Finding the best appliances for small kitchens can be a challenge, especially when transitioning to a smaller living space. Downsizing often means sacrificing counter space, and appliances like toasters, microwaves, kettles, and blenders might suddenly feel like a luxury. If you’re seeking small kitchen ideas and solutions for maximizing space, you’re not alone.
Our team of small appliance experts has put a variety of compact kettles, toasters, stand mixers, and more to the test. We’ve rigorously compared them to their full-sized counterparts, judging them by the same standards. Our findings reveal that many miniature models are more than capable of delivering excellent performance despite their smaller size.
Best Appliances For Small Kitchens
You can trust Homes & Gardens. Our team of expert reviewers dedicates countless hours to rigorously testing and comparing the newest appliances, ensuring you can make informed decisions and choose the best products for your small kitchen. Learn more about our comprehensive testing process and how we evaluate each product.
BEST SMALL FOOD PROCESSOR
1. KITCHENAID CORDLESS 5 CUP FOOD CHOPPER
Best small food processor https://www.amazon.com/dp/B08BQW52CT?
Key Features:
- Size: 6.61 x 5.51 x 10.39 inches
- Capacity: 5 cups
- Weight: 2.79 pounds
- Power: 12-volt lithium battery
- Included: Multi-purpose stainless steel blade, whisk accessory, charger
Pros:
- Cordless convenience
- Lightweight and portable
- Versatile with whisk attachment
- Space-saving design
- Easy to clean
- Available in multiple colors
Cons:
- Requires charging
- Limited capacity for larger batches
Why you should buy it:
A cordless, portable, and convenient alternative for small kitchens.
Why we love it:
This KitchenAid model exceeds expectations for a compact appliance. Its cordless design offers unparalleled freedom, allowing you to use it anywhere, indoors or outdoors. Our expert tester, Camryn, was impressed by its battery life, not needing to recharge it for an entire week.
The innovative design features a convenient dispenser indent on the lid, making it easy to add liquids like oil while the processor is running. It’s also easier to store than traditional models while remaining simple to use.
Good to know:
Due to its smaller size, you might need to be patient with larger batches. For example, Camryn found that she had to refill the dispenser several times when adding oil to her pesto.
BEST COMPACT BLENDER
2. NUTRIBULLET PRO 900
Best compact blender https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0163K1Z3G
Key Features:
- Dimensions: 12.01 x 7.72 x 15.94 inches
- Weight: 9.63 pounds
- Motor: 900 watts
- Speed settings: Single speed
- Material: Plastic pitcher, stainless steel blades
- Colors: Over ten options, including black and pink
Pros:
- Compact design for smaller kitchens
- User-friendly operation
- Affordable price point
- Powerful enough for tough ingredients
- Portable attachments for added convenience
Cons:
- Not as small as the NutriBullet GO
- Limited capacity for larger batches
- Blades require hand-washing
Why you should buy it:
This NutriBullet model is a powerful and ergonomic choice for smaller kitchens.
What we love:
NutriBullet is known for producing reliable blenders that offer quality performance at a reasonable price and size. We tested this model with various ingredients, including smoothies, ice, and cauliflower rice, and the blades effortlessly handled them all. Its sleek design looks great on the countertop yet is easy to store when not in use.
Good to know:
This blender has a single speed setting, so you’ll need to adjust blending times to achieve desired results. The blades are not dishwasher-safe, requiring hand washing. If you’re extremely tight on space, the NutriBullet Go is even smaller, but it’s more suited as a portable option due to its lower power compared to plug-in models.
Alternatively, an immersion blender offers the most compact storage solution, fitting easily into drawers, but it can be messier to use than traditional blenders.
BEST SMALL HAND MIXER
3. KITCHENAID CORDLESS HAND MIXER
Best small hand mixer https://www.amazon.com/dp/B08BR4BRRX?
Key Features:
- Dimensions: 7.56 x 3.54 x 11.69 inches
- Weight: 2.09 pounds
- Power: 12 volts
- Speed settings: 7
- Material: Stainless steel
- Colors: Various options available
Pros:
- Cordless convenience for greater flexibility
- Lightweight and easy to handle
- Stylish design that complements your kitchen
- Effective at mixing a variety of ingredients
Cons:
- Power could be improved for tougher tasks
- Comes with only one set of attachments, limiting versatility
Why you should buy it:
This hand mixer is a classic, convenient, and compact solution for small kitchens.
What we love:
Our experts recommend this model as a lighter and simpler alternative to bulky stand mixers. Its cordless design allows for easy storage in drawers and effortless maneuverability. Despite its compact size, it effectively whips, beats, and mixes ingredients. Our expert, Molly, praised its lightweight feel, making it comfortable to use for extended periods.
Good to know:
Being cordless, this hand mixer isn’t as powerful as corded versions. Molly also noted that it comes with only turbo beaters, meaning you’ll use the same attachment for whipping cream and mixing dough.
BEST SMALL AIR FRYER
4. INSTANT ESSENTIALS 4 QUART AIR FRYER
Best small air fryer https://www.amazon.com/dp/B09YZ33MTL?
Key Features:
- Dimensions: 13.82 x 9.92 x 11.65 inches
- Capacity: 4 quarts
- Temperature Range: 170°F to 400°F
- Power: 1700 watts
- Color: Black
- Material: Plastic
Pros:
- Excellent value for the price
- Compact and easy to store
- Fast cooking times
- Energy-efficient operation
- Perfect for fries and vegetables
Cons:
- Limited capacity for larger portions
- Single-function appliance
- Might require some practice to master
Why you should buy it:
This air fryer is a compact and reliable appliance that delivers impressive results.
What we love:
This air fryer excels at the fundamentals. While it has a smaller 4-quart capacity and only one function (air frying), it does it exceptionally well. Our expert tester, Alex, was amazed by the speed and texture of various foods cooked in this appliance. It’s also dishwasher-safe and easy to store, making cleanup and storage hassle-free.
Good to know:
Its powerful single setting can lead to overcooking if you’re not careful. However, with a little practice, you can easily master it. As expected with a smaller design, it has limited functions and capacity, but it excels in its primary purpose: air frying.
BEST MINI TOASTER OVEN
5. NINJA FOODI 8-IN-1 AIR FRY OVEN
Best mini toaster oven https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0CSDYRG4J
Key Features:
- Dimensions: 19.72 x 7.56 x 14.96 inches
- Power: 1,800 watts
- Capacity: 13″ pizza, 9 slices of toast, or 4 lbs in air fry basket
- Cooking Programs: 8
- Modes: Air fry, air broil, air roast, bake, dehydrate, toast, bagel, keep warm
- Included: Cooker unit, crumb tray, air fry basket, sheet pan, wire rack
Pros:
- User-friendly interface and controls
- Foldable design for compact storage
- Fast and efficient cooking
- Versatile with multiple cooking settings
- Interior light for easy monitoring
Cons:
- Capacity may be limited for larger meals or families
- Cleaning can be challenging due to design
Why you should buy it:
This Ninja Foodi is a compact and versatile cooker, perfect for smaller kitchens.
What we love:
Ninja is renowned for its top-notch toaster ovens and air fryers. This model, with its slim profile, offers eight versatile programs, including toasting, microwaving, and air frying. Its unique flip feature allows it to fold away when not in use, making it ideal for tight spaces. Our expert tester, Millie, was impressed with the speed, precision, and quality of cooking, from salmon to muffins to bagels.
Good to know:
Due to its compact size, this appliance isn’t suitable for larger cooking tasks. Millie didn’t attempt bread, a whole chicken, or a cake due to capacity limitations. While the inserts are dishwasher-safe, cleaning the heating elements can be a bit challenging.
BEST MULTI-COOKER
6. INSTANT POT DUO CRISP WITH ULTIMATE LID
Best multi-cooker https://www.amazon.com/Instant-Pot-Ultimate-Pressure-Dehydrate/dp/B0B1G5M31V/
Key Features:
- Dimensions: 13.4 x 15.4 x 15.5 inches
- Power: 1,500 watts
- Capacity: 6.5 quarts
- Modes: Pressure Cook, Sauté, Steam, Slow Cook, Sous Vide, Yogurt, Warm, Air Fry, Roast, Broil, Bake, Dehydrate, Proofing
- Accessories: Stainless-steel cooking pot, steaming/air frying rack
Pros:
- Remarkable versatility with 13 cooking functions
- Replaces multiple appliances, saving space
- Intuitive settings for easy operation
- User-friendly interface
Cons:
- Not the most compact option
- Cooking pot lacks a non-stick coating
Why you should buy it:
This multi-cooker is a versatile kitchen powerhouse, replacing multiple appliances in one.
What we love:
With an impressive 13 cooking functions, there’s so much to appreciate about this appliance. It’s high-tech, affordable, and relatively compact. It can handle everything from air frying and pressure cooking to roasting, and our expert tester, Helen, was delighted with the results. If you’re seeking a versatile and user-friendly appliance, this is a top choice.
Good to know:
While not specifically designed to be small, this multi-cooker replaces several appliances, ultimately saving space in your kitchen. Additionally, it’s worth noting that the cooking pot is made of stainless steel and lacks a non-stick coating. This means you’ll need to soak it when food sticks before hand-washing.
BEST SLIM TOASTER
7. ZWILLING ENFINIGY COOL TOUCH 2 LONG SLOT TOASTER
Best slim toaster https://www.amazon.com/dp/B08NCG29SH
Key Features:
- Dimensions: 16.75 x 6.6 x 8.2 inches
- Slots: 2
- Settings: Reheat, Bagel, Defrost
Pros:
- Slim design saves counter space
- Wide and long slots accommodate various bread sizes
- Easy-to-use controls for effortless operation
- Versatile for toasting different types of bread
Cons:
- Long design might not fit in all kitchens
- Limited color options for customization
Why you should buy it:
This Zwilling toaster is a chic and user-friendly addition to any kitchen.
What we love:
Zwilling is known for its sleek designs and simplicity, and this toaster is no exception. With two extra-long and wide slots, it’s slim yet capable of handling homemade bread and thick slices. The dials offer a variety of toasting settings and deliver consistently good results.
Good to know:
The dials and settings are slightly smaller than those on other toasters, like the Smeg 4 Slice Toaster, which might make them a bit fiddly to use. We’re currently testing even smaller toaster options with excellent customer reviews, which you can find on our best toasters roundup.
BEST SMALL STAND MIXER
8. KITCHENAID ARTISAN MINI STAND MIXER
Best small stand mixer https://www.amazon.com/dp/B01HKATXF0?
Key Features:
- Dimensions: 12.3 x 7.8 x 12.3 inches
- Capacity: 3.5 quarts
- Weight: 18 pounds
- Speed settings: 10
- Material: Stainless steel
- Colors: 10 options
- Attachments: 1 Flex Edge Beater, 1 Coated Dough Hook, 1 6-Wire Whip
Pros:
- Compact size ideal for small kitchens
- Outstanding performance for various baking tasks
- Surprisingly lightweight for a stand mixer
- User-friendly operation
Cons:
- Price point not significantly lower than regular-sized models
Why you should buy it:
This KitchenAid stand mixer is a petite, practical, and powerful appliance, perfect for small kitchens.
What we love:
This miniature marvel delivers the same high-quality results you expect from KitchenAid, but in a smaller package. Our expert tester, Molly, was impressed with its 3.5-quart capacity and found it significantly quieter than the standard size.
It boasts an attractive design and comes with the same versatile attachments as the larger KitchenAid models. Molly was delighted with its ability to handle various tasks, from making cakes and whipping cream to kneading bread dough. Cleanup is a breeze, as all parts are dishwasher-safe.
Good to know:
The price point is comparable to the standard size, so it might not be the most budget-friendly option. However, its performance and convenience impressed our expert, Molly, enough that she would still choose it.
BEST SMALL COFFEE GRINDER
9.1ZPRESSO JX-PRO MANUAL COFFEE GRINDER
Best small coffee grinder https://www.amazon.com/1Zpresso-Grinding-Adjustable-Stainless-Precision/dp/B082F5JDLD/
Key Features:
- Dimensions: 8.54 x 6.57 x 2.95 inches
- Settings: Over 200 grind options
- Capacity: 35g
- Warranty: 1 year
Pros:
- Compact and space-saving design
- Cordless for easy use anywhere
- Doesn’t generate heat, preserving spice flavor
- Consistent grinding results for optimal flavor extraction
Cons:
- Manual operation requires some physical effort
Why you should buy it:
This grinder delivers an excellent quality grind.
What we love:
This cordless grinder is a fantastic choice for many reasons. It’s compact, doesn’t overheat (which can negatively impact the coffee’s flavor), and produces a remarkably consistent grind. Our experts were impressed with its performance, particularly for drip coffee.
Good to know:
As a manual grinder, it requires some physical effort to operate. Be prepared to use a bit of muscle power to grind your beans.
BEST SLIM COFFEE MACHINE
10. NESPRESSO VERTUO NEXT COFFEE & ESPRESSO MACHINE
Best slim coffee machine https://www.amazon.com/dp/B085WBM6GK?
Key Features:
- Dimensions: 5.5 x 16.8 x 12.4 inches
- Water tank capacity: 37 oz
- Weight: 8.8 pounds
- Materials: ABS, Plastic (PBT-PET) made with 40% recycled plastic
- Coffee type: Espresso, double espresso, mug, Gran Lungo, Carafe
Pros:
- Modern and elegant design that enhances your kitchen
- User-friendly interface with intuitive controls
- Smart connectivity for personalized coffee experiences
- Versatile, brewing various coffee types to suit your preferences
Cons:
- Limited to using specific coffee pods
- Lacks temperature control for milk frothing
Why you should buy it:
This Nespresso Vertuo is a premium and practical coffee maker for smaller spaces.
What we love:
Nespresso has successfully slimmed down its Vertuo line compared to older models, while still offering enhanced coffee settings that adjust brewing parameters to suit your chosen capsule. It’s no wonder it tops our list of the best single-serve coffee makers.
This machine caters to various cup sizes, from 5oz to 18oz, and boasts a user-friendly one-touch technology that handles everything from cup size to temperature, ensuring a perfect cup with minimal effort. The waste bin conveniently holds up to 8 pods.
Good to know:
While it’s slimmer than previous versions, it’s still a relatively long and tall appliance. You’ll need to purchase and store Nespresso pods, and while the bin holds up to 8, you’ll need additional space for the rest. If space is truly at a premium, consider a French Press, which easily fits in cupboards or deep drawers.
BEST SLEEK ELECTRIC KETTLE
11. SMEG VARIABLE TEMPERATURE KETTLE
Best sleek electric kettle https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0793G8TT3
Key Features:
- Dimensions: 8.9 x 6.7 x 9.8 inches
- Capacity: 1.7 liters
- Finish: Colored plastic
Pros:
- Modern and attractive design
- Removable filter for easy cleaning
- 360Ëš swivel base for convenient pouring
- Available in matching sets with other small appliances
- Large capacity for serving multiple people
Cons:
- Not the most compact option for small kitchens
- Might feel heavy when filled with water
Why you should buy it:
This Smeg kettle is a perfect blend of subtle elegance and smart functionality.
What we love:
This kettle not only looks stunning but also offers intelligent features. With seven temperature settings, it ensures you never scorch your coffee or tea. It’s easy to use, and the temperature gauge allows for precise monitoring of water temperature.
We were impressed by its anti-slip swivel base, variety of color options, and included limescale filter. Beyond its functionality, this kettle’s design is sleek and complements any kitchen countertop beautifully.
Good to know:
While we adore this kettle, it’s important to note that it’s not specifically designed for small spaces. In fact, Smeg offers a mini kettle that’s on our reviewers’ to-do list and has received excellent feedback. This model has a larger capacity than the mini alternative but might not be as compact as desired for small kitchens.
FAQS
ARE SMALL KITCHEN APPLIANCES AS GOOD AS LARGE APPLIANCES?
The ideal small appliance depends on your individual needs and preferences. While smaller appliances offer advantages like cordless convenience and portability, or simpler operation, they might also come with compromises, such as reduced power. Before making a decision, consider what features you can live without to prioritize space-saving benefits.
WHAT SMALL KITCHEN APPLIANCES DO I NEED?
Essential appliances for small kitchens include either an air fryer or a toaster oven, which can consolidate multiple functions into one, saving both money and counter space. Additionally, a quality food processor is a must-have, as it can significantly reduce prep time by automating chopping tasks. Â
ARE THERE ANY APPLIANCES I DON’T NEED?
The ideal appliances for your small kitchen depend entirely on your lifestyle and cooking habits. If smoothies and shakes aren’t your thing, a blender might be unnecessary. Similarly, a stand mixer might not be essential if you rarely bake. When space is limited, start with the appliances you truly need, then consider adding a few extra luxuries as you go.
CAN I HAVE APPLIANCES IN A SMALL KITCHEN?
Absolutely! Limited space doesn’t mean sacrificing the convenience of your favorite appliances. Brands like KitchenAid demonstrate that you don’t have to compromise on quality or functionality when downsizing.
SHOULD SMALL KITCHEN APPLIANCES MATCH?
Whether your small appliances should match is entirely up to you. While complementary colors can create a cohesive look, a diverse mix of styles and colors can also be visually appealing. If you typically store your appliances when not in use, matching them becomes less important.
HOW DO I STORE SMALL KITCHEN APPLIANCES?
While we’ve suggested products compact enough for countertops, you can easily store them in low cupboards or deep drawers. While keeping appliances together is a good practice, it’s not mandatory for small kitchens. Â
WHERE SHOULD I PUT SMALL KITCHEN APPLIANCES?
Millie Hurst, an expert in decluttering and maximizing small spaces, shares her insights:
“Honestly, my top tip for storing appliances in a small kitchen is to avoid storing them there altogether. The only appliance I keep on display is my coffee machine, which I use daily,” says Millie. “In kitchens with limited counter space, even toasters and air fryers should be stored in a separate closet or pantry.”
“Otherwise, counters become difficult to clean and visually cluttered, which can be stressful and overwhelming, making it feel like you have a mountain of work before even starting dinner,” she concludes.
