Setting Up Your First Tiny House Kitchen

Setting up a kitchen in your first tiny home can feel exciting and a little overwhelming. The space is smaller, and every inch has to count. But once you start putting the pieces together, it can turn into one of the most rewarding parts of the build. Whether your goal is to cook full meals or just have a spot for your morning coffee, how you set up your kitchen plays a big role in how your day-to-day living feels.

A smart kitchen setup means less clutter, easier meals, and fewer headaches. With the colder months in full swing by late November here in Sheridan, many are starting to spend more time inside. That makes now a great time to think through your kitchen layout and make sure it’s as functional as possible. The right set of tools, thoughtful layout planning, and a focus on functionality will all help your kitchen work with you and not against you.

Planning Your Tiny House Kitchen Layout

Before you bring in appliances or shop for cookware, it’s helpful to first look at how much space you’re working with. Flooring, wall space, and overhead clearance all matter in tiny home kitchens. Sometimes, even one inch can be the difference between a smooth flow and constant frustration.

The main idea is to design for function. Everything should have a place and a purpose. For example, if you’re someone who cooks every night, your storage, prep space, and sink should work together as closely as possible. On the other hand, if your cooking is more casual, your layout might lean toward compact tools tucked away with more flexible counter space for other tasks.

Strategies for making your layout work:

- Keep the kitchen triangle in mind. This refers to the sink, stove, and fridge. Keeping them within easy reach of each other makes prep more efficient.

- Use corners wisely. Installing an L-shape or galley setup helps open up floor space while giving you extra room for storage and prep.

- Make walkways wide enough. Even in a narrow space, you want at least a couple of feet to move easily when cooking or cleaning up.

- Think vertical from the start. Open shelving or tall cabinets can help with storage and airflow without needing extra square footage.

Planning early helps keep surprises to a minimum. Tape out where you’ll walk, where stools might slide in, or how a cabinet door opens. If you’re trying to fit in multiple functions, like having a fold-down table for dining or prep, be sure you test its range of motion and reach before committing to built-ins.

One homeowner in Sheridan realized their countertop corner was always cramped until they shifted their sink by just 6 inches. That allowed enough space to prep meals and avoid elbowing spice jars off the shelf during dinner rush.

Choosing the Right Appliances

Choosing what appliances to bring into a tiny house means thinking small and thinking smart. There’s limited space, but that doesn’t mean you have to sacrifice function. The trick is finding items that do more than one thing or take up less space than traditional models.

Some popular options for space-saving setups include:

- Two-burner electric cooktops instead of full stoves

- Compact countertop ovens with air fry or toaster settings built in

- Under-counter refrigerators or drawer-style fridges with freezer sections

- Portable induction burners you can stash away when not in use

Besides cutting down size, you’ll also want to pay attention to how much energy each appliance uses. If your home is off-grid or partially solar-powered, energy efficiency becomes even more important. Smaller appliances that don’t draw much power help keep systems running steadily year-round.

Avoid needing too many extras. For example, some toaster ovens now function as broilers, dehydrators, or even pizza ovens. A multi-cooker can double as a rice maker or slow cooker, trimming down what you need to store. It’s all about picking the best tools for your actual habits. If you’re not likely to bake bread weekly, maybe that big oven isn’t worth the space.

Be mindful of where plugs are placed and make sure cords won’t get in the way of other tasks. Keep short countertop appliances near outlets or use cord channels to route power in a safe way.

The right tools can make even the smallest kitchen feel comfortable and convenient. The key is working with the space you’ve got, not against it.

Storage Solutions for Tiny Kitchens

When it comes to storage in a small kitchen, every square inch needs to work hard. You don’t need dozens of cabinets to stay organized, but you do need smart choices and the right tools that make finding and using your kitchen items fast and easy. Start by thinking about what you use most and plan around that.

One way to rethink storage is to go vertical. Open shelves or stacked racks mounted to the wall can hold spices, dishes, or even small appliances. Hooks under cabinets are great for mugs or utensils. Wall-mounted magnetic strips can hang knives or metal tools so they’re easy to grab.

If you’re building or remodeling, consider:

1. Cabinets with sliding shelves so you can reach deep items without rummaging

2. Toe-kick drawers built into the baseboards for low-profile storage

3. Narrow pull-out racks between the fridge and the wall for spices or cutting boards

4. Benches or stools with hidden storage under the seats

5. Fold-down worktops or chopping blocks that extend only when needed

Another smart trick is using baskets, bins, or labeled containers inside cabinets. These keep items grouped together and easy to move. For example, keeping baking supplies in one bin and snacks in another helps save time when you're cooking.

One Sheridan couple made great use of a tall, narrow broom closet next to their fridge. They added narrow roll-out shelves that now store glass food containers, dry goods, and cooking oils in one tidy vertical space.

Must-Have Tiny House Kitchen Items

Picking the right tools for your kitchen can help make everything feel smoother. Instead of filling every drawer or counter with random gadgets, choose items that are flexible or don’t take up much room.

Check out this list of useful items for a tiny kitchen:

- Stackable mixing bowls with lids that also work for storage

- A nesting cookware set that fits into one drawer

- Collapsible measuring cups and colanders

- High-quality shears for cutting, opening bottles, or cracking nuts

- A cutting board that fits over your sink and gives you more prep space

- Multi-use utensils like silicone spatulas and wooden spoons

- One reliable pan or skillet you can use for almost any meal

If your home uses propane or solar power, avoid appliances that need a lot of electricity unless they’re truly needed. Stick with hand-powered tools, insulated flasks, or thermoses that keep food warm longer without reheating.

Choosing tools that clean easily is another smart move. Non-stick cookware can help cut down cleaning time. A few reusable and earth-friendly items like wooden spatulas, beeswax wraps, and glass containers can replace bulkier or throwaway options.

Keeping Your Tiny Kitchen Organized

Once your kitchen is set up, keeping it tidy takes daily habits. Small spaces fill up quickly. A few dishes on the counter or a single pan left out can make it feel like a mess.

Here are some ways to keep it under control:

- Clean as you go while cooking. Put things away during prep

- Wipe counters after each meal to avoid sticky build-up

- Keep out only what you use every day. Store or stash the rest

- Do regular resets by clearing surfaces and reorganizing drawers

- Use trays or bins to group similar items together

- Take out the trash and compost often, especially in colder months when airflow is limited

These small steps save time and lower stress. When each item has a place, you won’t waste time hunting for things. Cooking becomes faster, and the space stays calm and clear.

One family in Sheridan found that tension rods inside cabinets helped create slots for lids and pans. That little fix stopped kitchen chaos and made it easier to grab what they needed without loud searching.

Enjoying Your New Tiny House Kitchen

The real win with a tiny house kitchen comes when things just work. Not because it looks fancy, but because it fits your life. When meals come together easily, cleanup’s a breeze, and everything is where you expect it, your kitchen becomes one of the best parts of your home.

Make the space yours. Hang mugs where you can see them. Mount a small shelf for the spices you use most. Add a rug for comfort or swap out the lighting for something cozy. These touches make a big impact without needing more room.

Your first tiny kitchen is your chance to build something that suits you. You’ll figure out what works and what doesn’t over time. Give yourself patience as you make changes and settle into how you use the space. During the chillier seasons here in Sheridan, a smooth kitchen setup can make the home life feel a lot more settled. With attention and some personal touches, even the smallest kitchen can work beautifully.

To make your tiny house kitchen complete, take a look at our collection of tiny house essentials available at ShopTinyHouses.com. Each item is thoughtfully selected to help you create a kitchen that’s efficient, comfortable, and fits your everyday routine without taking up extra space.