Yahoo Movies 10 Kitchen Must-Haves That Are Perfect for Small Spaces
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You may have the kitchen of your dreams—double islands, ample cabinet space, and a giant, Sub-Zero fridge. But it's much more likely that you're making do with a kitchen that has a fraction of the space you crave. If so, you probably need to get very creative with the little space you do have.
Luckily, there are several products (many designed especially for small spaces) that can help you make the most of a compact kitchen. Whether you're lacking counter space, cabinet space, or both, these products will help you maximize your square footage without sacrificing style or function. From wall-mounted food storage dispensers to a dish drying rack that rests above your sink, these space-saving solutions won't exactly transform your space into a dream kitchen—but they could keep it from being a claustrophobic nightmare.
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A Drying Rack That Rests Above Your Sink
If you don't have a ton of counter space, consider purchasing an expandable drying rack that can rest above your sink. Once you're done rinsing dishes, you don't take up any additional space to dry them. Look for a rack with slits, so excess water falls into the sink below.
A Compact Coffee Maker
You can find a coffee maker that's less than five inches wide. Look for one that is slim and compact enough to nestle it among your other appliances without eating too much of your free counter space.
A nesting set of mixing bowls
Mixing bowls are essential for any baker or home cook, but finding space for (at least) half a dozen bowls of various sizes is no easy feat if you only have a few cabinets at your disposal. Invest in a set of mixing bowls that nest inside one another.
A Magnetic Knife Holder
While keeping a knife block on display may make you feel like a professional chef, there's no doubt it eats up some precious counter space. Still, since a quality knife set is a kitchen must, you need to find some way to store your knives. Why not on the wall? A wall-mounted magnetic knife holder easily keeps all of your knives organized and in place.
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Wall-mounted Food Dispensers
Another wall-mounted item that's great for small kitchens? Food dispensers. Sure, you can stick some food storage containers in your pantry or kitchen cabinets, but if space is at a premium, securing them to a wall is the way to go. Fill them with dry goods you use frequently (think pasta, dried beans, and rice) to make sure they really come in handy. Pro tip: If you've got kids, fill one of the dispensers with cereal so your little ones can help themselves to breakfast.
An Expandable Cabinet Shelf
Many kitchen tend to have enough vertical space, but could really use more horizontal space. If you're in that boat, pick up an expandable cabinet shelf that goes inside your kitchen cabinets and adds more surface area. This gives you an extra row to work with, so you can safely stack your dishes or glasses while freeing up some cabinet real estate.
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A Set of Nesting Food Storage Containers
Mixing bowls aren't the only items that can nest! There are several sets of nesting food storage containers as well, which means you can store roughly six (or more) containers within one large container. If you find yourself with leftovers often, or prefer to prep your meals several days in advance, a set like this is crucial.
A Floating Wine Glass Rack
Wine glasses are pretty to look at, but (thanks to their wide tops) they often require more storage space than regular glasses. If you don't have room for an array of red and white glasses (not to mention tall Champagne flutes), try purchasing a rack that can adhere to the underside of your cabinets. This way, you can store the glasses upside down without using up any valuable space in your cabinets or on your bar cart. Easily accessible glasses are an added bonus.
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A Tiered Spice Rack
Every kitchen needs a set of spices. Consider containing your collection with a tiered spice rack that can go in your pantry or kitchen cabinets. Not only will all of your spices be in one place, but they'll take up much less room.
A Hanging Pot and Pan Rack
Pots and pans can be unwieldy, but you obviously need these kitchen workhorses. If you don't have the cabinet space to store all (or any) of your pots and pans, invest in a hanging rack that can be mounted on a wall near your stove. Most racks come with numerous hooks, and some even have a built-in shelf for additional storage.
