New York City apartments are notoriously small, and living in a studio is a rite of passage. As a New Yorker myself, my studio apartment is just about 325 square feet. While it's certainly small, there's more than enough room for all of my belongings and furniture essentials. Making the most of a small space just requires some extra attention — and a lot of measuring.
I'm no Carrie Bradshaw —I actually like to use my kitchen for cooking. Figuring out how to maximize the little space I do have in my kitchen was one of the first things on my to-do list when I moved in. My studio's kitchen is really more of a kitchenette with a fridge, sink, and a small countertop induction range. With little counter space and minimal appliances, I knew I needed to find products that maximized what countertop and cabinet space I do have. As a commerce journalist who has spent the past 8 years reviewing products, I know a thing or two about finding the best products online. These are the products that have helped me turn my small kitchenette into a kitchen where you can actually cook.
A compact rolling kitchen island
Before moving in, a kitchen cart was already on my must-buy list. They're a great way to add counter space and storage to a small kitchen. As anyone who has lived in a studio knows, every inch matters, and most of the options I came across in my search were too big for my space. This rolling kitchen island from Wayfair fits the dimensions I needed perfectly. It's well-priced, easy to assemble, and turns that random swath of wall space into a great storage setup.
I use the cart to store some cooking essentials and my coffee supplies, but the top is the perfect resting place for my countertop oven. I wish the bottom cabinet on the cart had a shelf built in for even more vertical storage, but there's an easy fix — add your own shelf insert.
For more kitchen utility carts, check out other options and styles on Amazon.
A hanging pot rack
When you're working with small spaces, vertical space really matters. That's why I was so excited that my apartment already had a pot rack built in. It's a space-saving way to store cooking utensils, pots, and pans. Plus, I think it brings the feel of a real chef's kitchen. Most importantly, it's super practical. I keep a pot and a few cooking utensils hung on the rack for easy access. It's a renter-friendly hack that really makes a big difference. And if this style isn't your favorite, you can find more hanging pot racks on Amazon here.
The only measuring spoon you need
In the scheme of things, it may not seem like a few extra measuring spoons are really going to make a big difference when it comes to space-saving, but less is more when you're limited on space. Truthfully, I use a regular spoon for most of my measurements anyway, but if you're going to have one measuring spoon, make it this one. The sliding cover can be moved to your desired amount to get an exact measurement every time. It's smart, easy to use, and small.
A 5-in-1 toaster oven and air-fryer duo
This countertop oven from Black + Decker has made me wonder whether I really need a real oven after all. Unless you're frequently hosting large dinner parties, cooking a turkey for Thanksgiving, or making big loaves of sourdough bread, a toaster oven can make just about everything a standard oven can, and it can do so faster.
Whether you want to toast, broil, or air fry, the Black+Decker Crisp 'N Bake Toaster Oven can do it all. The budget pick in our best toaster oven guide, it has five intuitive preset settings making it pretty foolproof to use. I was considering getting an air fryer on its own, but they tend to be really large. I much prefer this oven, which can be used as an air fryer, but is still pretty compact. Don't be fooled by the size, though: This can fit an entire chicken. It preheats so quickly; I truly think whenever the time comes that I do have an oven again, I'll still rely on this countertop version for how fast and easy it is to use. Check out more air fry toaster ovens here.
Reusable silicone storage bags and lids
Bulky tupperware takes up way more space than I'm willing to give from my minimal cabinets, soI've been slowly building out my collection of Stasher bags instead. The reusable, durable silicone bags can replace your Tupperware and Ziploc bags. They take up little space, can be used multiple times, and are so easy to clean — you can even throw them in the microwave and dishwasher.
I use the bags to store fruits, veggies, and more in the fridge and freezer, but the lids are the real space-saving grace. Instead of transferring leftovers to another container, you can just plop one of Stasher's silicone lids onto your pot or bowl for a food-safe way to store leftovers. It's minimal effort and minimal cleanup, which is exceptionally nice when you don't have a dishwasher. It's worth noting that the lids are stretchier but less durable than the bags, so be gentle. I've already lost a lid in an attempt to fit it over a surface that was clearly too big, so take this as a cautionary tale.
A foldable dish rack
I didn't intend to buy a dish rack. I thought laying out my hand-washed dishes would be fine, but I quickly realized that's a recipe for musty dishes and cluttered countertops. Thankfully, this foldable dish rack from kitchen organization expert OXO fits perfectly next to my sink. Its design, with thoughtful details like a utensil holder, holds plenty of dishes and lets them air out so they're truly dry. The best part is when I'm done using it, I can fold it up and hide it away. Though, to be honest, it usually stays out on the countertop. I love my OXO dish rack, but if you're looking for another option, check out other foldable dish racks on Amazon.
A compact, easy-to-clean dutch oven
The Le Creuset Dutch Oven tops our list of the best dutch ovens, and this miniature version has earned its flowers in my kitchen, too. This is probably my most-used kitchen item. It lives on top of my oven range because it's used that frequently — and it's such a nice looking piece it deserves to be seen. The 2-quart size is takes up minimal space and is perfect for cooking for one. It's definitely roomier than it looks, so I imagine it would serve just as well for meals for two.
Since I don't have a microwave, I use this pot to warm up leftovers. The tight fitting lid makes it perfect for steaming. The enameled cast iron is really easy to clean, which makes my dishwasher-free life that much easier.
Even though this Le Creuset dutch oven is compact, it's still pricey. For more budget-friendly options, I recommend checking out the selection at Amazon.
A space-maximizing under-the-sink organizer
Before I bought this organizer, the space under my sink was a mess of cleaning supplies. This set of organizers is an affordable update that has made a meaningful difference. The design makes great use of vertical space, allowing me to store even more under the sink. The sliding shelves make it easy to find what I need without digging through piles of supplies. Since it's made for the space under the sink, it's designed to fit around pipes, but definitely measure your space before you purchase. Check out more under-sink organizers on Amazon to find one that works for your space.
A collapsible colander
I love pasta night as much as the next person, but there is no way a full-sized colander was taking up space in my kitchen. Luckily, there are many collapsible options that can be folded down flat for easy storage. Not only is this perfect for straining pasta, but it's a great vessel for washing fruit and veggies. I couldn't find the exact model I own, but I think I'd actually prefer this one from Hanoxe since its extendable handles allow you to rest it across your sink for easy straining. Find more collapsible colanders here.
You can purchase logo and accolade licensing to this story here.
Disclosure: Written and researched by the Insider Reviews team. We highlight products and services you might find interesting. If you buy them, we may get a small share of the revenue from the sale from our partners. We may receive products free of charge from manufacturers to test. This does not drive our decision as to whether or not a product is featured or recommended. We operate independently from our advertising team. We welcome your feedback. Email us at reviews@businessinsider.com.
