In pursuit of the perfect kitchen, many of us collect gadget after gadget, hoping each one will make cooking faster, easier, or more exciting. But before long, our counters become crowded and cluttered — leaving little room to actually prepare food.
If your kitchen feels cramped, it might be time to reassess which appliances truly earn their place and which are simply taking up space. Here are 10 common kitchen appliances you can safely store away (or skip entirely) to reclaim your counters and simplify your cooking routine.
1. Bread Maker – The Forgotten Counter Giant
Bread makers once promised the joy of homemade loaves with minimal effort. But for most people, the novelty fades fast. The machines are large — often 14 inches tall and 10 inches wide — and the loaves they make tend to be small and oddly shaped.
Unless you’re baking fresh bread weekly, your bread maker is probably better off in storage (or replaced by a good bakery).
2. Juicer – Healthy Idea, Messy Reality
Juicers sound like the perfect path to a healthier lifestyle… until you have to clean them. They’re bulky, they clog easily, and the cleanup can take longer than making the juice itself.
Given that most fruits yield only a small amount of juice, this appliance often ends up collecting dust. For an easier fix, try a smoothie blender — less mess, more nutrients.
3. Popcorn Machine – Fun but Impractical
Sure, popcorn machines add a retro charm to movie night, but they also hog precious counter space. Most models are over a foot tall and wide, and unless you’re feeding a crowd, they’re overkill.
A simple pot or microwave popcorn works just as well — no bulky appliance required.
4. Ice Cream Maker – One Trick, Big Footprint
Homemade ice cream sounds great in theory, but in practice? It’s time-consuming and space-heavy. With a footprint of about 16 x 12 inches, these machines take up a lot of room for a single-use appliance.
You’ll get similar results (and much less hassle) from a trip to the freezer aisle.
5. Deep Fryer – Grease Magnet
Deep fryers are large, messy, and not exactly health-friendly. They take up plenty of counter space, and disposing of used oil is a chore.
If you love crispy food, try an air fryer — it’s smaller, cleaner, and a lot easier to use regularly.
6. Toaster Oven – Redundant for Most Kitchens
Toaster ovens promise versatility but often duplicate what your microwave or conventional oven can already do. They’re handy for small kitchens, but if you have both of those other appliances, the toaster oven may just be taking up space unnecessarily.
7. Stand Mixer – Gorgeous but Overkill for Casual Bakers
A stand mixer is a baker’s dream, but it’s also heavy, expensive, and big — usually around 15 inches tall and 20 pounds.
If you only bake occasionally, a hand mixer is a cheaper, lighter, and easier-to-store alternative. Save the stand mixer for those who bake bread and cakes weekly.
8. Espresso Machine – Luxury or Space Drain?
Espresso machines can transform your kitchen into a mini café — but at the cost of a lot of counter space. They also require frequent cleaning and pricey beans or accessories.
If you just want a good cup of coffee, a French press or drip coffee maker does the job beautifully without the clutter.
9. Electric Can Opener – The Unnecessary Upgrade
Electric can openers might have felt modern decades ago, but today they’re mostly just… big. They take up counter space for a task a small manual can opener does perfectly well. Keep it simple — store the manual one in a drawer and free up that spot.
10. Rice Cooker – Replace It with a Simple Pot
Rice cookers are convenient, but not essential. They often take up a 10-inch square on your counter for a job your regular pot can do just as well.
Unless you cook rice daily, this is an easy appliance to put away (or skip altogether).
Bonus: Waffle Maker – Occasional Treat, Everyday Clutter
Waffle makers are fun for weekend breakfasts but rarely used enough to justify permanent counter space. Opt for a multi-use griddle instead — it can handle pancakes, sandwiches, and, yes, waffles too.
The Bottom Line
Your kitchen should work for you, not against you. By storing away underused appliances and keeping only the essentials within reach, you’ll create a cleaner, calmer space that’s easier to cook — and live — in.
