What is a Kitchenette? Why These Little Kitchens Have Big Potential

Last time you searched for an apartment, rental home, or even a hotel room, did terms like “compact cooking space” or “efficiency kitchen” catch your eye? What you’re likely coming across is a kitchenette. 

A kitchenette is essentially a smaller-scale version of a full kitchen, but with some key distinctions. These compact cooking areas serve a range of purposes, whether you’re renting a studio apartment in New York City or building a house in Indianapolis, IN. Here’s everything you need to know about kitchenettes and how they maximize every square foot.

In this article:
What is a kitchenette?
Where are kitchenettes usually found?
What are key features of a kitchenette?
Kitchenette vs full kitchen: what’s the difference?
How to integrate a kitchenette into any space
Pros and cons of a kitchenette
Space saving hacks for small kitchens and kitchenettes
Is a kitchenette right for you?

What is a kitchenette?

A kitchenette is simply a compact kitchen. They’re usually located in open areas and feature minimal appliances and streamlined functionality. Unlike a full kitchen, kitchenettes often lack full-sized appliances, but they usually include essentials like a mini fridge, sink, stovetop, countertop, and limited cabinet space, explains Matthew Sherborne, owner of home design firm Designing Idea. Other kitchenettes might include a small oven or opt for a convection microwave or hot plate instead.

Since space is limited, kitchenettes are common in urban apartments, condos, and other small living spaces. They are also popular additions to spare rooms, basements, and other gathering areas for easy access to food and drinks without the need of a full kitchen.

But kitchenettes aren’t just limited to small spaces, say DIY renovation experts Jen and Trent Fancher at Noting Grace: “A kitchenette is a great addition to any living area that is an inconvenient distance to the main kitchen, or for spaces where you want a little convenience without a full-blown kitchen.”

Where are kitchenettes usually found? 

While kitchenettes might be associated with small living spaces, they can be found in a variety of settings. Suzanne Taylor at Taylor Made Contracting, who remodels homes for people aging in place, has utilized kitchenettes in several projects. Besides being popular in studio or micro apartments, she explains a kitchenette might be a good fit for:

• Basements or in-law suites: Kitchenettes in a guest room or mother-in-law suite provide guests a place to prepare small meals or drinks without needing to access the main kitchen area. “If the home has a separate living area for guests, extended family, or rental purposes, a kitchenette provides convenience without needing a full kitchen,” says Taylor.

• Tiny homes or ADUs (accessory dwelling units): When your entire home is a few hundred square feet or less, kitchenettes become an ideal solution for food preparation. “A small, independent living space on a property may include a kitchenette instead of a full kitchen to save space and meet zoning requirements,” Taylor shares.  

• Rental units, Airbnb spaces, and college dorms: Taylor explains that kitchenettes in short-term rentals help to make the space more self-sufficient for guests or tenants, adding value to the overall experience.

• Bonus rooms: Wet bars in bonus rooms or finished basements have been popular for decades, but full kitchenettes go a step further with a more complete space. “We personally added a kitchenette to our home to create a functional refreshment area without taking up too much room,” the Fanchers reveal.

• Outdoor spaces: Larger yards, guest houses, poolside areas, or even outdoor kitchens can benefit from the convenience of a kitchenette.

What are key features of a kitchenette?

Most kitchenettes include some type of sink, refrigerator, and cooking appliance. “The most popular appliance choices in kitchenettes are a microwave, mini refrigerator, and a cooktop,” Sherbone notes. Common kitchenette features might be:

• Centered around a compact layout: Unlike full kitchens with work zones, a kitchenette is usually situated straight against one wall or corner. This design allows maximum functionality in the smallest space. 
• Compact appliances: Mini refrigerators, small sinks, and two-burner cooktops are common. Appliance styles can also vary depending on the layout. For example, a slimmer kitchenette refrigerator could be placed to the side, or a shorter mini fridge might sit underneath the countertop. 
• Creatively configured: When space is at a premium, kitchenettes can be built into countless different configurations and designs.  

Kitchenette vs full kitchen: what’s the difference?

How to integrate a kitchenette into any space

With any kitchenette design, keeping things cohesive is key. “We recommend keeping the design style, color palette and materials consistent with the surrounding space,” Jen shares. “Using the same cabinetry style, hardware, or even a complementary backsplash can help the kitchenette blend seamlessly.” 

Open shelving and using a mix of decorative and functional elements are surefire ways to help a kitchenette feel intentional, rather than an afterthought to a space, explains Jen. 

Defining zones with subtle boundaries, like throw rugs or slight variations in wall color, is another way to define the kitchenette space without breaking the flow, Taylor shares. “Bar stools, a small island, or a nearby dining table can create a seamless transition.”

Pros and cons of a kitchenette

While both kitchens and kitchenettes serve as meal prep spaces, kitchenettes are designed to be more compact and space-efficient. If you’re considering one for your home or rental, weighing the pros and cons can help you decide if it’s the right fit.

Pros

• Minimal space requirements: Having a kitchenette means more room for a living space, dining room, and other areas in general.  

• Low maintenance: Less countertop space, fewer appliances, and a smaller footprint can lead to less time upkeep and less time cleaning.

• Cost-effective: The mini-sized nature of a kitchenette is usually a lot more affordable to install and outfit than a traditional kitchen.  

• Can add value: By maximizing functionality in small spaces, kitchenettes enhance convenience and livability while increasing appeal to renters or buyers looking for flexible, space-efficient living solutions.

Cons

• Potentially costly installation: If you’re adding a kitchenette to a living space, a complete installation often costs at least $10,000 when you start from scratch.  

• Limited appliances: Kitchenettes usually don’t have enough room to fit things like dishwashers or sinks with garbage disposals. Less counter space also means less room for small appliances, like a coffee machine or toaster oven.  

• Short on storage: Kitchenettes naturally don’t have much room for cabinets, drawers, and other storage space.  

• Regulations can be a problem: Depending on the building code or regulations in your city, town, or neighborhood association, a complete kitchenette installation may or may not be permitted.  

Space saving hacks for small kitchens and kitchenettes

Small-space kitchen design is evolving to include more all-in-one appliances and multi-functional solutions, as well as convertible and hidden features to help maximize overall space, explains the team at Taylor Made Contracting. But making the most of a small space is all about small kitchen organization and design solutions.

• Vertical storage: The Fanchers say that when counter and cabinet space is limited, ”think up.” Install floating shelves, magnetic knife strips, and wall-mounted racks to store frequently used items without cluttering your workspace. Vertical pantries or stackable shelving inside cabinets can also help you double your storage and maximize space.

• Multipurpose furniture and appliances: “Go for furniture that does double duty, like a fold-down table that functions as both a prep area and a dining space,” suggests Taylor. Compact, multi-functional appliances—like a combination microwave/convection oven or a single unit with a sink, fridge, and cooktop—can also save space.

• Drawer and cabinet organizers: Use pull-out shelves, tension rods to separate baking sheets, and stackable bins to keep everything easily accessible. Lazy Susans in corner cabinets can also make use of otherwise wasted space.

• Space-efficient alternatives: Instead of a full-sized drying rack, try an over-the-sink roll-up drying mat. Use nesting bowls and stackable cookware to reduce cabinet clutter. And if you’re short on counter space, says Sherbone, a pull-out cutting board can instantly expand your prep area.
• Inside of cabinet doors: Install hooks for measuring spoons, a slim rack for cutting boards, or adhesive organizers for spices and cleaning supplies.
• Extra surface space: Wall-mounted, fold-down tables and extendable countertops offer extra workspace when needed but tuck away seamlessly when not in use, suggest the Fanchers. A rolling cart is another option as extra storage, a prep station, or even a home coffee bar.
• Visual expansion: Opt for light colors, reflective surfaces, and open shelving to create an airy, open feel. Under-cabinet lighting and mirrors can also help make the space feel larger.

Is a kitchenette right for you?

When deciding if a kitchenette is the right choice, it comes down to prioritizing your needs. Think about how you’ll use the space and what features are most important to you. Even in a compact setup, small conveniences can significantly impact functionality. 

“Honestly, we love how our kitchenette turned out,” Jen shares, “but if we could do one thing differently, we would have added a dedicated water line for an ice maker. Even in a small space, convenience is key.”

Kitchenettes can be a little limited in size, but they still offer fantastic functionality for small spaces and can increase your home’s value. If you like to cook big, complex meals with many ingredients, a full-sized kitchen might be a better option. But if you just need the basics, are staying somewhere short-term, or you’re after more convenience in an extra living space, a kitchenette and a little creativity can be the perfect fit.

FAQs about kitchenettes

1. Can you cook in a kitchenette?

Yes. While you won’t have a full stove or oven, you can still cook using a microwave, hot plate, slow cooker, or air fryer.

2. What’s the difference between a kitchenette and a kitchen?

A kitchen is a full-sized cooking space equipped with essential appliances like an oven, stovetop, full-sized refrigerator, and ample counter space, designed for preparing a wide variety of meals. A kitchenette is a compact version with limited appliances, often including just a small fridge, microwave, and sink, making it ideal for small spaces or simple meal prep.

3. Do kitchenettes have dishwashers?

Most kitchenettes do not come with dishwashers due to space limitations, but compact or countertop dishwashers can be added.

4. Is a kitchenette cheaper to install than a full kitchen?

Yes! A kitchenette is significantly more affordable since it requires fewer appliances, less cabinetry, and minimal space. “But the cost largely depends on your room size, features, and chosen appliances,” Sherbone says.

5. Can I add a kitchenette to my home?

Absolutely! Many homeowners install kitchenettes in basements, guesthouses, or home offices to add convenience and value to their property.