If your kitchen is small, a dorm, a tiny condo, or a city apartment, choosing the right compact kitchen appliances USA can make life easier and free up serious counter and cabinet space. This guide walks you through the best small, multi-function, and countertop appliances available in the U.S. today — what each one does best, which models to consider, where to buy, real-life examples, and practical tips so you don’t buy the wrong size. I kept the language simple and included recent product tests and retailer notes so you can shop confidently.
Why compact kitchen appliances matter (opening paragraph with target keyword)
Good compact kitchen appliances USA are about more than saving inches — they replace multiple machines, lower clutter, and often use less energy. Instead of a bulky oven + air fryer + toaster + slow cooker crowding your counter, a single, well-chosen appliance can do several jobs and tuck away when not needed. Below I’ll explain which compact appliances give the biggest wins and list trustworthy U.S. vendors where you can buy them.
How I researched this (short note on sources)
I checked recent expert tests and retailer pages to make sure recommendations reflect what’s current in the U.S. market — countertop dishwasher tests from Good Housekeeping and Serious Eats, toaster-oven/air-fryer reviews from Food & Wine and other testers, and manufacturer pages for compact washer/dryer and induction options. Where I cite specific model performance or rankings, I link to the relevant tests. (Good Housekeeping)
The 10 compact appliances that give the biggest space payback
- Countertop / portable dishwasher
- Air-fryer toaster-oven (combo)
- Compact countertop convection toaster oven / countertop microwave combo
- Single- or two-burner portable induction cooktop
- Slim, 18–24″ undercounter or compact dishwasher (for small built-ins)
- Slim/compact refrigerator / mini fridge with freezer (24” and under)
- Multifunction electric pressure cooker (Instant Pot-style)
- Compact espresso/coffee machines with small footprints
- Drawer or countertop combo washer-dryer (where allowed)
- Slim beverage fridges and wine coolers (for space & entertaining)
Each of these has a role — some replace full-size appliances, others offer a practical secondary function. Below I’ll break them down with recommended models, buying tips, and where to shop in the U.S.
1) Countertop / portable dishwasher — small footprint, big convenience
Why buy one: No wiring or plumbing changes in most cases, and it frees you from hand-washing (huge time saver in tiny kitchens). Countertop dishwashers are ideal in rentals, studios, and for people who entertain but lack a built-in unit.
What to look for:
- Capacity (place settings) — most countertop units handle 4–6 place settings; Danby has higher-capacity models.
- Water hookup method — many countertop dishwashers connect to the kitchen faucet with a supplied adapter; check compatibility.
- Energy and water use — pick an Energy Star model if available.
Top tested picks (U.S. context):
- Danby DDW631SDB — frequently recommended in expert tests for larger capacity countertop performance. It’s a leading countertop pick in recent 2025 tests. (Serious Eats)
Where to buy in the USA:
- Home Depot, Best Buy, Amazon, Walmart, and direct from Danby. Serious Eats and Good Housekeeping have model roundups you can use to compare specs. (Serious Eats)
Real-life tip: Measure the width of the counter and ensure you have room next to the sink — then confirm the faucet adapter fits your faucet (some old fixtures need a different adapter).
2) Air-fryer + toaster-oven combos — replace several appliances with one
Why buy one: An air-fryer toaster oven can replace an air fryer, toaster, and small oven, meaning fewer devices on the counter and more flexible cooking.
What to look for:
- Interior capacity (can it fit a 12″ pizza or two baking trays?)
- Preset functions and temperature range.
- Easy-to-clean crumb trays and dishwasher-safe racks.
- External footprint vs. internal usable space — you want a deep interior with a reasonably small footprint.
Top tested picks:
- Ninja Foodi / Ninja Prestige Smart XL — reviewers praise its large usable interior and multiple functions; Food & Wine and retailer pages highlight it as a top space-saver for kitchens. (Food & Wine)
- Breville Smart Oven (higher-end) — excellent build and even cooking; smaller footprint than full ovens but premium price. Food & Wine and other testers regularly list Breville among the best toaster oven options. (Tasting Table)
Where to buy in the USA:
- Best Buy, Target, Williams Sonoma (Breville), Amazon, Wayfair, and Costco often carry popular models and bundles. Check model depth — some “large interior” ovens are also fairly deep on the counter. (Food & Wine)
Real-life example: A studio renter replaced a separate toaster, air fryer, and small oven with a Ninja Prestige — cleared two shelves of clutter and now cooks everything in one unit.
3) Convection microwave + air crisp / microwave combo
Why buy one: If you can’t fit a toaster oven, a convection microwave with air-crisp or baking features (many Breville or Panasonic models) adds real oven-like functionality in a small footprint.
What to look for:
- Wattage and actual convection function (not all microwaves with “convection” are equal).
- Size vs. counter depth — some have shallow external profiles.
Top models:
- Breville Smooth Wave™ countertop microwave oven and similar hybrid microwaves are highly rated in recent 2025 roundups for blending microwave speed with convection performance. (Tasting Table)
Where to buy in the USA:
- Best Buy, Amazon, Williams Sonoma, and Breville’s US store.
Practical tip: Convection microwaves make quick work of small casseroles and reheat without sogginess — great in tiny condos where a full oven is rarely used.
4) Portable induction cooktops — powerful, compact, and safe
Why buy one: Portable induction cooktops are thin, fast, and safe (the surface stays cool); they’re great for a two-burner setup on a shelf or counter and can be stored under a cabinet when not in use.
What to look for:
- Wattage (1,400–1,800 W for single burners is common).
- Control options and safety features (auto-off, pan detection).
- Size and number of burners (single vs. double induction cooktops).
Popular choices:
- Portable models from TOPWISH and other brands are widely available on Amazon and Best Buy and perform well for everyday use. They’re inexpensive and a solid fallback for small kitchens. (Amazon)
Where to buy in the USA:
- Amazon, Best Buy, Home Depot, Walmart.
Real-world note: Induction requires compatible cookware (magnetic base). Many people keep one small induction plate for daily cooking and a foldable table to expand prep space when needed.
5) Slim undercounter / compact built-in dishwashers — for small built-ins
Why buy one: If you have a shallow cabinet or want a built-in but small footprint, 18-inch dishwashers or slimline 24-inch compact models deliver real dishwasher power without a full 24” footprint.
What to look for:
- True dimensions (18″ models are narrower but still deliver good wash cycles).
- Noise ratings (look for <50 dB for quiet apartments).
- Energy and water consumption.
Top brands & considerations:
- Bosch and other major makers offer high-quality 18″ and compact models that are often recommended in appliance roundups. For full-size performance in a smaller package, check expert lists like Forbes and appliance tests. (Forbes)
Where to buy in the USA:
- Best Buy, Home Depot, Lowe’s, and appliance showrooms carry compact built-in dishwashers and can advise on installation.
Installation note: Built-in compact dishwashers typically require plumbing and electrical — get a pro if you rent or aren’t sure about hookups.
6) Compact refrigerators & mini-fridges — cold storage that fits
Why buy one: For studios, in-law suites, or as a second fridge, compact refrigerators (24” and under) hold essentials without a big footprint. Newer models often have small freezer compartments and decent shelving.
What to look for:
- Cubic feet vs. external dimensions — check door swing and clearance.
- Energy efficiency and noise (important in studios where the fridge shares space with living/sleeping areas).
Top picks:
- Danby, Midea, and Haier often make Good Housekeeping and other “best mini fridge” lists for quiet operation and enough storage for two people. Good Housekeeping’s 2025 mini-fridge list includes Danby models as top options. (Good Housekeeping)
Where to buy in the USA:
- Best Buy, Home Depot, Lowe’s, Amazon, Walmart.
Tip: If you have a balcony or shared laundry room, consider a beverage fridge or small under-counter unit to preserve more kitchen real estate.
7) Multifunction electric pressure cooker (Instant Pot and alternatives)
Why buy one: Instant Pot–style cookers slam a pressure cooker, slow cooker, rice cooker, steamer, and sometimes air fryer into one unit. That’s huge for counter real estate and meal variety.
What to look for:
- Size (3–8 quarts common; 6-quart is versatile for couples).
- Functions you will actually use — extra features are nice but add cost.
Brands & where to buy:
- Instant Pot leads the market in the U.S., with multiple sizes and feature sets; Target, Walmart, Best Buy, and Amazon carry many models. Food & Wine and other outlets frequently recommend the Instant Pot for its space-saving versatility. (Food & Wine)
Quick usage idea: Use the pressure-cooker function for beans and stews, slow-cooker for weekends, and rice function for daily sides — it replaces several single-use pots.
8) Compact espresso & smaller coffee machines
Why buy one: If coffee is essential, pick a compact machine (pod-based or small semiautomatic) rather than a large commercial-style espresso maker. They give great coffee while saving counter space.
Popular picks:
- Small pod machines (Nespresso/Keuring) and compact semi-automatic units (Breville’s smaller models) fit tiny counters. Watch recent small-appliance roundups for compact espresso wins. (SFGATE)
Where to buy in the USA:
- Williams Sonoma, Bed Bath & Beyond, Best Buy, Amazon.
Tip: If you love milk drinks, consider a separate small milk frother that tucks away instead of a large machine with a built-in wand.
9) Drawer washer-dryers and compact laundry combos (when you must)
Why buy one: For tiny condos without a stacked laundry closet, drawer washer-dryers and ventless washer-dryer combos fit under counters or in galley spaces. They’re more common in Europe and increasingly available in the U.S. as compact solutions.
What to look for:
- Load size (these are smaller than full-size washers).
- Ventless heat-pump dryers reduce installation needs.
- Noise and cycle time (important in small apartments).
Examples & vendors:
- Bosch and LG offer compact 24” washers and stacked options for small kitchens; LG and other brands have combination and ventless solutions. Check Bosch and LG product pages for small footprint models. (bosch-home.com)
Practical note: These units are higher cost per load than full-size machines but are lifesavers where space is the limiting factor.
10) Compact beverage fridges & wine coolers — space for entertaining
Why buy one: A narrow beverage fridge or small wine cooler stores drinks without sacrificing full fridge space; they’re narrow enough to tuck into a pantry, under counters, or on a shelf.
Where to buy:
- Best Buy, Home Depot, Wayfair, and specialty retailers like Wine Enthusiast offer single-zone and dual-zone small fridges.
Design tip: Choose integrated styles (panel-ready) if you want the unit to blend into cabinetry.
How to choose the right size: measure twice, buy once
Before you buy any compact kitchen appliance:
- Measure the physical space (width, depth, height) and allow clearance for doors or vents.
- Measure entry paths — will the appliance fit through your front door/stairwell/elevator? Many urban delivery fails happen because buyers forget elevator/elevator dimensions.
- Consider installation needs — built-in dishwashers, combo laundry units, and some undercounter fridges may need pro installation.
- Think about use frequency — don’t buy a single-use gadget that will become clutter. Prioritize multifunction devices for tiny kitchens.
Where to buy compact kitchen appliances in the USA (retailers & tips)
- Best Buy — strong selection of compact appliances, price match, and delivery/installation options.
- Home Depot & Lowe’s — good for built-in compact dishwashers, compact fridges, and installation services.
- Amazon & Walmart — widest selection and fast shipping for portable appliances.
- Williams Sonoma / Crate & Barrel — higher-end compact coffee machines and small ovens (Breville).
- Direct from brands — Danby, Bosch, LG, Instant Pot, Ninja, Breville often sell via their US stores and have support.
- Local appliance stores — great for custom installs and measuring advice for undercounter units.
Pro tip: For clearance and deals, check seasonal sales at Best Buy, Home Depot, and major holidays — many compact appliance models go on sale around holidays.
Real-life buyer examples & layouts
Studio renter (Chicago) — countertop dishwasher + induction plate
Setup: Danby countertop dishwasher next to a small sink; single-burner induction plate stored in a cabinet for daily use; Ninja air-fryer toaster oven on a shelf used on weekends. Outcome: dishwasher liberated time and the induction plate was tucked away when cooking wasn’t happening. (Countertop dishwasher picks recommended by Serious Eats/Good Housekeeping). (Serious Eats)
Couple (Seattle) — air-fryer toaster-oven + compact fridge
Setup: Ninja Prestige oven replaced old toaster and standalone air fryer; a 24” compact fridge tucked under a bar counter handles fresh goods. Outcome: counters cleared, one appliance handled most meal needs. Food & Wine tested the Ninja as a top space-saver. (Food & Wine)
Small family (suburban condo) — 18” built-in dishwasher + small convection microwave
Setup: Bosch 18″ compact dishwasher, Breville convection microwave for small bakes and reheats. Outcome: full dishwasher performance without giving up under-counter space; microwave handled most oven tasks during weeknights. Bosch compact lines have good small-footprint performance. (Forbes)
Common mistakes to avoid
- Buying a “big” compact gadget — some “large capacity” toaster ovens take up as much counter depth as a small microwave; check both footprint and usable interior.
- Forgetting entry and elevator dimensions — many compact appliances are heavy or large; measure doorframes and hallway turns.
- Buying single-use gadgets — space is premium; favor multi-function pieces (air-fryer/toaster oven, Instant Pot) over single-use tools.
- Ignoring installation needs — built-in dishwashers and combo laundry units require pro plumbing/electrical.
Quick buying checklist (one-page summary)
- Measure appliance footprint + clearance.
- Compare usable interior capacity, not just external dimensions.
- Check compatibility (induction = magnetic cookware).
- Read tested roundups from Good Housekeeping, Serious Eats, Food & Wine, and appliance pages. (Good Housekeeping)
- Buy from a retailer that offers returns or installation help.
- Prioritize energy-efficient models for long-term savings.
Final thoughts — pick 2–3 compact upgrades first
If you’re short on time or budget, pick the 2–3 compact appliances that give the most everyday value:
- Countertop dishwasher (big time saver) or 18” built-in if you have the hookup. (Serious Eats)
- Air-fryer toaster oven (replaces 2–3 items). (Food & Wine)
- Portable induction cooktop (safe, storable, fast). (Amazon)
These three moves often transform a small kitchen into a fully functional space without a full renovation.