If you consider yourself a culinary connoisseur, love to cook, or just see eating as a functional event, you are going to need a way to prepare your meals. Many people believe that when you move into the tiny lifestyle, that you have to make sacrifices when it comes to cooking. That doesn't have to be the case. Here are some options that will allow you to have full-size cooking features in your tiny house kitchens.
3-in-1 Microwave Air fryer Plus
Almost everyone has a microwave nowadays, but the technology has certainly gotten better since the 1970s when they first became commercially available. If you are living in a small space and want to make the most of it, consider a convection microwave. The Cuisinart 3-in-1 Microwave Air Fryer Plus is the ultimate kitchen convenience that can Air Fry, convection cook, and microwave for an endless array of family favorites. Air Fry 3 lbs. of wings, bake a 9” pan of brownies, microwave a full plate of food, and so much more. Adjust time and temp to 450°F or choose from precision presets for customized Air Fry and convection cooking. Microwave to your exact preference with eleven power levels and easy presets. Get your food, your way with one multifunctional must-have for today's home chef.
Hot Plate / Induction Cooktop
College students are not the only ones benefiting from hotplates! A hot plate is a great solution for a tiny home because you can put it away when you are not needing it. Need an extra burner? Grab another hot plate. Induction hotplates are all the rage now, with the ability to cool off immediately. Just keep in mind they are more money and require specific cookware to cook on. The Duxtop 1800W Portable Induction Cooktop Countertop Burner is an example of such an appliance.
Ovens
An obvious choice is a toaster oven because of the amount of space that it takes up and again, it can be put away easily. If you get one with convection like the Cuisinart TOB-5 Toaster Oven you will be cooking that much faster. There are plenty of 3/4 appliances out there but be careful. If you get into dual or triple power appliances (AC/DC/Propane), you can start to really increase your cost. These smaller appliances normally have 2-3 burners and smaller ovens. There is always the option of having a full sized stove and oven in your tiny home. Truly the cost here is not the money as much as it is the space.
Outdoor Tiny House Kitchens: Barbecues
Let's not forget that many folks who go tiny move some of their life right outside. Maybe they have an eating area on an outdoor deck. Or they have a sitting area around a fire pit that serves as their living room. Or they do the majority of their cooking on a grill. Many grills have at least one side burner, which many times, that is all you need. Grills can easily bake, grill and most can even handle a rotisserie if you want it. Check out the Weber line of grills like this Weber Spirit E-330 3 Burner Liquid Propane Grill Black or any of the many outdoor grill options on the market.
How important is cooking to your tiny lifestyle? Where do you cook or plan to cook in your tiny house kitchens? Let us know in the comments below.