Most real kitchens won’t ever appear on the cover of a magazine. Mainly, because most of us live in real apartments, with real walls we usually can’t move, and many of those kitchens are even part of other rooms. If you have an open-plan kitchen, a kitchenette or just a small one, there is no need to choose between appliances to decide who’s the one voted off the kitchen. We have compiled some tips in this short guide on appliances for small kitchens to help you find the best options for creating a comfortable place to enjoy your cooking.
Small kitchens: more than a filling
Every centimetre matters here. With a bit of common sense and a quick assessment of your space, you will know exactly which appliances you need and which ones are taking up unnecessary room. Perhaps your tiny worktop does not need to be cluttered with gadgets you only use once a month.
The first step is to get rid of the appliances you rarely use, or place them in cabinets to make room for your daily routine. You will create a sense of visual space while gaining valuable worktop area. Also, look for multi-functional appliances for small kitchens, such as combi-ovens, microwaves, or extractor hoods with integrated storage, all designed to satisfy several needs with one single unit.
Taking measures
One of the first steps in designing a small kitchen is to measure every corner. While the standard appliance width is 60 cm, you can easily find 45 cm hobs and ovens that might be a better fit. Look out for compact ovens (45 cm in height) that can be a real lifesaver, or consider freestanding appliances for small kitchens that can sit directly on your worktop.
Compact appliances: ovens and hobs for small kitchens
An oven is one of the most versatile appliances you can own. It saves time, it’s clean, and you can even store pans inside if you are really pushed for space. If an oven is something you simply can’t live without, even in a small kitchen, there are several ways to save space:
- Compact ovens. Typically 45 cm high instead of the standard 60 cm, these are ideal for everyday cooking. They bake, grill, steam, air fry, and roast just as well as larger models. Consider installing them in a kitchen column for better ergonomics.
- Multifunction ovens. These pack a huge range of features into one space, up to 12 in some models (such as top and bottom heat, grill, turbo, and slow cook). From air frying to steaming, they offer brilliant presets, making them one of the most efficient appliances for small kitchens.
- Countertop ovens. A staple in tiny kitchens. These appliances combine useful, basic cooking functions, and some even feature self-cleaning technology, like Teka’s GrandChef.
Hobs ready to fit
A https://www.teka.com/global/kitchen/hobs/hob is probably the most essential tool for your apartment kitchen. When browsing the many options on the market, you should prioritise size and space, alongside efficiency, safety, design, and warranty.
Consider whether you need gas, ceramic, or induction (or even a combination of these), and be honest about your daily cooking habits. If you live alone or with a flatmate, a two-zone hob is often more than enough. Additionally, flexible hobs are a clever choice, as they allow you to use the entire surface for your pots and pans.
Freestanding cookers: one appliance, many jobs
Freestanding cookers are a smart choice for small kitchens because they combine an oven and a hob in one unit. This saves space, simplifies installation, and gives the kitchen a clean, organised look.
They work especially well in:
- Rental apartments where you cannot alter the built-in cabinetry.
- Open-plan layouts that require a compact footprint.
- Homes where flexibility is a priority.
And yes, they can still look stylish, no “student flat” energy required.
Microwaves: a world of possibilities
If you think of a microwave, you are probably thinking about that old appliance useful for reheating leftovers. Actually, microwaves can do much more and better than that. If you have a tiny kitchen, look for a microwave with a grill function, as many of these are capable of performing tasks similar to a conventional oven. You can even find models with integrated air frying systems, such as the MicroFry from Teka. These units are efficient, versatile, and will certainly save the space you are desperately craving.
Hoods for small kitchens: do I really need one?
Short answer: yes. Cooking in a confined space, whether you are preparing a family lunch or simply making pancakes, inevitably leads to lingering odours and steam. An extractor hood is an essential addition to any compact cooking area to keep the air fresh. When choosing among appliances for small kitchens, here are the best options to look for:
- Pull-out hoods. Telescopic hoods works are perfect for small kitchens. They sit neatly beneath your upper cabinets and remain hidden when not in use, creating a seamless, minimalist look. You simply slide the unit out when you start cooking; this increases the extraction surface area to effectively clear the air.
- Hob integrated and modular hoods. These can be installed directly next to your hob. They are powerful enough to absorb smoke and steam directly at the source, preventing odours from spreading. They are excellent for keeping the air clean, provided you have the cupboard space below to house the unit.
- Integrated hoods. Designed to maximise your storage space. The new Integra hoods by Teka, for instance, are designed to leave enough room inside the cabinet for essentials like spices, oil, and other tools. They maintain a slim profile and provide powerful extraction, helping you create a sense of visual space without compromising on function.
Fridges for city life and small apartments
A fridge is one of the essential appliances for small kitchens; it is the one item you simply cannot do without. However, bulky American-style fridge freezers are rarely the best choice for a compact home. Instead, consider these options:
- Built-in models or even slot-in (total integration without a single gap). If you want a seamless look, these are your best bet. They sit flush with your cabinetry, and they provide the visual consistency that open-plan kitchens often need to look uncluttered.
- Free-standing, under counter fridges. If you are living alone and space is at a premium, this type of fridge can truly save the day. They often include a small freezer compartment, and many models can even be integrated behind a cupboard door to keep your design consistent.
- Think outside the kitchen. Relocating your fridge can sometimes be the best solution. While placing a fridge in your living room might not be the conventional approach, it can be a clever design choice if the unit itself is stylish and fits the aesthetic of the room.
Dishwashers or hand washing in a small kitchen
Washing up by hand doesn’t actually save more energy or water than using a dishwasher, even if you live alone or have a small household. With that myth-buster out of the way: yes, you absolutely can have a dishwasher in a tiny space. Slimline (45 cm) or compact models fit neatly beneath your worktop and are far more water-efficient than scrubbing by hand.
Designed for open-plan living
When the kitchen shares space with the sofa, appliances must be quiet, efficient, and good-looking. Nobody wants their dishwasher to sound like a small airport during a film.
Modern compact appliances are designed to:
- Reduce noise
- Blend with furniture
- Keep the focus on living, not machinery
After all, real kitchens are not showrooms. They are the heart of your daily life.
Small space, big questions: F.A.Q. answered:
Can I really fit all essential appliances in a small kitchen?
Yes. With compact ovens and hoods, integrated hoods, slim dishwashers, integrated fridges, and multifunctional appliances, you can have everything you need, just smarter.
Are compact appliances less powerful?
Not at all. Modern compact appliances offer the same performance as standard models, just in a smaller format. In fact, many are just as advanced in terms of energy efficiency and technology.
Is an integrated kitchen better for small apartments?
Usually, yes. Integrated or built-in appliances reduce visual clutter and help the kitchen blend into open living spaces.
Do I need a cooker hood in an open-plan kitchen?
Absolutely yes. Good ventilation keeps smells, steam, and grease where they belong: away from your couch and curtains.
What should I prioritise first in a small kitchen?
Start with multifunctional appliances, quiet performance, and efficient storage. Size matters, but smart design matters more. A list of must-have appliances for a small kitchen would be:
- Fridge: the only appliance that works 24/7.
- Hood: Essential to keep the air clean, so you don’t feel uncomfortable every time you cook, whether it’s fish or pizza.
- Compact oven: a multitasker to create your best recipes, from roasting to air frying or steam, to bake the best of you.
- Hob: apart from the obvious functions, it can double as an extra space if you cover it when turned off.
A small kitchen is not a limitation. It’s an invitation to choose better, not bigger. With the right appliances for small kitchens, even the most compact space can be practical, stylish, and genuinely enjoyable. And remember: if your kitchen works well, nobody cares how big it is. They’ll just ask for seconds.