Are you creative in the kitchen? Sure, experimenting with new recipes or interesting foods is “creative.” But, I’m talking about a different type of creativity, the type that only comes from one thing: Working in a small space. You don’t get a pass on cooking just because you have a small kitchen. (Sorry, DoorDashers.) There are some challenges to get past for sure but you can whip up just as wonderful a feast in a small kitchen as you can in a large one.
The trick (there’s always a trick) is to find the right tools — the smart tools, even — to maximize your efforts. And, that’s what this list is all about. I’ve got smart ways to store your knives, storage solutions that take advantage of spaces you aren’t even thinking about, and even an option to get your water bottles and tumblers under control. (Step away from the new Starbucks cups, lady.) Small kitchen? Big opportunities. You’ll see.
Cuts Like A Knife
Say what you want, but knives are the workhorse of the kitchen and maybe the most important thing you own in that space. But, they can take up a lot of room. This magnetic knife block adheres right to your wall and displays your knives in an interesting (but also space-saving) way. This holder is made from durable, natural acacia wood, but you can opt for beech instead.
Basket Case
How do you store those small things in your pantry? Mine? They usually fall through the slats in my shelving to really complicate issues. These open-front storage baskets will corral everything from cans to those flimsy pouches of tuna. The best features of these bins are how they stack and the wide front opening so you can grab and go without making a mess.
All Bottled Up
Water bottle problems? And I’m not talking about leaking here. I’m talking about an overabundance of things. It’s undoubtedly a problem in my house — probably because I just can’t say “no” when I find a cute one. This water bottle organizer gives your collection some direction, with slots to hold from six to 24 of these suckers. You have space for more now? You don’t say.
SpongeHolder SinkPants
Where do you keep your kitchen sponge and why have sink manufacturers not figured out some genius way to store them? This over faucet sink caddy keeps your sponge within reach but stores it in a way that ensures it dries safely. You don’t have to stop at using these in the kitchen, though. This caddy would also be great in the bathroom, laundry room or garage.
Off The Shelf
What could you do with some extra strategically-placed shelves? These moveable storage racks are great for spices in particular but could be used for much more including those snacks you reach for frequently or K-cups for your coffeemaker. Because these are magnetic, they can be easily moved or repositioned on any magnetic surface from your refrigerator to your washer or dryer.
High And Dry
There are small kitchens and then there are small kitchens where there’s just enough room for a sink and a microwave. This dish-drying rack makes use of the little space you might have by sliding over the sink to give you room for dishes to air dry. It also doubles as a trivet for hot things or extra surface area when you’re cooking.
Shelf Life
You know that ledge above your stove? The one you’re probably not using for anything? You’re missing out on valuable real estate and this stove shelf gives you extra storage easily within reach. There’s zero installation required here thanks to its magnetic stick-and-go nature. Add your oil, vinegar, salt and pepper to the shelf and cooking has never been simpler.
Bag It Up
I hate plastic bags and you hate plastic bags but grocery stores love them. You can feel better about bringing them home if you’re “recycling” them by stashing them in this stainless steel bag saver. This will hold literally dozens of bags you can grab in a hurry for lunches, store returns or toting gear from here to there.
Go For A Spin
The space under your kitchen cabinets is a literal treasure trove of extra storage space but finding the right gadgets to make it work can be challenging. These rotating utility hooks are a great way to store your cooking utensils without taking up counter or drawer space. Each unit has six hooks and the entire thing rotates a full 360 degrees.
A Nice Rack
When it comes to kitchen organization, this over-the-sink rack might be the smartest invention ever. Space to let dishes air dry? Check? A spot for your soap and sponges? Check. Storage for cutlery? Check again. Anti-slip suction cups on the bottom and a 60-pound weight capacity make this the king of all-in-one kitchen storage and organizing. It’ll only set you back $37.
Clean Your Plate
I don’t care how small (or big) your kitchen is, you never seem to have as much cabinet space as you need. These upright dish racks maximize your cabinet space by letting you store your plates and bowls vertically so you don’t have to move all your bowls just to get to a single plate. (You know the struggle.) No installation is required here; just open and place.
Electric Slide
Is it just me or are kitchen appliances getting larger and heavier? If you’re a gadget junkie like I am, it can add up to massive storage issues — and quickly. These adhesive sliders let you store your appliances out of the way and then easily slide them out when you want to use them, whether you have a deep counter or deep cabinets. This purchase includes eight sliders, which could be enough for up to four appliances depending on size.
A Dry Run
Sometimes, you just have to say, “Oh, well!” to your small kitchen problems and get cute and creative with storage. This dry food dispenser is giving me continental breakfast vibes but is actually a genius way to free up space in your pantry (while making it easier for the little ones in your house to self-serve breakfast). Add cereal, nuts, candy, granola and more.
Talk Trash
This hanging trash can with lid might be my favorite product on this list because it’s just so smart (and because trash cans take up a ton of room). Mount it on the wall or hanging it over a cabinet door, which makes is even simpler to toss scraps and trash while you’re meal-prepping. Choose from gray or white; each has its own lid.
Flash In The Pan
If you have this many pots and pans, you’re either running a commercial kitchen or you’re a serious home cook. Regardless of your kitchen size, you can easily accommodate allll of the pots and pans with this pot rack organizer. It has eight tiers that can be adjusted to handle everything from the smallest skillet to your largest Dutch oven with ease.
Cutting Up
A cutting board is basically a kitchen necessity but it can take up a lot of room. This cutting board is a versatile piece that has a ton of built-in features like juice grooves, a handle for moving, a cut-out opening for moving ingredients and collapsible containers for storage. Reviewer love how sturdy it is and its usefulness for cutting up ingredients for recipes.
Cart Away
Don’t discount a rolling cart! Can you imagine what it would be like to have everything at your fingertips? It’s almost like your own personal sous chef. This rolling cart has four shelves in a super-skinny design that’s no slouch on storage space. Because it’s only five inches wide, it can go just about everywhere including between your toilet and vanity or between your washer and dryer.
Under Wraps
Foil and wrap and baggies, oh my! These tiny boxes can add up to a lot of storage space in a cabinet or drawer. This expandable organizer makes a great place to stash your favorite wraps and bags in a design that can be wider or more narrow depending on your needs. Snap it together and it’s ready to use, whether that’s in the kitchen or elsewhere.
Bowled Over
When you’re trying to conserve space, the word “nesting” is going to be your best friend. This nesting mixing bowl set has a few surprises built in. You can, of course, mix things up in these but you can also strain liquid with the colander or sift flour with the sifter. It even has a set of measuring cups and it all stores simply inside the largest bowl.
Store Away
Rice is nice, but space is the place. (It’s not my finest work but stay with me here.) These airtight containers are marketed for rice storage, but the possibilities don’t end there. Use them for grains, cereal, granola, oatmeal, and more, made simpler by the included measuring cups that snap right onto the containers. Pour spouts make it easier to transfer dry goods.
I’m A Little Board
Cutting board collector? No judgment here. I have a few including a really nice wooden one with juice grooves and a lovely marble one with my monogram gifted to me this past Christmas. This cutting board organizer makes a perfect spot for storage. It also doubles as a unique display for showcasing the beautiful wood designs many boards have these days. Grab it for less than $13.
Attached At The Hip
When I tell you my mouth dropped open when I saw this product, I’m not lying. As a loyal KitchenAid mixer user for more than two decades, I’ve accumulated a lot of attachments. These attachment holders capitalize (again!) on that space beneath your kitchen cabinets, giving you quick access in the moment. For less than $10, it’s a no-brainer if your mixer is your BFF.