8 Space-Saving Tools for Small Kitchens

Living in a New York City apartment means making the most of every square inch — especially in the kitchen. Between the limited cabinet space and countertops that double as prep stations and storage, I have to be very selective about what earns a permanent spot in my kitchen. Recently, I’ve found a handful of thoughtfully designed tools that fold flat, nest together, or make use of overlooked vertical space. Some live in my drawers, others hang on my refrigerator, and a few have helped me reclaim precious cabinet space. Shop Williams Sonoma collapsible measuring cups, Our Place miniature cookware, and more kitchen finds that help me maximize storage without sacrificing functionality — starting at $17.

Best Space-Saving Kitchen Tools

• Bella 2-Piece Compact Masher and Whisk Set, $15 with coupon, originally $20 at amazon.com
• YouCopia StoraBag Food Bag Dispenser, $25 at williams-sonoma.com
• Yamazaki Magnetic Paper Towel Holder, $26 at nordstrom.com
• Bella Snack-n-Store Mini Waffle Maker, $17 at amazon.com
• Our Place Tiny Cookware Duo, $125, originally $135 at fromourplace.com

Traditional measuring cups can take up a lot of drawer space, and mine always seemed to get tangled with other utensils. I decided to ditch the bulky cups and grab this collapsible set that folds nearly flat when not in use. The cups and spoons still provide accurate measurements, but they take up a fraction of the drawer space.

I don’t use a potato masher or whisk every day, so dedicating drawer space to these famously bulky utensils never made sense. This compact set is the perfect solution. The masher folds flat, and the flat whisk twists into a balloon whisk, so I can mash avocados and mix up salad dressings without taking up an entire drawer.

Before finding this dispenser, I had half-empty cardboard boxes constantly sliding around my shelves. This organizer neatly stores plastic storage bags in multiple sizes, making it easy to grab what I need while freeing up drawer and cabinet space. 

Counter space is precious in my apartment, so finding another place to store my paper towels was a game-changer. This magnetic paper towel holder attaches to the side of my refrigerator, instantly moving the bulky roll off the countertop. It’s one of those small upgrades that makes a surprisingly big difference.

Small appliances can quickly overwhelm my tiny kitchen, but this itty-bitty waffle maker has earned its spot. It has a compact footprint and takes up far less storage space than the traditional versions. I also love that it includes a built-in cord storage compartment, which eliminates tangled-wire chaos.

As someone who typically cooks for one or two people, I rarely need large pots and pans. This tiny Our Place cookware set is designed specifically for smaller portions, making it ideal for apartment living. The pieces are lightweight, easy to store, and don’t monopolize valuable cabinet space. I keep them out on the stove for everyday tasks like heating soup, cooking grains, or frying a single egg.

My refrigerator is constantly packed with groceries and seltzer cans, so every bit of organization helps. These rolling can dispensers keep drinks neatly lined up and automatically push the next can forward when I grab one. They make better use of limited shelf space and eliminate the clutter of loose cans rolling around the fridge.

Once you’ve used up all your cabinet space, this countertop shelf creates an additional layer of vertical storage without requiring installation. I placed it above my microwave to store my fruit bowl and a couple of frequently used spices. It’s a simple way to keep more of my essentials within reach.