The Best Small Kitchen Cookware and Tools, From $7

Since moving to New York City more than 30 years ago, I’ve only ever lived in small studio apartments with tiny kitchens. I’ve switched apartments three times in three decades, and instead of paring down my kitchen essentials, I accumulated more along the way. But now I’m running out of space and ready to consolidate. Are two dinnerware sets really necessary? And why do I have two sets of cookware, plus a Dutch oven, and three random frying pans? 

Best Overall Products for a Small Kitchen:

• Le Creuset 5.5-Quart Enameled Cast Iron Signature Round Dutch Oven, $322, originally $420
• Nordic Naturals Jelly Roll Pan, $16, originally $17
• KitchenAid Classic Series 4.5-Quart Tilt-Head Stand Mixer, $260, originally $400
• NuWave Bravo Air Fryer Toaster Oven, $145, originally $170
• GIR Silicone Spatula Turner, $11, originally $13
• Victorinox Swiss Army Fibrox Chef’s Knife, $43, originally $61 
• Deayou 11-Ounce Stackable Drinking Glasses, $18, originally $21
• Henckels Razor Sharp Knives, Set of 4, $28, originally $47
• ComSaf Airtight Glass Storage Canisters, Set of 6, $37, originally $42
• Anchor Hocking 10-Piece TruSeal Glass Food Storage Containers Set, $29, originally $37
• Magnetic Spice Rack, Pack of 4, $40, originally $46

If I could do things over again, I would have kept it simple. That’s why I’ve compiled a list of items I think everyone with a small kitchen should keep on hand. They’re all on sale right now for as much as 40% off, including a do-everything Le Creuset Dutch oven, a space-saving Bodum French press, and drinking glasses that work as well for iced coffee as they do cocktails. See more of my small kitchen ideas below, starting at just $7.

Best Cookware & Bakeware for a Small Kitchen

I only use a few pieces of cookware and bakeware regularly, and each can perform multiple prep tasks. My Dutch oven is a true workhorse that will last forever, and my 10-inch ceramic skillet is sizable enough to scramble eggs or fry chicken cutlets. Nordic Naturals’ jelly roll pan is great for baking cookies or roasting vegetables, and I use USA Pan’s loaf pan for breads, loaf cakes, meatloaf, and small casseroles. My tea kettle is constantly boiling water for tea, cocoa, or French press coffee.

• Le Creuset 5.5-Quart Enameled Cast Iron Signature Round Dutch Oven, $322, originally $420
• Staub Ceramic 2-Piece Rectangular Baking Dish Set, $50, originally $100
• GreenPan Rio 10-Inch Ceramic Nonstick Skillet, $25, originally $30
• Nordic Naturals Jelly Roll Pan, $16, originally $17
• Tramontina Signature Tri-Ply Stainless Steel 2-Quart Sauce Pan with Lid, $38, originally $55
• USA Pan Nonstick Standard Bread Loaf Pan, $21, originally $22
• Susteas Stove Top Whistling Tea Kettle, $35 with coupon, originally $40

Le Creuset 5.5-Quart Enameled Cast Iron Signature Round Dutch Oven

Le Creuset’s Dutch oven is a kitchen MVP that can make hearty stews, prepare a pot roast, and bake a crusty loaf of sourdough. It heats quickly and evenly, and at 5.5 quarts, it’s the perfect size for small-batch cooking. The heirloom-quality pot looks striking on a stovetop, and it’s crafted from durable cast iron and scratch-resistant enamel, so it’ll last for years.

Nordic Naturals Jelly Roll Pan

I like cookie sheets because they’re so versatile. A jelly roll pan has raised edges and is slightly smaller in size than a half-sheet pan, but it can be used for baking chocolate chip cookies, preparing one-sheet dinners, and roasting meat. Shoppers agree that this one from Nordic Naturals is durable, reliable, and extremely useful. “Great for every use — in the oven, to catch spill-over from cobblers, as a tray to carry things to the grill,” said a shopper, who called the pan “excellent quality” and “easy to wash.”

Best Small Appliances for a Small Kitchen

When you have limited counter and cabinet space, it’s important to choose small appliances wisely. KitchenAid’s stand mixer will always have a spot on my countertop, because I use it regularly for mixing, whipping, and kneading ingredients. I swear by an air fryer toaster oven, which replaces multiple appliances and saves me from having to use my regular oven in the summer. Mini food processors and immersion blenders are good alternatives to larger models and are easy to store, and while I prefer French press coffee, I’ve also made space for this limited-edition Nespresso machine, which is versatile, convenient, and 22% off.

• KitchenAid Classic Series 4.5-Quart Tilt-Head Stand Mixer, $260, originally $400

• NuWave Bravo Air Fryer Toaster Oven, $145, originally $170

• Cuisinart Mini Prep Plus Food Processor, $43, originally $50

• KitchenAid Go Cordless Hand Blender, $110, originally $140

• Nespresso De’Longhi Vertuo Pop+ Coffee and Espresso Maker, $109, originally $140

KitchenAid Classic Series 4.5-Quart Tilt-Head Stand Mixer

KitchenAid’s 5.5-Quart Artisan Series Tilt-Head Stand Mixer topped our list of the best stand mixers, and this 4.5-quart model is just as worthy of a spot on your counter. This heavy-duty mixer can power through dense ingredients, whip egg whites to stiff peaks, and knead thick dough. It comes with a stainless steel bowl, a coated flat beater, a coated dough hook, and a six-wire whip; you can also buy attachments to grind meat, spiralize vegetables, and make fresh pasta or shaved ice.  

NuWave Bravo Air Fryer Toaster Oven

It took me a while to make the switch to an air fryer toaster oven, and I’m glad I did. I was able to get rid of an old toaster oven and a rarely used microwave, and I replaced them with something much more versatile that I cook with practically every day. NuWave’s air fryer oven is compact, easy to use, and comes with 12 preset cooking functions, including air fry, grill, toast, and bake. “This covers all our needs on so many levels,” said a shopper. “I cannot say enough good things.”

Best Tools & Gadgets for a Small Kitchen

My utensil crock used to have too many tools — who needs a pasta spoon? — but now it contains just a few essential items, including a silicone spatula for frying and baking, one sturdy wooden spoon instead of several cheap ones, a fine mesh strainer that replaced my bulky colander, and a flat multipurpose grater. I’ve also ditched my knife block set for one quality chef’s knife, swapped multiple plastic cutting boards for a single non-toxic, solid wood board, and replaced a set of plastic mixing bowls with stainless steel ones that include lids, which double as storage.

• GIR Silicone Spatula Turner, $11, originally $13
• Victorinox Swiss Army Fibrox Chef’s Knife, $43, originally $61
• Greener Chef 15-Inch Medium Cutting Board, $22, originally $26
• Bodum Brazil French Press Coffee Maker, $20, originally $28
• Tovolo Olivewood Kitchen Spoon, $10, originally $12
• Tramontina Pro Series 4-Inch Paring Knife, $23, originally $30
• Viking 10-Piece Mixing Bowls Set with Lids, $60, originally $100
• Winco 8-Inch Fine Mesh Strainer, $7, originally $9
• Rachael Ray Multi Stainless Steel Grater, $23, originally $30

GIR Silicone Spatula Turner

GIR makes one of our favorite spatulas, and this slightly smaller non-toxic turner is just as impressive. It has a thin, angled head that slides easily under eggs and baked food. It’s also flexible enough to scrape ingredients from a bowl and heat-resistant up to 425°F, so you can let it rest in a skillet without worrying that it will melt. And unlike a black plastic spatula, there’s no risk that this one might leach harmful chemicals into your food while cooking. 

Winco 8-Inch Fine Mesh Strainer

I use my fine mesh strainer for everything: rinsing rice, berries, and canned beans; draining pasta and boiled potatoes; and sifting flour and powdered sugar. It’s way more versatile and affordable than a regular colander and takes up much less space in my kitchen. It can be a little tricky to clean, but I get so much use out of it that it’s worth it. I wish I had purchased it 30 years ago.

Best Tabletop & Dining for a Small Kitchen

If you’re buying a dinnerware set for a small apartment, stick with one that serves four people, and please don’t buy a set that includes mugs. You probably already have mugs, and trust me, you will accumulate more mugs over the years. They may not all match, but they’ll make for interesting conversation when you have company. I also recommend stackable, versatile drinking glasses that can be used for everyday beverages as well as wine and cocktails. A durable flatware set for four, plus a sharp set of steak knives, will get you years of use, too.

• Famiware 12-Piece Milkyway Plates and Bowls Set, $62, originally $80
• Deayou 11-Ounce Stackable Drinking Glasses, $18, originally $22
• Oja Stemless Wine Glasses, Set of 4, $16, originally $20
• Kingstone 20-Piece Stainless Steel Flatware Set, $20, originally $30
• Henckels Razor Sharp Steak Knives, Set of 4, $28, originally $47

Deayou 11-Ounce Stackable Drinking Glasses, Pack of 6

For years, I wasted money on tall, thin drinking glasses that constantly shattered. Then I finally got thicker ones like these, which I use for water, iced coffee, and the occasional cocktail. They’re sturdy and stackable, and they’re my go-to when I invite friends over for drinks on my rooftop. Though a pack of four is my preference, it doesn’t hurt to have a few extra, just in case.

Henckels Razor-Sharp Steak Knives, Set of 4

Most flatware sets don’t come with sharp knives, so it’s good to keep a set of quality steak knives in your drawer. This Henckels set has full-tang stainless steel blades and riveted handles that give them added strength. Currently 40% off, the serrated knife set is a customer favorite. “These are terrific knives,” one shopper said of the “comfortable” knives. “They cut through meat like butter.”

Best Storage & Organization for a Small Kitchen

I’ve never been a fan of plastic containers but I’ve had them in my pantry for years. I eventually made the switch to glass canisters and food storage containers, and I’m never going back. They don’t discolor or retain smells, so they don’t need frequent replacement. Plus, everything looks more organized. Speaking of organized, keeping spices and other small jarred items on a magnetic rack on the fridge is one of my favorite moves for decluttering my cabinets. 

• ComSaf Airtight Glass Storage Canisters, Set of 6, $37, originally $42

• Anchor Hocking 10-Piece TruSeal Glass Food Storage Containers Set, $29, originally $37

• Magnetic Spice Rack, Pack of 4, $40, originally $46

• Eonjoe 16-Ounce Mason Jars, Pack of 4, $13, originally $16

ComSaf Airtight Glass Storage Canisters, Set of 6

I’ve found that my food sometimes picks up an odd taste from plastic containers, which is why I only store pantry staples in glass ones. This stackable set of six glass storage containers includes airtight wooden lids and comes in various sizes that can hold cereal, rice, pasta, coffee, sugar, flour, and more. “The perfect kitchen container in the perfect array of sizes,” said one shopper. “It’s a simple way to avoid plastic in the kitchen and make everyday storage feel better and healthier,” another customer said. 

Magnetic Spice Rack, Pack of 4

When you have a small kitchen, cupboards can get cramped quickly. So I picked up a magnetic spice rack set, which instantly created more storage in my kitchen. Besides keeping spices and small jars easily visible, they can also hold rolls of plastic wrap and free up drawer space. One shopper called this set of four shelves a must for apartments. “They are so durable with such strong magnet strength,” they said. “They cleared up space in my kitchen and they look cute on the side of the fridge.”

These are just some of the times I’ve found to be most useful over the years, and they’re all on sale right now. If you’re looking to declutter your tiny kitchen, this is your chance to save money and save space.