Whilst big, fancy kitchen appliances like American style fridge freezers are popular at the moment, a lot of people don’t have the space for them. Over 20% of the population in the UK are living in flats, maisonettes or apartments. This means that they are likely to have smaller kitchens and don’t have the space for large appliances. However, having a smaller kitchen doesn’t mean that you need to miss out. There are so many appliances that are designed for smaller spaces and work just as well as their full size counterparts. 

How do I choose the right size appliances for my small space?

It’s crucial to measure your available space to ensure that you have enough room for your chosen appliances. You need to make sure you are taking into account any extra space needed for ventilation. Smaller kitchens can easily look overcrowded, so start by measuring your space and planning where your appliances will go. If you’re unsure about how much space each appliance needs, you can consult the user manual - most manufacturers will publish these online.

Fridges and freezers for a small kitchen

If your kitchen is so small that you can’t fit a freestanding fridge freezer in there, don’t worry! There are plenty of options available to you and you don’t have to worry about lacking storage space. Under counter appliances are a great option if your space is limited. Under counter fridges and freezers are compact refrigeration appliances that are designed to fit underneath kitchen counters. They provide convenient access to chilled and frozen items whilst saving space in your kitchen. One benefit of under counter appliances is that they won’t disrupt the design of your kitchen or make it feel overcrowded. Many people also like smaller fridges and freezers as it is easier to keep track of what is in there, minimising food waste.

If you have enough space, you can go for two separate appliances - an undercounter fridge and an undercounter freezer. 

Under counter fridges

The Willow W48UFIW 90L under counter fridge comes in three great colours - black, silver and white. It has two shelves, a crisper drawer and handy door storage. There’s also a 9L chill box. The reversible door means that you can transfer the bracket and hinge from one side to the other allowing you to have the door open on whichever side best suits your kitchen. 

Under counter freezers 

The Willow WUCFZ48W is a 60L under counter freezer with a 4* freezer rating. This appliance comes in black and white, so you can choose the best colour to suit your kitchen. There are three standard freezer drawers and a smaller top drawer which is ideal for ice cube trays or storing treats like ice lollies in the summer. Again, this appliance has a reversible door which is perfect for those with smaller spaces. 

Under counter fridge freezers

If you only have the space for one appliance, then you can get an undercounter fridge freezer. Willow’s 86L under counter fridge freezer comes in three colours; the WB50UCFF in black, the WG50UCFF in grey and the WW50UCFF in white. The 61L fridge has two shelves and a crisper drawer, plus door storage. The 25L freezer just has one roomy compartment with a 4* freezer rating and a door tray. These models all have convenient reversible doors. 

Microwaves

Microwaves are perfect for small kitchens as they are compact and versatile. They are small enough to fit on kitchen countertops without taking up too much unnecessary space. Some microwaves can also be wall mounted. 

Microwaves can also replace multiple appliances if you are that short on space. If you are looking for a way to quickly and efficiently cook meals, then a microwave is definitely something that you need in your kitchen. Combination microwaves are also available which can bake, grill and roast. If you don’t have the space for a separate oven or grill, then these are ideal. 

At Home Feeling we have a great range of microwaves in different colours.

Small kitchen appliances - tabletop dishwasher

Dishwashers

Some people feel like they can’t live without a dishwasher. They save time, energy and water and are more hygienic than hand washing. Plus, instead of cluttering up your kitchen with dirty dishes, you can load them straight into the dishwasher. If having a dishwasher is a non-negotiable for you, then don’t worry - there are still options for your small kitchen. 

Slimline dishwashers

Slimline dishwashers are simply narrower versions of standard dishwashers. They are typically 45cm in width and are designed to fit in smaller spaces and will easily fit under a kitchen counter. They will have all of the same great features as a standard dishwasher, they’re just smaller. The Willow WDW1045W is available in both white or inox, so you can match it to the rest of your appliances. It has 10 place settings which is ideal for either someone living alone who doesn’t want to run the dishwasher every day or a small family. The five wash programmes will allow you to choose the right setting depending on the load you are washing. The half load function also allows you to run a cycle that uses less water and less energy.

Tabletop dishwashers

If you don’t have enough under counter space in your kitchen, then you could consider a tabletop dishwasher. Tabletop dishwashers are super compact - usually not much bigger than a microwave. They often don’t require plumbing as they can connect to your kitchen tap and drain into your sink. If you’re looking to buy a tabletop dishwasher, always check the installation instructions to see if it’s suitable for your kitchen.

The Willow WTTD6W tabletop dishwashers are available in three colours; black, silver and white. They have 6 place settings which is ideal for smaller households. Although these dishwashers are smaller, you don’t need to compromise on function - they have 7 wash programmes including an eco function and delay start.

Tabletop dryers

If you have a small kitchen, then the chances are that you probably live in a small flat or house. If this is the case and you also don’t have a garden, then you may not have much space for drying your laundry. Clothes airers are a great invention, but they are often quite large and take up a lot of space. It also takes a long time for clothes to dry, especially during the winter. If you feel like you don’t have enough space for a tumble dryer, then you may want to consider a tabletop dryer.

Willow Appliances have two sizes of compact vented dryers, 2.5kg and 3kg. These come in black, white or silver, are small enough to sit on a kitchen countertop and are easily manoeuvrable. If you are considering one of these dryers, you need to ensure that you are able to vent them. You’ll need either an external wall or a window. You can read more about the best place to put your vented dryer in our guide. 

If you have any questions about Home Feeling's range of small appliances, please don't hesitate to contact us.