Ever vacationed in a hotel with a compact kitchen? If so, then you’ve seen a kitchenette. These smaller cooking areas are the epitome of functional simplicity and are a popular choice for some residents. If you’re wondering, “what is a kitchenette” and the difference between a kitchenette vs a kitchen, then keep reading. Here’s your comprehensive guide to all things kitchenette and how to create one of your own.

What Is a Kitchenette?

Think back to the college days when all you had in your dorm was a microwave (and ramen noodles). This compact area, though much smaller than a kitchenette, was ultra-conservative on space yet still functional.

Kitchenettes are similarly small space-focused, but they provide all the basic necessities you’d want from a kitchen. These small cooking areas are perfect for those who live in smaller homes or apartments or are not so keen on entertaining. If you live alone or with one other person, kitchenettes work great to save on space while still offering the chance to make a delicious meal that doesn’t consist of heating up a styrofoam cup.

Kitchenette vs Kitchen: What’s the Difference?

As mentioned, kitchenettes are a much smaller version of kitchens. These compact spaces only include select appliances and do not have all the space or layout normal kitchens have.

Kitchens contain large appliances such as full-size fridges and ovens, a plethora of cabinetry, and spacious countertops. A kitchenette trims down these features to better fit a simpler space, but doesn’t minimize the hearty meals or comfort food you can enjoy. These areas are simple and include a mini fridge (opposed to a full-size one), a microwave, and counter space about four feet long.

There’s no one-size-fits-all when it comes to the exact kitchenette size, but most range for 60” to 65” in length. Kitchenettes are typically built in a straight line, as in the picture above, so there’s no walking to different areas as you would in a kitchen.

Because they are so compact and fit on one wall, a kitchenette’s size is perfect for hotels, small apartments, or dorm-like living areas to keep everything in one place.

What Does a Kitchenette Include?

Since kitchenettes are all about necessities, these compact cooking areas do not include a full-size oven, large fridge, or dishwasher.

Here’s what you can expect to see in a kitchenette:

Mini Fridge: Keep your beverages or leftovers cold with a mini fridge. Kitchenettes still provide the use of a fridge, just on a much smaller scale than the full-size version regular kitchens use.

Microwave: Versatility is a must for kitchenettes since they allow you to maximize your compact space and avoid getting into a meal rut. Microwaves are used to reheat food you previously cooked and to heat up pre-made dinners. Since microwaves have a lot of usage opportunities, they’re must-have kitchenette staples.

Toaster Oven: Similar to a microwave, a toaster oven is another necessity to have in a kitchenette since it’s super versatile.. Toaster ovens are a condensed alternate to a full-size oven that lets you still bake your favorite dishes but in a smaller space.

Sink: Kitchenettes include sinks for you to wash your dishes, fill up pots, or wash your hands. To optimize the minimal countertop space kitchenettes include, many kitchenettes have a sink at one end and then a longer counter to hold other appliances or prep certain dishes.

Hot Plates: For your noodle dishes or other recipes that call for a burner, hot plates are great to keep in kitchenettes. Hot plates are shaped like griddles and are about the same length, but instead come with two burners to heat your cookware. Once you’re done cooking, these are easy to store away to free up your kitchenette’s minimal countertop space.

Fun extras to keep in a kitchenette for endless cooking possibilities include:

Pressure Cookers: Cook as quickly in your kitchenette as you would in a full-sized kitchen with a pressure cooker. These handy kitchen appliances don’t consume too much space, which is perfect for kitchenettes, so you’re still able to enjoy delicious meals and use space sparingly.

Slow Cooker: Still enjoy hearty dishes in your kitchenette with the inclusion of a slow cooker. These cooking appliances are capable of cooking a lot of dump-and-go dinners that don’t require a lot of space to prep.

Electric Kettle: You can make your favorite pot of tea without the help of an oven burner thanks to an electric kettle. Just fill with the right amount of water per your recipe and let the kettle heat up the water on its own until it’s time to pour into your cup.

Tip!

Don’t forget to stock up on kitchen utensils to enjoy your culinary creations!

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So, what is a kitchenette? Now that you know, it’s time to cook in style at home!

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