Kitchen Vs Kitchenette: What's The Difference? (& Which Is Better For You)

For those of us who've traveled some or who've lived in our fair share of micro apartments, we've learned first-hand a few things about kitchenettes, the full-sized kitchen's Mini Me's. Like their larger counterparts, kitchenettes come outfitted with a fridge, a stove, a sink to wash dishes in, and counter space. However, true to the Mini Me status of the average kitchenette, these elements are tiny in stature, like a mini fridge and two-burner stovetop.

The countertop in a kitchenette isn't much bigger. On average, if your abode has a kitchenette instead of a kitchen, your counter space is between 4-linear feet and 8-linear feet. You're probably not going to have a lot of cabinet space, either – maybe three to six cabinets, max, to the standard kitchen's 10, 20, 30, or more. As for the oven, much of the time, your average kitchenette lacks an oven, unless it's a microwave. In light of this, if you're an ardent baker, this small work space might disappoint. Same goes for the dishwasher.

Some places, like New York City, specify what dimensions belong to which room type. For example, a kitchenette there, is 100 square feet or less. The standard kitchen, on the other hand, is anywhere from 150 to 225 square feet or more. Small apartment kitchens, or kitchenettes, dominate in studios and condos. They're also the kind of space that you'd expect to see in a dorm, a hotel room, or even a small Airbnb. Or if you have a pool house, a basement games room, or a mother-in-law suite at your house, those compact living areas may also sport a kitchenette instead of a full kitchen.

Whether or not you need a full-sized kitchen versus a kitchenette is going to depend on a couple of factors – the role food and socializing play in your life, whether you love to cook, and if you have a big brood to cook for. Let's start with people who eat out more than they cook. They live in places like New York City or New Orleans, that have great restaurants. They also like socializing, and it's even better when they can combine these two activities. 

If you're among these people, the kitchenette might be a better option for you. It has enough functional kitchen storage space to keep you stocked in the ramen you eat as a midnight snack. However, when it comes to socializing over a good meal, someone else's cooking space, like your favorite eatery's kitchen, works better. For some gourmands, this is even a way to prevent food waste. And if you're very busy, eating out buys time.

On the other hand, if you're a foodie and can't wait to cook your own way through Julia Child's "Mastering the Art of French Cooking, " like Julie Powell did in "Julie and Julia," you may want a full kitchen, complete with lots of counter and cupboard space and a full-sized oven and refrigerator. It's an even bigger bonus if the kitchen has a wine fridge. And on a related note, if you're cooking for a lot of people, a full kitchen that allows you to cook multiple courses on the stovetop at the same time does wonders for your ability to get dinner on the table.