Small kitchen appliances can quickly take over your counter space. Toasters, blenders, coffee makers, and air fryers are useful tools. But they create clutter when left out.
The good news? You can store these appliances in smart ways. This keeps your kitchen clean and organized. It also makes cooking easier.
This guide shows you simple storage solutions. You’ll learn where to put your appliances. And you’ll discover how to access them quickly when needed.
Why Proper Appliance Storage Matters
A cluttered kitchen makes cooking stressful. Too many appliances on the counter leave no room for food prep. They collect dust and grease.
Good storage has real benefits:
- More counter space for cooking
- Easier to clean surfaces
- Your kitchen looks better
- Appliances last longer when protected
- You find what you need faster
Let’s explore the best storage methods.
Best Ways to Store Kitchen Appliances
1. Cabinet Storage
Kitchen cabinets are perfect for storing appliances. Use lower cabinets for heavy items like stand mixers and food processors. Store lighter appliances like hand mixers on upper shelves.
Keep appliances you use daily in easy-to-reach cabinets. Put seasonal items like ice cream makers in harder-to-reach spots.
Pro tip: Measure your cabinet space before buying new appliances. This ensures they fit properly.
2. Appliance Garage
An appliance garage is a cabinet with a roll-up or fold-up door. It sits on your counter in the corner. You can hide appliances behind the door when not in use.
This solution works great for coffee makers, toasters, and blenders. These items stay plugged in and ready to use. You just open the door and pull them forward.
3. Pull-Out Drawers and Shelves
Pull-out shelves make appliances easy to access. You install them in lower cabinets. They slide out smoothly so you can grab what you need.
Deep drawers work well for appliances like:
- Slow cookers
- Instant Pots
- Rice cookers
- Toaster ovens
You can see everything at once. No more digging through dark cabinets.
4. Pantry Storage
A walk-in pantry offers lots of storage space. Use pantry shelves for appliances you don’t use every day.
Install sturdy shelves that can hold weight. Group similar appliances together. Label shelves so family members know where things go.
5. Under-Counter Storage
The space under your counter can hold appliances. Use this area for items you rarely use. Examples include waffle makers, fondue sets, or bread machines.
Add bins or baskets to keep small parts organized. Store instruction manuals with each appliance.
6. Vertical Storage Solutions
Think vertical to save space. Install shelves on empty walls. Use corner shelves to maximize space.
Pegboards work great in pantries. You can hang lightweight appliances and adjust the layout easily.
7. Rolling Kitchen Cart
A rolling cart gives you flexible storage. You can move it around as needed. Use it to store appliances and roll it out when cooking.
Look for carts with:
- Multiple shelves
- Strong wheels
- A solid top surface
Park the cart in a corner or pantry when not in use.
8. Above-Cabinet Storage
The space above your cabinets often goes unused. This area works for appliances you rarely use. Store items in boxes or bins to keep them dust-free.
Only use this space for lightweight items. Make sure you can safely reach them with a step stool.
9. Inside Cabinet Doors
Mount shallow baskets or hooks on the inside of cabinet doors. This works for small appliances like hand mixers or immersion blenders.
You can also attach cord organizers here. This keeps cords neat and tangle-free.
10. Garage or Basement Storage
Some appliances only come out once or twice a year. Think turkey fryers, extra slow cookers, or specialty baking equipment.
Store these items in your garage or basement. Use clear plastic bins so you can see what’s inside. Label each bin clearly.
Smart Tips for Organizing Kitchen Appliances
Keep Daily Items Within Reach
Place appliances you use every day in the most accessible spots. This might be:
- Coffee maker on the counter
- Toaster in an appliance garage
- Blender in a lower cabinet at eye level
Save harder-to-reach storage for rarely used items.
Store by Frequency of Use
Organize appliances based on how often you use them:
Daily use: Counter or appliance garage Weekly use: Easy-to-reach cabinets Monthly use: Regular cabinets or pantry Rarely used: High shelves, garage, or basement
This system keeps your most-used items handy.
Group Similar Items Together
Store related appliances near each other. Put all baking appliances in one area. Keep breakfast appliances together.
This makes sense in your brain. You’ll always know where to look.
Unplug Before Storing
Always unplug appliances before putting them away. This saves energy and reduces fire risk.
Wrap cords neatly around the appliance. Use twist ties or velcro straps to keep cords tidy.
Clean Before Storing
Wipe down appliances before storing them. Remove crumbs, spills, and grease. This prevents odors and keeps pests away.
Store appliances completely dry. Moisture can cause mold or rust.
Keep Manuals Accessible
Store instruction manuals with their appliances. Put them in a plastic bag attached to the item. Or keep all manuals in one binder.
You’ll be glad you did this when you need to troubleshoot.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Don’t stack heavy appliances on top of each other. This makes them hard to access. It can also damage them.
Avoid storing appliances near heat sources. Heat can damage plastic parts and electronics.
Don’t overstuff cabinets. Leave some breathing room. This makes items easier to remove and prevents accidents.
Creating Your Storage Plan
Take these steps to organize your kitchen appliances:
- Pull out all your small appliances
- Decide which ones you actually use
- Donate or sell appliances you haven’t used in a year
- Group remaining appliances by use frequency
- Assign each appliance a storage spot
- Label shelves and cabinets
- Put everything away
This process takes a few hours. But it saves you time every day going forward.
Final Thoughts
Storing small kitchen appliances doesn’t have to be difficult. The key is finding the right spot for each item.
Use your cabinets, pantry, and creative storage solutions. Keep daily items within reach. Put rarely used appliances out of the way.
A well-organized kitchen makes cooking more enjoyable. You’ll have more counter space. And you’ll spend less time searching for what you need.
Start with one storage solution today. Your future self will thank you.