Standard kitchen utensils waste drawer space. Space saving kitchen utensils collapse flat, nest together, or combine multiple tools into one. For small apartment kitchens with one or two utensil drawers, choosing the right space saving kitchen utensils means fitting everything you need without the clutter.
According to Good Housekeeping’s kitchen organization research, the average kitchen has 30% more utensils than needed. This guide covers the best collapsible, nesting, and multi-purpose utensils that maximize limited drawer space.
Contents
Best Collapsible Kitchen Utensils
Collapsible utensils fold flat when stored, expanding only when needed. These are the best space saving kitchen utensils for tight drawers.
Collapsible Measuring Cups and Spoons
Best Set: Prepworks Collapsible Measuring Set
Cups and spoons collapse to one-third their normal height. Silicone construction is dishwasher safe and heat resistant.
Dimensions collapsed: Under 1 inch tall Dimensions expanded: Standard measuring sizes
Cost: $12-18
Collapsible Colander
Best Option: Comfify Collapsible Silicone Colander
Flattens to 1 inch for storage. Extends to full colander depth when needed. Handles lock in place during use.
Dimensions collapsed: 1″ H × 10″ diameter Dimensions expanded: 5″ H × 10″ diameter
Cost: $12-15
See our Collapsible Colander Review
Collapsible Funnel Set
Best Option: Norpro Silicone Funnel Set
Three sizes that nest together. Each funnel collapses flat individually.
Cost: $8-12
Collapsible Whisk
Best Option: Tovolo Collapsible Whisk
Flattens for drawer storage. Pops into whisk shape for use. Silicone-coated wires protect nonstick pans. America’s Test Kitchen has featured collapsible whisks as practical space-savers.
Dimensions collapsed: 11″ L × 2″ W × 0.5″ H Dimensions expanded: 11″ L × 3″ W × 3″ H
Cost: $10-15
Best Nesting Kitchen Utensils
Nesting utensils stack inside each other. Five items take the footprint of one. Essential space saving kitchen utensils for small kitchens.
Nesting Mixing Bowls
Best Set: Pyrex 8-Piece Nesting Bowl Set
Includes mixing bowls with matching lids. Glass construction works for microwave, oven, and dishwasher. Pyrex has manufactured glass kitchen products since 1915.
Sizes included: 1, 2, 4, and 8 cup bowls with lids Storage footprint: 8″ diameter (largest bowl only)
Cost: $25-35
Nesting Measuring Cups
Best Set: OXO Good Grips Nesting Measuring Cups
Magnetic handles snap together for storage. Includes odd sizes like 2/3 cup that cheap sets skip. OXO’s universal design philosophy ensures products work comfortably for all users.
Cost: $15-20
Nesting Food Storage Containers
Best Set: Rubbermaid Brilliance Nesting Set
Containers and lids both nest for maximum space savings. Clear sides for visibility. Leak-proof seals. Rubbermaid designs storage products specifically for space efficiency.
Cost: $25-40
Best Multi-Purpose Utensils
One tool, multiple jobs. The ultimate space saving kitchen utensils eliminate single-use gadgets entirely.
Kitchen Shears
Best Option: OXO Good Grips Kitchen Shears
Cuts meat, herbs, packaging, and more. Built-in bottle opener. Blades separate for cleaning.
Replaces: Poultry shears, herb scissors, package scissors, bottle opener
Cost: $15-20
Immersion Blender with Attachments
Best Option: Mueller Ultra-Stick Immersion Blender
Blends soups in the pot. Whips cream. Chops small quantities. Replaces three separate appliances for small jobs. Serious Eats recommends immersion blenders as essential tools for small kitchens.
Replaces: Countertop blender, hand mixer, mini food processor
Cost: $30-40
Bench Scraper
Best Option: Dexter-Russell Bench Scraper
Scoops chopped ingredients from cutting board. Portions dough. Cleans counters. Simple tool with multiple uses. Dexter-Russell has manufactured professional kitchen tools since 1818.
Replaces: Dedicated dough cutter, counter scraper, ingredient scoop
Cost: $8-12
Microplane Zester
Best Option: Microplane Classic Zester
Zests citrus. Grates garlic and ginger. Shreds hard cheese. One tool replaces multiple grater sizes. Microplane originally designed these graters for woodworking before discovering their kitchen potential.
Replaces: Citrus zester, garlic press, fine grater
Cost: $12-15
Space Saving Utensil Storage Solutions
Even with space saving kitchen utensils, how you store them matters. The Container Store’s kitchen organization guide emphasizes vertical storage for small spaces.
Magnetic Knife Strip
Mounts knives on the wall. Frees entire drawer space that knife blocks or in-drawer storage would occupy.
Cost: $15-25
Drawer Dividers
Organizes utensils upright in sections instead of jumbled together. Adjustable dividers fit any drawer width.
Cost: $15-25
Wall-Mounted Utensil Holder
Hangs frequently-used tools on the wall near the stove. Keeps them accessible without drawer space.
Cost: $10-20
Utensils to Skip in a Small Kitchen
Some utensils waste drawer space regardless of design:
- Avocado slicer: Use a knife
- Banana slicer: Use a knife
- Egg separator: Use your hands or the shell
- Garlic press: Use a Microplane or knife
- Single-use gadgets: If it does one thing, skip it
- Duplicate tools: One spatula is enough
Complete Space Saving Utensil Kit
Starting fresh? Here is a minimal set of space saving kitchen utensils that covers 95% of cooking tasks:
Essential Set (12 items):
- Chef’s knife
- Paring knife
- Cutting board
- Collapsible measuring cups and spoons
- Nesting mixing bowls (with lids)
- Collapsible colander
- Silicone spatula
- Wooden spoon
- Kitchen tongs
- Kitchen shears
- Microplane zester
- Can opener
This set stores in one drawer plus one cabinet shelf.
Frequently Asked Questions
Are collapsible utensils as effective as regular ones?
For most tasks, yes. Collapsible colanders and measuring cups work identically to rigid versions. Collapsible whisks are slightly less efficient but adequate for occasional use.
How much drawer space can I save with nesting utensils?
Nesting bowls save 60-70% space compared to non-nesting sets. Five nesting bowls take the space of two regular bowls.
What is the single most impactful space saving utensil?
Nesting mixing bowls. They are used constantly for prep, mixing, and storage. The space savings are dramatic.
The Bottom Line on Space Saving Kitchen Utensils
Space saving kitchen utensils make small kitchens functional without sacrificing capability.
- Best collapsible: Collapsible measuring cups and collapsible colander
- Best nesting: Pyrex nesting bowls with lids
- Best multipurpose: Kitchen shears and immersion blender
- Best storage: Magnetic knife strip
Stop filling drawers with single-use gadgets. Choose space saving kitchen utensils that collapse, nest, and multi-task.
Related:
- Best Space-Saving Kitchen Tools
- Best Foldable Kitchen Tools
- Collapsible Silicone Colander Review
- Best Nesting Mixing Bowls
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