10 Small Appliances That’ll Actually Fit in Your Tiny Rental Kitchen
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(Image credit: Susanna Hopler)
If you have a small kitchen and love to cook, it can be kind of a bummer. (Maybe we’re projecting — although we’re speaking from experience here!) You just want all the gadgets and have no where to put them! Sorry, a seven-quart slow cooker shouldn’t really be stored in the bathtub when not in use.
The good news is that there are some small appliances with smaller-than-usual footprints that are sure to fit in your space.
- KitchenAid Artisan Mini Stand Mixer, $330: KitchenAid’s classic stand mixer is now available in an option that’s 20 percent smaller and 25 percent lighter than the original.
- Countertop Microwave, $149 at Whirlpool: You may have given up on the dream of ever owning a microwave, but it’s totally possible with this little guy. At just half a cubic foot, it doesn’t take up a ton of space, and its rounded back allows it to fit into corners.
- Hamilton Beach Toastation Toaster Oven, $40: Small kitchens certainly don’t have room for a toaster and a toaster oven. This combo gives you the best of both worlds and is still somehow smaller than many toaster ovens.
- SPT Countertop Dishwasher, $247: No dishwasher? No problem! You can still enjoy the luxury of not having to wash your dishes the old-fashioned way. The mini unit fits on the counter (comfortably under most upper cabinets) and holds up to six full place settings.
- Nespresso Inissia Espresso Maker, $99: Don’t be fooled by this little guy — it can still deliver big, bold flavor just like that massive machine at your local coffee shop.
- NutriBullet Pro 900, $92: Skip the bulky blender and go with this smaller personal option instead. You can’t exactly blend up Margaritas for a crowd with it, but you can make your morning smoothie — and then take it on the road in the same container.
- Breville Control Grip Immersion Blender, $89: Or maybe you’d get more use out of an immersion blender? You can still make soups, smoothies, and more with a small, hand-held immersion blender, and this version is one of our favorites.
- Crock-Pot 2.5-Quart Slow Cooker, $26: This 2.5-quart slow cooker doesn’t have a ton of bells and whistles (it’s really only got a low and high whistle), but it’s totally capable of handling dinners for two.
- Cuisinart Grind & Brew Single Cup Coffeemaker, $100 at Bed Bath & Beyond: A grinder and single-cup brewer in one, this machine cuts down on on the need for having to stash even one more gadget.
- iSoda Drinkmate Mini, from $14: This may seem less like an appliance (it doesn’t have to be plugged in), but the idea is that it can totally stand in for a larger countertop soda maker. Plus, you can bring it with you on picnics and tailgate adventures.