Tiny Home trends: Best Appliances For Small Living
Over the past ten years, the nation has witnessed a growing trend of singles, couples and even small families migrating to smaller more compact living spaces. Multi-bedroom spaces, sized between 300 cubic feet and 500 cubic feet are coming into vogue for people who crave a more simplistic and modest lifestyle. Finding appliances to fit these uniquely small spaces can be a real challenge for people living in them. Here's a guide to selecting the best appliances based on your space and budget.
Compact and Budget-Friendly
With the smallest of these homes, there really isn't much space for a kitchen. Typically you are using no more 35 sq ft of space (think a 5 ft by 7 ft area rug). Cabinets tend to be shallow (20" deep compared to the standard 24"). So standard sized appliances are out. So is a dishwasher. This selection by GE pairs a 2-burner electric cooktop (model JP201CBSS) with a convection microwave oven (model CEB1599SJSS), then adds a 9.8 cu ft refrigerator by Haier (model HA10TG21SS). While compact, this whole package provides a complete functional kitchen for around $1400.
Bigger, With More Conveniences
At around 50 sq ft of space, you can start building a kitchen that looks more in line with a standard kitchen with all the amenities. You get all the essential appliances (including a dishwasher!), just in a smaller footprint. Summit a brand known for compact appliances, makes a 20" slide in gas range and a 22" counter-depth refrigerator (models TLM11027BFRWY and CP972SS). Combine these with the 1.2 cu ft Frigidaire convection microwave (model FFCT1278LS) and the Bosch 18" dishwasher (model SPE53U55UC) and you now have a full featured kitchen package for under $2600, with budget friendly packages for under $2000.
Larger with Luxury
Having a small space doesn't mean you can't indulge in a little luxury. At approximately 65 sq ft you can have all the functionality of a full-size kitchen with a few added luxuries if you like. It still may be impractical to go to full size appliances, but there are premium appliance brands that can accommodate your small size. Fisher & Paykel makes a near complete package of smaller appliances that would be the envy of anyone's kitchen. The package includes the pro series gas range (model OR24SDMBGX2), the 24" range hood (model HC24PHTX1), a 25" wide counter depth refrigerator (model RF135BDLUX4N) and the single drawer dishwasher (model DD24SAX9N). Finish the kitchen off with the new generation Sharp drawer microwave with motion wave (model SMD2480CS) and you have built a compact culinary showcase. Luxury does come at a cost though. This complete package prices out at just under $5900.
The Choice Is Yours...
Whether you choose to live small and modest or craft your own small luxury home (or treehouse) you do have options. At Don's Appliances we can help you finish your kitchen so that can create your own dream space regardless the size.