The Best Compact Appliances for Conquering Your Mini Kitchen
Having a small kitchen with limited counter and storage space poses unique challenges when it comes to appliances. Full-sized refrigerators, ovens, and dishwashers simply won't fit in a compact kitchen. That's where specially designed small and compact appliances come in!
Compact appliances allow you to maximize functionality in a tiny kitchen. With space at a premium, appliances tailored for small spaces help avoid clutter and make the most of every inch. The right compact appliances can turn a cramped galley kitchen into an efficiently organized culinary oasis.
Why Downsize Your Appliances for a Small Kitchen
What are the key benefits of choosing compact appliances instead of conventional full-sized models?

- More functionality within a smaller footprint
- Preserve precious counter and storage space
- Perfectly suited capacities for 1-2 people
- Easier to tuck away or stow out of sight
- Lightweight and portable for movable flexibility
With smaller kitchens, every square inch matters. Compact appliances allow you to maximize every bit of space without sacrificing major functionality. And with tailored sizing, compact appliances are ideal for solo dwellers and couples rather than large families.
Choosing the Right Compact Appliances
Several key criteria can help guide your compact appliance selections:
- Dimensions - Focus on smaller footprints that fit in tight spaces
- Capacity - Opt for reduced capacities suited for 1-2 people
- Portability - Movable flexibility allows convenient storage
- Performance - Ensure dependable functionality despite small size
- Durability - Choose reputable brands known for reliability
- Price - Consider affordable models without sacrificing quality
Most Essential Compact Appliances
Any small kitchen needs these core compact appliances:
- Microwave Oven - Quick cooking and reheating in a 0.7 - 0.8 cu ft unit
- Refrigerator - Compact cooling with mini fridges under 4 cu ft
- Cooktop - Portable single burner induction or electric models
- Toaster Oven - Versatile baking and roasting in a small countertop oven
Other Helpful Compact Appliances
Round out your tiny kitchen with these extras:
- Dishwasher - Portable and storable washers allow flexible placement
- Coffee Maker - Single-serve brewers for one or two cups
- Toaster - Two-slice models fit neatly on your countertop
- Blender - Personal models take up minimal space for shakes
Reviews of the Best Compact Appliances
Now let's dive into some of the top compact appliance models perfect for small kitchen spaces.
Best Small Microwave Ovens
A compact microwave under 0.8 cubic feet delivers full cooking power in a tiny footprint. Top options include:
- Toshiba ML-EM34P(SS) - 0.7 cu ft, 700W, 11.5" x 13.5"
- Panasonic Microwave Oven NN-SN67HS - 0.6 cu ft, 600W, 11.3" x 12.8
- Danby 0.7 cu. ft. 700 W Microwave - 0.7 cu ft, 700W, 11.1" x 17.3"
Look for units around 0.7 cubic feet and 700 watts for the best combination of reduced size and sufficient functionality. Models with simple dials and push buttons are ideal to avoid cluttering the already small space.
Best Mini Refrigerators
When it comes to compact cooling, top mini fridge picks include:
- Midea WHS-65LSS1 - 1.6 cu ft capacity, freezer shelf
- Danby DCR032C1BSLDD 3.2 cu ft - 3.2 cu ft, adjustable thermostat
- Magic Chef MCSTCW16W2 - 2.4 cu ft, reversible door, 16" wide
Look for units between 1.6 - 4 cubic feet to maximize fresh food and drink storage without consuming your entire kitchen. Models with separate freezer sections and crisper drawers also help. Adjustable thermostats allow custom cooling performance.
Best Portable Cooktops
Induction, electric and propane cooktops all make convenient compact cooking options:
- Induction - Quick heating, safe, energy-efficient
- Electric - Affordable, simple to use, easy to clean
- Propane - High heat output, portable flexibility
Single burner induction models from Duxtop and NutriChef offer the best bang for your buck. Portable electric models like the Ovente Single Burner are also very affordable. For propane, the GASLAND Portable Cooktop gives you versatile high-heat cooking.
Best Countertop Ovens
In a tiny kitchen, countertop ovens take the place of a full-sized model. Top compact options include:
- Breville the Compact Smart Oven - 0.6 cu ft, convection cooking
- Panasonic FlashXpress - 0.5 cu ft, double infrared heating
- Cuisinart TOB-60N1 - 0.6 cu ft, 7 functions
Look for convection or toaster ovens under 0.8 cubic feet. Convection fans allow air frying and faster baking, while toaster ovens simplify everything from pizza to cookies with small-batch precision.
Other Notable Compact Appliances
Don't overlook these other handy compact appliances:
- Dishwashers - SPT SD-9241SS: portable with 6 place settings
- Coffee Makers - Keurig K-Mini: single serve brewer, just 5" wide
- Toasters - Dash Clearview: cool-touch, 2-slice toaster
- Blenders - Ninja Fit Personal Blender: 700W power pod
Tips for Using Compact Appliances
To make the most of your new compact appliances in a small kitchen, keep these tips in mind:
- Strategically organize appliances that aren't used daily to optimize space
- Adjust cooking preps and recipes for smaller oven and fridge capacities
- Follow all safety guidelines carefully when working in a cramped kitchen
- Get creative - use wall-mounted racks, rolling carts and other tricks maximize functionality
With some clever organization and preparation, even the tiniest kitchen can run like a well-oiled machine thanks to properly sized compact appliances.
Where to Shop for Compact Appliances
From online to brick-and-mortar, great places to buy compact appliances include:
- Online retailers like Amazon, Home Depot, Lowes, and Best Buy
- Department stores like Target and Walmart
- Specialty chains like Bed Bath & Beyond, buybuy BABY, and Cost Plus World Market
Be sure to comparison shop across retailers to find the best deals. Also look for compact appliance packages that bundle frequently used items like a mini fridge, microwave, and convection oven together.
Outfitting a small kitchen with properly sized compact appliances can make a world of difference. With innovative compact models, you can cook, clean and prep food with total confidence - even in the tiniest of kitchens!
Focus on reducing dimensions and capacities without losing key functionality. Prioritize versatile appliances like microwaves, mini fridges, induction cooktops and compact ovens first. Then incorporate extras like personal coffee makers, mini dishwashers and single-serve blenders.
With compact appliances tailored for your specific needs, you can conquer meal prep in your mini kitchen!