Space saving kitchen tools are essential for anyone cooking in a small apartment. When cabinet space is limited and counters are precious, every item needs to earn its spot.
If you need space saving kitchen tools, this list covers 15 that actually work. Each one is collapsible, foldable, stackable, or multi-purpose. We only recommend space saving kitchen tools that solve real problems, not bulky single-use gadgets that collect dust.
How We Selected These Space Saving Kitchen Tools
Every space saving kitchen tools item on this list meets three criteria:
- Saves measurable space compared to traditional alternatives
- Actually works for its intended purpose
- Holds up over time with regular use
We skipped trendy gadgets with gimmicky space claims. These are practical space saving kitchen tools that solve real problems in small kitchens. According to Martha Stewart’s kitchen organization guide, the best small kitchen tools are those that serve multiple purposes.
Prep Tools
1. Over-the-Sink Cutting Board with Colander
Why it’s essential: Creates counter space where there is none. The integrated colander lets you prep and rinse in one spot.
Space saved: Uses sink area instead of counter. Collapses flat for drawer storage.
Best for: Anyone with zero counter space for food prep.
See our full review | Check price
2. Collapsible Silicone Colander
Why it’s essential: Standard colanders are bulky cabinet hogs. Collapsible versions shrink to under 2 inches.
Space saved: 75% reduction compared to rigid colanders.
Best for: Small cabinets with limited depth.
See our full review | Check price
3. Nesting Bowls and Measuring Cups Set
Why it’s essential: One stack replaces 8-12 separate items. Everything stores in the footprint of one bowl.
Space saved: Up to 75% cabinet space reduction.
Best for: Anyone setting up a new kitchen or replacing mismatched items.
See our full review | Check price
4. Foldable Cutting Board
Why it’s essential: Folds in half for storage. Some versions have built-in strainers or funnels for transferring chopped food.
Space saved: 50% compared to rigid boards of same size.
Best for: Tight drawer storage, camping, or RV kitchens.
5. Magnetic Knife Strip
Why it’s essential: Mounts on wall, freeing drawer and counter space entirely. Knives are visible and accessible.
Space saved: Eliminates knife block footprint (roughly 6×6 inches of counter) plus drawer space.
Best for: Anyone with limited drawer space and available wall space.
Cooking Tools
6. Mini Air Fryer
Why it’s essential: Smallest footprint for versatile cooking. 2-3 quart size handles single servings perfectly.
Space saved: Half the footprint of toaster ovens. Stores in cabinet between uses.
Best for: Single-person households, frozen food lovers, crispy reheating.
See our comparison | Check price
7. Nesting Cookware Set
Why it’s essential: Pots and pans designed to stack inside each other. Entire set stores in space of largest pot.
Space saved: 60-70% compared to non-nesting sets.
Best for: Complete kitchen setup with minimal cabinet space.
8. Collapsible Steamer Basket
Why it’s essential: Fits any pot size from small to large. Folds flat for drawer storage.
Space saved: 80% compared to rigid steamers.
Best for: Healthy cooking, vegetable prep, dumplings.
9. Compact Electric Kettle
Why it’s essential: Faster and smaller than stovetop kettles. 1-liter size is perfect for 1-2 people.
Space saved: Smaller footprint than stovetop kettles, frees burner space.
Best for: Tea and coffee drinkers, instant oatmeal, ramen.
10. Collapsible Measuring Cups
Why it’s essential: Silicone cups flatten completely. Store in a drawer without taking space.
Space saved: 90% compared to rigid cups.
Best for: Minimal kitchens, RV travel, camping.
Drying and Cleaning
11. Roll-Up Dish Drying Rack
Why it’s essential: Sits over sink using otherwise wasted space. Rolls up for storage when not needed.
Space saved: 100% counter space saved compared to traditional drying racks.
Best for: Hand washers with no counter space for drying.
See our full review | Check price
12. Slim Trash Can
Why it’s essential: Fits in narrow gaps between appliances. Same capacity in half the floor footprint.
Space saved: 50% floor space compared to round cans.
Best for: Kitchens with tight floor space but gaps near appliances.
See our full review | Check price
13. Over-Door Organizer
Why it’s essential: Uses cabinet door backs for storage. Zero floor, counter, or shelf space required.
Space saved: Creates new storage from unused space.
Best for: Spices, cleaning supplies, wraps and bags.
Storage Tools
14. Stackable Food Containers
Why it’s essential: Containers nest when empty. Square shapes fit together better than round.
Space saved: 50% compared to non-nesting containers.
Best for: Meal prep, leftovers, pantry organization.
15. Magnetic Spice Jars
Why it’s essential: Mount on refrigerator or wall. Frees cabinet or counter space completely.
Space saved: Eliminates spice rack footprint entirely.
Best for: Frequently used spices, small spice collections.
How to Choose Space Saving Kitchen Tools
Before buying any kitchen tool, ask these four questions:
1. Where will this store when not in use? If you can’t identify a specific storage spot, don’t buy it.
2. Does it do more than one job? Multi-purpose tools earn their space. Single-use items rarely do.
3. Can it collapse, fold, or stack? Flexible storage is essential for small kitchens.
4. Will I use it at least weekly? Monthly-use items don’t deserve prime storage space.
If you can’t answer all four questions positively, skip the purchase.
Our Top 3 Space Saving Kitchen Tools for Most Impact
If you’re starting from scratch or want maximum improvement with minimum purchases, these space saving kitchen tools deliver the best results:
1. Over-the-sink cutting board with colander Highest impact on usable space. Creates a prep station where none existed.
2. Nesting bowls and measuring cups set Best value per square inch saved. Replaces many items with one organized stack.
3. Roll-up dish drying rack Solves a daily problem with zero ongoing effort. Works every time.
These three space saving kitchen tools solve the most common small-kitchen problems for under $75 total. For more small kitchen ideas, see Architectural Digest’s apartment kitchen guide.
What We Don’t Recommend
Some “space saving” products aren’t worth it:
Hanging pot racks: Look nice but require ceiling installation. Most renters can’t or shouldn’t install them.
Over-sink shelving units: Block access to faucet and feel cluttered. Better to use cabinet space.
Drawer organizer inserts: Often waste more space than they save by creating unused gaps.
Wall-mounted folding tables: Rarely fold up smoothly after a few months. Hardware loosens.
Stick with simpler space saving kitchen tools that don’t require permanent installation.
