Tiny kitchen design - would you go for more worktop space or bigger fridge/freezer

[Ditsy90print]

Teeny tiny kitchen (smaller than 2x2.5m) and essentially need to pick between having a tall fridge/freezer or worktop space. If we had a full heigh fridge freezer, the only worktop space would be above one cupboard and the adjacent corner (well and beside the sink but that would be draining board as no dishwasher). Only two of us, unlikely to have kids here. I am thinking a bigger fridge freezer is the best option but mindful we have very little worktop space and would then need to consider perhaps the microwave being wall mounted/in top cupboards to free up space.

[wellingtonsandwaffles]

You can get ovens with pull down tops for extra prep space. I have many friends who keep their microwaves in the cupboards / hallway / on a wall shelf etc too to free up space. Then definitely a pull out / down table top. But I’d go for a small fridge and get more workspace, definitely.

[TheTeddyBears]

You really need opinions from folk that have been there with teeny kitchen!

At first I thought no the fridge wld drive me mad it being so small and possibly effects you more often. But one tiny bit of worktop would also be so annoying. So long as u have enough room to prepare food without hitting ur elbows off walls etc then I'd probably still go for the fridge!

[MuddlerInLaw]

You really need opinions from folk that have been there with teeny kitchen!

Why would you assume other posters are posting from a position of ignorance? The OP set out her problem very clearly in the title - so it’s highly likely that the vast majority of people who respond will be familiar with the problem from their own experience.

[RandomMess]

If C is where it's all window then I assume the doorway is D.

Another option is to have a corner sink where the washing machine is so it encroaches more onto wall C

You could run a half depth worktop along wall C - you would still have access to the washing machine.

[RandomMess]

Corner sink would give you a slightly U shaped kitchen. It also means you'd get a longer run of worktop together which is more useful than 2 small bits.

We have a hob top kettle (induction) so that's one less thing cluttering up the worktop. You can also get Quattro ovens which is microwave and normal oven in one.

[RandomMess]

Even if you switch your washing machine and sink around and used one of these you'd have more available worktop www.amazon.co.uk/Adjustable-Drainer-Organization-Stainless-Size≤40inch/dp/B08FMTM72Y/ref=asc_df_B08FMTM72Y/?amp%3BlinkCode=df0&amp%3Bhvadid=535848997407&amp%3Bhvnetw=g&amp%3Bhvrand=6877964408849765035&amp%3Bhvdev=m&amp%3Bhvlocphy=1006854&amp%3Bhvtargid=pla-980045409769&amp%3Bpsc=1&tag=mumsnet&ascsubtag=mnforum-21#immersive-view_1663836857709

[Toddlerteaplease]

I have a tiny kitchen as well. Probably similar size to yours. I had a built in fridge freezer and a larder cupboard. I put a breakfast bar across the other wall. It works quite well. But only have room for kettle and coffee machine. Toaster and everything is in the cupboard, including the microwave.

[Weefreetiffany]

My first flat had a tiny kitchen- 180 across the back wall the. A 60cm hob with 40cm either side on the other. Under the job was the oven and freezer (which felt so weird, but there was some kind of heat proof material between them) on the other wall was the sink, fridge and a cupboard, and cupboards across the top. It worked at the time for two people. Maybe take some inspiration from Japanese kitchens?

for your lay out make sure you get the best corner cupboard solution you can as those things are annoying if not. Something that works for you.
id only do one wall run of cupboards above counter. Maybe with a handy shelf underneath for things you don’t want out on the counter all the time.
can you have a peg board or some rails on the free wall to hang pans etc?
finally have you seen under counter draw style fridge and freezers? Could be a useful option, with only two of you plus occasional guests, you don’t need a huge fridge or freezer or a “statement one”, you need work surface

[RandomMess]

I have to agree that corner cupboards do not provide much storage at all regardless of what "solution" option you have.

I would reconsider rejigging things completely. Perhaps actually have a corner sink there 🧐 pull out larger/pan drawers hold so much more than any cupboard.

One friend had the slimmest pullout larder in existence but the amount it held was amazing.

[trulyconfuseddotcom]

How about something like this? It has a corner sink cupboard, and you can have your draining board area to the left of the sink (went for a single sink to create more worktop) but it needn't take up the whole bit of worktop - then your kettle and toaster could sit in that corner maybe. Or you could get an undermount sink and have draining grooves in the worktop so it is dual purpose, or you could do what we did when we had a tiny kitchen and a tiny budget and have a dish drainer that sat on top of the worktop and drained into the sink which meant we could move it off the worktop when we wanted more space, rather than have a permanent draining area taking up space all the time. It has a wall cupboard with a microwave housing too. You'd need to get some filler panels for that bit to the right of the sink, but it gives you a little more elbow room for doing the washing up. Depending on your ceiling height, you could maybe look at taller wall cupboards too.

[Randomword6]

Are you near shops? I find we are out every day and don't really need the freezer option. I suppose planning for the apocalypse may be a factor.... 😅

[Pasadenadreaming]

I hate shopping and get big weekly deliveries, and like to batch cook, so for me the fridge/freezer would probably take priority. But it depends on your lifestyle really. I once lived in a flat with a teeny kitchen and moved the tumbledrier into the hallway and had an oven top protector to get more work surface space.

[Ditsy90print]

Thanks for all the useful suggestions, much appreciated! I am leaning towards more worktop and smaller fridge.. I guess we survive now with an undercounter fridge/freezer only now, and definitely considering an extra freezer in the hallway.

not sure that I could put a sink or anything on wall C, because the door is in line with the wall if that makes sense (window is slightly recessed but also very tall (starts at my knee). Perhaps could install something in the space but I think it would look a bit messy and not sure there would be space for both sink and draining board area.

[MuddlerInLaw]

Is the window a ‘feature’ - or just ‘there’? (Have been spending too much time with Old House, New Home!) Because if it’s not an important window could you have the lower end brought up to just above counter level? Then you’d have all of that wall to use.

[Calmdown14]

I have a small kitchen and went for worktop space.

Our freezer is in the adjoining room. I got the most basic Currys built in under counter (was about £100) and it is hidden in a cupboard with wooden worktop above. It is massive. Way bigger than the space in the fridge freezer we'd had before as all three drawers are full size.

It really doesn't bother us going a bit further to freezer as it's only once a day at most

[dizzyupthegirl86]

@trulyconfuseddotcom

How about something like this? It has a corner sink cupboard, and you can have your draining board area to the left of the sink (went for a single sink to create more worktop) but it needn't take up the whole bit of worktop - then your kettle and toaster could sit in that corner maybe. Or you could get an undermount sink and have draining grooves in the worktop so it is dual purpose, or you could do what we did when we had a tiny kitchen and a tiny budget and have a dish drainer that sat on top of the worktop and drained into the sink which meant we could move it off the worktop when we wanted more space, rather than have a permanent draining area taking up space all the time. It has a wall cupboard with a microwave housing too. You'd need to get some filler panels for that bit to the right of the sink, but it gives you a little more elbow room for doing the washing up. Depending on your ceiling height, you could maybe look at taller wall cupboards too.

So much effort, bless you! This doesn’t even look like a small kitchen with the way you’ve done it. I have a roll up drainer which goes over the sink, that’s really useful and means I don’t need a seperate drainer.

I’ve got a small kitchen, OP, though not as small as yours and I’d say the same as others - worktop space. My kitchen doesn’t feel like a small kitchen to me now coz I’ve got a decent amount of useful worktop space. I did have to give up my dream American fridge freezer but I’m used to it now.

[trulyconfuseddotcom]

@dizzyupthegirl86 Thanks! I was feeling quite stressed with some work stuff and actually found it weirdly relaxing and creative to address someone's random kitchen conundrum for a bit instead 😊

[RandomMess]

I don't think having one cupboard counter width along the window in front of it will look as odd as you think. If you look on Pinterest it does look fine so a corner sink there actually gives you a corner cupboard that has good access and you gain some more worktop.

[Choc2022]

More worktop. In this day and age assuming you have shops nearby shops are open 7 days ans groceries can be bought easily but not having worktop space will get fustrating. Even days when you dont want ro wash up straightaway or have leftovers or making tea for guests need SOME space.

Alternatively with our small kitchen we bought folding table that we used as extra space. So would cook and prepare and put tje bowls etc on the table. It really helped give us some extra space esp when hosting and pre paring food.

[SilentHedges]

Excellent diagram OP.

Make space in your kitchen for an upright fridge freezer. While I was house hunting (not flats with smaller kitchens), it was a complete deal breaker for me to see places with no space for an upright fridge freezer, or white goods in odd places or rooms. It looks crap and is inconvenient. Your kitchen isn't as tiny as I'd imagined at first, you have the space to make it work.

[Furries]

Top left-hand corner. Would it be possible to have oven/hob set into that corner which then gives worktop space either side? I’m useless at drawing, will try to find an example of what I mean.

[Furries]

Obviously, this is a bigger kitchen, but hopefully it gives an idea. Would then give you a bit more worktop space either side.

[Hairymaery]

What's the point having loads of food storage if no space to prep and cook it?

[Always4Brenner]

My new kitchen is tiny under counter fridge when I can get one so freezer in the living room I don’t mind that I want a tall freezer so that’s how it must be.

[Furries]

Re Wall C - is there any option of having a portable island unit? I know some people have suggested fridge freezer in a hallway etc. I’d rather have a unit a bit like this in a hallway (easier to “dress” if taking photos when you come to selling) and just wheeling it through to the kitchen as and when you need it.