



When it comes to tiny cooking spaces like studio apartments or even dorm rooms, simplicity is key. A lack of storage and countertop space makes it imperative that all cooking items be compact, multifunctional and aesthetically pleasing (no one wants to have to look at ugly gadgets on display 24/7). And while some people may eschew small-space cooking tools altogether, I am of the belief that there are a few truly fantastic core gadgets that are worth the investment and precious kitchen space. It’s easier than you might think to get creative in the kitchen with just a few versatile items.
Whether you’re a gourmet home cook or a beginner who wants a few essential tools at your disposal, there’s something for you. Below, I’ve rounded up a selection of must-have cooking gadgets for small spaces, from retailers like Amazon and Target. They come at a range of price points and are a must for recent grads, newlyweds and people looking to add to their cookware collection without taking up a ton of space.
Promising review: "Most [used] device in my kitchen. Fast, super easy to use, super easy to clean. Makes health shakes in 30 seconds…way better than cheap blenders I had before. So happy I bought this." — Amazon customer
Promising review: "Amazing. I use this almost daily. It cooks a quesadilla in minutes. The cheese is perfectly melted, with the outside lightly crispy. So worth it. It’s also very nice looking and giftable." — Heather
Promising review: "I moved in to my condo with no built in microwave, but also limited counter space. This little microwave is super stylish but also gets the job done. I don’t know that it would be the best for someone who does the majority of their cooking in the microwave but works great for reheating and daily use!" — allison867
Promising review: "I love this little hot plate; I have ordered two if them. My range stopped working - not that I was utilizing it- yet I find that two of these items are enough for us. Boils water, steams veggies, cooks soup, rice, pasta (using a lid always); then I use them to fry or sauté; pudding or krispy treats… these cover my needs. ( Also, using silicone pads to protect counter from heat or spills)" — Bcase
Promising review: "I love this! I use it almost every other day. It’s super easy to clean and very compact. — Eunice R.
Promising review: "I am quite the home cook, but I never used a pressure cooker. Nobody in my family used one, and they seemed just dangerous to me. However, the Instant Pot has been a sensation for quite awhile now, and there are so many wonderful recipes that call for the Instant Pot, that I did my research and decided to buy this one. I bought a smaller one because there are only two of us, sometimes three, but I didn't want something too big... I've had it three days and used it every day so far! I made chicken chili, which is to die for. The cooking time is so short, but the flavors melded better than if I had cooked it for hours! The next day, I made pulled pork, and, chef's kiss! So tender and juicy. I have never cooked such a great pork loin before. As I write this, I have just made teriyaki chicken thighs. I thickened the sauce and put it on the chicken, and now I'm waiting for the rice to cook. In less than fifteen minutes total, I will have perfect rice! This is the best thing ever! I thought I was the queen of the air fryer, but I think now I will hardly touch the thing. I will be cooking everything in my wonderful new instant pot! If you are on the fence, as I was, I suggest you jump in and get one." — Frances Brunner
Promising review: "Gave this to a friends daughter that will be leaving for College soon. She loves to cook so I also gave her a one pot cookbook to go with it. She absolutely loves it!!" — elidobie
Promising review: "I had never used a French press until recently traveling in the Netherlands where they had one in our apartment. I always heard people rave about the coffee and the easy process. I loved it! ... Instead of saving a cup from the morning and microwaving it (I know, I know, that's a sin!), I decided to get this smallest version of the Bodum French press. It works just like the larger version and makes delicious coffee. Note that they refer to a 'cup' of coffee as 4 oz, where I drink a 'mug' of 8 oz. It will brew a full measuring cup, which is 8 oz. You get a little less after you press it. Advantages are that your one cup is always hot, clean up is easy, and my husband who drinks decaf can brew a cup whenever he likes. I did find the glass to be a bit thinner than the larger version, and even though I used boiling water, my coffee was not extremely hot. ...This would be great for travel too. I'm glad I got it." — JRM
Promising review: "I've used this multiple times every day for nearly a year and am completely satisfied. It will boil up to a liter (4 cups) of water in no time at all. The pouring spout doesn't easily spill over so all the boiling water goes where it's supposed to and not on the kitchen counter or floor. Heating element is in the base so the bottom of the pitcher never gets too hot. I use this mostly to make pour-over coffee and while I initially thought a gooseneck spout would have been better after using this a few times I learned how easy it is to control pouring the water. Worth the money." — Tim Gier
Promising review: "My espresso machine broke and had to be shipped off for repair. It took weeks. To fill the gap, I bought the Essenza mini. I had used Nespresso when traveling and was pretty impressed. The Essenza was perfect for my needs. It is seductively convenient to use -- I found that I frequently went back for a second double espresso. Later, my kitchen was being painted and I was unable to use my espresso machine again. I had the Essenza out quickly, set up in my office, and I was happily continuing with my morning espresso. It is the perfect office or bedroom coffee maker. It is easy to use and takes up a small space. And, the coffee is good!" — SuzieQmom
Promising review: "These buys always seem gimmicky, but this one of those things that are just awesome. I had one just like it 10yrs ago, and had been accidentally thrown away during a move. And I hadn't stopped thinking about it till I bought this one (in a much prettier color). Works just like I remembered, easy to clean, and I adore these little sammiches that it makes. Use English muffins, add cheese to the bottom Muffin first, then Canadian Bacon or sausage patty add onion on top if you're into that. Then slide the disc closed, add butter for the egg, the fill that part just a little under half way with scrambled eggs. Add whatever seasonings prior. And then when it starts steaming, slide the top half of English Muffin on top of that egg fluff and close it again so it gets toasted. It won't burn the rest of it. Sounds silly but this thing I'd awesome." — Lauren McGowan
Promising review: "I was immediately impressed with the overall look & rich vibrant color just pulling it out of the box. Knowing its light weight and half the size & price of a typical toaster oven, I expected the quality to be somewhat cheap & it to be more of a cool novelty item. I was amazed when I figured out its sturdy, just as powerful as a full sized toaster oven, & cooks faster too. I'm so happy with it, I replaced the full sized with it & now have room for a coffee station!!!"— Jayme A.
Promising review: "I love the size which works well for me. I’ve prepared chicken wings, pork chops, tenders, etc. Takes up very little room and is really easy to clean. Nice addition to my kitchen." – Rena C.
Promising review: "My husband and I are empty nesters and bought the Mini Dash Steamer as a small rice steamer for two. We also own a small Dash Air Fryer and love it for many things (french fries, crispy Asian beans, crispy brussell sprouts, roast potatoes, etc.). In the steamer, we made perfect sushi rice in the inauguaral run, but I tried a few things the next day from the included recipe book. I'm in love with the Dutch baby, a kind of Yorkshire Pudding pancake, and made two perfect versions. Next I tried Eric Kim's steamed Korean eggs, which he formulated for the microwave. Works just as well in the Mini Dash Steamer! Next up is herbed polenta." — BethM