Apartments aren’t exactly known for their sprawling countertops or walk-in pantries. But there are some things you can’t go without, and these kitchen essentials are non-negotiable. When space is limited, every tool needs to earn its keep. You want multipurpose, compact and practical – with a few stylish touches that make you feel like you’ve got it together (even if your ‘pantry’ is just one drawer and a floating shelf). Whether you just moved out on your own or moved into a micro apartment, these kitchen essentials are worth holding space for.
Stainless steel pan
If there’s one kitchen essential that will go a really long way, it’s a stainless steel pan. Cast-iron pans are great, but might not be compatible with your stove. Over time, Teflon pans are prone to wear and tear and might endure scratches. But a high-quality stainless steel pan will go a long way and stick with you from your first apartment to your forever home. If you treat it well, it can last a lifetime. Plus, it’s versatile; you can make steak, sauces, pancakes and more.
This Sagenwolf Stainless Steel Frying Pan from Yuppiechef is fantastic.
Air fryer oven
A mini air fryer or compact toaster oven can be a game-changer. Air fryers, especially those under 4 litres, are perfect for one or two people. You can roast veg, crisp up leftover pizza, make a batch of wings or even toast nuts without heating up your entire apartment. If you’re into baking or want something more versatile, a mini convection oven is worth considering. Some models even combine air fryer and toaster functions, which is gold.
Stovetop kettle
A stovetop kettle is a solid choice, especially if you’re tight on plug points or prefer a more old-school vibe. It doesn’t need electricity and looks great sitting on the stove. Go for something lightweight but durable. Make sure the base is compatible with your cooktop – flat-bottomed kettles are best for induction and electric stoves, while gas gives you more wiggle room.
Stick blender
Blenders and food processors can be bulky, but a stick blender? Absolutely essential! You’ll use it for smoothies, soups, sauces, pesto, the works! When shopping, go for a model with a stainless-steel blending arm (they last longer and handle heat better) and make sure it’s detachable for easy cleaning. If you’re into meal prep and batch cooking or making your own dips and doughs, a mini food processor is worth the shelf space. Just keep it under 2 cups capacity and make sure it’s got a pulse function for control. Get one with a whisk attachment to get the most use out of it.
Balloon whisk
A stick blender might be out of your budget if you are just settling into your first place, or you don’t have much use for it. Whatever the case, a balloon whisk is the next best thing. It’s versatile. It’ll fluff eggs, blend dressings and smooth out batter faster than a fork ever could. Look for one that feels good in your hand and has sturdy wires – bonus if they’re silicone-coated for use with nonstick pans.
Measuring cups/jugs
Don’t skip on measuring cups – a nested set saves space, and having both dry and liquid measures makes a difference when following recipes properly. Measuring jugs are also great for mixing batters or making marinades.
One good knife
You only really need one good knife. Yes, just one, unless you’re an aspiring cook, then you should own these basic knives. If you’re starting out or paring down, get yourself a solid 8-inch chef’s knife. It should feel balanced and comfortable in your hand, ideally with a full tang (that means the metal runs through the whole handle) for durability.
A sharp knife will change your life and make food prep light work. If you’ve got a bit of extra budget, a small paring knife for fiddly things like peeling fruit or a serrated knife for bread and tomatoes are nice to have, but the chef’s knife will do most of the heavy lifting. Don’t forget a honing rod or sharpener. Remember, a blunt knife is more dangerous than a sharp one.
Wooden cutting board
A medium-sized wooden or bamboo board looks good, feels good under your knife and can be used as a serving platter when guests come over. If you love steak, make sure it has slits along the edges to catch the jus – you don’t want it spilling all over your kitchen counter. Plastic boards are okay, but the thin ones tend to slip around and warp, making it harder to avoid microplastics with frequent use.
Spice box
If you don’t have ample cupboard space or if your spices always end up shoved at the back of a shelf, never to be seen again, a spice box is a game-changer. Think of it as your tiny kitchen’s answer to a pantry. The best kind? A well-designed spice box with enough compartments to keep your favourite spices within reach. It’s especially useful if you cook a lot and don’t want to dig around every time you need ‘just a pinch’ of something.
Some spice boxes come with a flat, unhinged wooden lid that doubles as a mini cutting board – perfect when counter space is basically non-existent. You can do a quick garlic chop or slice a bit of ginger right on top. Choose one with a tight-fitting lid to keep things fresh and avoid unwanted moisture, and look for clear labels or glass tops if you’re a visual organiser.
These Botanical Infusion Boxes from My Butchers Block double up as spice boxes.
Mortar & pestle
If you prefer whole over ground spices or enjoy making paste, a mortar and pestle is a solid kitchen essential that will complete your set. A stone or granite one offers great weight and grip for getting the job done. Not into manual grinding? A coffee grinder can double as a spice grinder – just make sure to clean it well between uses!
Microplane or box grater
If you love zesting lemons, grating nutmeg or showering Parmesan over your pasta, a microplane grater is a mighty tool to keep nearby. It takes up almost no drawer space and makes quick work of fine grating. That said, if you shred cheese or veggies often, a box grater might be worth the extra space – it’s still compact, but more versatile. If you need a mandolin, get a multi-functional grater.
Get this Handi-Grate Multi-Function Grater from Joseph Joseph.
Salad bowl
It’s okay to go bigger on some appliances. If you love garden salads, get a giant salad or serving bowl – one that’s big enough to feed family and friends. It also doubles as a mixing bowl, which is great if you are into baking. Go for ceramic, wooden or melamine – something that’s perfect for casual dinners or special dining occasions.
Tongs
A solid pair of stainless steel tongs is a must-have. Whether you’re turning chops on the braai or flipping roast veg, they offer control without the splatter.
For everyday cooking in the kitchen, we recommend getting a pair with silicone tips, which is ideal if you are using a nonstick pan to avoid scratching the surface. You’ll want one with a locking mechanism, so they can be stored neatly and not take up space in your drawer.
Anti-scald clips or silicone mittens
Burns happen fast in tiny kitchens, or any kitchen for that matter; even the best chefs will agree. Anti-scald clips are brilliant for lifting hot bowls or steaming plates from the microwave or oven. A pair of silicone mittens is also great – they’re heatproof, grippy and easy to rinse clean.
Try these anti-scald clips from Takealot.
Rolling pin
If you ever make flatbread or hand-rolled pasta, a French rolling pin (the handle-free kind) is a sleek option. It’s easy to clean, takes up less drawer space and looks beautiful. It can be a bit pricier than the old-school pins with handles, but it rolls like a dream and feels more intuitive to use.
These French rolling pins from Elevenpast are a baker’s best friend.
Serving spoons
Invest in a big serving spoon for stews, curries or Sunday lunch-style spreads. Also, wooden spoons are non-negotiable. They won’t scratch your pans and are perfect for stirring pap.
Glass container & Tupperware sets
One of the best kitchen essentials? Collapsible or stackable tools. Think silicone mixing bowls that fold down flat, glass containers and Tupperware sets. You don’t realise how much space these basic tools eat up until you switch to space-saving versions. Glass containers are also great for entertaining, depending on how big your micro apartment is.
We adore these Simply Stored canisters with bamboo lids.
Rice cooker or pressure cooker
A rice cooker or multi-cooker, like the Instant Pot, is brilliant if you eat a lot of grains, lentils or soups. It’s also great if you are into batch cooking or appreciate low-effort, rewarding meals.
Try this Instant Pot Coconut Chicken Curry.
Foldable drying rack
Don’t overlook a compact dish drying rack – especially one that fits over the sink or folds away, like this foldable drying rack. You’ll thank yourself every time you do the dishes.
A good bottle opener
It might seem obvious, but you’d be surprised how often this one’s forgotten – right until someone brings over a bottle of wine and there’s no way to open it.
A sturdy corkscrew or multi-function bottle opener is one of those tiny-but-crucial tools every kitchen needs, even if it only comes out occasionally. Bonus if you find one with a foil cutter and beer-cap opener built in. It barely takes up any drawer space, and you’ll thank yourself the next time a celebration (or any day of the week) calls for a drink.
We love this Vagnbys 2-in-1 corkscrew and wine stopper from Yuppiechef.
Want more? Here’s how to style your itty-bitty, micro apartment.
Find out whether induction cooking is worth putting gas on the back burner.
