If you love cooking, it’s pretty easy to get frustrated when working in a small kitchen. You have to rummage through cupboards to find what you need. And, maybe you don’t have what you need because you don’t think you have enough space. I’ve compiled a list of space-saving kitchen tools that will make your kitchen feel less cluttered and bring back the joy of cooking.

Mixing Bowls

Look for nesting bowls with lids because they serve double duty as mixing bowls and food storage. You can also use them to transport food to a pot-luck party.

• Stainless steel is dishwasher-safe and freezer-safe. It is not microwave-safe, which means you have to soften butter in a different bowl. If that’s okay with you, check out bowl sets by Cuisinart and MasterChef.
• Plastic can be freezer-, dishwasher-, and microwave-safe, depending on the type of plastic. Always read the product specs. If plastic is your preference, both Sterilite and MasterChef would be good choices.
• Glass is heavy, and it can break, but it can go from freezer to oven, no problem. Glass is also dishwasher- and microwave-safe. Pyrex is a well-known brand. The Oven-to-Table Storage brand is a less expensive option.

The lids for these (and most other) bowl sets are plastic, and while they can go in the freezer, they are rated “top-rack only” for the dishwasher. None of them are oven-safe. It is wise not to put them in the microwave either.

Measuring Cups and Spoons

Some articles suggest collapsible measuring cups, but they can be flimsy and, when full, tip over when you set them on the counter. We recommend cup and spoon sets that nest. When purchasing these sets, ensure that they are well-balanced and won’t tip over backwards due to the handles being too heavy. Check out:

• Trudeau Multi-Coloured Plastic Measuring Set
• OXO Good Grips® Stainless Steel Measuring Cups and Spoons
• Joseph Joseph Multi-Coloured Plastic Measuring Cups & Spoons Set

Colander / Strainer

From draining pasta to rinsing vegetables, a colander is an essential kitchen tool that can take up a lot of space in the cupboard. Fortunately, there are several collapsible colanders to choose from. We like the Klockren silicone colander from IKEA because you can also use it as a vegetable steamer, eliminating the need for an extra kitchen item. Starfrit makes an extra-large collapsible colander. You can hook this colander over the edge of the sink so you can quickly rinse your veggies or pour out the contents of a pot.

Other Space-Saving Kitchen Tools

Stacking kitchen toolset. Magnets hold these five essential utensils together on a storage stand. They are right at your fingertips when you need them and use minimal counter space.

Collapsible microwave popcorn maker. Make popcorn without the fat, salt, and non-recyclable wrappers used in packaged microwave popcorn. And, takes up much less space than a traditional air popping machine.

Folding digital kitchen scale. You can store this scale in a drawer and unfold it whenever you need it. Use any bowl or plate to measure ingredients.

Collapsible silicone containers fold flat for easy storage. They are dishwasher-, freezer-, and microwave-safe. However, silicone readily absorbs flavours and odours. If you store chicken tikka in one, it will forever smell of chicken tikka. Rather than storing leftovers in these bins, use them to store foods you buy frequently in bags such as frozen peas or dried fruits and nuts.

Check out these additional articles on organizing your kitchen. For a personalized approach, contact Linda through the Out of Chaos website, by email at info@outofchaos.ca or by phone at 604-813-8189.

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