Where should small kitchen appliances go when not in use?

Knowing where to store small kitchen appliances when they are not in use can help keep your counters clutter-free and make your kitchen more functional. Some key questions to consider when deciding on storage solutions for small appliances include:

Should they be kept on the counter or stored out of sight?

Many people prefer to keep frequently used appliances like coffee makers and toasters on the counter for easy access. However, this can contribute to a cluttered look in a small kitchen. For a streamlined appearance, storing these items in cabinets or drawers when not in use may be best.

What types of storage options work best?

Appliances like blenders and food processors take up a lot of space, so slide-out shelves or pull-out cabinet organizers can optimize vertical storage. Counter top appliance garages or cabinets with doors can conceal smaller items.

Should appliances be stored near their power outlets?

Storing appliances near where they will be plugged in can save time and avoid cord clutter. However, the priority should be finding a way to keep the items neatly put away but still accessible.

Best Places to Store Small Kitchen Appliances

When looking for spots to store small kitchen appliances, consider these prime locations:

Drawers

Drawers are great for storing more compact appliances like hand mixers, electric knives, and sandwich presses. Choose a deep drawer near the prep area for food-related appliances. Add drawer dividers to keep items neatly separated.

Pull-Out Cabinet Organizers

Install pull-out organizers in corner cabinets or other unused spaces. Look for versions with adjustable shelves to accommodate appliances of different sizes. These make efficient use of vertical room in the kitchen.

Lazy Susans

A lazy Susan in a base cabinet or pantry provides easy access to appliances stored toward the back. The spinning trays let you see everything at a glance and pull out what you need without unstacking.

On Shelves

Open shelves can allow you to neatly display and grab small appliances you use often. Just be sure to style the space attractively. A shelf near an outlet is ideal for frequently used coffee makers and toasters.

In Pantries

Designate a spot in the pantry to corral small appliances like food processors, instant pots, and rice cookers. This gets them out of the main kitchen area while still keeping them handy. Mount hooks on the wall or door to maximize vertical storage.

Upper Cabinets

Less-used appliances can go in upper cabinets close to the ceiling. This clears counters and draws attention to more decorative items on open shelves below. Use risers or racks to stack appliances vertically.

Microwave Carts

A microwave cart on wheels provides flexible storage as well as extra counter space. Place small appliances inside when not in use. The mobility lets you move the cart as needed.

Creative Small Kitchen Appliance Storage Solutions

In addition to traditional storage methods, there are also some unique ways to neatly tuck away kitchen appliances:

Mounted Wall Rails

Install mounted rails or tracks on the wall to slide appliances back out of sight. Position at a convenient working height to make putting them away a breeze.

Under-Cabinet Organizers

Make use of the hidden space under cabinets with pull-down racks or baskets. Appliances can be stored vertically to maximize room. Just be sure to measure carefully when installing.

Inside Cabinets

Take cabinet doors off one base cabinet section to create an open-concept appliance garage. Add a curtain rod or cafe rods across the opening to hang utensils and conceal appliances pushed toward the back.

Repurposed Furniture

A small buffet, hutch, or armoire placed in a corner of the kitchen can serve as a cabinet for appliances. Choose a piece with shelves and doors to corral everything tidily.

Decorative Boxes

Rather than loose appliances strewn about drawers, place items in decorative boxes to keep better organized. Labeling the boxes makes finding what you need easy.

Cabinetry Built-Ins

For a custom look, have cabinetry designed with specific small appliance storage in mind. Built-in narrow vertical spaces for hand mixers, custom-height microwave cubbies, or outlets already installed in drawer units streamline organization.

Tips for Easy Access

The way you store small kitchen appliances matters just as much as where you choose to keep them. Follow these guidelines for genuinely functional and clutter-free organization:

Categorize and Group

Be methodical about what appliances go where. Keep all coffee and tea related items together, baking appliances in one area, etc. This creates a logic to where things belong.

Limit Counter Clutter

Only keep out the few appliances you use every single day. Have a rule that everything else gets stored out of sight to maintain clean counters.

Utilize Vertical Space

Stack appliances upright or install racks on walls or cabinet doors to take advantage of all the available space, not just the counter area.

Allow Breathing Room

Make sure appliances are not packed too tightly on shelves. Leave some clearance around them for hands to grip and easily remove items without knocking everything over.

Consider Ergonomics

Position frequently used appliances at a convenient height. Bending down or reaching way up high many times a day can lead to strain.

Have Electrical Access

Ideally, store appliances near where they will be plugged in. If this isn’t possible, extension cords and power strips can help bridge gaps to make using appliances more convenient.

Incorporate Motion Lights

Add battery-operated motion lights inside cabinets to illuminate contents and make grabbing what you need quicker. Look for small LED puck lights.

Add Labels

Include labels on storage bins, drawers, shelves, etc. to clearly designate spots for certain appliances. This keeps everything neatly organized.

Storing Specific Kitchen Appliances

Certain small appliances have particular storage needs. Here are tips for keeping some common kitchen tools organized:

Coffee Makers and Electric Kettles

These tend to take up a lot of precious counter space. Install under-cabinet hooks near electrical outlets to hang coffee makers and electric kettles vertically when not brewing. For a more enclosed look, store inside a cabinet or appliance garage fitted with an electrical outlet.

Stand Mixers

The bulkiness of stand mixers means they require quite a bit of real estate. Look for an out-of-the-way spot like deep lower cabinets, pantries, or slide-out trays where they can safely live without crowding other items.

Toasters and Toaster Ovens

Thanks to their boxy shape, toasters can squeeze into narrow spaces like on top of the fridge, a microwave cart, or small open shelf area. Toaster ovens need more ventilation room, so keep them in cabinets fitted with extra interior clearance or opt for an appliance garage setup.

Blenders and Food Processors

These tall appliances consume a lot of vertical room. Cabinets with pull-out shelves, deep drawers, lazy Susan, or interior racks can accommodate their height. Just be sure to measure first.

Slow Cookers and Pressure Cookers

The lid and inner pot make these a bit clunky to stash. Store them together in a designated drawer or cabinet spot so all the pieces stay together. For extra stability, place them in a bin.

Spiralizers and Slicers

These specialty appliances tend to be on the smaller side. Store them alongside other items used for food prep in a designated kitchen drawer. Dividers will help keep them from shifting around.

Immersion Blenders

Look for a narrow yet stable spot to stand immersion blenders upright when not in use. Canisters, crocks, or open shelf cubbies work well to corral the tall, thin shape.

Electric Griddles

It’s key to keep electric griddles completely flat for safe storage. Designate a spot on a low cabinet shelf or slide-out organizer rather than stacking vertically. Take care not to place anything heavy on top.

Keeping Appliances Organized

No matter where appliances are stored, organization is equally important to keep them neatly put away. Here are some strategies:

Use Bins and Baskets

Group like items in bins so they don’t get jumbled around drawers and cabinets. This also makes carrying appliances out for use easier.

Get Lid Organizers

Special racks neatly hold appliance lids, pots, and attachments so they stay with the main piece. Search for options made for your specific models.

InstallHooks

Hooks on the inside of cabinet doors or walls provide a place to hang items like hand mixers to save space. Look for versions with rubber tips to prevent slipping.

Add Dividers

Dividers in drawers keep appliances separated and prevent shifting around. Customize the spacing to fit your particular collection of appliances.

Contain Cords

Use wraps, ties, or clips to neatly contain appliance power cords. Cord storage hooks or boxes also help avoid tangles.

Invest in Storage Units

All-in-one storage centers with individualized spots for appliances can provide an organizational dream. However, these represent a bigger investment and footprint.

Get Creative with Spaces

Take inspiration from the space available. A wine rack or magazine holder can corral blender lids and attachments. Use a over-the-door shoe organizer for small utensils.

Conclusion

With some smart storage solutions and organization strategies, it is possible to keep small kitchen appliances neatly stashed away without sacrificing accessibility and convenience. Take time to assess your space, usage habits, and appliance sizes to find the approach that works best in your kitchen. Prioritize vertical storage as much as possible and add organizational accessories to optimize the room you have. Group items logically, contain cords, and incorporate labels for a clutter-free kitchen that makes cooking a pleasure.

Appliance Recommended Storage Solutions
Coffee Makers Under-cabinet hooks, appliance garage, cabinets
Toasters Top of fridge, microwave cart, open shelves
Stand Mixers Deep lower cabinets, pantries, slide-out trays
Blenders Cabinets with pull-out shelves, deep drawers, lazy susan
Slow Cookers Designated cabinet or drawer
Food Processors Vertical space like cabinets with interior racks

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