I recently stayed in a small Bangkok apartment with a tiny kitchen.
The kitchen was micro, but the owners made the most of the small kitchen space using creativity and clever hacks.
From utilizing vertical space to using multi-functional appliances, this kitchen used all the hacks to transform a tiny kitchen into a practical and efficient cooking space.
In this article, I’ll share some pictures of the kitchen and helpful tips on tools to make the most of your tiny kitchen space.
Tiny Kitchen Tour – Bangkok Apartment
As you can see from the image above, this is a typical South East Asian kitchen without an entire oven.
This is very common in SE Asia, where people usually cook on a stovetop/hob and have a toaster oven and a microwave oven.
Another genius small kitchen hack here – custom cabinets built in front of the ducting required for the rangehood/extractor.
These shallow cabinets made them ideal for sauces, herbs and spices.
They could also fit jars, cans and narrow boxes of cereal and pasta, baking supplies etc.
For a kitchen with no pantry, this extra cabinet made a massive difference to the storage space available.
I love the way they made the most of this space!
Also, with the retractable/pull-out range hood, which stowed away when not in use.
The built-in microwave was seamlessly nestled between two drawers.
The lower drawer sat in the spot that might usually be covered with a baseboard, but not in this tiny kitchen.
No valuable space goes to waste in a tiny kitchen like this one!
How do you clean your dishes in a kitchen with no dishwasher or counter space for a dish rack?
With an over-the-sink dishrack, of course!!
This dishrack also doubled as a food storage rack.
I love how adjustable it was.
The hooks added extra functionality that was much appreciated.
You’ve probably noticed there’s not a lot of counter space in this kitchen.
I admit, I had to use the table for chopping vegetables, however if this were my kitchen, I’d invest in a glass cooktop protector.
This one is great – expands counter space and protects your glass cooktop.
Extra storage space is so important when you live in a tiny apartment.
That’s why this homeowner stored their toilet paper under the kitchen sink!
They also used a small pull out trash can (and had a larger one available).
This side of the fridge storage rack would be ideal for herbs and spices.
It can also hold a roll of paper towels – love it!
This basket appeared to be holding a lot of weight but it was a clever use of space, so I can’t fault it!
Understand Your Tiny Kitchen
If you’re living in an apartment with a tiny kitchen, you’re not alone.
Many people face the challenge of working with limited space in their kitchens.
But don’t worry; with a few clever hacks, you can make the most of your tiny kitchen and create a functional and stylish space.
First, it’s essential to understand the limitations of your tiny kitchen.
You may not have as much counter space or storage as you would like, but that doesn’t mean you can’t make the most of what you have.
Assess your kitchen and consider what you need to use it for.
Do you cook a lot?
Do you need space for meal prep?
Do you have a lot of kitchen gadgets and appliances?
Once you have a clear idea of what you need in your kitchen, you can start thinking about making the most of your space.
Here are a few tips to get you started:
- Use vertical space: If you don’t have a lot of counter space, consider using your walls for storage. Install shelves or hanging racks to keep your pots, pans, and utensils within easy reach.
- Get creative with storage: Look for storage solutions that can do double duty. For example, a magnetic knife holder can also hold your spices, or a rolling cart can provide extra counter space and storage.
- Invest in compact appliances: If you have limited counter space, look for appliances that are designed to be compact. A small toaster oven or a single-burner hot plate can be just as useful as their larger counterparts.
- Keep it simple: In a tiny kitchen, it’s important to keep things streamlined and clutter-free. Only keep the essentials on hand, and store everything else out of sight.
Maximizing Space in a Tiny Apartment
First, consider using vertical space.
The image above shows how this kitchen designer took the cabinets almost to the ceiling, creating extra storage space with height.
Install shelves or hooks on the walls to store pots, pans, and utensils.
You can also hang a magnetic knife strip to keep your knives within reach.
Another tip is to use multi-functional items. A cutting board that doubles as a colander or a pot that can be used as a steamer can save valuable space in your kitchen.
Invest in stackable containers to store dry goods like rice, pasta, and cereal.
This will help keep your pantry organized and save space.
When it comes to appliances, choose compact versions that can be easily stored away when not in use.
A toaster oven, for example, can be used for baking, roasting, and toasting and can be easily stored in a cabinet or on top of the fridge.
Finally, don’t forget about the space under your sink.
Install a pull-out organizer to store cleaning supplies, or use stackable bins to keep everything in its place.
Efficient Use of Kitchen Appliances
When it comes to tiny kitchens, choosing the right appliances is crucial.
You need to ensure that you have all the necessary tools to prepare your meals and that they don’t take up too much space.
Here are some tips to help you make the most out of your kitchen appliances.
Choosing Multi-Functional Appliances
One of the best ways to save space in your kitchen is to choose appliances that can perform multiple functions.
For example, a toaster oven can be used to toast bread, bake small batches of cookies, and even cook small meals.
A blender can be used to make smoothies, soups, and sauces.
A food processor can chop vegetables, make dough, and even grind meat.
When choosing multi-functional appliances, make sure to read the product description carefully.
Look for appliances that have a variety of attachments and settings, and make sure that they are easy to clean and store.
Proper Placement of Appliances
Proper placement is another important factor to consider when using kitchen appliances in a tiny kitchen.
You want to make sure that your appliances are easily accessible, but you also want to make sure that they don’t take up too much counter space.
One strategy is to store appliances you don’t often use in a cabinet or pantry.
For example, if you only use your blender once a week, you can store it in a cabinet and only take it out when needed.
You can also use vertical space to your advantage by installing shelves or hooks to hang your appliances.
When it comes to appliances you use frequently, like your coffee maker or toaster oven, make sure to place them in a spot that is easily accessible.
For example, you can place your coffee maker near your sink and toaster oven near your cutting board.
You can make the most of your tiny kitchen space by choosing multi-functional appliances and correctly placing them in your kitchen.
Smart Storage Solutions
When it comes to tiny kitchens, storage can be a real challenge.
But fear not, there are plenty of clever solutions to make the most of your limited space.
Here are some clever storage ideas to help you maximize your kitchen’s potential.
Vertical Storage
One of the best ways to save space in a tiny kitchen is to utilize your walls for storage. Here are some ideas:
- Install shelves above your countertops to store dishes, glasses, and other kitchen essentials.
- Hang a pegboard on the wall to organize your pots, pans, and utensils.
- Use a magnetic knife strip to keep your knives within easy reach.
- Mount a spice rack on the wall to free up counter space.
Hidden Storage
Another way to maximize your kitchen’s potential is to use hidden storage. Here are some ideas:
- Install pull-out drawers or shelves in your cabinets to make accessing your pots, pans, and other items easier.
- Use a rolling cart with shelves to store your appliances, like your toaster or coffee maker, and tuck it away when not in use.
- Use a tension rod under your sink to hang cleaning supplies.
- Install a toe-kick drawer under your cabinets to store baking sheets, cutting boards, and other flat items.
By utilizing vertical and hidden storage solutions, you can make the most of your tiny kitchen and keep it organized and functional.
Creative Cooking Techniques
When it comes to cooking in a tiny apartment kitchen, creativity is key.
Here are some creative cooking techniques that will help you maximize your space and create delicious meals:
- One-Pot Meals: One-pot meals are a great way to save space and time. They allow you to cook everything in one pot, reducing the number of dishes you need to wash. Some examples of one-pot meals include pasta dishes, stews, and casseroles.
- Vertical Cooking: Use your vertical space by hanging pots, pans, and utensils on the wall. You can also use a magnetic knife strip to keep your knives within easy reach.
- Multi-Functional Appliances: Invest in multi-functional appliances such as a slow cooker, pressure cooker, or toaster oven. These appliances can perform multiple tasks, reducing the need for separate appliances.
- Prep Ahead: Prep your ingredients to save space and time. Chop vegetables, measure out ingredients, and marinate meats in advance so that you can quickly assemble your meals when it’s time to cook.
- Use Your Microwave: Your microwave can do more than heat up leftovers. You can cook vegetables, steam fish, and even scrambled eggs.
- Sheet Pan Dinners: Sheet pan dinners are another great way to save space and time. Simply place all your ingredients on a sheet pan and bake in the oven. This method is perfect for roasting vegetables, chicken, and fish.
Using these creative cooking techniques, you can make the most of your tiny apartment kitchen and create delicious meals without sacrificing flavor or space.