Credit: Good Housekeeping
The kitchen is often called the “heart of the home” since it’s where we cook our meals, gather with family, and snuggle up with a good book. However, if your kitchen is small, it can be tough to make the most out of the space you have.
That’s why I’m sharing 11 small kitchen appliances to save money and space! Whether you’re looking for a way to make weekday cooking a little less hectic or just want some help whipping up world-class dishes, these nifty gadgets will surely come in handy.
Read on for some inspiration, and happy cooking!
The Challenges of Cooking in a Small Kitchen
Credit: Design Cafe
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Lack of storage capacity is usually a major issue in tiny areas. The lack of storage cabinets for hefty cooking gear is frequently a concern in a tiny kitchen. Aside from storage, owning a tiny kitchen indicates you will most likely be limited on surface space and will require more planning or innovation.
Below are two of my properties which is very limited in kitchen counters. Because of this I had the microwave mounted above the stove which isn’t in the photo because it’s on opposite side. Counter microwaves tend to be less expensive and can be found in smaller sizes. However, my investing in a microwave to be mounted instead was worth the investment.
In this kitchen below, I have a small counter next to stove and the counter in the photos which is barely any kind a space. I placed the toast oven and waffle maker in the bottom corner kitchen cabinet. Now I have the coffee maker out and will use the counter by the stove for food prepping.
Clutter isn’t limited to tiny kitchens, however, due to the absence of space, tiny kitchens may quickly become crowded. Multifunctional areas are becoming increasingly common in smaller houses. And, being the center of a house, one of several primary multipurpose rooms is indeed the kitchen.
Small Kitchen Appliance List That Will Help Save You Money
Credit: Ideal Home
You will be limited in space if you own a tiny kitchen. With all that in consideration, you’re likely constantly thinking twice before purchasing appliances or whatever else that might take up usable space on your countertop. You would also like anything you’ll be able to use rather than something that will accumulate dust. Continue reading to learn about some really useful compact appliances for small spaces that could also help you reduce expenses in the long term.
Slow Cooker or All In One Cooker
Slow cookers, sometimes called crock pots by many, are very beneficial for busy cooks. You may leave the meals to cook before leaving your home for any period of time, and they will be ready by the moment you return. Go and use slow cookers if you’re aiming to prepare a great, home-cooked meal for your household. Any good slow cooker could cook meals throughout the day and late into the night, which will surely come in handy to you.
Rice Cooker
Rice cookers especially can be worthwhile if you would like a quick and easy way to make delicious rice even without the hassle of heating water, continually stirring, or cleaning pots. Rice cookers are simple to operate, quick to maintain, and therefore will prepare a variety of rice kinds to excellence.
Instant Pot
A modest instant pot has been one of the most essential kitchen tools you can purchase since it substantially reduces the cooking duration required to build flavors within soups and sauces, tenderize tough pieces of meat, or even bake a cake. There are several other accessories provided to assist you to make the most out of an instant pot.
An instant pot is my top choice, because it saves money in various ways. It saves energy, and water because you’ll use less of both when cooking. It takes less effort in cooking so you won’t feel the need to dine out as often. The instant pot also keeps the home cooler in the summer months versus using your stove or oven.
Coffee Maker
A coffee-making machine is necessary for the morning, and probably for the night as well. Whereas a daily cup at a cafe is always nice, it just stands to reason to prepare your own almost all of the times you desire coffee. Because virtually everyone looks forward to a warm drink at the start of their day. For a small kitchen, aim for space saving 4 cup or less coffee makers.
This 2 in 1 Single Serve Coffee Maker works for both K-cups and ground coffee. This is great for the family and for guests. Purchase a hot/cold thermos that you can easily travel with so that you can save money making your own coffee. A good beverage thermos will keep your beverage fresh and at your desired temperature all day.
Toaster Oven
A simple toaster oven has been one of many simple methods to heat a pie up, prepare a small meal, or reheat something that is too large for a standard toaster. On a sunny summer morning, it warms up faster than a standard oven and does not transform the tiny kitchen into something like a fireplace, as an oven might. Toaster ovens make ideal choices for melting cheeses and preparing dishes.
You can find toaster ovens in compact sizes everywhere. I actually thrifted mine for $15 from the flea market and it was brand new. Here are some links to toaster ovens for under $45 online, or check your local Family Dollar, Target or Walmart. I wouldn’t spend more than $45 on one, unless you have a large family and need more than one shelf inside your toaster oven.
If you are finding that you’re rarely using your toaster oven, simply put it in a kitchen cabinet and just take it out when you need it.
Blender
A blender seems to be a must-have for anybody who needs to combine sauces, liquids, or stews. The essential benefit of something like a blender, as opposed to the alternative, food processors, is indeed the ability to blend any number of components together. Furthermore, the power is weaker than that of a simple food processor, and the blades are blunter, implying that fluids and ice should be blended in a blender.
When using a blender, you will retain the nutritional value of the foods giving you the recommended nutrients we all need. You also save time with a blender versus preparing chopped veggies or fruit in a food processor. I know my time is priceless! If you love peanut or almond butter, you can make your own spreads from nuts using a blender. Smoothie lovers will definitely save money making their own smoothies at home by purchasing fruits and veggies when on sale and freezing them. Just make sure you research how to pack fresh produce so that it doesn’t get freezer burned.
If you’re not doing a lot of baking, then I recommend a hand blender or a Magic Bullet Blender. You’ll save lots of space. I do just fine having just a hand blender and a Magic Bullet Blender.
Stand Mixer
When you’re one among the many individuals who’ve already taken bread lessons making up as a pastime this season and may benefit from anything to assist reduce time spent doing so, a robust stand mixer might be perfect for you. Any ardent bakers with countertops will profit from getting one. Choose a hand blender rather than anything else provided you only intend to use it for simple chores such as whipping egg whites or cream. Although, not as strong, they are less expensive, easier to keep, and sufficient for modest jobs.
Air Fryer
Convection heating is used by air fryers, which swirl hot air over the meal. This method produces a crunchy and crispy coating without any need for deep frying. Air fryers heat up rapidly and evenly, and the flowing air ensures that your food is nicely browned all around. This implies you’ll be capable of reducing cooking time while increasing the crunchiness of the end product. Employing a simple air fryer when you have to cook your food uses less energy, and cooking oils which saves you money long term.
Food Processor
Whenever you have to cut a range of vegetables quickly, a basic food processor would be your best friend. Many versions provide a variety of blade attachments, allowing you to modify and pick the best blade for particular processing demands. If you’re someone who loves fresh garlic as much as I do, then you will appreciate a basic food processor. Again, like the blender, purchasing foods, processing them and then storing them will save you money over time.
Food processors come in handy if you’ve ever wanted to try canning or dehydrating foods. Check out my blog post on storing foods for 1-30 years.
Waffle Maker
A waffle maker will come in handy if you love waffles. They’re quite inexpensive and always on time when you have guests visiting. Notice every hotel has a waffle maker for their guests and the guests line up to use them. For an appliance so cheap ranging $12 and higher depending on brand, why not get one. Again, another appliance that’s optional and will most likely be stored in your small appliance kitchen cabinet.
Vacuum Sealer
For all those who purchase and prepare meals in volume, an efficient vacuum sealer will be well worth the investment. It will be able to help maintain the quality of many ordinary items by upwards to 6 times the amount for individuals wishing to enhance their food preservation and also have freezer room to spare. Clearly said, if you seek savings on bulk grocery purchases, get a garden at home, hunt, or even fish, then buying any decent vacuum sealer should be worth the investment.
Food Dehydrator
Dehydrators dry foods by pumping cold air through them. Dehydrators are such an excellent tool for health-conscious meals or snacks. They promote the use of actual, entire foods and contribute to the reduction of food waste. Over time, dehydrators are incredibly cost-effective. They enable you to purchase produce in bulk, particularly while it is all in season and perhaps on sale. Since this appliance is not used as often, I consider it optional, but it can be stored in a kitchen cabinet.
Objective of a Kitchen
Have you always pondered about why your friends and family choose to gather inside the kitchen? Is there something about the kitchen that elicits such an enigmatic magnetic pull?
The home kitchen was created to prepare and cook food. Yet, over the last several generations, a kitchen has gradually evolved into the heart of any home regardless of size.
To summarize, in most houses, the kitchen serves multiple functions: it is the hub of the household, a gathering place for acquaintances, a space for enjoying your favorite mug of coffee or glass of wine, a leisure spot, a child’s arts center, and of course, it serves its intended purpose. That objective is to provide a location where friends and family may gather to enjoy wonderful meals.
Thanks for reading 11 Small Kitchen Appliances To Save Money and Space and wishing you much success in having a functional kitchen you look forward to every day.
XoXo,
Lani
