Vetted

2022-09-23 21:04:49 By : Mr. Winter Sun

If you live in an apartment or home with a less-than-ideal kitchen layout, chances are you probably don’t have a dishwasher, built-in microwave or ample storage space. Enter: miniature versions of must-have appliances. What’s more charming than a compact espresso machine that brews barista-quality lattes or a petite food processor that chops nuts and grates cheese as efficiently as a full-size model?

When you're short on kitchen space, compact appliances—from food processors to espresso machines—are ... [+] essential.

What tiny kitchen appliances lack in size, they more than make up for with their ingenuity and power (and of course, cuteness). Below, here are the 12 best tiny kitchen appliances that offer a gourmet cooking experience, no matter the size of your space.

Breville makes some of the best tiny kitchen appliances out there, including this super slim espresso machine, which delivers perfect lattes and cappuccinos without taking up too much counter space. It can brew a single or double shot of espresso in seconds, thanks to the brand’s signature built-in ​​ThermoJet heating system, while the manual steam wand allows at-home baristas to easily create frothy, foamy milk. But arguably the best part of this machine is its size—it’s just 8 inches wide and one foot tall.

For basic tasks like whirring up homemade pesto or crushing tomatoes, this small but mighty food processor is a kitchen hero. It features a 250-watt motor and stainless steel blade that efficiently chops and grinds anything you want to throw into it (so long as you don’t toss in too much). If you have a tiny kitchen or often find yourself cooking for just one or two people, this petite food processor is a game-changer.

If your kitchen is compact, there’s a good chance it’s not equipped with a built-in dishwasher. Enter: this bestselling countertop model that has all the functionalities of a full-size dishwasher, just on a miniature scale. It can hold up to six place settings and includes a cutlery basket for silverware; plus, it features six different washing settings to ensure all your dishes come out super clean.

When your kitchen is petite, you definitely don’t have room for a rice cooker, a yogurt maker, a pressure cooker and slow-cooker, on top of all your pots and pans. Thankfully, multi-cookers exist. While the crowd-favorite Instant Pot comes in different sizes (3-, 6- and 8-quart), the smallest model is all you need if you’re cooking for two or three people. Its compact size and multi-functional features are ideal for small kitchens, too.

While a toaster oven may seem like an unnecessary kitchen appliance, especially if you’re short on space, the handy machine functions as both a toaster and an oven. And since many small kitchens have petite ovens and stovetops, a quality model can effectively double your cooking capacity. This smart toaster oven from Breville features eight different cook settings—bagel, toast, bake, broil, pizza, roast, cookies and reheat—and can easily warm frozen foods using the “snowflake” button. If you’re worried about how much space it takes up, cast your fears aside—this small kitchen-friendly appliance measures just under 18 inches wide and 13 inches deep.

If you love simple drip coffee but don’t have room for a standard coffee maker, you can’t beat this compact Keurig, which fits into even the slimmest spaces. It features a removable one-cup water reservoir, which is convenient for brewing a single cup (or travel mug) of coffee. Bonus: It comes in a nearly endless array of stunning hues like dusty rose, poppy red and oasis blue.

Looking to upgrade your breakfast routine? This top-rated mini waffle maker isn’t just for adorable looks—it also performs exceptionally well, capable of cooking 4-inch Belgian-style waffles in the blink of an eye. The nonstick surface makes post-breakfast clean up super simple, too, and at just over six inches wide, this petite iron tucks into nearly any space.

If you have a small kitchen, perhaps you’ve convinced yourself that you simply can’t own a stand mixer. Fortunately, you can—so long as it’s on the smaller side, like the KitchenAid Artisan Mini. Not only does this model have all the same features of the traditional Artisan stand mixer—10 speed settings, a 250 watt motor and tilt-head design—but it’s so much lighter and smaller.

While Zwilling J.A. Henckels is widely beloved for their knives, the German brand makes great appliances, too. Like, for example, this compact blender. While it’s on the smaller side, it boasts the power of models three times its size. Its sleek silver finish and smart display are stylish enough that you’ll feel good leaving it out on your counter. Plus, it comes with a 20-ounce blender jar, which is perfect for whipping up single-serve smoothies or small quantities of soup.

If you’re just cooking for one or two people, you don’t need a large cast-iron skillet. This 6.5-inch skillet is perfect for frying an egg, searing a single burger or making miniature shakshuka. The beauty of cast-iron is that it’s naturally nonstick, easy to clean (contrary to popular belief) and durable enough to last a lifetime.

Most tiny kitchens don’t come with a built-in microwave so resorting to a countertop model often seems like the only option. The problem? Most microwaves take up a lot of space, though not this mini microwave from Breville, which can fit into tight spaces. It’s also up for nearly any task: It includes shortcuts for reheating popcorn, defrosting vegetables and popping popcorn. And unlike most microwaves, it features a Soft Close system so it won’t slam shut.

Not only is this compact immersion blender handy for puréeing soups and sauces—featuring a 600-watt motor and five variable speed options, it’s an absolute powerhouse appliance that can blend whatever you need. Plus, it’s completely cordless, a definite bonus when you’re navigating small spaces. “While it does a splendid job of pureeing smoothies, soups and dressings, you can also use it to crush ice, make nut butter and more,” says Forbes Vetted contributor Ashley Abrhamson, who reviewed this heavy-duty hand blender alongside a handful of competitors.