Cooking in a small kitchen can feel claustrophobic. You might wish for more counter space, a bigger stove, or extra cabinets. But here’s the truth: a spacious kitchen is great, but it’s not mandatory for great meals. With the right tools and a bit of creativity, you can prepare delicious meals with ease in a small space.
In fact, many cozy kitchens have been the birthplace of some classic meals, like the tasty fried ratatouille dish. Recipes like these prove that you don’t need fancy tools or a big kitchen to cook like a pro. In this article, we share practical tips to help you blend flavor and finesse in your cooking, no matter the size of your kitchen.
6 Tips for Cooking Like a Pro in Limited Space
Cooking in a small kitchen doesn’t mean you have to cut back on great food. With a bit of planning, organization, and the right approach, you can make the most of your space. Here are some tips to help you get started:
1. Use Vertical Storage
Install floating shelves, hanging racks, or pegboards to store frequently used utensils. You can also install magnetic strips on the wall to hold knives, and invest in nesting pots and pans to reduce cabinet clutter.
Storage containers are also handy for keeping dry ingredients fresh and making it easy to find what you need. Even the inside of cabinet doors can be used for small shelves or hooks to store measuring spoons or spices, keeping your counters clear.
2. Store Only Essentials
Stock only ingredients you actually use. Avoid buying specialty items unless you need them for a specific recipe. That way, you can lower your grocery costs and save valuable storage space.
To make things easier, take a regular inventory of your pantry and fridge. Knowing what ingredients you have makes meal planning easier and helps you stay organized.
3. Cook One-Pot Meals
Regularly cook meals that require only one pot, skillet, or sheet pan to minimize the clutter while you cook and make cleanup easier. You can make stews, stir-fry noodles, or baked dishes that combine carbs, protein, and vegetables in one go. These meals are easy to prepare, satisfying, and reduce the number of dirty dishes.
4. Use Multipurpose Appliances
Invest in utensils and appliances that can serve more than one purpose in your kitchen. Avoid fancy kitchen gadgets designed to perform only one function, like a tomato slicer or apple core remover.
A good chef’s knife can slice, dice, and mince ingredients with ease. A simple cheese grater will shred cheese, zest citrus, and even grate vegetables or frozen butter. Dutch ovens are versatile and can serve as both a soup pot and a roasting pan. Pressure cookers and slow cookers are also helpful for making stews, rice, and even desserts.
5. Prep Your Ingredients
Chopping, measuring, and organizing your ingredients in advance gives you more freedom to cook. Food prep helps you to avoid frantic multitasking while the stove is hot. You can also expand your prep area by using cutting boards designed to fit over stove burners or your sink. These boards maximize your available counter space, allowing you to chop and assemble ingredients comfortably, even in tight quarters.
6. Use a Mobile Kitchen Cart
Consider investing in a collapsible kitchen cart that you can wheel into the kitchen while cooking and tuck away afterward. Choose carts with shelves for storing dry ingredients and utensils, locking wheels that keep it stable, and hooks or sidebars to hang spatulas or towels. This set up makes it easier for you to access what you need.
Master the Art of Cooking in a Small Space
A small kitchen doesn’t have to hold you back from your culinary adventures. With practical habits and thoughtful equipment selection, you can create a functional and comfortable cooking space.
To create a well-organized kitchen, remember to:
- Stock up on essentials alone and use what you have to reduce clutter.
- Choose appliances that can perform different tasks and help you cook efficiently.
- Prep your ingredients beforehand to stay calm and organized.
