Best Countertop Appliances for Compact Kitchens
Even though we live in a three-bedroom home and have a decent size kitchen, we have very little counter space. That’s why whenever we need to buy a countertop appliance, we make sure it takes up as little space as possible — or it is small enough to store in a cabinet. Maybe your kitchen is the same. So read on for our hand-picked collection of the best small kitchen appliances.
Tips for choosing compact and small kitchen appliances
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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.
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:
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
Top picks
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. Now onto our top picks.
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. This is the exact portable blender that our daughters took to college with them for their dorm rooms.
Toaster and countertop 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 Black and Decker. We use it for making breakfast toast, naturally, but also for reheating foods like lasagna or cooking a small frozen dinner. It also saves money on electricity when you use it instead of a full-size oven.
Coffee maker
If you prefer to have a pot of coffee but want the option of K-cup from time to time, then I would recommend this combination Keurig K-Duo machine. It lets you brew a single cup of coffee use Keurig cups. But you can also brew a full pot of coffee in a traditional carafe. So you don’t have to juggle two coffee machines on a single countertop.
If you want something even more compact, consider brewing your coffee in a French press. 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. Personally, I grind my beans every morning before I brew a pot of coffee. It’s got the best date versus already-ground coffee from the store.
Air fryer
My top choice for air frying is the Instant Vortex Plus 6-in-1 6 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. This is the air fryer we use to make all of our air fryer recipes.
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. Also, thanks to its slow-cooking feature, you don’t need to own a separate slow cooker.
Slow cooker
Even though I just said that you can use the Instant Pot to slow cook, maybe you’re not a fan of electric pressure cooking. Well, if you need a 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 countertop 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.
Portions of this article originally appeared on Food Drink Life.