What is a kitchenette? You have probably come across this term when you were apartment hunting, looking for a hotel room, or renting a holiday tiny house, but you aren’t sure what the word really means.
What is a Kitchenette?
There are important distinctions between a kitchen and a kitchenette. While the size of the area is an important difference, this isn’t the only one.
Kitchen vs Kitchenette
Size is often a key difference between kitchens and kitchenettes, but not always. Sometimes, you can have a large room with a kitchenette and a small room with a kitchen. It is more useful to think about how the space is equipped.
Kitchens
A kitchen is a room fully equipped for preparing and cooking food. It has cabinets, counters, and full-sized appliances. A kitchen is often fitted with a stove/oven, sink, dishwasher, microwave, and refrigerator. Also, kitchens often represent our unique styles because there are so many options for customization.
Kitchenettes
Kitchenettes, also called mini kitchens, do not feature generous workspace and standard appliances. Instead, they will have items like a small fridge, hot plate, microwave, and sink. Also, a kitchenette is often not as well organized as a kitchen, because there isn’t the space for extra storage as in a kitchen. Further, unlike the design styles of many home kitchens, kitchenettes focus on achieving the best use of space rather than style.
Advantages of a Kitchenette
For people like students, singles, or those hoping to save some money, kitchenettes have some definite advantages over kitchens. They are very low maintenance because they are quick to clean. These mini-kitchens will not have as many cabinets to collect clutter for people who want to live life with less baggage. They are also less expensive than full kitchens to build and run.
Disadvantages of a Kitchenette
There are also disadvantages to a kitchenette. Full-sized appliances for fancy cooking and entertaining are not often possible in these spaces. They have less space to organize food and cooking tools. They are also located in main living spaces, so it is not easy to hide this area when you entertain
Rooms with Kitchenette
Part of a room equipped as a kitchen is one kitchenette definition because they are often added to other rooms. This works well because they occupy so little space and add value to the rooms in which they are located. Also, they add extra prep areas in places where you entertain like a pool house or basement. They are a great way to add independent living space for an older child or relative.
The Square Footage of Kitchenettes
70 square feet was the average-sized kitchen before 1900. However, like the size of the average home, the average size of kitchens has increased in the last few decades. Now, a kitchenette is an area 80 square feet and under. This is about the minimum area that you would need to build an adequate kitchenette.
FAQ
What is a fully equipped kitchenette?
A kitchenette generally has a microwave, hot plate, small refrigerator, and a toaster oven. However, a “fully equipped” kitchenette, should have a fridge/freezer, a sink, stovetop, silverware, dishes, basic cooking tools, and some storage. Also, it may have some small appliances like a coffee maker and toaster.
What is a kitchenette in a cabin?
Vacation properties like cabins do not always feature a full kitchen. Often, they have mini-kitchens because the agents assume that people will not be making elaborate meals on vacation.
Do kitchenettes have stoves?
Kitchenettes do not typically have a stove. However, if a description names it a “fully equipped kitchenette”, it should have a stove even if only a small one.
How can I make my own kitchenette?
The answer depends on how extensive a kitchenette you want to build. This is an important question to answer before you begin planning. If you want to build a fully equipped kitchenette, first decide on your plumbing needs. Next, decide on your worktop needs. If you need more workspace than your area allows, consider the addition of a fold-out counter. Then, consider the appliances you want. There are compact versions of stoves, dishwashers, and refrigerators available. Maximize storage with shelves and cabinets. Last, customize your space with color and great hardware.
What can I cook in a kitchenette?
Even if you only have a hot plate, there are many things that you can make in a kitchenette beyond ramen noodles. You can pan-fry meat for eating on salads or stir-fry, eggs. Also, you can make all kinds of pasta, and many kinds of soups and stews.
How can I style my kitchenette to make it more unique?
Kitchenettes are typically practical in design. Often, the style and decor are a lower priority. However, you can still make your area beautiful while still working well. Also, you can personalize your space for your particular needs.
For example, if you like tea or hot chocolate, add an electric kettle for quick boiling water. If you like soup, make sure you have a hot plate that can fit a small pot. Also, make sure to add hooks and baskets so that you can organize your cooking tools better. Paint your cabinets and/or shelves a fun color and use unique hardware to add extra interest.
Kitchen vs. Kitchenette: Conclusion
Consumers should be informed about the important differences between a kitchen and a kitchenette in order to make the best decision for their needs. Kitchenettes work well for many people in a variety of circumstances.
Especially, for those who are in a place for a short time or need a lower-cost option. They can be practical for simple meal prep and have distinctive and unique design styles. However, they have definite limitations that may not work for everyone. Keep these differences in mind while you are searching for your next perfect place.
The post What is a Kitchnette? The Difference Between Kitchenettes and Kitchens appeared first on Home Decorating Trends - Homedit.
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