These are the best appliances for small kitchens according to industry experts

Struggling to make your small kitchen work for you? Limited space can make it hard to fit in all the essentials while keeping things functional and stylish. It’s a common challenge, but by selecting the best appliances for small kitchens, you can create a space that feels practical, uncluttered, and effortlessly easy to use.

The key lies in choosing kitchen appliances designed to save space and deliver on performance. Gone are the days when clunky bread makers or bulky slow cookers dominate countertops. Today’s slimline designs and multifunctional gadgets save space without sacrificing performance. These thoughtful kitchen additions can help you reclaim your worktops and make the most of every inch of available space.

We asked industry experts for their advice on finding the best appliances for small kitchens and to reveal their top tips to help your space work harder.

What to look for when selecting appliances for small kitchens

Size and compactness

When space is limited, compact appliances that balance size and functionality are a must. Phillip Twigg, lead product expert at Reliant, suggests starting by considering how many people your appliances will serve. “If you’re looking to buy an oven, think about how many people you’re planning to feed every night. Finding a good balance between overall appliance size and internal capacity is crucial,” he explains. "Brands like Samsung and LG now offer models with thinner walls or larger drums, providing more internal space without increasing the overall footprint."

Philip Twigg

Philip Twigg is the lead product expert at Reliant, a UK-based company with over 60 years of experience with countless home appliances.

Multifunctionality

When space is at a premium, look for appliances that do more with less. Hannah Hamer, assistant marketing manager at Russell Hobbs, highlights the value of multi-functional design: “Consider appliances that combine several features into one to help you save space and reduce the need for additional kitchen gadgets.” A toaster oven with air-frying capabilities or a slim coffee machine that fits neatly into a corner is a smart choice for maximising space without sacrificing performance.

Phillip Twigg also recommends versatile features: “Look for appliances with extra flexibility, like dishwashers with adjustable racks or foldable tines. These features allow you to maximise space for even the most unconventional dishes.”

Hannah Hamer

Hannah works in the homes and gardens marketing division for Spectrum Brands. Working on behalf of Russell Hobbs, she has years of industry experience

Energy efficiency and performance

Compact kitchens benefit from appliances that combine energy efficiency with high performance. When selecting a fridge-freezer, look out for models with inverter compressors that adjust energy usage to cooling demands, reducing your home's electricity consumption. For dishwashers, energy-saving modes are a must, while washer-dryers with heat pump technology can help minimise your electricity and water usage.

Style and integration

Integrated appliances and built-in models – such as ovens or dishwashers that blend into cabinetry – are particularly effective for maximising space while maintaining a sleek kitchen design. Jessica Rhodes, product and marketing manager at ASKO UK,, explains: “Built-in or integrated models save valuable counter and floor space while maintaining a seamless and tidy look when integrated with cabinetry.”

She continues, "On the other hand, appliances with reflective surfaces like stainless steel or glossy finishes can bounce light around the room, making it feel brighter and more open. Likewise, matte finishes in soft neutrals or muted tones can create a cosy, understated elegance perfect for smaller kitchens."

Jessica Rhodes

Jessica is an awarding winning Head of Department at ASKO UK. She has over 9 years product and marketing experience within the small domestic appliance market.

The Best Cooking Appliances For Small Kitchens

Cooking in a small kitchen doesn’t mean compromising on performance or creativity. According to the experts at Smeg, the right appliances can help you make the most of your limited space. “The most popular option is a combi microwave-oven,” they explain. "They combine two of the most regularly used kitchen appliances into one handy unit, saving valuable surface space on your kitchen worktop."

Jessica Rhodes from ASKO UK adds that cooktops with built-in ventilation are another clever choice: “These eliminate the need for bulky range hoods, freeing up valuable space while maintaining functionality.”

The Best Countertop Appliances For Small Kitchens

Countertop appliances can quickly clutter a small kitchen, but compact or multifunctional designs keep things neat and tidy. Consider appliances that combine several features into one to help you save space and reduce the need for additional kitchen gadgets. A slim coffee machine tucked into a corner or a toaster oven with air-frying capabilities offers smart solutions for tight spaces.

The Best Cleaning and Refrigeration Appliances For Small Kitchens

The best compact dishwashers and washer-dryer combos pack powerful performance into a small footprint, keeping your kitchen streamlined. Phillip Twigg from Reliant highlights Samsung’s SpaceMax fridge-freezers as a smart choice: “These models use thinner walls to maximise internal storage without taking up more room." He also recommends looking for appliances with adjustable shelving and stackable designs to make the most of limited space.

FAQs

Why is it important to leave space between appliances in a small kitchen?

"All appliances need a little bit of room to breathe while they work," explains Phillip Twigg, lead product expert at Reliant. "Cramming them together can result in a noisy kitchen. Appliances like washing machines and tumble dryers generate quite a bit of motion while operating, and they also generate heat. Without adequate space, they may struggle to ventilate, putting them at risk of overheating or even creating a fire hazard."

How can you maximise space in a small kitchen?

By thinking vertically and making the most of lesser-used areas, you can design a more functional and organised kitchen without sacrificing style. Here are a few practical ideas to help you get started:

• Wall-mounted storage: Free up valuable counter space by installing wall-mounted racks or shelves for frequently used items like spices, utensils, or mugs. Hooks and magnetic strips can also be handy for storing knives or hanging small pots and pans, keeping everything within reach but off the worktops.
• Foldaway designs: Foldable appliances and furniture are perfect for compact kitchens. Consider collapsible dish racks that can be tucked away when not in use or wall-mounted tables that fold flat when you need extra room.
• Smart layouts: Make the most of underutilised areas by placing smaller appliances in corners or integrating them into cabinetry. Built-in coffee machines or microwaves can free up counters, while pull-out storage systems help keep things organised and accessible without cluttering the room.

As well as selecting the best appliances for small kitchens, introducing a small kitchen island can transform even the tiniest space, adding extra storage, prep surfaces, and much-needed seating.