When living in a tiny house, choosing the right appliances is essential. With limited space, every item needs to serve a purpose and fit seamlessly into your compact lifestyle. But which appliances are truly necessary, and which ones can you live without? Here’s a guide to help you decide what you need and what you can skip when outfitting your tiny home.
What You Need
1. Compact Refrigerator
A full-sized refrigerator can take up too much room, but a compact or under-counter fridge offers plenty of storage for fresh food without overwhelming your kitchen space. If you live alone or with a partner, a small fridge should be more than enough. For more space-saving kitchen ideas, check out our post on space-saving hacks for tiny home kitchens.
2. Washer/Dryer Combo
Space is tight, and dedicating room to both a washer and dryer isn’t feasible for most tiny homes. A combo unit is a great space-saving alternative, allowing you to wash and dry clothes in one appliance.
3. Two-Burner Stove or Cooktop
Most tiny homes don’t require a full-sized stove. Opt for a two-burner stove or an electric cooktop that offers enough cooking space without dominating your kitchen area.
4. Mini Split HVAC System
A mini-split heating and cooling system is ideal for tiny homes. It’s energy-efficient, compact, and can maintain a comfortable temperature year-round without taking up valuable space. This is just one of many ways to keep your home comfortable. To learn more about creating a cozy and efficient living space, check out our guide on making a tiny home feel spacious and comfortable.
5. Instant Pot or Slow Cooker
In a small kitchen, multi-purpose appliances like an Instant Pot or slow cooker are invaluable. They can handle cooking tasks from sautéing to slow cooking, all in one pot, saving both space and time. Explore more space-saving solutions with our list of genius kitchen appliances.
What to Skip
1. Dishwasher
While dishwashers are convenient, they’re usually not necessary in a tiny home. With limited dishes and space, hand-washing is often quicker and easier. Skipping this appliance can save precious counter space.
2. Full-Sized Oven
A full-sized oven can be bulky and rarely necessary in a tiny house. Instead, consider a toaster oven or a convection microwave, which can handle most baking or cooking tasks without taking up too much room.
3. Full-Sized Laundry Units
Separate washer and dryer units are not practical in a tiny house. Stick to a combo machine or even consider using a nearby laundromat, especially if laundry isn’t a daily task. For those interested in alternative tiny home living solutions, check out this custom tiny home with a loft bedroom to see how creative design can free up space.
4. Large Water Heater
Traditional water heaters can take up too much space and energy. Instead, opt for a tankless water heater. It heats water on demand, saving both space and energy.
5. Oversized Entertainment Systems
Skip bulky entertainment systems with large speakers or TV stands. Instead, consider a wall-mounted TV and compact speakers or soundbars to save floor space while still enjoying your entertainment.
The Bottom Line
When it comes to tiny house appliances, less is more. Focus on essential, multi-functional appliances that fit within your lifestyle and skip the larger, unnecessary items. With thoughtful choices, you can keep your tiny house functional, comfortable, and free of clutter! For more inspiration on how to downsize and live better in small spaces, check out why tiny homes are the perfect solution for minimalist living.