Storing Fridge Freezer and Microwave in a Tiny Kitchen
Downsizing to a smaller living space can be an adjustment, especially when it comes to outfitting your kitchen. Finding room for essential appliances like a fridge freezer and microwave may seem next to impossible in a tiny kitchen. However, with some planning and clever solutions, you can create a functional space that makes the most of every inch.
The key is optimizing your layout and selecting compact, space-saving appliances. Custom built-in cabinetry and storage solutions allow you to tuck these appliances away, keeping counters clear and your small kitchen organized. With a few decor tweaks to enhance the illusion of space, your tiny kitchen can be both beautiful and perfectly practical.
Researching Space-Saving Fridge and Microwave Options
Start your small kitchen fridge and microwave planning by taking detailed measurements of the space you have available. This will determine what size appliances make sense for your room layout. Consider traffic flow through your kitchen as well - you don't want the fridge or microwave placement interfering with your normal cooking work triangle.
Choosing a Compact Fridge Freezer
Look for apartment-sized or mini fridge freezers around 3 to 4 cubic feet. Top freezer models take up less space since they don't require as much clearance for the door to open. Measure corner spaces - you may be able to tuck a small corner fridge freezer on a diagonal that takes advantage of otherwise unusable space. An 18-inch wide unit can often fit in snug corners.
Finding a Microwave to Fit
For a small kitchen, a compact countertop microwave with 0.5 to 0.9 cubic feet capacity should suffice. There are also space-saving over-the-range and built-in microwaves designed for 20-24 inch cabinets. These allow you to save precious counterspace by installing the microwave in an upper cabinet. Low profile models take up less vertical room.
Prioritizing Efficient Design
Look for Energy Star rated models of both fridge and microwaves to save on utility costs. Well-designed units allow you to get full functionality out of a small appliance. Seek models with features like reversible doors, adjustable shelves, and interior lighting that make the most of the capacity.
Creative Built-In Storage Solutions
One of the best ways to maximize every inch while keeping your kitchen looking neat and tidy is to incorporate built-in cabinetry or other storage solutions for your fridge and microwave. While custom cabinetry is ideal, there are DIY options and pre-made products that offer convenience on a budget.
DIY Fridge and Microwave Cabinets
For a custom look, build a recessed cabinet with a fridge freezer on the bottom and microwave on top. Size the cabinet box openings to the exact appliance dimensions. Install shelves above for extra storage. You can add sliding baskets that pull out for easy access to contents. Decorative vent grates allow proper airflow.
Prefab Storage Combinations
All-in-one fridge and microwave combo cabinets provide storage and appliances in one space-saving piece. Look for solid wood construction and adjustable/removable shelves to customize configurations. Wheels add convenience for moving for cleaning behind the unit.
Microwave Oven Cabinets
Another option is a wall-mounted microwave cabinet designed to integrate seamlessly with surrounding cabinetry. These units have a standard microwave cutout size and provide storage space above and below the microwave. They help disguise the microwave within your cabinet design.
Open Shelving Solutions
Installing floating shelves or a wall-mounted rail system with adjustable shelves is another way to gain storage and free up counterspace. You can use one shelf for the microwave and others above for food, dishes, or small appliances. Make sure to anchor shelves properly into studs.
Complementary Storage for a Tiny Kitchen
Once you've found a home for the fridge and microwave, look at ways to add function to the rest of the compact kitchen. This ensures everything has a place so counters stay clear and locating items is easy.
Extra Small Appliance Storage
For items like the toaster, coffee maker, and blender, install under-cabinet shelves for an out of the way spot. You can also find corner storage solutions or mounts that take advantage of vertical real estate. An appliance garage keeps these items hidden away in a slide-out drawer.
Maximizing Cabinet Organization
Add pull-out shelves and Lazy Susan turntables in corner cabinets to access items in the back. Install pan organizers, knife blocks, and racks to keep contents organized. Drawers for utensils and pots & pans should be deep enough to hold items efficiently.
Open Shelving Near Workspace
Floating shelves or rail systems also work well for dish storage near the sink. Limit items to everyday essentials you use most. Baskets or bins keep items separated. A hanging rail under the shelves can hold cooking tools.
Decorating Your Tiny Kitchen
Small touches in your kitchen's style and decor can help expand the feel of the space visually. Bright, neutral colors like white or light gray reflect light to make walls appear farther away. Glossy subway tile and backsplashes also lend a sense of spaciousness.
Thoughtful Lighting Choices
Strategic lighting makes a big impact in a small kitchen. Windows and skylights introduce natural light. For dark corners, under-cabinet lighting illuminates countertops and workspaces. Mini pendant lights centered over islands save space while adding style.
Mirrored Backsplashes
Mirrored backsplashes double the appearance of space, reflect light, and add a touch of glamour. Pair with warm white bulbs to avoid a sterile look. Use sparingly on one wall or focal area so the effect isn't overwhelming in a tiny space.
Multi-Purpose Furnishings
Opt for stools that tuck under counters rather than bulky chairs and a table. A rolling butcher block or cart serves as extra food prep space that can move out of the way. Floating shelves rather than clunky cabinets keep the room looking light.
Maintaining a Functional Flow
No matter how small the kitchen, you can make it work efficiently for you with some planning and daily habits that maximize your storage solutions.
Establishing Work Zones
Define work triangles for food prep, cooking, cleaning, and storage so you aren't zigzagging across the room. Place items used together in close proximity - pans near the stove, utensils by prep space. Keep things you access regularly in prime spots.
Editing Down Clutter
Be ruthless in evaluating your belongings and keeping only essential kitchenware. Donate or trash unused items. Store bulky appliances you rarely need to free up everyday storage. Organize contents so you know exactly what's on hand.
Implementing Storage Routines
Always put items back in their designated spots after using them so clutter doesn't accumulate. Assign meals for leftovers to be eaten within 3 days and toss older items from the fridge. Take a few minutes each night to tidy and reset your kitchen for the next day.
Look at the recipes you make most and consider ingredient substitutions to minimize specialized equipment needs. For example, use a basic sheet pan and cooking rack rather than a multitude of baking sheets. Get creative multitasking with the appliances you do have space for.
Even the smallest kitchen can deliver full function with some strategic planning and daily habits. Your fridge, microwave, and other essentials can be incorporated seamlessly so you have an efficient cooking space you enjoy using every day.