15 Useful Kitchen Finds for a Small Apartment

A small apartment kitchen quickly shows which items deserve their space. These practical finds are selected for compact storage, everyday usefulness, or the ability to do more than one job.

Storage that uses vertical space

1. A magnetic knife strip , clears the counter and a drawer at the same time.

2. Cabinet shelf risers , a second level for plates and bowls.
3. Under-shelf baskets , hang from a shelf and hold foil, wraps, or napkins.
4. Over-the-door pantry organizer , spices, snacks, and small jars off the counter.
5. Wall hooks for mugs , frees a whole cabinet shelf.

Things that do double duty

6. A Dutch oven , soups, bread, pasta, roasts. One pot instead of four.
7. Nesting mixing bowls with lids , mixing bowls and storage containers in one stack.
8. A cutting board that fits over the sink , instant extra counter space.
9. A kettle that also holds a temperature , tea, pour-over coffee, and blooming yeast.

Small-kitchen cooking tools

10. An immersion blender instead of a countertop blender.
11. Half sheet pans that nest inside each other.
12. A compact dish rack that rolls up and slides beside the sink.

Fridge and pantry

13. Stackable glass containers so leftovers actually get eaten.
14. A lazy Susan for the corner of the fridge where things go to be forgotten.
15. Clear bins for the freezer so you can see what's in there.

Practical tip: Add one thing at a time and use it for two weeks. If it doesn't change how you cook, return it.