What is a Kitchenette? Why It’s Perfect for Small Spaces + Storage Solutions and Cooking Tips

You might be wondering, what is a kitchenette, and how am I going to make the most of this small space? Don’t let its size fool you—this little area has big potential. Whether you’re living in a cozy studio in Manhattan, renting a house in Miami for vacation, or leasing an apartment in Seattle near campus, a kitchenette can be your best friend in making the most out of limited space.

In this ApartmentGuide article, we'll explore what a kitchenette is, what types of apartments it's typically found in, and the differences between a kitchenette and a full kitchen. We'll also provide some tips for cooking and living with a kitchenette.

What is a kitchenette?

A kitchenette is a compact cooking space that packs essential kitchen functions into a smaller, more efficient area. Kitchenettes are designed to offer convenience in places where a full-sized kitchen isn’t necessary or feasible. You can often find them in a variety of settings, such as cozy studio apartments in big cities, vacation rentals by the beach, and student housing near college campuses. They’re also common in efficiency apartments, home offices, and guest suites.

These small yet functional spaces are perfect for preparing simple meals, snacks, and drinks, without the need for a full kitchen setup.

Pros of a kitchenette:

1. Lower Costs: Apartments with kitchenettes are often more affordable than those with full kitchens. The smaller size of the apartment and the reduced utility costs associated with a kitchenette can lead to significant savings.
2. Easier maintenance: With fewer appliances and a smaller area to clean, maintaining a kitchenette is much simpler and quicker than a full kitchen. This is particularly appealing for busy individuals or those who prefer a minimalist lifestyle.
3. Simple cooking: If you don’t cook elaborate meals frequently, a kitchenette offers just enough space and equipment to prepare simple, quick meals without the need for a full kitchen setup.
4. Minimal lifestyle: The limited storage and counter space in a kitchenette naturally encourage you to keep only the essentials, promoting a more organized and clutter-free living environment.

Cons of a kitchenette:

1. Limited cooking options: Kitchenettes typically lack full-sized appliances, such as an oven or a large stovetop, which can limit your cooking options. Preparing more complex meals may be challenging.
2. Restricted storage: With fewer cabinets and limited counter space, finding enough storage for all your kitchenware, groceries, and cooking supplies can be difficult, leading to potential clutter or the need for creative storage solutions.
3. Less suitable for entertaining: If you enjoy hosting dinner parties or cooking for large groups, a kitchenette might feel cramped and inadequate. The smaller space and limited appliances can make it difficult to prepare and serve meals for multiple guests.
4. Lack of dining space: Kitchenettes often lack a designated dining area, meaning you might have to eat on a small table, counter, or even on the go. This can be less comfortable for those who enjoy sit-down meals.

Standard features in kitchenettes

Despite their small size, kitchenettes come equipped with a range of appliances and features that make them highly functional. Typically, you’ll find:

• Compact design: Kitchenettes are usually designed to fit along a single wall or snugly into a corner, optimizing every inch of available space.
• Versatile configurations: The layout of a kitchenette can vary greatly, from simple and minimalistic designs to more elaborate setups that include premium finishes and appliances.
• Small or dual-purpose appliances: Kitchenettes often include space-saving appliances, such as a mini-fridge, a microwave, a small sink, and sometimes a stovetop. In some cases, you might even find multifunctional appliances that combine several functions, like a microwave with a built-in convection oven.
• Limited storage and counter space: While you may not find as much storage or counter space as in a full kitchen, kitchenettes often feature clever storage solutions like pull-out shelves, wall-mounted racks, or compact cabinetry to keep essentials within reach.
• Adaptable to various environments: Kitchenettes are not just for small indoor spaces; they can be a great addition to outdoor areas as well, where they can complement a grill or smoker to create an outdoor kitchen experience.
• Functional essentials: Although full-sized ovens are rare, some kitchenettes do include them. Most, however, rely on smaller cooking gadgets like electric kettles, slow cookers, or Instant Pots, which can handle a variety of cooking tasks without taking up much room.

Types of apartments with kitchenettes

Kitchenettes are most commonly found in studio and efficiency apartments. These types of apartments are typically smaller and more compact than traditional one-bedroom or two-bedroom apartments, and they often don't have a separate kitchen.

Instead, the living area and sleeping area are combined into one space, and the kitchenette serves as a way to have some basic cooking and food storage capabilities within that space.

Kitchenettes are also sometimes found in a hotel room, or in motels and other types of short-term rentals. They're a convenient amenity for travelers who don't want to eat out every meal but don't need a full kitchen.

Kitchen vs Kitchenette: What’s the difference?

While both kitchenettes and full kitchens serve the purpose of meal preparation, the key difference lies in size and functionality. Full kitchens are larger, equipped with multiple appliances like a stove, oven, and refrigerator, making them ideal for extensive cooking and entertaining. Kitchenettes, on the other hand, are compact spaces typically under 80 square feet, featuring only the essentials like a small refrigerator, microwave, and limited storage. They are best suited for simpler meals and more efficient living environments.

Tips for cooking and living with a kitchenette

If you're moving into an apartment with a kitchenette, it's important to know that it's not quite the same as having a full kitchen. Here are some tips for making the most of your kitchenette:

1. Plan your meals carefully: Since you don't have a lot of space or equipment in a kitchenette, you’ll want to plan your meals carefully. Choose recipes that don't require a lot of ingredients or equipment, and try to make the most of the appliances you do have. For example, if you have a microwave and a stovetop, you can use the microwave to cook certain items and the stovetop for others.
2. Get creative with storage: Since you don't have a lot of storage space in a kitchenette, it's important to get creative with how you use the space you do have. Consider using stackable storage containers, hanging baskets and other space-saving solutions to make the most of your small fridge and cabinets.
3. Use your microwave wisely: The microwave is your best friend in a kitchenette. Use it to cook items like pasta, rice and vegetables, and to reheat leftovers. Just be careful not to overload it, as this can lead to uneven cooking and potentially even a fire.
4. Make use of your outdoor space: If you have access to outdoor grilling or cooking areas, make use of them! Grilling or cooking on an outdoor stove or barbecue can help expand your culinary options and give you a break from the confines of your kitchenette.
5. Invest in small appliances: While you may not have room for a full-size blender or food processor, there are plenty of small appliances that can be handy in a kitchenette. Consider investing in a mini slow cooker, a rice cooker or an electric griddle to give you more cooking options.
6. Shop smart: When shopping for groceries, think about what will fit in your small refrigerator and cabinets, and be mindful of expiration dates. It's also a good idea to stock up on non-perishable items like canned goods and spices, which can add flavor to your meals without taking up too much space.
7. Take advantage of delivery and takeout options: If cooking in your kitchenette just isn't feasible, don't be afraid to take advantage of delivery and takeout options. Many restaurants offer delivery or pickup options, so you can still enjoy a variety of meals without having to do all the work yourself.

Storage Tips for kitchenettes

Maximizing storage in a kitchenette requires creativity and smart use of space. Here are some tips to help you make the most out of your compact kitchen area:

1. Utilize vertical space: Install shelves or hanging racks on the walls to store items like spices, utensils, or small cookware. Magnetic strips can hold knives or metal tools, freeing up counter space.
2. Opt for multifunctional furniture: Look for tables or counters with built-in storage, such as a kitchen island with shelves underneath, or a fold-out table that doubles as a prep surface and storage area.
3. Use stackable containers: Invest in stackable, clear containers for dry goods, which help save space and keep your food stored and organized. Stackable bins or baskets can also be used in cabinets to maximize vertical space.
4. Incorporate under-sink storage: The space under the sink is often underutilized. Use stackable bins, tension rods, or slide-out organizers to store cleaning supplies or extra kitchen items.
5. Install hooks and pegs: Hooks or pegboards can be mounted on walls or inside cabinet doors to hang pots, pans, and utensils, keeping them within easy reach and off the counters.
6. Choose space-saving appliances: Opt for smaller, more compact appliances that fit better in tight spaces, such as a mini-fridge, a microwave with built-in convection, or a combination appliance like a toaster oven that can also air fry or broil.
7. Think outside the kitchen: If your kitchenette is very small, consider storing non-essential kitchen items in other areas of your home, such as a nearby closet or shelving unit in the living area.
8. Keep it minimal: Only keep the essentials in your kitchenette. Avoid clutter by regularly assessing what you truly need and removing any items that aren’t frequently used.