven can serve as both a toaster and an oven, eliminating the need for two separate appliances. Similarly, a blender with multiple attachments can replace several other gadgets, saving both money and counter space.

By incorporating these tips for choosing the right small kitchen appliances, you'll be amazed at how functional and stylish your compact space can become. Remember that making the most out of your kitchen is all about efficiency and creativity - so don't be afraid to think outside the box.

This article originally appeared on Food Drink Life.