The Best Small-Space Kitchen Appliances, According To Reviews

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A small kitchen can seem limiting. After all, you can't follow every trend and buy kitchen appliances just because they look handy. You need to play this game of Tetris well to fit in all your essentials without overcrowding the room. Start by finding alternate storage areas for your less-often used bulky devices — your pantry is a good option. Then, invest in tools that are small enough to fit in drawers and cabinets, are multi-use, or break down into multiple components. As for the frequently used devices you need to keep on the countertop (think coffee makers, toasters, and electric kettles), choose products that aren't too wide. This will help them fit into tight corners and allow you to maximize the available space. Win-win!

That being said, don't buy a device only because it's compact. To get your money's worth, go beyond advertised benefits and check customer reviews. This will help understand each product's pros and cons and determine how it performs in real-world conditions. Want an easier way out? We have hand-picked 12 of the best small-space kitchen appliances worth your consideration. To ensure we recommend only top-tier options, we searched online for products with a minimum 4.3 star rating and at least 8,500 customer reviews. The resulting list is comprised of those that made the cut. You'll find a more detailed explanation of our methodology at the end of this article.

Blenders are among the most heavily used appliances. However, traditional models are often bulky and take up considerable countertop space, making them a liability in small kitchens. This is where a bullet blender, like the Magic Bullet's Small 11 Piece Set, come in. This blender's base is merely 4 inches wide and 4 ½ inches deep, so it won't take up too much room. Plus, it weighs just 1.4 pounds, making it easy to pick up and tuck away in a cabinet if space is scarce. The three cups are all portable and can be stored separately in drawers or cupboards — and they're dishwasher-friendly as well.

The Magic Bullet has an average star rating of 4.3 and has amassed close to 118,000 reviews, with 71% of users giving it 5 stars. Summing up their experience, one customer wrote, "Purchased for making vegetable smoothies. It's a great size for people with a small kitchen space. Multiple attachments make it a good value." While some reviews mentioned that it's quieter than their previous full-size blenders, others complained about it being loud. Despite overwhelmingly positive reviews, that's something sound-sensitive buyers might want to keep in mind.

If you like having a hearty breakfast sandwich but don't want to toast each ingredient one-by-one, give Hamilton Beach's Breakfast Sandwich Maker a try. It's 7 inches wide and 7 inches deep, so it will fit on most countertops without issue. At only 9 inches tall, it also won't bump against your cabinets when you open them. Apart from its compact size, its standout feature is the built-in egg plate, which cooks an egg in about five minutes. Assembling your sandwich is easy, too. Just note that toppings like bacon, sausage, and ham must be pre-cooked, or they'll taste underdone. 

The sandwich maker has an average star rating of 4.3 from around 45,000 reviews, with 68% of users giving it 5 stars. Pleased with the nifty appliance, one customer wrote, "This is a substantial sandwich maker. In 3-4 minutes, the egg is cooked through and any cheese is melted. I've bought several of these over the years. The design is well-made. The middle section lifts out for easy cleaning ... The size doesn't take up much shelf or counter space." For all its pros, a few verified purchasers have mentioned that eggs can leak out of the dedicated ring. One customer also criticized the screws, as they rusted within a few months. But all in all, this seems to be a dependable pick for those who want the convenience of a single appliance for getting their breakfast sandwich on the table.

In a small kitchen, it's best to invest in multi-purpose kitchen appliances that don't take up a lot of room. Enter Dash's Mini Maker Electric Griddle. The appliance weighs just 1 pound, so you can easily move it around or stash it away in a drawer after use. And if you decide to keep it on the counter, it won't take up much room thanks to its compact footprint at 5 inches deep and 6.4 inches wide. It's worth noting that the small size, while space efficient, means it can only whip up meals for one person at a time.

After accumulating around 55,000 reviews, the device has a 4.5 average star rating, with 76% of them boasting 5 stars. An impressed user stated, "The Dash Mini Round Electric Griddle is a perfect little appliance for anyone living in an apartment or with limited kitchen space. It's compact, easy to use, and surprisingly versatile. It's great for cooking small pancakes, eggs, or even a quick grilled sandwich. The nonstick surface makes cleanup simple, and it heats up quickly thanks to the handy indicator light." Still, one customer suggests laying down paper towels to prepare for splatters, and another warns against applying excess pressure, as the lightweight appliance can tip over.

Whether you live in an RV like many other Americans or have a small kitchen in a city apartment, chances are that standard coffee makers won't fit the tight confines. In that case, consider outfitting your space with Keurig's K-Express Single Serve Coffee Maker. It's just about 5.1 inches wide and 12.8 inches deep, so it will likely slide into a small nook without issue. Closed, the height is just 12.6 inches, but it expands to 17.2 inches when you open the lid. With a 42-ounce removable water reservoir, the machine can brew only four 8-ounce cups before needing a refill, so keep that in mind before splurging. You may also have to look for stylish Keurig coffee pod storage solutions to keep your countertops tidy.

With 42,000 reviews, the single-serve coffee maker has an average star rating of 4.4, with 74% of customers rating it 5 stars. Explaining why it works in their small kitchen, one user wrote that the K-Express is a "straightforward and cute coffeemaker perfect for limited kitchen spaces. Does the job of brewing fresh coffee in a jiffy. Very easy to use and quick brewing. No need to wait for water to heat up before brewing the next cup." Sadly, a few consumers have doubts about the device's longevity since it's made of plastic and doesn't seem too sturdy. That being said, they don't expect this economical model to be as durable as the brand's premium coffee makers.

Looking to buy a compact rice cooker for your small kitchen? Check out Aroma's 1.5 Quart model. It measures 8.13 inches deep, 8.9 inches wide, and 8 inches high, so it won't clutter up your countertop. And if you use it only occasionally, it'll fit in a cabinet without fuss. Beyond rice, you can prepare chili, soup, jambalaya, oatmeal, and more in this appliance. However, keep in mind that its small size limits capacity. 

This tiny appliance has been reviewed over 24,000 times and holds an average star rating of 4.5, with 77% of reviewers awarding it 5 stars. Impressed by its performance, one user wrote, "It's super easy to use and cooks the rice perfectly every single time — fluffy and never sticky. The design is compact and doesn't take up much space on my counter. Cleaning is also simple because the inner pot is non-stick. I've even used it to make quinoa and steamed veggies, and it works great." Several customers noted the pot coating starting to flake after a few years of use. But even then, customers have chosen to replace theirs with a new purchase of the same model. 

Air fryers have become ubiquitous in modern American households, with over 70% of adults owning a unit or planning to buy one soon, according to a CNET survey. But if you've been holding back due to space constraints, consider Ninja's 4 quart air fryer. The highly-rated air fryer brand is worth buying for a small family because it's not a countertop hog — it's just 11 inches wide, 13.6 inches deep, and 13.3 inches tall. Users also mention that the air fryer cooks meals better and faster than their traditional microwave or oven. They also like how easy it is to clean the device. And clean up is even easier if you opt to use a dedicated basket liner, like Pintaur's Silicone Air Fryers Liner 2 Pack. 

The air fryer has garnered approximately 94,000 reviews, and with 85% of those being 5-stars, it maintains a rating of 4.7 stars overall. Lauding the product, one user wrote, "Love this AirFryer and bought this one for my son. We use ours almost daily! Perfect size bin to cook for 2-4 people. Fast and easy to use and clean." One review noted that the ceramic coating around the basket chipped after being washed in the dishwasher. So while it's sold as a dishwasher friendly piece, you may want to consider hand washing to prolong its use and avoid the over $30 basket replacement cost. 

If you're in the market for a small microwave that won't give out due to regular use, consider Comfee's 0.7 cubic feet Countertop Oven. The small appliance measures 13 by 17.3 by 10.2 inches, and can be easily placed in an awkward corner of your kitchen, moved to a well-ventilated cabinet, or placed on a sturdy cart. One customer even noted that this model is more compact than other microwaves with similar capacity. Even though the product has a limited warranty of one year, several consumers have reported that it works just as well as a new model after a few years.

With an average star rating of 4.4, the sleek-looking oven has 23,500 reviews — 70% of which have 5-star ratings. One user wrote, "For the price, you're getting a reliable appliance that punches above its weight. It's compact enough for small kitchens but still spacious enough inside for most dishes." However, know this before you buy the microwave: It'll require more time to prepare complex dishes or large meals in a microwave this size, compared to ovens with higher capacity or wattage. So plan to adjust cook times accordingly!

An electric kettle is an easy-to-use home appliance that everyone should have. But if you're short on counter space, try Amazon Basics' 1.1 quart Stainless Steel Kettle. The 1500W device won't take up much room and you can wrap its cord around the 360-degree swivel base to reduce visual clutter. Customers also appreciate the practical size, the auto shut-off mechanism, and the small window with a printed measuring scale. 

With more than 33,000 reviews, this electric kettle maintains an average 4.6-star rating, 80% of which are 5 stars. One user shared, "This unit is compact and stainless finish, easy to clean and it heats up water in moments. I usually use it for up to 2 cups of water and it takes less then two minutes. It doesn't take up a lot of counter space due to the smaller size. Absolutely perfect for me and you would love it too!" A few reviewers complained about the kettle being a little loud when boiling water, but for the vast majority of customers, this doesn't seem to be an issue.

Do you or your kids love having crispy waffles for breakfast? A dedicated waffle iron can be a game changer — and if you're short on space, Dash's Mini 4-inch Waffle Mold is a great compact option. It only takes up about 6.4 inches of your counter space or can easily be stashed away in a drawer after use. Even though its size is perfect for small kitchens, you'll have to cook several batches to feed a few adults. If that's the case, be prepared for some extra effort.

With more than 183,100 reviews, this waffle maker has an average star rating of 4.6 stars, and 79% of those are 5-star reviews. Singing its praises, one verified buyer wrote, "This Dash Mini Maker for pancakes is an absolute delight! It's small, practical, and its vibrant red color makes it a very attractive addition to our kitchen. What I love most is its compact size. It's so tiny that you can store it almost anywhere, which is a huge plus for those with limited counter or cabinet space." Reviewers also rave about the iron's easy cleanup and non-stick plates. You just need to unplug the device, give it a few minutes to cool down, and dampen a paper towel or non-scratch dish sponge to get rid of the residue. Don't put it the iron under running water, or it may damage the waffle maker and cause it to stop working prematurely.

If prepping your meals takes longer than the actual cooking, an electric food processor can come in handy. If you want to avoid bulky models that eat up counter space, consider Hamilton Beach's Electric Vegetable Chopper home. Measuring 5.2 by 5.9 by 8.5 inches, it occupies very little real estate in your kitchen, and you can even detach the bowl from the motor for easy storage. Powered by a 350-watt motor, the device can process up to 3 cups of fruits, veggies, chocolates, herbs, or nuts in a single batch.

With nearly 34,000 reviews, this small but mighty chopper has a 4.6 average star rating with 80% of reviewers giving it 5 stars. One satisfied customer wrote, "I was super impressed by this mini food processor! It works really well for the size and the price. It's also small enough to keep on the counter even when I'm not using it! I've used it for everything from vegetables to nuts and it chops all of it perfectly." For the best results with this processor, avoid overfilling the glass jar or dropping in large chunks of meat; chop them into small portions first.

When you can't house a full-size stand mixer in your kitchen, Hamilton Beach's 6-Speed Electric Hand Mixer handles baking tasks like a pro. The 250-watt motor is adept at mixing, whisking, and folding with its whisk attachment, as well as two beaters. The body of the mixer snaps on as the lid to a storage case for the included attachments and cord. You can either keep the whole thing on your counter or easily tuck it away into a drawer or cabinet.

Over 64,000 users have reviewed the appliance and 76% of them have given it 5 stars. As such, its average star rating is an impressive 4.5. Sharing why the hand mixer is ideal for small spaces, one reviewer stated, "I don't have room to store a huge stand mixer. This is a great little mixer with plenty of power, and it doesn't take up much space. It is a great value." Despite its pros, a few users mentioned that the wire whisk broke after only a few uses — so that attachment may not be suitable for very thick batters. 

The 2-Slice Slim Toaster from Bella's Fits-anwhere line is designed to save at least 50% more space than other models from the brand. The appliance is impressively narrow at only 3.6 inches wide and can fit in snuggly on your countertop or even a cabinet. Worried about whether your bread will fit? Its unified 10-inch slot can hold two slices without issue, though reviewers note that it works best with smaller loaves. Many users like the six shade settings, which let them customize their toast to their liking. 

Reviewed over 8,600 times, the slim toaster has an average star rating of 4.3, with 71% of consumers awarding it 5 stars. One first-time user of the toaster wrote, "I bought this toaster to replace an older one that just took up too much counter space. My San Francisco apartment is so tiny! I didn't expect that I would get such superior toast in half the time of my previous toaster." While the small footprint does well in small spaces, a few consumers did raised concern about the lightweight toaster's fragility — something to keep in mind for households with heavy toaster use.

To curate this list of the best small-space kitchen appliances, we began by identifying the most commonly used categories of small kitchen devices. From there, we searched for top-performing tools in each category on popular retail platforms, like Amazon. We considered a manufacturer's claims and the warranty details to shortlist our initial picks. And then, we looked at each device's dimensions and ease of storage to determine whether it was truly a good option for a small space. Based on this data, we only chose products with a minimum of 8,500 reviews and average star rating of 4.3. Finally, we analyzed organic customer feedback to better understand an appliance's pros and cons prior to recommending it.