In kitchens where counter space is limited, managing clutter is essential to keeping surfaces clear and functional. Small appliances often contribute to this clutter, but many can be neatly stored away when not in use. Frequent-use items like coffee makers may stay out, but less-used tools can find a dedicated spot off the counter. Discover practical storage ideas that will help declutter your kitchen counters and allow you to focus on your cooking and baking activities.
Swing-Out Cabinets
John Granen
Corner cabinets can be tricky to manage when organizing kitchen items. Installing swing-out shelves can simplify storage for small appliances and bulky items like pots and pans. This efficient design helps you access items like your blender with ease.
Add Shelf Risers
Panichgul Studios Inc
If you have floor-to-ceiling cabinets, consider designating a spot for small appliances. Use higher shelves for displaying items like bowls and cake stands, while base cabinets can hold less frequently used tools, such as a slow cooker. Storing heavy appliances on lower shelves simplifies handling. To maximize space, install shelf risers so you can stack appliances efficiently.
Store Seldom-Used Items Up High
Marty Baldwin
For appliances like a bread maker or juicer that aren’t used often, store them on higher shelves to free up space. If your pantry has empty top shelves and you’re okay with using a step stool, this is an ideal spot. This keeps your countertops and frequently used lower cabinets clutter-free.
Tucked Away Appliances
Kim Cornelison
For a clutter-free kitchen, install cabinets that conceal more than dishes. Store large items like microwaves and espresso machines behind cabinet doors to keep things tidy. Ensure there are electrical outlets nearby for easy access when you need these appliances.
Create a Breakfast Spot
Kimberly Gavin
To make mornings easier, create a dedicated breakfast spot for essentials like a toaster and blender. Store these in a countertop-height cabinet with a handy outlet. Slide them out for use, then put them away to keep your kitchen neat and organized.
Add a Lazy Susan
Marty Baldwin
Walk-in pantries provide excellent storage but often have challenging corner shelves. A Lazy Susan can maximize these areas, making them ideal for storing round appliances like rice cookers, pressure cookers, or air fryers, keeping them out of sight yet accessible.
Group Items by Task
Anthony Masterson
Organize your kitchen by grouping similar items together for easy access. Designate a cabinet for task-specific appliances and tools. Store larger items like juicers or food processors on lower shelves, while keeping lighter tools like citrus squeezers in a drawer above.
Make a Coffee Nook
Emily Followill
Create a cozy coffee nook for an easy start to your day. Use a cabinet with sliding or hinged doors to store essentials like a coffee maker, teapot, electric kettle, and microwave. Organize mugs nearby, keep coffee beans in airtight canisters, and display tea bags for a charming café atmosphere.
Streamline Food Prep
Anthony Masterson
To streamline food prep, keep essentials within reach. Place a recessed microwave near the pantry for quick access when making oatmeal or popcorn. Store a stand mixer and its accessories on a shelf with your baking supplies, keeping ingredients and tools conveniently together for impromptu baking.
Toaster Storage
Anthony Masterson
Keep your kitchen tidy by storing your toaster in a small cubby with a flip-up cabinet door. Make sure the wiring is accessible for quick and easy use.
Designate an Alcove
Adam Albright
Set up a designated alcove in your kitchen for small appliances. Repurpose unused corners for items like the coffee pot and grinder. Customize colorful shelves for your cooking essentials, whether it’s for mixing bowls or storing wine.
Open Shelves
Andreas Trauttmansdorff
Stainless steel appliances add a timeless touch to kitchens. Use open shelves to display these appliances and enhance visual interest. The seamless look between your microwave and shelving makes accessing appliances easy for everyone, whether reheating leftovers or making a snack.
Add an Appliance Garage
Alise O’Brien Photography
Appliance garages provide a great way to store small kitchen devices, keeping awkward-sized units hidden but accessible. These versatile cabinets can be designed to blend seamlessly with existing kitchen cabinetry.
Pop-Up Mixer
Gordon Beall
Pop-up mixer stands provide a convenient storage base for stand mixers in lower cabinets. Easily pull out the shelf when needed. This practical solution saves counter space and makes it easier to use the mixer for baking.
Flip-Top Cabinetry
John Bessler
Flip-up cabinetry allows for easy access to small appliances, with doors out of your way while preparing coffee or breakfast. Use a nearby drawer for essentials like silverware, measuring spoons, and napkins, keeping them within easy reach.
Roll with It
Better Homes & Gardens
Inspired by rolltop desks, this storage solution features a rolling door for small appliances. When opened, the door virtually disappears, offering plenty of workspace. It’s ideal for frequently used items, as the door stays out of the way, even if left open.
Pullout Shelf
Greg Scheidemann
A pullout shelf offers both effective storage and easy accessibility, keeping appliances tucked away. Designate spots for each appliance to prevent tangled cords. Roll out the shelf when you need a mixer for cookies or a food processor for meal prep.
Island Hideaway
Werner Straube
Use traditional cabinetry in your kitchen island to discreetly store small appliances. Place equipment at the island’s end for easy access while keeping it out of sight. This setup helps prevent clutter on walls and countertops by housing items like microwaves within the island.
Practical Pantry
James Yochum
Dedicate an open shelf in your walk-in pantry for extra appliances. This setup saves kitchen space and keeps devices accessible when needed. Use adjustable shelving to fit appliances of different heights.
Custom Corner
Beth Singer Photographer Inc
Use vertical shelving to reduce countertop clutter and save space. Install an embedded outlet for convenient access to items like a toaster, blender, or juicer. This corner-friendly design maximizes your kitchen’s storage capacity.
