Kitchen Appliance Ideas
The Tiny Kitchen Microwave
HOTPOINT MWH 1331 B Solo Microwave
By far the best small microwave for very compact kitchens, as there is a good chance you won’t have the capacity for a built-in model. This Hotpoint is only 13L capacity, but this is plenty for cooking small items.
The rounded back means it fits into any space, and the controls are situated below the door, so you have no bulky side panel which saves on length without adding height. It still has all the handy tricks of ordinary microwaves, such as automatic defrost for five different products and reheat.
If you want something cheaper and aren’t quite as limited on space, the Swan Retro SM22030GN – is 20 litres and available in seven different colours. The retro look will look amazing in any kitchen and will act as a focal point if there isn’t much space for decoration.
The Multi-Use Breakfast Toaster
SMART Breakfast Master Toaster
There is no meal as important as breakfast, but so many of us don’t have time in the mornings as we get ready for work. Having a multi-use product which not only does all of the work for you but saves space is the way forward.
This is a classic toaster which can also steam boil up to six eggs. No more watching over a pan on the stove while you wait for it to boil when you’re in a rush.
The Small Kitchen Steamer
Sage The Steam Zone SFS800BSS Steamer
Steamers aren’t necessarily essential, but they’re a great alternative to storing loads of pans and using them all at once on a small hob.
With this steamer, there are two compartments so that you can do meat or fish and veg at the same time. And it also sets the timer to suit the products and ensure they both finish at the same time, so you don’t have to keep anything warm.
It has one tier, so won’t tower over everything when in use. It also collapses small in size for storage.
The All-In-One Coffee Machine
For those of you out there who love your coffee, I can honestly say I feel your pain when you move into a place with a small kitchen. All coffee machines tend to be huge, and dependent on the type of coffee you want you might need one of the bigger ones.
A coffee machine which does any type of coffee you can think plus things like hot chocolate and tea, without taking up all the space on your work surface? Perfect.
The Tassimo pod range is by far the most varied on the market, and the TASSIMO by Bosch Vivy2 is neat and cheap. Pods can cost quite a bit but having 36 varieties to choose from will make you feel better.
The Mini Table-Top Oven
Russell Hobbs Mini Kitchen 22780 Mini Oven
Having a small microwave is all well and good, but they don’t have the power of ovens or a hob. This little appliance is capable of grilling, baking and roasting, and is fan assisted. The temperature also goes up to 230°, which is plenty to cook most food.
The hotplate can’t be used at the same time as the oven, but it would make a great little extra product for anyone with a small main oven or without a hob area.
Kitchen Storage Ideas
The Dish Stacker
2 Tier Corner Plate Rack Holder
The annoying thing about cupboards is that there is so much wasted space above the stuff you are trying to store. Yet fitting a whole other shelf isn’t an option because some of the items are too tall. Stacking them results in a lot of hassle bringing everything out to get to what is at the bottom. You can’t win.
This 2-tier stacker is perfect for stacking your bowls on top of the plates, without having to bring them all out first to get to the plates or risk breaking them. It would also act as a neat addition to maximise storage in any corners rather than over your bench.
The Cooking Instrument Nest
Joseph Joseph Nest Utensils Plus Set
Having so many utensils takes up space in your kitchen drawers that could be used for cutlery and tea towels. Many drawers are also too shallow to store large slotted spoons and soup servers without jamming it.
These five essentials are held together by small magnets in the handles, all in a nest. Great to store in the corner, or in a cupboard without disturbing anything else. Joseph Joseph is well-known for their innovative space-saving ideas, so check out the rest of the range on Amazon too.
The Bowl Nest
Another favourite from Joseph Joseph I just had to feature for all of the upcoming Mary Berry’s/Gordon Ramsey’s out there, this 9-piece essentials kit has a 4.5L mixing bowl, 3L colander, 1.65L sieve, 0.5L mixing bowl, and five measuring cups. All stored inside the large bowl, and easy to access. Great for bakers and regular cook-from-scratchers who are low on storage space.
General Home Space Saving Ideas
The Extension Lead
Pivot Power Flexible Extension Cable
Quirky, and really doesn’t need much explanation. This should be how standard extension leads are sold, to be honest. This bends around to make it easier to fit wherever you want it, and there’s a nice gap between each of the plug sockets to ensure even your biggest plugs will fit. Pretty nifty right?
The Cordless Hoover
See I told you I’d have the space-saving ideas that stopped you cuddling up to your vacuum at night! Getting a small vacuum cleaner is a must when you’re low on space, but you’ll probably find that a lot can’t really cut it when it comes to how powerful they are.
Not only is this Shark DuoClean cordless (which means more freedom for navigating your limited space), but it also takes up very little storage space, being a stick vacuum. And there is thankfully no loss of power.
You also likely struggle to reach under sofas and tables. Everybody does. So, the Flexology aspect is great and won’t cause you to have to crouch down to get to the corners. The top also comes off the vacuum to turn into a handheld device for those high up sections, so essentially it is a 2-in-1 product. Housework suddenly becomes a breeze.
The Shoe Storage Rack
HOWBIFOOL Shoe Slots Organizer Shoe Racks
Your lack of space probably hasn’t meant you’ve had a shoe cull. Keeping them all in a big pile at the bottom of your wardrobe results in you never being able to find a pair without bringing every single shoe out, which then all sit on your bedroom floor for a week.
These shoe racks are so much better than your stereotypical long metal racks. One shoe is stored under the other, so the pair is together, and you can see what you’re looking for easily. You get 8 in a pack, which should be almost enough for your assortment, and they’ll host any type of shoe.
The Dining Table
You’ve probably seen those round tables where the chairs all fit neatly underneath. Great idea in theory but the shape is not that space saving in the grand scheme of things, especially if your dining room is actually a small corner of your living room.
This rectangular model will fit nicely against a wall or in a corner and is narrow enough to not get in the way. Yet, there is actually enough space to host a meal for two comfortably without cramming together. The chairs are the same height as the table too, so it’ll not only be minimalistic but also look minimalistic.
The Monitor Stand
If you have a home office set up, it can take up a lot of space when not in use. There is the monitor, the keyboard, the mouse, all of your post-it notes and books and wires and pens…the list goes on.
This little monitor stand is also a miniature storage desk/desk tidy in itself. With three small compartments and 2 tier storage, you can tuck all of your extras away when not in use to cut down on clutter and prevent the dust and dirt getting to them.
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