We've all heard stories about professional chefs and cookbook writers working out of small apartment kitchens with just the essentials—a range, a refrigerator, a dishwasher—all within arm's reach. Here are our top picks (in a range of prices) to outfit a kitchen when space is tight. For more ideas on the theme, see Steal This Look: Instant Camp-Style Kitchen).
N.B. Remodelista readers: send us your experiences with small-space appliances; we'd love to hear your ideas.
COOKING
Above: Our top range pick is the narrow Viking 24-Inch Pro-Style Gas Range with Four Open Burners; $3,539 at AJ Madison in black, white, or stainless (also available in custom colors for $3,889).
Above: If you are limited to electric and tight on space, the super-compact Haier 20-Inch Electric Range HER203QABS is a good stainless option and costs around $500. Go to Haier for dealer location.
Above: The ultra-compact, 12-inch Miele Double Combiset Gas Cooktop with stainless steel control knob, sealed burners, electric spark ignition, and cast iron grate is $949 at AJ Madison.
Above: No space for a wall oven? Consider the Cuisinart BRK-100 Brick Oven Classic; $129.95 at Amazon.
Above: The smallest wall-mount over-the-range microwave we've found is the 22-inch (30-inch is standard) LG LMV1314 Microwave; $279 at AJ Madison.
CLEANING
Above: When space is tight, the Fisher & Paykel DD24S Single Dish Drawer is a good choice; it can accommodate larger items such as pots and pans and measures 23 7/16 inches wide and 16 3/32 inches tall (an 18-inch-high model is also available); $599 at AJ Madison.
REFRIGERATION
Above: New York City-based appliance company Summit has been specializing in compact refrigerators and freezers for commercial and special use since 1969. More recently, they've been expanding their range of household appliances to focus on apartment-sized products. The Summit FFBF285SS 24-Inch Stainless Steel Refrigerator is $1,289 at AJ Madison.
Above: I've had great experience with Liebherr refrigerators; the company offers several sleek compact refrigerators for smaller kitchens that are cabinet depth (in fact, they're the only freestanding cabinet-depth refrigerators on the market). Consider the freestanding, 80-inch-high, 24-inch-wide CS 1311 Refrigerator; $2,249 at AJ Madison.
Above: For spaces that can't accommodate a tall refrigerator, consider the Sanyo SR-3770S Counter-High Refrigerator, which features a stainless-steel door and a black worktop; $199.99 at Amazon.