Micro-Appliances for the Tiny Kitchen

Chances are, you haven't got around to realizing the kitchen of your dreams. If you spend any time in the kitchen, you've probably done a little complaining about the lack of counter space and room in general. We feel your pain, so we've put together a collection of some our favorite space-saving kitchen appliances. We've even thrown in a couple of unconventional choices if you're interested in expanding your kitchen's possibilities.

Egg & Muffin Toaster

A new classic breakfast-maker, the Egg & Muffin Toaster puts a poached egg on toast in one single four-minute motion. The egg-poaching surface also doubles as a heater for precooked breakfast meat.

EdgeStar Countertop Dishwasher

Although more useful than a luxury, the dishwasher is not quite a necessity, which makes its installation (and price) somewhat frivolous for most of us. If you rent, it may be an impossibility. The compact EdgeStar Countertop Dishwasher is convenient and affordable enough to take on any issue you may have. It's small--but, then, that's the point.

3-in-1 Breakfast Maker

One-upping the Egg & Muffin Toaster, the 3-in-1 Breakfast Maker features a toaster oven, a griddle, and a coffeemaker. Combining three small appliances in one, the Breakfast Maker is a serious solution for the seriously space-deprived.

Ecopod Recyclables Compactor

If you recycle, you know what a space hog recyclables can be in a compact kitchen. The Ecopod Recyclables Compactor remedies the situation, offering a trash can-sized unit that compacts both aluminum and plastic.

LG Microwave/Toaster

A microwave may be a necessity for most of us, but a toaster often feels like a luxury when counter space is scarce. Without extending the footprint of a standard microwave, the LG Microwave/Toaster combo integrates a two-slice toaster for a space-saving dynamo.

LG Microwave/Coffeemaker

Toast may be an occasional breakfast treat, but coffee is more likely an every-day affair. Like the toaster, the LG Microwave/Coffeemaker is likely less of a necessity than a microwave but still demanding on your limited counter space. Problem solved.

AeroGrow AeroGarden

While not technically an appliance, the Aerogrow AeroGarden is a huge space-saver that is perfectly suited to the tiny kitchen. The technology is also impressive, featuring a microprocessor that automatically adjusts the flow of nutrient and water and turns on lighting that stimulates sunlight. The Aerogrow even tells you when to add water and nutrients to the system.

Drawer Refrigerator

If you're a young bachelor, the interior of your refrigerator may occupy little more than a package of sliced meat, some take-out leftovers, and a couple bottles of beer. A variety of compact refrigerators exist, but if you are serious about space conservation, this 10" x 17.5" x 26.5" Drawer Refrigerator will fit in the tiniest of spots.

Automatic Composter

Composting in an apartment used to be a messy, smelly improbability. No more. The Automatic Composter makes composting as easy as dumping your organic matter and forgetting about it. The machine eats up to five pounds per day, creating usable compost in as little as ten days.

Haier Compact Top-Load Washer

In Europe, washing machines are far more regular kitchen appliance than we see here, and the convenience can make a lot of sense when you don't have a garage and hate dragging your dirty laundry to the laundromat. This 4.9-lb capacity Haier Top-Load Washer is compact enough to store when not in use, and it's ideal combined with the Spin-X Spin Dryer.

By: cory o'malley