How to Cope Up Cooking in Small Kitchens

The joy of cooking in a small kitchen is that everything is at hand all it takes is a little thought and organisation. Small kitchens can be equally stylish and more efficient than a large one. Here is a guide to beating kitchen claustrophobia.

What To Do:

• Think about how you work ergonomically. If you’re right- handed, you will work from left to right, so your raw ingredients should go on the left of your board and bowls to put them in on the right. If you are right-.handed, put your board to the left of the stove. This may sound a bit pedantic, but it can make a world of difference and stop your kitchen descending into chaos.

• Make pals with plastic. Buy a set of plastic stackable containers in as many size required. They will keep everything in kitchen well organised.

• Make use of dead space. You can buy all manner of rails and hooks that are perfect for hanging heavy pans from what would be an unused wall. Other space savers include wall- mounted scales, under- sink bins and spice racks attached to the inside of cupboards doors.

• Cook methodically. Read the recipe through and think about all the jobs that needed doing before you apply any heat. Get everything chopped and placed in bowls first so that when you start cooking, there will be no last minute panic. Invest in large chopping board.

• Be realistic about kitchen equipment. Gadgets are a great, but if space is limited, it’s worth thinking about what you really need before putting it on your wish list.

• Pick pans that have several uses- a good sauté pan can act as a saucepan, a frying pan, a wok. Any pan that can go in the over and under the grill is doubly useful.

• Styling mixing bowls double up as great salad and serving bowls.

• Use your handy cooking tongs as servers- they’re great for salad and lots of other things.

• Most new hand blenders come with fabulous attachments that turn them into mini food processors. Go for a wall mounted version- it will save you valuable cupboard and worktop place.

What Not Do: 

• Don’t clutter your work surface. Put bottles, boxes and packets back in the cupboard where they live. A disorder creates confusion that creates mess. A clear kitchen feels larger and lighter.

• Don’t overspend on gadgets. You’d be surprised at how little you need. When it comes to equipment, think quality not quantity. A few heavy pans, a few good knives and a brace of wooden spoons are all you really need.

• Don’t worry about having large serving dishes. They take up loads of storage space. If you’re cooking for a crowd, go for a rustic look and bring the food to the table in the dish in which you’ve cooked it.

• Don’t collect clutter. A small kitchen is not a dumping ground for junk. Make a home for it in for other rooms. Keep the kitchen for cooking.