The Tiny house Blog

Kitchen Essentials For Tiny Homes: What Every Homeowner Needs

By
Jason Francis
Designed and built over 100 custom tiny homes, lived on a sailboat for 9 months, and loves to live life to the fullest with his wife and their 4 kids.
Updated on:
June 8, 2023
tiny house kitchen

With such limited space, it can be difficult to figure out which kitchen essentials every homeowner actually needs. In this article, we will discuss the must-have items for any tiny home kitchen. Whether you're just starting out or are an experienced tiny homeowner, having the right tools and equipment is essential for maintaining a functional kitchen.

We'll cover the basics of what you should have in your kitchen and why they're important for keeping your home well-stocked and organized. Read on to find out what you need!

Cookware

First things first, let's talk about cookware. If you’re looking to have a well-rounded kitchen then cookware will become the cornerstone for your craft.

Let’s start with pans. Every kitchen space needs at least three nonstick pans. A large, medium, and small one to facilitate any amount of food you may need to cook while retaining the option for easy cleanup. Trust us, the nonstick is worth it when you don’t have to waste most of your night scrubbing off burnt-on food remnants from your pans. 

Pots should also be considered when purchasing cookware. Having a plethora of pots makes cooking any kind of pasta or soup a breeze so that you don’t have to go through the rigamarole of constantly washing your pot as you try to complete just one dish.

Last but not least, something that often comes in handy when cooking is a good old-fashioned baking sheet. These can come in a variety of sizes and are indispensable if you plan on cooking anything with your oven. 

Necessary Appliances

When it comes to kitchen essentials for tiny homes, appliances are an absolute must. 

A fridge is a necessity to keep food fresh and drinks cold. Stovetops, microwaves and ovens are also essential for preparing meals. Smaller versions of these appliances are available, such as mini-fridges and countertop stoves.

In addition to the major appliances, smaller kitchen tools can be very helpful in a tiny home. A good blender or food processor can save time when making smoothies or pureeing ingredients for sauces and soups. Hand-held mixers can be used for baking quick bread or whipping up egg whites for a soufflé.

Installing one of many fire system solutions is also a must, but this inclusion is often overlooked. However, a small fire can completely decimate a tiny home, so it’s essential to be prepared in case it happens. Consider getting a sprinkler system, a fire extinguisher, and a fire alarm.

Investing in quality kitchen items may cost more initially but they’ll last longer and make cooking easier over time.

beautiful tiny house kitchen

Storage Solutions

When it comes to storage solutions for tiny homes, space saving is key. Furniture pieces with built-in storage are great options, such as ottomans with removable lids or couch with drawers underneath. Utilizing the walls and ceilings can also be a great way to increase storage capacity without taking up valuable floor space. Consider installing shelves, or hanging baskets and racks from the ceiling.

Maximizing the storage in your kitchen is essential for small living spaces. Look for appliances that have multiple purposes, like a blender that can also grind grains or an oven that doubles as a slow cooker.

You can also make use of magnetic strips above countertops to hang knives and utensils or install wall racks to store pots and pans. With a few creative ideas and some strategic planning, you'll be able to create more space in your tiny home without sacrificing the necessary items.

Compact Design

When it comes to tiny homes, space is of the utmost importance. Every square inch needs to be maximized to make the most of tiny living. Compact design is essential when looking for kitchen essentials that will fit into a tiny home.

Making a tiny kitchen work is all about compact appliances. Look for items like small refrigerators, portable microwaves, and mini dishwashers to conserve space. A fold-out countertop can also provide extra counter space when needed and can be easily tucked away when not in use.

Additionally, cabinets and drawers should have multiple compartments and deep shelves for maximum storage capacity without taking up too much room. Making thoughtful choices about the layout of your kitchen can help you create an efficient space even within confined quarters.

Utilize vertical space as much as possible by hanging pots, pans, and utensils on walls or inside cabinets. Consider getting creative with storage solutions such as hanging baskets or magnetic strips for knives – anything that will maximize your usable surface area while keeping everything organized.

Multipurpose Items

If space is limited, it pays to have items that can do double duty! Multipurpose items help tiny homeowners get the most out of their small spaces. From kitchen tools to furniture pieces, there are plenty of options available to consider.

A good place to start is with a multi-function appliance like an air fryer. Not only does it reduce countertop clutter and free up storage space, but it also provides a variety of cooking options. An air fryer allows you to bake, grill and roast food without requiring extra cookware or utensils. It’s a great way to save energy while still enjoying delicious meals.

Another necessity for tiny homes is a table that can be used as both a dining area and workspace. A folding table or table with adjustable legs is ideal because they can easily be stored when not in use. Having one versatile table eliminates the need for two separate tables and gives homeowners the flexibility to arrange their furniture according to their needs.

These are just a few ideas for incorporating multipurpose items into your tiny home setup. With some creativity and resourcefulness, you can make sure your kitchen essentials serve multiple purposes and maximize the potential of your small space.

colorful tiny home cabinets

Waste Management Strategies

Tiny homes are all about optimizing space, but that doesn’t mean you can’t still keep things neat and tidy. Practicing effective waste management is an easy way to make sure your tiny home remains clutter-free.

Let's explore some strategies for making sure your kitchen trash is managed efficiently. One of the most important steps in kitchen waste management is to have proper storage receptacles. You'll need a small garbage bin and a compost bin with tight-fitting lids to reduce odors and prevent pests from getting in.

Be sure to choose a garbage can that fits both the size of your kitchen and the amount of trash you produce, while opting for a compost bin made with durable material that won't easily break down over time. It's also wise to take out the trash regularly so it doesn't pile up or spill over.

Setting up a weekly schedule for taking out the trash will help you stay organized and ensure your kitchen stays clean. Additionally, if you have a yard or balcony, consider reusing food scraps as fertilizer or composting them outdoors—it's an easy way to reduce your environmental impact!

Conclusion

When it comes to designing a kitchen for a tiny home, the most important thing is to make sure you have all the essentials. With just a few smart choices and some creative planning, you can create a functional and stylish kitchen in a small space.

From choosing appliances that fit perfectly in your kitchen to ensuring you have all the necessary cooking supplies and storage solutions, there are many things to consider when setting up a tiny home kitchen.

The good news is that with the right planning and preparation, you can make sure your tiny home kitchen meets all your needs without breaking your budget. With careful consideration of what you need and what will work best in your space, you can create an efficient, affordable, and stylish tiny home kitchen that'll last for years to come.

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