A small kitchen can be both a blessing and a curse. Many homeowners tend to focus on the negative aspects and as a result kitchen extensions are very popular. However, there could be benefits in preserving a tiny kitchen. This post delves more into the pros and cons.
The benefits of a tiny kitchen
Small kitchens that use the work triangle layout (a triangle between the oven, sink and fridge) can actually be incredibly efficient. You can quickly switch between cooking, rising/draining and fetching/returning refrigerated ingredients without having to move around much. Larger kitchens can sometimes lose sight of this and you can spend a lot of time walking around.
A small kitchen can also discourage clutter. You’re less likely to hoard canned foods or buy equipment you’ll never use, because there simply isn’t the space. The kitchens force you to focus on what you actually need. They’re also easier to clean because there are less surfaces to get grubby.
If you’ve been thinking of extending your kitchen, sticking with your current kitchen could save you money. There are many ways to make the most of a small kitchen without extending such as increasing the height of cabinets, choosing stackable kitchenware and buying a kitchen sink cover to provide additional temporary countertop space.
The drawbacks of a tiny kitchen
Small kitchens can limit the types of equipment and appliances you are able to have in your kitchen. You may have to sacrifice a dishwasher, settle for a smaller fridge and say no to a slow cooker or air fryer simply because you don’t have the space. For those with baking hobbies, it could be a real struggle to store all the ingredients and equipment you need, plus you have to make do with an undersized oven.
Small kitchens also make cooking with other people a challenge. You’re bound to constantly be getting in each other’s way, plus there may not be enough countertop space for you to both prepare food at the same time. You could also find a small kitchen chaotic in the morning if you have a large family who are all trying to get their breakfast at the same time.
Kitchen extensions remain one of the most popular home extensions. They may cost a lot to undertake, but they can add a lot of value in many cases. Besides, you don’t have to extend your kitchen outwards. If you have an adjacent dining room or living room, it may be possible to extend your kitchen inwards by knocking down any internal walls in the way and potentially extending a countertop to create a breakfast bar.
Conclusion
Sticking with a small kitchen can have its benefits. Everything is easily accessible and you’re less likely to hoard stuff that you don’t need.
However, for many people, a larger kitchen has more benefits. You’re not restricted as to what equipment and appliances you can buy, more people can use it simultaneously and you may add value to your home.
