From dishwasher drawers to domino hobs, extra-small kitchen appliances are key to designing a successful scheme for compact living – here’s how to pick the right ones for you…
A select range of extra-small appliances are a must in smaller or galley kitchen layouts, says KBB journo Sally Smith, making your daily routine intuitive and easy.
Undercounter fridges with a small freezer compartment or the latest dual or single ‘cool drawers’ with up to five temperature settings can be installed anywhere in the kitchen, for example. “Whether you’re storing drinks, fresh produce, or frozen goods, cool drawers support a flexible lifestyle with a minimal footprint,” explains Borislava Yotsova-Fellows, design consultant at Fisher & Paykel.
A built-in 45cm slimline dishwasher with nine space settings and a combination microwave oven are also ideal in a compact space.
Buying tips
Built-in undercounter appliances including dishwashers, ovens, fridges, and wine cabinets will fit a compact kitchen perfectly, making it feel streamlined and uncluttered. Smaller preparation sinks with basket strainers and chopping boards take up significantly less space than a full-size unit.
A 60cm vented induction hob is a practical option as you won’t need to find space for an overhead or wall-mounted extraction unit, freeing up wall space for storage.
Functionality on offer
Domino induction hobs and wok burners provide the flexibility to cook all your favourite dishes; you can merge two cooking zones for larger pans, add grill plates, as well as keep dishes warm. Mini range cookers with up to 11 cooking programmes with matching extraction hood offer a more traditional option for your kitchen.
Paul Whyte, commercial director at Bertazzoni UK & Eire, says, “Our 60cm range cookers available in gas and induction options meet the style need, without impacting on space.”
A mini 2-in-1 boiling-water tap with a smaller two- or four-litre tank will free up much-needed space both above and below the countertop, and give you the high-tech feel of a larger kitchen set-up.
Good to know
A select few countertop appliances are a great addition to a smaller kitchen, but choose carefully and think about where they will be positioned. Georgia Allman, product stylist and creative assistant at ProCook, loves her coffee in the morning: “A dedicated coffee station transforms small areas into spaces that support some of our most cherished daily rituals.”
Incorporate open shelving or drawers to organise mugs, coffee pods, and accessories neatly. Countertop air fryers and small pizza ovens can fit perfectly in darker corners, giving you the flexibility to cook a quick weeknight dinner after a busy day, without using the oven.
What will it cost?
Dishwashers and cool drawers are an investment, and you can expect to pay anything from £1500 to £3000, but the style and flexibility these appliances will bring to a smaller kitchen are definitely worth considering.
A two-zone domino induction hob, undercounter wine chiller or fridge will be cheaper, at £500 to £1000 for each appliance. A mini range cooker is quite a cost-effective option, coming in around £2000 with a matching hood around £800. And a compact countertop coffee machine is a steal at just £89, and air fryer start at £200.
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