Space Savers for Small Kitchens
There are all kinds of space saving utensils, gadgets, pots & pans, tools, etc. to save space in kitchens. These suggestions are my favorites.
If the gadgets or tools you use in your small kitchen are multipurpose, that’s a bonus.
For example, my cast iron skillets…I love them. I actually have three different sizes. They’re perfect for the stovetop because the heat is conducted evenly throughout the skillet. Plus, they’re easily moved into the oven.
I’ve had my skillets (pictured) for years but you can pick them up at flea markets, resale shops, thrift stores, or you can buy new cast iron skillets lots of places.
Amazon offers a Universal Housewares Pre-Seasoned Cast Iron 3 Piece Skillet Set
I like to sear either a beef or pork roast or brown pieces of chicken and then put the skillet in the oven with some root vegetables, and finish the dish in the oven. Yum!
Look for anything that “nests”…bowls, measuring cups, baskets.
My daughter has a set of nesting bowls like these and I liked them so much I bought my own! Got them at Cost Plus World Market (not an affiliate).
They’re big enough for a generous serving of soup or chili or cereal. I even zap oatmeal in these.
You can buy similar stacking mugs on Amazon. (affiliate)
Anything that nests is a good choice.
Nesting serve-ware, nesting cookware, nesting glassware…well, you get the idea.
Stacking containers are probably my favorite space savers.
Look for stacking containers with lids for your pantry and refrigerator.
Seriously, have you ever tried to stack something in your fridge on top of a bowl with plastic wrap or foil? I mean, that’s just asking for trouble!
Waaay better than plastic wrap or foil!
- microwave safe
- oven safe (not the lids)
- and freezer safe.
More Easy & Useful Ideas
HOOKS – I just can’t say enough good things about hooks in the kitchen.
Under the sink, inside cabinet doors, etc. Even inside cabinets either on the back wall or side walls. Removable hooks are the best.
The Kitchn recently posted an article 12 Ways to Use Command Hooks in the Kitchen and they’re all pretty darned good.
If you always prepare dishes in the same space or on a kitchen island, why not place hooks on the wall behind the countertop or on the side of the island for hanging measuring spoons and cups.
I have hooks just inside my pantry door for my aprons. Yes, I use aprons…I’m a good cook and a good baker but I’m messy!
POT RACKS are excellent space savers. They can be hung on a wall, the ceiling, over a kitchen island or above a cabinet.
OVER THE SINK CUTTING BOARDS. Great for a couple of reasons. You can prepare veggies or fruits and push the scraps right into the garbage disposal. Some of them fit on one side of the sink, beautifully, and offer an extra work surface!
You can buy collapsible colanders, collapsible graters, collapsible whisks…and probably a dozen more gadgets that are easy to store.
MAGNETIC STRIPS attached to the wall above your countertops can be used as a knife holder, for storing whisks and other magnetic tools.
You could use a strip to store magnetic spice jars. Some people put their magnetic spice containers right on their refrigerators. That wouldn’t work for me, though. Pretty sure I’d knock them off on a regular basis.
Multi-Purpose Storage Ideas for Small Spaces has additional ideas for kitchen storage. No gadgets in that post but great ideas to incorporate with the suggestions here.
Your thoughts?
So what other space-saving cooking tools do you think should be included, here. What works for you? I’d love to include your ideas so leave them in the comments or send me an email.
As always, thanks for stopping by…stay tuned!
