With so many fish in the rental market sea you’re bound to come across a lot of variation when you start cross shopping apartments, houses, condos, and more. Different floor plans, amenities, square footage, etc. means there’s a million different ways to put together an apartment. Have you ever found yourself looking at a unit with a kitchenette and wondered, what’s the difference between it and a run-of-the-mill kitchen?
What makes a full-sized kitchen?
To know what you can expect from a kitchenette, it’s worth discussing what makes a typical full-size kitchen, well, full size. In most kitchens, whether you’re looking at a house or an apartment, you can expect a refrigerator that ranges from 30-36 inches in width, 67-70 inches in height, and 29 to 35 inches in depth. You’ll also get a full-size oven and stovetop (typically packaged together), a sink ranging from 22 inches long and 30-33 inches wide, and a microwave. Dishwashers have become more commonplace in rentals around the country, but it’s not standard in a full-size kitchen. You’ll also have a greater amount of counter space and cabinet storage depending on the layout of the kitchen.
What is a kitchenette?
A kitchenette refers to a smaller kitchen space with slightly less functionality than a full-size kitchen. There’s no set recipe for what makes a kitchenette, but typically you will be working with a smaller fridge, a half-sized oven or even just a stovetop or hot plate, and a smaller bar-style sink. The goal of a kitchenette is to preserve the basic functionality of a kitchen in a reduced space, so be prepared to deal with smaller appliances and a less optimal kitchen layout and work triangle.
Full-size kitchens mean full functionality
With a full-size kitchen there’s almost no limit to what you can cook. Roasting turkeys should be a breeze in a typical oven and storing weeks’ worth of groceries is no problem in a full-size fridge.
Entertaining is easier in a full-size kitchen
With all the appliances you could need and more space to work, cooking and entertaining for friends and family should be no problem.
Cleaning a full-size kitchen is a full-time job
With great power comes great responsibility and keeping your kitchen clean is no exception. Larger surface area and more appliances means you’ll have more to look after.
Full-size kitchens will cost you more
The space and utility of a full-size kitchen will come at a cost. You’ll probably pay more per month for a rental with a kitchen, and you’ll probably pay more in utility bills per month if you plan on using your kitchen regularly. There are also more opportunities for appliances to break and the bill will be bigger should that happen.
Pros and Cons of a Kitchenette
You will most likely pay less for a kitchenette
A kitchenette is usually coupled with a smaller space, but you’ll probably pay less for it in the long run than a similarly sized rental with a full-sized kitchen. If you don’t use your kitchenette frequently, you’ll probably pay less in utilities too.
There is less to go wrong
If you don’t rely on your kitchen and eat out frequently, there are less appliances to break or malfunction, meaning you won’t be out a meal or two should the worst happen.
Your cooking capability may be limited
With smaller and fewer appliances your dreams of a stellar dinner party might be a bit harder to achieve. You’ll also typically have less storage for dry goods and any other utensils and tools.
Decorating and renovating a kitchenette will be cheaper
Your landlord will probably be the one doing any renovations to your kitchenette, but with less space and smaller appliances you’ll pay less to decorate and refit anything than you would in a full-size kitchen.
How to Make a Small Kitchen Work For You
Making a kitchenette or any other small kitchen work for you is all about maximizing space. Cabinet inserts can help you store pots, pans, and utensils in a clean and organized way without having them sit in a jumbled mess. Mounting a magnetic knife rack above your sink or on a wall will free up some counter space, and you can even place heatproof surfaces on small appliances like toaster ovens or a freestanding microwave to add some more storage.
Many companies make magnetic and modular backsplash tiles that can turn your vertical space into an organized dream. You can also explore foldaway tables that can be stowed when they’re not in use. We will advise you to avoid the old apartment trope of storing clothes in your oven, however. You don’t want anything precious to go up in smoke.
Understanding what to expect from a full-size kitchen and a kitchenette can help you make a better decision when choosing the perfect rental fit for you. If you love to cook and entertain, you’re probably better off with a full-size kitchen and all of the appliances that come with it. If you’re on a budget, you live in a dense urban area, or you’re just more of a takeout type of person, don’t be scared of a kitchenette. There are plenty of ways to make it work for you. Good luck, renters!
