What Is a Kitchenette? Plus How It Differs from a Kitchen

A kitchen is an essential part of every home. However, when browsing apartment listings or looking for rentals and hotel rooms, you will likely come across the word "kitchenette" instead of "kitchen." So what’s the difference?

The suffix "ette" means "small." A kitchenette is a smaller, more compact version of a traditional kitchen. It's not likely to be a stand-alone room, but instead embedded into a bedroom or shared living space. In a home, kitchenettes are ideal for finishing a basement and making an in-law suite or short-term rental. But for a large family, a kitchenette has its limitations. Here’s everything you need to know to differentiate the two.

What Is a Kitchenette?

Kitchenettes are found in various properties, including compact apartments, studios, student accommodation, offices, leisure facilities, and hotels. However, they are not limited to small spaces. You can also add them to backyards, especially homes with an outdoor kitchen. They are often installed in a guest room, pool house, home office, finished basement, or any other gathering space that needs easy access to food and drinks.

While their size and appearance vary, kitchenettes typically feature compact appliances, including a sink, microwave, mini or full-sized fridge, and a stovetop. They are more frequently found in apartments rather than traditional homes.

Despite their size, gadgets such as electric kettles, Instant Pots, and slow cookers make for efficient food prep and cooking. Many kitchenettes do not have a full-sized oven, but some do. Kitchenettes also have limited storage, usually lacking overhead cabinetry.

Because they are small, kitchenettes often lack the amount of counter space and number of electric outlets you might be used to in a traditional kitchen. Standard features of a kitchenette include:

• Compact Layout: A kitchenette typically sits along a wall or corner to maximize functionality and floor space in a small room.
• Endless Configurations: Kitchenettes can be built or assembled in countless layouts and designs; some can be quite high-end while others appear to be a simple retrofit.
• Small or Multifunctional Appliances: Most kitchenettes feature compact versions of full-sized appliances. For example, instead of a full-sized refrigerator with a freezer, the kitchenette might have a mini-fridge or a full-sized one without a freezer.

Kitchenette vs. Kitchen: What's the Difference?

While both a kitchenette and a kitchen provide a place to prepare meals, the main difference is size. A full kitchen has ample space for meal prep, cooking, and food storage. A kitchenette is much smaller; in fact, the 2013 New York Building code defines it as a cooking area of less than 80 square feet.

A full kitchen is a better choice for long-term cooking and entertainment for large families and households. But for singles or couples who don’t plan to spend much time cooking or hosting, a kitchenette might do.

Another difference is that a kitchen is typically its own room, even in an open-concept floor plan. On the other hand, a kitchenette sits along a wall or corner in a single open room—usually inside another room, like a studio bedroom or a shared dining/living room.

While a full kitchen may feature appliances for varied cooking and dining needs, kitchenettes have limited appliances. Usually, a kitchenette only has a sink, microwave, mini fridge, and small range or hot plate.

Last, kitchenettes have less storage space. While standard kitchens have cabinets, shelves, and even a pantry for dry food storage, most kitchenettes rarely have more than a few cabinets. The countertop surface is also limited, and they usually do not have a separate dining area. So you may find yourself cooking and eating on the same countertop.

Pros and Cons of a Kitchenette

Pros

• Aesthetically Appealing: Most kitchenettes are stylishly designed to enhance any space's aesthetics. They are mainly constructed using materials like stainless steel that offer a sleek, contemporary look.
• Cost Effective: They are cheaper to install compared to full kitchens.
• Easy to Clean and Maintain: With small appliances and less counter space, you are likely to adapt to making simpler meals. They have fewer surfaces, so you won't spend tons of time cleaning up.
• Multipurpose: Kitchenettes can be found in businesses and residential spaces of all sizes.
• Reduced Clutter: Since they only hold essential appliances and have limited counter space, they encourage people to have a minimalist approach, which helps avoid clutter.
• Efficient: Kitchenettes are much smaller than kitchens. In tiny homes, they leave valuable space for furniture and other amenities.

Cons

• Building Codes or Regulations: Depending on where you live, you may not be permitted to install a kitchenette. Before you start the project, ensure that it is legal.
• Limited Counter Space: It can be challenging to cook several dishes simultaneously in a kitchenette. There’s less room for stand-alone appliances, such as a coffee maker, toaster, or stand mixer. 
• Limited Storage: If you’d like to stock up on canned or dry goods, as well as hold on to leftovers, kitchenettes aren't ideal.
• Lack of Privacy: Since they are in the main living spaces, it is difficult to hide kitchenettes when entertaining. Also, smells from meals are likely to linger and stick in adjoining rooms.

How to Optimize a Kitchenette's Small Layout

While they are small, kitchenettes still offer fantastic functionality for small spaces. They are ideal for people who are always on the move and don't need a full kitchen for cooking or entertaining, and for rooms that are separated from the main kitchen by long distances or outdoor walkways.

Create a functional workflow between the sink, refrigerator, and stovetop for optimized efficiency. Although you can configure the space to your liking, you’ll want to make sure appliance placement is ideal for cooking and cleaning. Place items in intuitively easy-to-find places and ensure that you don’t have to retrace your steps to cook a simple meal.

Avoid cluttered countertops and overloaded outlets by getting creative about storage solutions. Install overhead hooks and racks to provide extra storage for small pots and pans. Get wall-mounted spice racks, magnetic knife storage, and over-the-sink drying racks to help maximize the space. Opt for multipurpose countertop appliances that can be stored when not in use.

Last, keep the color scheme and lighting bright. The more open and airy the space feels, the larger it will seem. Kitchenettes with statement lighting and funky backsplashes can be instant mood boosters.