35 ways to make a small kitchen feel bigger

Plus: The best of Trader Joe's

View in browser August 20, 2025 How to make a small kitchen feel bigger Michael Murtaugh/NYT Wirecutter When you have a small kitchen, finding space for bulky appliances and awkwardly shaped tools can feel like a challenging game of Tetris. But if you organize your space well, your kitchen can function as a sort of sous chef. Every tool you need, right where you left it. Over the years, our experts have tested dozens and dozens of shelves, racks, pegboards, magnets, and other space-saving options (oftentimes in our own kitchens) to find the very best solutions for tight quarters. The small-kitchen organization hacks our experts swear by→ We independently review everything we recommend. When you buy through our links, we may earn a commission. Learn more › Plus: Add a little DIY counter space to your kitchen Maki Yazawa/NYT Wirecutter One of our kitchen experts' favorite solutions for adding bonus space to a cramped kitchen: freestanding countertops. They can easily add working space and extra storage to a small kitchen — no reno required. Our favorites include a rolling cart with a built-in cutting board and some sleek restaurant-kitchen-style shelves. Freestanding kitchen countertops we love→ More from our kitchen experts "Jumbled pot lids overwhelmed my tiny kitchen. This $20 rack saved the day." Clear up valuable cupboard and drawer space→ The one tool our kitchen expert will never give up This multipurpose bench scraper features a wide, flat stainless steel surface that's ideal for a number of tasks, from slicing to scooping→ A delightfully mini toaster oven And other tiny appliances that still pack a big punch→ Your daily deal: Sporty sunglasses we love These sport sunglasses offer good eye coverage and come with three different lenses, customizable for different brightness levels. They provide excellent coverage from sun, wind, and debris — without any annoying fogging during workouts. Use promo code WCVERO62 to get $13 off the gloss black pair with interchangeable lenses. Get the deal→ READ THE GUIDE The best sport sunglasses→ One last thing: Our 18 favorite things from Trader Joe's Marki Williams/NYT Wirecutter To find the crème de la crème lurking in the beloved aisles of Trader Joe's, we taste-tested over 70 frozen, refrigerated, bakery, and pantry items. We walked away with wontons in hand, a spicy snack mix in cart, and a frozen meal in the microwave that truly satisfies that takeout craving. It's snack o'clock→ Plus, from our friends at NYT Cooking: Can these vegetarian recipes win over a meat-and-potatoes guy? You can reach the Wirecutter Newsletters team at newsletters@wirecutter.com. We can't always respond, but we do love to hear from you. If you received this newsletter from someone else, subscribe here. Need help? Review our newsletter help page or contact us for assistance. You received this email because you signed up for The Recommendation from The New York Times. To stop receiving The Recommendation, unsubscribe. To opt out of other promotional emails from The Times, including those regarding The Athletic, manage your email settings. Subscribe to The TimesGet The New York Times app Connect with us on: Change Your EmailPrivacy PolicyContact UsCalifornia Notices The New York Times Company. 620 Eighth Avenue New York, NY 10018