When looking for appliances for your tiny home, it is important to think about which ones will benefit you the most. Having too many appliances can take up valuable space and diminish the novelty of your tiny home. Most tiny homeowners discover they can live without common home appliances, like ovens, or have found alternatives that come with little to no inconvenience.
The best appliances for your tiny home will be the ones that will maximize space and power and be as eco-friendly as possible. There are many options for small countertop appliances, but for long time use, you want to invest in quality rather than quantity. You will want to conduct research to learn which appliances will be able to withstand everyday use for an extended period.
It is also important to make sure your house is equipped with the appliances you want. If you use a fully functioning stove and oven, ensure you have proper ventilation. If your tiny home is off-grid, you will need enough power to run all your appliances and anything else that requires electricity. How your tiny home is designed may help you decide which appliances are the best fit for your kitchen – and lifestyle.
Here is a list of some of the most common cooktop options for tiny homeowners.
Mini Ovens
Mini ovens are the best option if you want the convenience of a regular-sized kitchen, but don’t want your entire kitchen to be overtaken by the oven. These ovens range in size anywhere from under 12” to a little over 24” and come in both gas and electric. This will give you the same functions as an average oven but consume half the space.
All-in-one Kitchenettes
These units give you everything you need in one compact station. Most kitchenettes include a two-burner stovetop, sink, refrigerator, and storage cabinet. This is the best option for saving space but could require extra appliances if you need an oven or more than two burners.
Countertop Stoves
Another great option for saving space is a countertop stove. Most of these stoves have two burners and are powered by gas or electricity. These stoves are durable enough to keep in lockstep with your day-to-day cooking, and small enough to pack away if you need the space.
Countertop Ovens
If mini ovens are still too big for your kitchen, consider a countertop oven. Most countertop ovens offer the same functionality as regular-sized ones, including convection and broil settings, yet are compact enough to fit right on your counter. This is a great option if you love the practicality of ovens but want to free up your floor space.
Toaster Ovens
If you don’t want all the bells and whistles of a countertop oven, but still need the features of an oven from time to time, the toaster oven is the appliance for you! These ovens work best when cooking small portions, but are powerful enough to keep up with all your baking and toasting needs.
Air Fryers and Combination Appliances
The newest and hottest appliance on the market is the air fryer. While most people use an air fryer as a substitute for deep frying, it can also be used in place of a convection oven. There are also many brands that combine air fryers with other appliances such as microwaves and toaster ovens. These combination appliances are a great way to save money and space.
Grills
A great alternative to indoor appliances is an outdoor grill. Campers and outdoor enthusiasts have come to master the grill as a baking appliance and many tiny homeowners are adapting this skill. Gas grills are easier to use in this way because you have a little more control of the temperature, but with enough patience and practice, charcoal grills work just as well. Not only will this save you indoor space, but it will also give you an excuse to get outside and take in the fresh air.