Kitchenette

A kitchenette is a small kitchen or compact cooking area, typically within a larger room or as part of a studio apartment, hotel room, or office suite. It is designed to support basic meal preparation but lacks many features of a full kitchen. A kitchenette usually includes a sink, counter space, and a compact refrigeration unit, along with one of several compact cooking devices such as a two-burner electric stove, a hot plate, or a microwave. Storage is limited to small cabinets or shelves.

In many buildings, the kitchenette is a self-contained area that allows residents to prepare simple meals without accessing a separate kitchen. It is common in studio and efficiency apartments, student housing, hostels, and certain hotel rooms. Appliances vary by setting; some kitchenettes include a small dishwasher, toaster oven, or microwave, while others rely on portable appliances. The overall footprint is typically much smaller than a standard kitchen, and layouts often emphasize wall-mounted units and vertical storage to maximize floor space.

The term originated in the early 20th century to describe compact kitchen facilities in urban housing and hotels as city living shifted toward smaller, affordable units. Today, kitchenettes remain a practical solution for compact living and temporary accommodations, balancing basic cooking capability with space constraints.