by Dina Psichogiopoulos

Created on: August 05, 2011

 Kitchens are such a hive of daily activity. Every home kitchen, large or small, will basically go through the same process of storing, preparing, cooking, serving, cleaning every single day at every meal. Your kitchen needs to be well equipped to meet these daily demands and to make your work more enjoyable and efficient. A small kitchen needs to be set out so that you use all the available space more effectively, rationally and competently to meet your many tasks.

Storage

In your kitchen or very close to your kitchen you must position your fridge so that you have easy access to it. Your fridge will store all your perishable foods. A pantry, even if it is a small cupboard from floor to ceiling, will make a good store for all your other dry goods. Floor to ceiling corner units make ideal pantry cupboards as they utilise the corner space in a more practical, space efficient and effective way. On the inside of your pantry cupboard door hang a spice rack for all your often used spices for easy access. Set out your pantry with good size open shelves. Buy large plastic storage containers with lids and store the same type of item together. For instance, have one container to store pasta and rice, another for paper towels and napkins. Label your plastic containers for easy identification.Keep the most used items at hand. Install utensil holders and even an open shelf under overhead cupboards and keep utensils and a few cups and glasses at easy reach.

Bench tops

Hard durable work tops are a must in a small kitchen. They always look good, are effortless to keep clean and are easy to work on. They are versatile in their use as you can place your saucepans anywhere and even roll out pastry on this cold, clean and hard surface. You need clear bench top space to work on as well as use as a serving area. If bench top space is very limited have a small table nearby that you can use as additional work top space. Install good even lighting to your work benches.

Equipment

A small kitchen can really benefit having a dishwasher. A dishwasher takes care of all those dirty dishes and keeps them out of sight. It also washes and dries your dishes ready for reuse with absolutely no fuss and no soggy wet towels to worry about. Dishwashers have become very economical to run saving you water, detergent and power. Place your microwave on a dedicated shelf for easy access. In a small kitchen it is best kept off the bench as bench space is limited. To make the most use of your mixers and juicers keep them close to where you use them. Have power points installed so that they are easily plugged in when needed.

Clutter makes a space appear much smaller. It is hard and very discouraging to work in a cluttered space if you need to move things every time you want to make a meal. Therefore, keep your bench tops clear at all times. Don't let dirty dishes pile up in the sink, use your dishwasher. Don't use your kitchen cupboards to store items you rarely use. Invest in kitchen equipment that assists you in your preparation, cooking and cleaning. This will make working in your kitchen a breeze. When your kitchen plan works perfectly you will find that a small kitchen can work extremely well and be a pleasure to work in.

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