A small appliance perfectly placed in the kitchen is an essential piece of kit you’ll use again and again – here’s all you need to know to make compact gadgets work for your space.
The countertop models you choose should reflect your daily routines and habits in the kitchen. If you love to bake and entertain, then a range of food preparation appliances like blenders, food processors and stand mixers will be put to good use.
But if you simply need to whip up a hassle-free meal at the end of a busy day, cooking appliances such as a slow cooker and an Instant Pot will be great additions on the worktop.
“If your kitchen is on the smaller side, organise your appliances in order of use and see whether you’ve actually got too many or don’t use what you have,” Richard Davonport, managing director at Davonport, tells KBB journo Sally Smith.
So, where should you store them?
Countertop appliances you use every day should always be easily accessible on the work surface, however, those used occasionally can be stored in pantry units or on less accessible, higher shelves.
Charlie Smallbone, founder of Ledbury Studio, explains, “Small appliances come in different shapes and sizes, so this is where a bespoke design is a must. We include quartz or marble worktops in larder cupboards to provide a stable surface for appliances to be used in situ, as well as creating additional preparation space.”
Open shelving is another option for a curated, minimalist look, helping to prevent a cluttered feel. It’s also the ideal place for colourful stand mixers, which will inevitably pop against a calm background.
Functionality on offer
The latest countertop appliances are made with high-grade materials and powerful induction motors, which greatly enhance their capabilities in the kitchen and significantly reduce the noise output when in use – perfect for an open-plan layout.
Slow cookers and air fryers have built-in sensors to allow for auto switch-off, and some offer Wifi connectivity to remotely turn on and off. Blenders use multi-dimensional mixing actions that can blend fruits, vegetables, ice for smoothies, soups, and more, and food processors come with a range of accessories to slice, grate and crush ice.
Many of these smaller appliances offer a good range of bowls and jugs in different sizes that are dishwasher safe, as well.
Good to know
When choosing an appliance you use often, such as a coffee machine, keep in mind it will probably be on show on your countertop, so make sure you love it and that it fits your overall kitchen aesthetic.
All these types of appliances will need to be plugged in, too, so ensure you have planned for plenty of electrical sockets along the work surfaces. This will give you the flexibility to use any of the smaller models anywhere you like in the kitchen.
Don’t forget to integrate electrical sockets and light fittings inside the back of pantries or breakfast stations, so appliances can easily be used by simply opening the doors and pulling them forward. And remember, the electrical cabling for each appliance will be a different length, so make sure you place the sockets at the correct height for each one.
Cost
You can set yourself up with a range of tabletop appliances such as a slow cooker, blender and air fryer from £600 to £1000, depending on the brand. However, if you’re looking for more of a high-end, statement piece, a stand mixer will cost around £700 and a bean-to-coffee machine will be nearer £1500.
It’s worth investing in bespoke kitchen cabinetry so you can position and store your countertop appliances in the perfect place to use again and again. And don’t forget to discuss the various design options with your kitchen designer.
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