Saving Space in a Small Kitchen

Q: I just moved into my own apartment which is a whopping 650 square feet. I love to cook but do not have any room for most appliances and am searching for the best small space savers on the market. Got any recommendations?

My kitchen used to be the size of a small bedroom closet so I totally can relate! Organization is the key to small space cooking and entertaining. So before you invest in appliances, I highly recommend a trip to The Container Store – they carry easy to assemble shelving units, racks and moveable cooking carts that can help you build your own counter and storage space. Even though your total square footage may be tight, don’t be afraid to leverage the height of your kitchen with wall-to-floor shelving, ceiling racks etc.

Next step to remember is that large appliances like your fridge, stove and dishwasher (if you are lucky enough to have one) don’t have to be super in size, particularly if there are no other mouths to feed in your household. Compact versions available by LG Electrics Electronics, Fridgidaire and MagicChef will free up room that you did not realize you had.

For cooking devices and electronics the good news is that just about everything you need is available in mini-version. From Panasonic  there is 1 Cup Rice-Cooker, Kuhn Rikon has a 2  ½ liter stainless steel pressure cooker and the newest ice cream maker from Hamilton Beach whips up a half pint portion. And if you want to stir things, swap out the big cumbersome mixer for a hand, emulsion or single-serve blender like the MagicBullet this will save you storage space as well as clean-up time. Oh, I almost forgot the priceless mini-chopper!

Now in terms of gadgets, collapsible silicon colanders, measuring cups, spoons and bowls are a lifesaver. There are plenty from which to choose by Progressive, OXO and Chef’N in vibrant colors to match any kitchen. Within the dutch oven category, Le Creuset and Staub have adorable individual cast iron cooking pots for soups, meat and vegetable pie and one-pot meals.

I could go on forever but this should give you with a few helpful ideas that will make your small space a whole lot larger.

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