The Best Space-Saving Kitchen Tool Ideas for Small Kitchens

Though I have a spacious kitchen by city standards, space is still at a premium. To accommodate the near-constant flow of kitchen gear into my apartment — after all, I test it for a living — I go to extreme lengths for any extra inch of open space. For example, whenever I can, I opt for space-saving tools to maximize my kitchen storage and countertops. 

The good news is that many compact tools do as good a job as their full-sized alternatives, often for a fraction of the price. For under $2 apiece, I replaced bulky versions with collapsible funnels; for the cost of three lattes, I can make unlimited espresso at home with this petite coffee maker. If you’d also like to make the most of your kitchen, shop my list of nine space-saving kitchen tools I use. While most of them are under $25, I included two splurges that are worth their weight in gold — read on to find out what they are.

Best Gadgets for Small Kitchens at Amazon

I will shout about dish drying mats from the rooftops until everybody has one. I had a plastic monstrosity for years that was not only an eyesore, but also took up precious space right next to my sink. I swapped it for low-profile microfiber mats and haven’t looked back. They offer enough space to dry sheet pans and stockpots, and they’re nearly invisible when not in use. This one from Umbra has a built-in dish rack with slots for drying plates upright.

Vacuum sealers are highly underrated tools for the home cook. I use mine to maximize the life of marinated ingredients, freezer meals, coffee beans, and more. I wish I could trade in my full-size sealer for this compact version, which attaches to its branded bags to efficiently remove excess air. The sealer comes with 30 bags, which makes this tool an even better deal.

Kitchen funnels are useful for neatly decanting oil or spices into narrow-mouthed containers, but storing their bulky, conical forms without wasting space can be near impossible. Save precious real estate with these collapsible funnels, which fold down flat.

Not only do these stainless steel measuring cups and spoons nest within each other for compact storage, but they also come with a leveler. It’s perfect for scraping off excess flour or sugar for more accurate measurements.

Dreamfarm’s clever flat-folding juicer, or “Fluicer,” won our citrus juicer testing. I love not only the space-saving design — the juicer folds completely flat — but also how efficiently a single press removes every last drop from limes, lemons, and even quartered oranges. It catches seeds and pips and directs juice in a neat, controlled stream.

I swear by mini wire whisks for daily tasks, like beating a couple of eggs for breakfast or whisking together a vinaigrette for a salad. These handy whisks come in three lengths but are all slim enough to fit into cups and jars for just the right amount of dressing for lunch.

I’ve stashed several of these lightweight turntables on my pantry shelves. Now, I’m able to fit all my cans, jars, and boxes into the limited space, yet I can still see and reach everything. For just $8 each, these turntables are a steal.

This immersion blender may seem like a splurge, but here’s why it’s worth it: With its interchangeable attachments and accessories, it does the work of multiple appliances. You can ditch the full-size blender, since the blade can go directly into a pot for silky-smooth soups or smoothies. Instead of a food processor, use the chopper blade and bowl to quickly blitz nuts and cheese. And since it comes with a whisk attachment, you can whisk whipped cream, egg whites, or creamy dressings without dirtying another tool. Plus, the whole thing packs down slimly for compact storage.

I’ve adored Bialetti’s petite stovetop espresso maker for years — point of fact, my moka pot has crossed states and changed apartments with me. I love that it only takes up a few inches of space on my stovetop or in my cupboard, plus it makes remarkably smooth, rich coffee.