Mark Roemer image of a very tiny kitchen

A Few Remarkable Tips for Cooking in a Tiny Kitchen

I, Mark Roemer, know that if you have ever cooked in a small kitchen, you are well aware that it doesn’t take much to get things messy and very quickly. Cleaning as you go is essential, but even this does not solve all of the issues. You want more counter space, more elbow room, a better system — anything that would make cooking easier and a little more fun for you and your family.

Here are a few clever, simple techniques that will make cooking in your small kitchen a little more enjoyable, ranging from a quick cleanup concept to how to create additional temporary prep space in your kitchen.

Start by creating more prep space by using a burner cover or an over-the-sink chopping board.

Are you irritated by a shortage of counter space in your kitchen? Make a ruse out of it by placing a large chopping board on the stovetop or over the sink. When you’re in desperate need of more prep space, this is a terrific temporary solution to consider. If you have a large cutting board, you could set it over an open drawer and use it as a side table. Before chopping on it, make sure it is sturdy enough to withstand the pressure. You can never be too careful.

Peeling veggies over a paper towel makes cleanup a breeze.

When you only have a tiny amount of space to complete all of your preparation work, it is beneficial to rapidly clear the area for the next task once you finish one job. Peeling vegetables over a paper towel or a mat is one method of accomplishing this. You may pick up the towel (with the peels inside) and put it in the garbage when you’re finished. Counters are instantly cleaned!

Use a three-tier cooling rack to keep ingredients or finished dishes while being prepared.

Even though I’ve already discussed how fantastic tiered cooling racks are for small kitchens, you need to think outside the box and beyond just cookies to get the most out of them. Maybe you could use the rack to hold bowls of prepared ingredients or finished plates instead? Instead of strewing your dishes across your (valuable) countertop space, stack them vertically!

Instead of purchasing new tools and utensils, rinse and reuse your existing ones.

You have a large number of measuring cups, several cutting boards, and a large number of tasting spoons. While having a variety of alternatives while cooking may be convenient, it only makes cleanup that much more difficult! Instead, consider the following: Throughout the entire cooking process, use the same tools. When it comes to your mixing bowls, equipment, and utensils, rinse and reuse what you already have on hand rather than reaching for a new clean one every time you bake (and multiplying your mess).

Installing a taller faucet will make cleaning easier.

Most people have a problem when it comes to cleaning their giant stockpot after using it. Well, there may be a straightforward solution: Install a faucet that is higher up! Contrary to popular belief, installing a faucet is a relatively simple task suitable for renters of all experience levels. (If for any reason, you have a crazy landlord who prefers the crappier alternative, you can easily switch back to the old faucet before you move out.) As a result of replacing the faucet in my previous rental kitchen, I observed that my tenants were able to essentially quadruple the size of the pots and baking pans we could fit in the sink comfortably.

Utilize the capabilities of the world’s most popular multi-tasking device.

According to what I’ve previously said, an immersion blender is essential for any compact kitchen. As a piece of multi-tasking equipment, it may often take the place of several other larger, noisier appliances. Additionally, it is so simple to clean and reuse; it is an excellent tool to have around when you’re cooking in a small space.

Install a set of “drawers” to provide additional storage space in the space between the fridge and the cabinet.

Sara Kate Gillingham, the founding editor of The Kitchn, shared a simple small-kitchen tip with me back in 2013. Fill the space between your refrigerator’s top and upper cabinets with two 3-inch-deep hotel pans and use them as drawers for your belongings! The following is what she told NewYork.com about her workspace: “In one, I have my mandolin and my scale.” After that, I have some recycling bags and string in the other compartment. It’s inexpensive, and it’s also entertaining for designers to avoid having that ‘everyone went to IKEA’ appearance.”

Install a fold-down table for stowaway seats as well as more workspace.

It is necessary to have enough counter and floor space in a tiny kitchen to succeed. Is there a method to assist with this? A drop-down table can be hung on the wall. This can be a non-stop prep space when you need it, as well as a cute and cozy dining area when you don’t want to take up any valuable floor space.

To keep your paper recipes organized, use a magnetic knife strip.

Attaching a paper recipe to a magnetic strip on the backsplash or the wall closest to your prep space will keep it off the counter and in front of your eyes. You can also attach the recipe to your range’s hood using a magnet or a clip. You can add this suggestion to our ever-growing list of creative ways to use a magnetic knife strip in and around the kitchen.

Baking pans should be stored above the cabinets for convenient access.

When you’re cooking in a small kitchen, it’s unpleasant to feel like you’re always dealing with crowded cabinets, and it’s much more irritating to have to hunt around for a pan at the last minute. Save yourself the trouble and store your baking pans in the space above your kitchen cupboards. This will allow you to see all of your bakeware at a glance, saving you time and frustration. On the other hand, a stool may be required!

Conclusion

I, Mark Roemer, know that a small kitchen can be a bit of a hassle. However, if you simply follow the suggestions outlined above, I am sure you will have no problem overcoming your tiny workspace.