Thinking about downsizing to save on rent, or just curious about compact living? Kitchenette apartments might be exactly what you’re looking for! These mini kitchens are popping up everywhere as more people embrace smaller, more budget-friendly homes.

Whether you’re a student, young professional, or just someone wanting to maximize your housing budget, understanding kitchenettes can open up a whole new world of affordable apartment options. In this guide, we’ll break down everything you need to know about kitchenettes—from what’s actually included and how much space they take up, to the real pros and cons of having one. Ready to discover if kitchenette living could be your perfect match?

What Is a Kitchenette?

A kitchenette is basically a mini kitchen that gives you the essentials without taking up too much space. Think of it as a compact version of a full kitchen that includes some, but not all, of the major appliances you’d normally expect.

Typically, a kitchenette includes:

• A sink
• A microwave
• A toaster oven
• A hot plate or small cooktop
• A small refrigerator or mini-fridge

That said, kitchenettes can be pretty flexible—you might find some that are missing one or two of these items (sometimes even the fridge!), depending on the space and budget.

You’ll often find kitchenettes within a single open area of a studio apartment. They’re perfect for anyone who wants to make the most of their space while still being able to whip up meals and snacks at home. Whether you’re in a small apartment, a hotel room, or even a basement suite, kitchenettes offer a practical solution for when you don’t have room for a full-sized kitchen.

What Is in a Kitchenette?

Unlike fully equipped kitchens, what’s in a kitchenette is very basic and condensed. For example, rather than the required appliances to prepare full meals, a small kitchenette will typically only include a few small essentials for meals, such as a cooktop, a mini fridge, and a small sink. If you’re lucky, there might be a toaster oven.

The idea is to give you the bare necessities for meal prep. Everything is designed to be space-efficient, so don’t expect large appliances or tons of counter space. You might also find some basic storage cabinets or shelving, but the focus is really on fitting the essentials into as little space as possible.

How Big Are Kitchenettes?

Kitchenettes can be pretty tiny! There is no minimum size for a kitchenette, but you'd be hard-pressed to find one larger than 80 square feet—and many can be smaller than that.

The whole point of a kitchenette is to pack the essentials into as little space as possible. Most of the space-saving magic happens by keeping food prep areas and storage to an absolute minimum.

But here’s the cool part: you’d be amazed at how much you can actually accomplish in such a small space when everything is thoughtfully organized. With some smart storage solutions and creativity, many people find they can make fun, healthy meals just fine.

What’s the Difference Between a Kitchen and a Kitchenette?

The main difference between a kitchen and a kitchenette comes down to size, space, and what’s included.

A full kitchen is a dedicated room that’s specifically designed for food preparation and storage. To qualify as a real kitchen, it needs to have all the major appliances—think full-sized refrigerator, stove with oven, dishwasher, and plenty of counter and cabinet space.

A kitchenette, on the other hand, is the compact cousin of a full kitchen. You’ll typically find these in studio apartments, hotel rooms, or small living spaces where every square foot counts. They also stick to the bar essentials - a small sink, mini-fridge, microwave, and maybe a hot plate or small cooktop.

Think of it this way: a kitchen is where you might host a dinner party, while a kitchenette is perfect for reheating leftovers or whipping up a simple sandwich.

Kitchen vs Kitchenette

Kitchenette Apartments: Pros and Cons

Kitchenettes are often more than enough for minimalists, singles, students, and budgeters. But like anything, they come with both benefits and drawbacks that are worth considering.

Pros of Kitchenettes

• Lower utility costs: A small kitchenette stove will cost renters a fraction of a full-sized stove.
• Easy to maintain: Cleaning and upkeep is a breeze compared to a full kitchen. Less space means less work!
• Cheaper rent: Units offering kitchenettes will be less expensive than full-sized kitchen competitors.

Cons of Kitchenettes

• Less area for food preparation: With minimal counter space, cooking an elaborate meal can be a bit of a juggling act.
• Less storage room: Storage space is also minimal, so you’ll have to get creative.
• Fewer appliances: No full-sized oven means saying goodbye to baking dozens of cookies or roasting a whole turkey.

Kitchenette Ideas

When it comes to making the most of your kitchenette, smart storage and multi-functional solutions are your best friends. Consider installing floating shelves or magnetic strips on walls to keep utensils and spices within easy reach without cluttering your limited counter space. A rolling cart can be a game-changer - use it as extra prep space when cooking, then roll it away when you need more room.

Don’t forget to think vertically too! Over -the-sink cutting boards, stackable containers, and hanging organizers can help you squeeze storage out of every available inch. You can even get creative with your mini-fridge by using magnetic containers on the sides for extra storage.

Style-wise, kitchenettes can be surprisingly chic with the right approach. Light colors and good lighting will make your small space feel more open and inviting. A small plant or herb garden on the windowsill can also add life to your space, while putting fresh ingredients right at your fingertips. Just because your kitchenette is small doesn’t mean it can't be both functional and beautiful!

Looking for a Kitchenette?

Ready to embrace the kitchenette lifestyle? Finding the perfect kitchenette apartment is easier than you think! Start by taking Apartment List’s quick online quiz to discover the rental that matches your budget, location preferences, and lifestyle. Our platform makes it simple to filter for studio apartments and smaller units that feature kitchenettes.

And once you've found a new place, you can start checking off your apartment checklist, finding items and trinkets you can use to fill your new kitchenette apartment. Honestly, this is where the real fun starts! Decorating a kitchenette can be a rewarding challenge—you’ll be amazed at how a few well-chosen accessories, some smart organization, and a touch of personal style can transform even the tiniest cooking space into a place you truly love to call home!

FAQs About Kitchenettes

Does a kitchenette have a stove?

Most kitchenettes have a small cooktop or hot plate rather than a full-sized stove, though some might include a toaster oven.

Can you cook in a kitchenette?

Yes, you can definitely cook in a kitchenette, though you’ll be limited to simpler meals due to the basic appliances and minimal prep space.

What appliances are in a kitchenette?

Typical kitchenette appliances include a mini-fridge, microwave, small sink, and either a hot plate or compact cooktop, though the exact combination can vary. A few might have a toaster oven.

Is a kitchenette considered a full kitchen?

No, a kitchenette is not considered a full kitchen since it lacks a complete set of major appliances and dedicated space.

Do kitchenettes have microwaves?

Yes, most kitchenettes include a microwave as one of their standard appliances, since it’s essential for quick heating and simple cooking in small spaces.