Buying guide
Tiny Kitchen Appliance Starter Kit
Updated How we research
The compact essentials to outfit a small kitchen. The page is split into five sections (Start with the essentials; Compact microwaves; Small-space toasters; Space-saving air fryers; Compact toaster ovens), followed by every pick ranked by our score so you can compare them in one place.
The short version
We compared 20 picks. Our scores range from 7.1 to 8.6 out of 10, across $, $$, See on Amazon price bands.
- Best overall:Ninja AF101 Air Fryer, 4 qt, Black/Grey. Highest overall score in this guide at 8.6/10.
- Also great value:Dash Compact Air Fryer, 2 qt, Aqua. Value score of 9/10, overall 8.1/10.
- Solid build:Breville BOV650XL Compact Smart Oven. Build and materials score of 9/10, overall 8.4/10.
- Feature-rich:Vasagle Slim Rolling Cart, 4-Tier, 5.1 in Deep. Features score of 8/10, overall 8.4/10.
Scores are our editorial assessment, not customer ratings. How we score
Start with the essentials
- Vasagle Slim Rolling Cart, 4-Tier, 5.1 in DeepOur score8.4/10
- Silkydry Slim Rolling Storage Cart, 4-Tier, 5 inOur score7.9/10
- Slim 4-Tier Rolling Kitchen Cart, BrownOur score7.6/10
- XYZLVSI Slim 4-Tier Rolling CartOur score7.4/10
Compact microwaves
- ROOMWELL 0.7 Cu Ft Countertop Microwave, 700WOur score7.8/10
- Farberware 0.7 Cu Ft Countertop MicrowaveOur score7.7/10
- Small Countertop Microwave, 0.7 Cu FtOur score7.2/10
- 0.7 Cu Ft Compact Countertop Microwave, 700W, RedOur score7.1/10
Small-space toasters
- Cuisinart CPT-122BK 2-Slice ToasterOur score8.2/10
- Elite Gourmet ECT2517G 2-Slice Toaster, GreyOur score7.7/10
- Amazon Basics 2 Slice Toaster, Extra WideOur score7.6/10
- BLACK+DECKER 2-Slice Extra-Wide ToasterOur score7.1/10
Space-saving air fryers
- Ninja AF101 Air Fryer, 4 qt, Black/GreyOur score8.6/10
- Dash Tasti-Crisp Digital Air Fryer, 2.6 qt, AquaOur score8.2/10
- BLACK+DECKER Purifry 2QT Digital Air FryerOur score8.2/10
- Dash Compact Air Fryer, 2 qt, AquaOur score8.1/10
Compact toaster ovens
- Breville BOV650XL Compact Smart OvenOur score8.4/10
- Breville BOV450XL Mini Smart OvenOur score8.4/10
- Gourmia 4-Slice Digital Toaster Oven, StainlessOur score7.8/10
- Elite Gourmet ETO449X Toaster Oven, 9.5 QtOur score7.3/10
All 20 picks, ranked by our score
Every product from the sections above, listed once. Sort by the criterion you care about most, or tick up to three to compare.
Ninja's AF101 black and grey 4 Qt 4-in-1 air fryer, a compact but capable basket air fryer.
Fit for the job 9/10 · Features and specs 9/10 · Build and materials 8/10 · Value 8/10
- + 4 Qt basket fits fries or wings for two to three people
- + 4-in-1 functions add roast, reheat and dehydrate options
- + Ninja build and even crisping make it a reliable pick
- - Larger than 2 Qt mini fryers, so it needs more counter room
- - Basket coating needs non-metal tools to avoid scratches
VASAGLE's slim 4-tier rolling cart with a metal frame and 5.1 inch depth, a sturdy pick for narrow kitchen gaps.
Fit for the job 9/10 · Features and specs 8/10 · Build and materials 8/10 · Value 8/10
- + VASAGLE is an established storage brand with consistent assembly quality
- + Metal frame feels sturdier than plastic slim carts when fully loaded
- + Stated 5.1 inch depth makes it easy to measure your gap before buying
- - Shallow shelves fit spice jars and cans but not wide containers
- - No wooden top, so it looks more utilitarian than furniture-style carts
Breville's BOV650XL Compact Smart Oven in brushed stainless steel, a capable small toaster oven for toast, bakes and roasts.
Fit for the job 9/10 · Features and specs 8/10 · Build and materials 9/10 · Value 7/10
- + Smart presets handle toast, bagels, pizza and baking with ease
- + Breville build quality is among the best in countertop ovens
- + Compact size fits under cabinets while fitting a small pizza
- - No convection fan, unlike Breville's newer compact model
- - Premium price is higher than basic compact toaster ovens
Breville's BOV450XL Mini Smart Oven in brushed stainless steel, the smallest Breville oven for toast and small bakes.
Fit for the job 9/10 · Features and specs 8/10 · Build and materials 9/10 · Value 7/10
- + Mini footprint is ideal for studio apartments and narrow counters
- + Breville smart controls bring precise heat to a tiny oven
- + Handles toast, reheating and small trays without a full oven
- - Interior fits only small pans, so a whole chicken is out
- - Still pricier than generic mini toaster ovens of similar size
Cuisinart's CPT-122BK compact 2-Slice toaster in black with 7 shade settings, a reliable toaster for small counters.
Fit for the job 9/10 · Features and specs 8/10 · Build and materials 8/10 · Value 7/10
- + 7 shade settings let you dial in exactly how dark you like toast
- + Cuisinart build quality is a step above bargain toasters
- + Compact 2-Slice body takes very little counter depth
- - Standard slots may not fit thick bagels or artisan bread
- - Pricier than basic toasters that do the same core job
Dash's aqua Tasti-Crisp Digital Air Fryer with a 2.6 Quart basket and digital controls.
Fit for the job 9/10 · Features and specs 8/10 · Build and materials 7/10 · Value 8/10
- + 2.6 Quart basket is roomier than Dash's smaller compact fryer
- + Digital controls set exact time and temperature
- + Compact size still suits apartment kitchens
- - Slightly larger footprint than 2 Quart minis
- - Digital panel adds complexity over simple dials
BLACK+DECKER's Purifry is a 2-quart digital air fryer with a touchscreen, 9 presets and heat up to 400 F. A compact basket fryer sized for one or two servings.
Fit for the job 9/10 · Features and specs 8/10 · Build and materials 7/10 · Value 8/10
- + 2-quart basket keeps the footprint small; the listing rates it for up to 2 servings of French fries.
- + Digital touchscreen with 9 one-touch presets, a shake reminder and automatic shutoff.
- + Air fry, roast, bake, dehydrate and keep warm in one unit, with a nonstick basket and dishwasher-safe parts.
- - 2 quarts is a one or two person size: larger meals need to be cooked in batches.
- - Tops out at 400 F, and the feature bullets do not state wattage or exterior dimensions.
Dash's aqua 2 Quart Compact Air Fryer with AirCrisp Technology, a small fryer for one or two people.
Fit for the job 9/10 · Features and specs 7/10 · Build and materials 7/10 · Value 9/10
- + 2 Quart basket is sized for single servings and snacks
- + Compact aqua body fits small counters and adds color
- + Simple dial controls are easy for beginners
- - Small basket requires batches for family portions
- - Manual dials offer less precision than digital models
SILKYDRY's very narrow 4-tier rolling cart with a pull handle, meant for the tightest gaps beside a washer or fridge.
Fit for the job 9/10 · Features and specs 7/10 · Build and materials 7/10 · Value 8/10
- + Listed 5 inch width squeezes into gaps most carts simply cannot fit
- + Built-in handle makes sliding the cart in and out quick and controlled
- + Four stacked levels multiply storage without taking any counter space
- - Such a slim cart holds single rows only, so capacity per shelf is small
- - Tall and narrow shape can feel wobbly if the top tiers are loaded heavily
ROOMWELL's 0.7 Cu Ft 700W countertop microwave with a digital display, 10 power levels and child lock for small kitchens.
Fit for the job 8/10 · Features and specs 8/10 · Build and materials 7/10 · Value 8/10
- + 0.7 Cu Ft size fits a narrow counter or dorm shelf without crowding
- + 10 power levels help with gentle defrosting as well as fast reheating
- + Child lock is a useful safety extra in shared or family apartments
- - 700W heats more slowly than full-size models, so add time to recipes
- - Small cavity will not take large dinner plates or big casserole dishes
Gourmia's 4-slice digital toaster oven pairs 1000-watt convection air frying with one-touch presets and manual control from 90 to 450 F. A mid-priced digital pick for small kitchens, dorms and RVs.
Fit for the job 8/10 · Features and specs 8/10 · Build and materials 7/10 · Value 8/10
- + Digital display with one-touch presets plus manual time and temperature control from 90 to 450 F.
- + Toasts up to 4 slices of bread or bakes an 8-inch pizza in a body the listing sizes for small kitchens and apartments.
- + Ships with an air fry basket, baking pan, oven rack and removable crumb tray; the basket and rack are top-rack dishwasher safe.
- - 1000 watts is modest for a convection oven, and the 8-inch pizza limit rules out most full-size frozen pizzas.
- - Sits a price class below premium compact convection ovens such as the Breville picks in this guide.
Farberware's 0.7 cubic foot countertop microwave delivers 700 watts with ten power levels, six one-touch options and defrost by weight or time. A small stainless-finish microwave from an established brand.
Fit for the job 9/10 · Features and specs 7/10 · Build and materials 7/10 · Value 7/10
- + 0.7 cubic foot cavity is the smallest common microwave size, suited to tight counters and offices.
- + Ten power levels with multi-stage cooking, six one-touch options and defrost by weight or time.
- + LED display with kitchen timer and clock, interior light and a child safety lock.
- - 700 watts is the low end for microwaves, so heating takes longer than on 900 to 1000 watt models.
- - The feature bullets do not state exterior dimensions, so check them on Amazon before measuring your shelf.
Elite Gourmet's ECT2517G SLIMTOAST 2-Slice long slot toaster in grey, a narrow design for long bread slices.
Fit for the job 9/10 · Features and specs 7/10 · Build and materials 6/10 · Value 8/10
- + Long slot design fits sourdough and rye slices that stick out elsewhere
- + Slim profile tucks against a backsplash on shallow counters
- + Grey finish looks modern and hides crumbs better than white
- - Long slot means the toaster is wider side to side than it looks
- - Budget build may toast unevenly from one slot end to the other
A slim 4-tier rolling cart with a wood tabletop and wheels, made to slide into narrow gaps beside a fridge or counter.
Fit for the job 8/10 · Features and specs 7/10 · Build and materials 7/10 · Value 8/10
- + Wood tabletop gives a flat surface for a small appliance or a row of oils
- + Four tiers turn a dead gap beside the fridge into real pantry storage
- + Wheels let you pull the cart out to reach items, then tuck it away again
- - Check the hardware quality and fit once it arrives
- - Narrow shelves suit cans and bottles, not bulky pots or cereal boxes
Amazon Basics' 2 Slice toaster with extra wide slots and 6 browning settings, a low-cost everyday toaster.
Fit for the job 8/10 · Features and specs 7/10 · Build and materials 6/10 · Value 9/10
- + Extra wide slots take bagels, English muffins and thick bread
- + 6 browning settings cover light to dark toast preferences
- + Amazon Basics price makes it an easy first-apartment pick
- - Plain styling looks utilitarian beside design-led toasters
- - Basic build offers fewer extras like cancel or reheat buttons
XYZLVSI's narrow 4-tier rolling cart with a wooden top, built for filling slim spaces in compact kitchens and pantries.
Fit for the job 8/10 · Features and specs 7/10 · Build and materials 7/10 · Value 7/10
- + Narrow footprint is designed for the gap between an appliance and a wall
- + Wooden top adds a warmer look than an all-metal utility cart
- + Four open tiers keep spices, jars and snacks visible at a glance
- - Lesser-known brand with little track record for long-term caster wear
- - Open shelf sides mean tall bottles can tip over when you roll it out
Elite Gourmet's ETO449X is a 9.5-quart, 4-slice toaster oven with 800-watt quartz elements and two analog dials. A budget pick for toast, reheating and small bakes in apartments and dorms.
Fit for the job 8/10 · Features and specs 6/10 · Build and materials 6/10 · Value 9/10
- + Compact 9.5-quart cavity fits 4 slices of bread, small pizzas or muffins, sized for apartments, dorms, offices and RVs.
- + Simple dual dials: temperature from 200 to 450 F and a 30-minute timer with an auto shutoff bell.
- + Includes a bake pan, a wire rack with two slide positions and a drop-down crumb tray.
- - 800 watts is low power: the listing itself recommends about 10 minutes of preheating at 450 F before baking.
- - Four basic functions only (bake, broil, toast, keep warm), and the timer tops out at 30 minutes.
A mini 0.7 Cu Ft stainless countertop microwave with a removable turntable, 6 auto menus and child lock for small spaces.
Fit for the job 8/10 · Features and specs 7/10 · Build and materials 6/10 · Value 7/10
- + Removable turntable lifts out for washing after spills and splatters
- + 6 auto menus take the guesswork out of common reheating tasks
- + Child lock adds peace of mind in a studio shared with kids
- - Check the brand or manufacturer listed before buying
- - Check the wattage before buying to judge heating speed
A red 0.7 Cu Ft 700W compact microwave with 10 power levels, digital display and child lock, adding color to small kitchens.
Fit for the job 7/10 · Features and specs 8/10 · Build and materials 6/10 · Value 7/10
- + Red finish makes a small microwave a cheerful accent, not an eyesore
- + 10 power levels and digital display cover everyday reheating needs
- + Compact size suits dorms, offices and studio apartment counters
- - Check long-term reliability details before buying
- - Bold color will clash if the rest of your appliances are stainless
BLACK+DECKER's 2-Slice toaster with extra-wide slots, a familiar and budget-friendly compact toaster.
Fit for the job 8/10 · Features and specs 6/10 · Build and materials 6/10 · Value 8/10
- + Extra-wide slots handle bagels and thick-cut bread easily
- + BLACK+DECKER is a widely known brand with simple controls
- + Small 2-Slice body fits corners of a crowded countertop
- - Check the shade and defrost settings before buying
- - Lightweight toasters can slide when pushing the lever down
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Tiny Kitchen Picks curates picks for US shoppers. Scores are our editorial assessment. We may earn a commission from links on this page.