6 Space-Saving Kitchen Appliances

Space saving kitchen appliances are essential for the apartment dweller stuck with small spaces–particularly the studio apartment resident. Besides cabinet, drawer and turntable organizers, which can maximize even the smallest of storage spaces, appliances designed for maximum function that take up minimum counter space can revolutionize the small apartment kitchen.

1. Microwave/Toaster or Microwave/Coffee Maker Combo

One of the most popular space saving kitchen appliances is the microwave/toaster or the microwave/coffee maker combo. This sleek tabletop microwave features a complete array of cooking options with a small additional space for either toasting two slices of bread or making a small pot of coffee that’s enough for one to two people. Apartment residents who can’t decide between the two can look for a toaster or coffee maker in another combo.

2. Toaster and Egg Cooker Combo (and Coffee Maker)

Toast two slices of bread, a bagel or an English muffin and cook an egg in four ways: scrambled, poached, omelet or boiled. (You can boil up to four eggs at once.) In Japan, there are space saving kitchen appliances that combine a toaster, coffee maker and egg cooker all in one. These appliances are generating interest in appliance makers around the world, so look for such an appliance to be available near you shortly.

3. Digital Food Steamer

Just because you don’t have a lot of space, that doesn’t mean you don’t want to cook delicious and varied meals. A digital food steamer allows you to steam three stacked levels of vegetables, fish, rice and more all at the same time. This is perfect for making side dishes and seafood cuisine.

4. Compact Refrigerator and Freezer

The refrigerator and freezer easily take up the most space in a kitchen. In an apartment as small as a studio apartment, sometimes you simply don’t have the room. Look for compact refrigerator and freezer combos or individual appliances. There are even refrigerators and freezers that fit in drawer space and are accessible by pulling out the drawer.

5. Dishwasher and Sink Combo or Countertop Dishwasher

Who says you have to hand wash dishes in a small apartment? These space saving kitchen appliances sit side by side, the dishwasher portion resting in a former cabinet space. If you can’t make drastic foundation changes to a rented apartment, look for small countertop dishwasher units instead.

6. Trash and Recycling Compactors

Rather than dragging garbage and recycling to the dumpster every day, invest in trash and recycling compactors, slim units that can fit into a closet or pantry. The recycling compactor crushes metal and plastic and the trash compactor crushes anything, holding up to five times the volume in waste.

Space saving kitchen appliances can make living in a studio apartment a breeze. Designed especially for one or two residents, these appliances cut out waste and maximize space, turning even the smallest kitchens into highly functional areas.