Living in a shared space with roommates can be a lot of fun — movie nights, shared expenses, and always having someone to chat with. But it also has its challenges, especially when it comes to cooking in a small, cramped kitchen.
Managing different cooking schedules, limited counter space, and keeping things tidy can test even the best of roommates. Luckily, as part of our Kitchen tips, we came up with a few clever hacks, you can make the most of your tiny shared kitchen and turn meal prep into a breeze – all without stepping on each other’s toes!
1. Coordinate Cooking Times
One of the first things you’ll notice in a shared kitchen is the need for organization and timing. With multiple people sharing the space, it’s helpful to coordinate when you’ll be using the kitchen to avoid overcrowding.
- Set up a loose schedule – You don’t need to stick to a rigid timetable, but having a general idea of when the kitchen is free will make things much smoother.
- Meal prep on weekends – If your schedules are unpredictable, try doing most of your meal prep on weekends or when the kitchen is less busy. This way, you’re not scrambling to make dinner at the same time as your roommates.
2. Maximize Vertical Space
One of the biggest problems in a tiny kitchen is the lack of counter space, but don’t forget about the walls! Using vertical space can make a massive difference in keeping things organized.
- Install hooks and shelves – Consider hanging hooks for pots, pans, and utensils to free up cupboard space. Wall-mounted magnetic strips for knives and spices are also excellent space savers.
- Over-the-sink cutting boards – If counter space is limited, over-the-sink cutting boards are a great solution. These sit right over your sink and give you an extra prep area without wasting precious space.
Watch this video for some more useful tips:
3. Opt for Multi-Use Appliances
In a small kitchen, having too many gadgets can quickly lead to clutter. Focus on getting multi-use appliances that can tackle several tasks to save both space and time.
- Pressure cookers and instant pots – These all-in-one machines can steam, sauté, pressure cook, slow cook, and even make yogurt! Instead of using multiple pots and pans, cook entire meals in just one appliance.
- Toaster ovens with air fry functions – A toaster oven with added air fry capabilities can replace your conventional oven and fryer.
- Immersion blenders – Rather than having a full-sized blender, an immersion blender can be used directly in pots or pitchers for smoothies, soups, and sauces.
4. Use Stackable Storage
When you’re sharing a kitchen, there’s never enough storage space. Whether it’s the fridge, pantry, or cupboards, maximizing every inch is crucial. Stackable storage containers and bins are your best friends.
- Stackable containers – Invest in a good set of stackable, transparent containers for storing leftovers, meal prep items, and dry goods.
- Fridge and pantry bins – You can use stackable bins to organize smaller items in the fridge, freezer, or pantry.
5. Label Everything
When sharing a kitchen with others, keep track of whose food is whose and how long things have been sitting around. This is where labeling comes in handy.
- Label containers and shelves – Get some removable labels or masking tape and a permanent marker to mark your containers with your name and the date. You can also assign certain shelves in the fridge and pantry to each roommate so everyone has their designated space for storing food.
- Use erasable labels – If you want to avoid writing on containers, invest in some erasable labels that let you change the information.
Watch this video to learn more:
6. Make Clean-Up a Group Effort
The biggest source of tension in shared kitchens is often the clean-up. Dirty dishes left in the sink or cluttered countertops can cause frustration, but it’s an easy problem to solve with teamwork and communication.
- Create a cleaning schedule – Make sure everyone is on the same page by creating a shared cleaning schedule or chore chart. This way, no one feels like they’re doing more than their fair share, and the kitchen stays tidy.
- Clean as you cook – One simple habit that can make a big difference is cleaning as you cook. Instead of waiting until the end of your meal prep, wash utensils, cutting boards, and bowls as you go.
- Keep cleaning supplies handy – Having easy access to cleaning supplies like dish soap, sponges, and disinfectant wipes will encourage everyone to wipe down surfaces and wash their dishes.
7. Use Collapsible Kitchen Tools
Space-saving kitchen tools are a lifesaver in tiny kitchens. Collapsible tools like strainers, bowls, and measuring cups can be easily stored in a drawer or cupboard when not in use.
- Collapsible strainers and bowls – These fold flat, making them ideal for tight cupboards. Use them for rinsing vegetables or straining pasta, and then tuck them away without taking up an inch of counter space.
- Nesting measuring cups and spoons – Instead of cluttering up a drawer with various sizes of measuring cups and spoons, opt for nesting sets that stack inside each other.
Watch this video to get a glimpse:
8. Plan Simple, One-Pan Meals
When you’re short on time and space, one-pan or one-pot meals are a great go-to. They minimize the number of dishes you use, which means less clutter in the kitchen and less cleaning afterward.
- Sheet pan dinners – Toss veggies, protein, and seasoning onto a single baking sheet and roast everything together. You’ll have a full meal with minimal effort and dishes.
- Stir-fries and skillet meals – Stir-fries, fried rice, and skillet pasta dishes are perfect for quick, easy one-pan meals.
Finding the Right Roommates
If you’re looking for compatible roommates who share your values, cooking habits, and lifestyle, consider using a trusted platform like SpareRoom. It’s a great way to find roommates in Philadelphia, NYC, Austin, or anywhere else in the US who align with your preferences, making kitchen harmony a lot easier to achieve!
Conclusion
With a bit of planning, coordination, and the right kitchen hacks, even the tiniest shared kitchens can be a joy to cook in. These tips will help you navigate the challenges of communal cooking and make meal prep fun, efficient, and stress-free — even when space is tight!
