Top 40 Cooking Utensils for Small Kitchens
- Rowan Finch
- Sep 26, 2024
- 7 min read
Photo: Pixel-Shot / stock.adobe.com
Living in a small kitchen doesn’t mean sacrificing the quality or variety of your meals.
The key to maximizing your space is choosing versatile, space-saving utensils that can handle multiple tasks without taking up much room.
Whether you’re a beginner cook or a seasoned chef working in a cozy kitchen, having the right tools can make a world of difference.
In this list, we’ve compiled 40 essential cooking utensils that are perfect for small kitchens, offering functionality without clutter.
1. Collapsible Measuring Cups
Why you need it: These measuring cups are designed to fold flat, making them easy to store in even the tightest of kitchen drawers. They save space without compromising precision, ensuring you get accurate measurements every time for both wet and dry ingredients.
2. Compact Knife Set with Storage Block
Why you need it: A compact knife set provides all the essential cutting tools without dominating your countertop. The block is slim and fits in small corners, giving you access to high-quality knives while maintaining a tidy kitchen.
3. Folding Cutting Board
Why you need it: This cutting board folds in half, making storage a breeze in narrow spaces. Plus, it’s designed to allow easy transfer of chopped ingredients directly into your pan or pot, minimizing mess and maximizing efficiency.
4. Mini Food Processor
Why you need it: Ideal for small kitchens, this mini food processor handles chopping, blending, and pureeing without the bulk of a full-sized appliance. It's great for making sauces, dips, and small batches of food, and it easily fits in your cabinets.
5. Stackable Mixing Bowls
Why you need it: These space-efficient mixing bowls nest inside one another, conserving valuable cabinet real estate. With multiple sizes for all your mixing, prepping, and serving needs, they’re an essential tool for any compact kitchen.
6. Silicone Spatulas
Why you need it: Flexible and heat-resistant, silicone spatulas are perfect for scraping bowls, mixing ingredients, or folding batter. They take up minimal space in your drawer and are gentle on non-stick surfaces, preventing scratches.
7. Foldable Dish Rack
Why you need it: This dish rack folds flat when not in use, freeing up valuable counter space. It’s ideal for drying dishes or even utensils over the sink, keeping your kitchen clutter-free when meal prep is done.
8. Magnetic Measuring Spoons
Why you need it: Magnetic measuring spoons snap together for easy organization and prevent losing individual pieces. Their slim design fits neatly in drawers or can be stored on a magnetic strip, keeping your kitchen organized and efficient.
9. Collapsible Strainer
Why you need it: This strainer flattens to just a few inches thick, taking up significantly less space than traditional colanders. It’s ideal for draining pasta or rinsing vegetables, making it a must-have for small kitchens with limited cabinet space.
10. Mini Whisk
Why you need it: A mini whisk is compact yet effective, perfect for smaller jobs like whisking eggs, sauces, or dressings. Its small size means it fits easily in drawers, and it’s easier to clean and store than larger whisks.
11. Compact Grater
Why you need it: This handheld grater is great for grating cheese, zesting lemons, or shredding vegetables without taking up too much space. Its compact design makes it easy to store in a drawer or hang on a hook, keeping your countertops clutter-free.
12. Stackable Tupperware
Why you need it: Stackable food containers make the most of limited cabinet space and help you organize leftovers efficiently. They’re essential for meal prep, storage, and keeping your kitchen tidy and organized, even in small areas.
13. Drawer Organizers
Why you need it: Keep your utensils neat and accessible with adjustable drawer organizers that maximize small spaces. They ensure that every tool has its place, helping you maintain an orderly kitchen, even when space is limited.
14. Multi-Purpose Kitchen Scissors
Why you need it: Kitchen scissors are incredibly versatile, functioning as a knife, herb cutter, and bottle opener all in one. This multifunctional tool reduces the need for multiple gadgets, saving both space and time in your small kitchen.
15. Rolling Pin with Adjustable Rings
Why you need it: A rolling pin with adjustable rings eliminates the need for multiple pins of varying thicknesses. This space-saving tool ensures consistent dough thickness and fits easily in a drawer or small cupboard.
16. Over-the-Sink Cutting Board
Why you need it: This space-saving cutting board extends over your sink, providing extra prep space in a small kitchen. It's perfect for preparing fruits, vegetables, and meats without taking up valuable counter space.
17. Handheld Immersion Blender
Why you need it: A handheld immersion blender is a compact and versatile tool that blends soups, sauces, and smoothies directly in pots or bowls. It eliminates the need for bulky countertop blenders, making it ideal for small kitchens.
18. Magnetic Knife Strip
Why you need it: A magnetic knife strip mounts to the wall, saving valuable counter and drawer space. It keeps your knives organized, sharp, and easily accessible while freeing up space for other kitchen essentials.
19. Stackable Steamer Basket
Why you need it: This steamer basket nests inside your pots, providing a convenient way to steam vegetables, seafood, or dumplings without adding bulk to your kitchen. It's perfect for small kitchens where space is a premium.
20. Measuring Cup Set with Pour Spout
Why you need it: Measuring cups with pour spouts make it easy to transfer liquids without spills. The set stacks together neatly, saving space in your cabinet while ensuring precise measurements for your recipes.
21. Compact Egg Slicer
Why you need it: A compact egg slicer cuts eggs perfectly for salads and sandwiches in seconds. It’s small enough to fit in a drawer and saves you time and effort during meal prep, making it a handy tool for tight spaces.
22. Silicone Baking Mat
Why you need it: This reusable, non-stick silicone baking mat replaces parchment paper, saving space in your kitchen drawers. It’s easy to store and clean, making it both an eco-friendly and space-efficient choice for bakers.
23. Compact Digital Kitchen Scale
Why you need it: A small kitchen scale helps ensure precise measurements for recipes, especially in baking. Its slim design makes it easy to tuck away in a drawer or cupboard, perfect for small kitchens where counter space is at a premium.
24. Collapsible Steamer Insert
Why you need it: This steamer insert collapses flat, saving space in your cabinets. It’s great for steaming vegetables or seafood in pots, adding versatility to your cookware without crowding your kitchen.
25. Adjustable Measuring Cups
Why you need it: Adjustable measuring cups allow you to measure multiple quantities with a single cup, reducing clutter in your kitchen. They save space by eliminating the need for a full set, making them ideal for small kitchens with limited drawer space.
26. Flat Grater with Multiple Blades
Why you need it: This flat grater comes with interchangeable blades, allowing you to grate, slice, and zest with one tool. It’s slim and easy to store in drawers, making it a space-saving alternative to bulky box graters.
27. Collapsible Measuring Cups and Spoons Set
Why you need it: Both the cups and spoons in this set collapse flat, making them incredibly easy to store in even the smallest drawers. They’re perfect for measuring both wet and dry ingredients without taking up much space.
28. Compact Spiralizer
Why you need it: A handheld spiralizer takes up far less space than traditional spiralizers and allows you to create vegetable noodles without cluttering your kitchen. It’s an excellent addition for health-conscious cooks who want to make zucchini or carrot noodles.
29. Silicone Basting Brush
Why you need it: This small, flexible basting brush is perfect for applying marinades, oils, or sauces without making a mess. Its compact size makes it easy to store, and it’s dishwasher-safe for effortless cleanup.
30. Nesting Measuring Cups
Why you need it: These nesting measuring cups fit inside each other, saving valuable space in your drawer. They’re essential for any kitchen and ensure precise measurements for both cooking and baking.
31. Magnetic Tongs
Why you need it: These tongs come with a magnetic clip, making them easy to attach to the side of your refrigerator or a magnetic strip. This feature keeps them accessible without cluttering your drawers.
32. Collapsible Salad Spinner
Why you need it: A collapsible salad spinner helps you wash and dry greens without taking up a lot of storage space. When you’re done, it folds flat, making it ideal for small kitchens where space is limited.
33. Compact Potato Masher
Why you need it: This potato masher has a folding handle, so it fits easily into drawers when not in use. It’s perfect for mashing potatoes, avocados, or other vegetables without taking up valuable counter space.
34. Clip-On Strainer
Why you need it: This clip-on strainer attaches directly to your pot, allowing you to drain water without needing a full-sized colander. Its compact size saves space and reduces the number of bulky items in your kitchen.
35. Small Ice Cream Scoop
Why you need it: A small, sturdy ice cream scoop is great for portioning out ice cream or even cookie dough. Its compact size fits easily in drawers, and its sturdy design ensures it lasts for years.
36. Multipurpose Utensil Holder
Why you need it: A small but efficient utensil holder can keep your most-used tools in one place on your countertop, without taking up too much space. It helps keep your kitchen organized and ensures everything is within easy reach.
37. Stackable Colanders
Why you need it: These colanders nest inside each other, saving space in your cabinets. They’re perfect for draining pasta, rinsing vegetables, and more, without cluttering your kitchen with unnecessary bulk.
38. Multi-Blade Herb Scissors
Why you need it: These scissors come with multiple blades, making it easy to chop herbs quickly and efficiently. Their slim design fits easily in drawers, and they eliminate the need for multiple cutting tools.
39. Small Silicone Hot Pads
Why you need it: Silicone hot pads protect your counters from hot pots and pans while doubling as trivets or jar openers. Their small size makes them easy to store, and they’re much more versatile than traditional cloth potholders.
40. Foldable Splatter Screen
Why you need it: This foldable splatter screen prevents oil or sauce from splattering while cooking, keeping your kitchen clean. It folds flat for storage, making it an ideal addition to small kitchens where every inch of space counts.