Designing a compact kitchen doesn’t mean you have to compromise on style or functionality. With the right appliances, you can make the most of every centimetre, turning even the smallest space into a practical and welcoming heart of the home.
From clever small kitchen ideas to space-saving versions of everyday appliances, here’s how to create a kitchen that works most efficiently for you.
Washer-Dryers: Two Appliances in One
Laundry appliances can take up a lot of space, but a washer-dryer combine a washing machine and dryer in one compact unit. This 2-in-1 appliance is perfect for kitchens or utility areas where space is limited, giving you full laundry functionality without needing separate machines. |
Why they work well in small kitchens
- Ideal for flats or compact homes where space is limited
- Still offers plenty of drum capacity for everyday loads
- Energy-efficient settings help reduce bills and save water
With a small washer-dryer, you get a complete laundry solution in a single appliance - no need for a separate dryer or additional floor space.
Slimline Dishwashers
If you’re tired of washing up by hand but don’t think you have space, slimline models, usually around 45cm wide, still have the capacity to handle 9–10 place settings - making them ideal for couples or busy households who want sparkling clean results without compromise.
Benefits of choosing a slimline dishwasher:
- Frees up counter space by removing the need for bulky draining racks.
- Uses less water and energy than handwashing, helping you save on every day running costs.
- Available in freestanding or integrated designs to suit your layout.
- Slimline integrated models keep everything neat, practical, and family-friendly.
Single or Compact Ovens
Cooking in a smaller kitchen doesn’t mean giving up on versatility. A single oven rather than a larger double oven can still provide all the functionality you need for everyday meals.
Why a single oven makes sense:
- Fits neatly into standard 60cm housing without taking up extra space
- Multifunction settings mean one oven can roast, grill, and bake
- Perfect for everyday dishes without wasting energy on a bigger model than you need. Pairing a single oven with a compact microwave or compact oven with microwave gives you added flexibility, without taking up the extra space a double oven would.
Small Fridge Freezers
A small fridge freezer is one of the most practical ways to save space in a compact kitchen. With narrower widths and reduced depths, they still provide enough storage for fresh and frozen food, just scaled to suit smaller households.
Key advantages of small fridge freezers:
- Designed to slot neatly into tight spaces
- Available in under-counter, tall, integrated, or freestanding styles
- Total no frost options mean no wasted space with ice build-up so you'll never have the dreaded chore of defrosting your fridge or freezer again.
A tall fridge freezer or a slimmer fridge freezer can be a smart option, giving your kitchen a streamlined look while keeping everything within easy reach.
More Small Kitchen Ideas
Looking beyond choosing the right appliances for your space, there are plenty of simple ways to make your compact kitchen feel bigger:
- Opt for light colours that reflect natural light and create the illusion of a larger kitchen space Choose multifunctional appliances like washer-dryers or combi-microwaves
- Make the most of vertical storage to keep worktops clear and maximise efficiency
Finding the Best Appliances for Small Kitchens
Choosing appliances for a compact space doesn’t mean compromising.
With Hotpoint’s range of washer-dryers, small washing machines, slimline dishwashers, single and compact ovens, and both tall and small fridge freezers, you can enjoy all the functionality of a full-sized kitchen, all whilst being tailored perfectly to your home.
By combining clever small kitchen ideas with the right appliances, you can create a stylish, efficient kitchen that works for your lifestyle - no matter how much space you have.