How to Arrange Kitchen Appliances on a Counter Step by Step

Looking for tips on how to arrange kitchen appliances on a counter? I’ve got some super simple ideas you can try out right now. They’ll make a big difference in how your counters look and give you more room to cook.

With a bit of kitchen organization, you’ll have a more functional and streamlined space before you know it.

Let’s face it—there is nothing quite as fun as discovering a new kitchen gadget. Whenever I spot a shiny new tool that promises to make cooking easier, I can’t help myself. I’m instantly looking it up to see if it’s something I need in my life. And if I’m being honest here, I probably buy more of them than I should.

Every time a new gadget showed up at my door, I’d happily make room for it on the counter. I’d shift my little collection of tools and appliances over, find it a cozy spot, and there it would sit, ready for action.

For me, gadgets need to be out where I can grab them easily. It just made sense to scoot things closer together to fit in my new Instant Pot. Convenient, right?

a kitchen with lots of appliances on the counters

Here’s the thing—cramming more and more gadgets onto my counters eventually caught up with me. The clutter got so bad that cooking became a total headache. I’d get so frustrated with all the stuff in the way that I’d throw in the towel and order takeout way more than I’d like to admit.

If you’re anything like me, I’m guessing you can relate.

Maybe you’re chuckling (or cringing) a bit because your counters are overflowing, too. And hey, maybe you thought, just like I did, that those appliances had to stay out all the time—even if you barely used them.

woman in red apron holding kitchen gadgets and a HELP sign

Okay, here’s the plan—we’re about to totally rethink your counters and transform your kitchen into a space that’s open, inviting, and ready for you to whip up amazing meals again. And if you’re anything like most busy women, you probably don’t have the time to figure out where everything should go. Don’t worry—I’ve got you covered.

This is your go-to guide for arranging kitchen appliances, helping you set up counters that work for you, not against you. Appliances can hog up so much space, but with a little strategy, you’ll make the most of every inch.

Finding the Perfect Spot for Your Kitchen Gadgets

When it comes to figuring out where to put your small kitchen appliances, think about where you actually use them. Keeping your tools close to the action makes everything easier and helps your kitchen feel less cluttered.

For example, if you can’t start your day without coffee, set up your coffee maker near your mugs, coffee, and creamers. This way, your morning routine is smooth and stress-free.

The goal here is to make your kitchen work for you. Whether you’re brewing a cup of coffee, whipping up dinner, or baking a cake for Aunt Martha, having your appliances in practical places is a simple yet game-changing way to create a more efficient space. Start rearranging today, and you’ll notice the difference right away.

a coffee maker on a counter near baskets and a cup and spoon

How to Arrange Kitchen Appliances on a Counter

Coming up with a plan for your kitchen counters is a great way to streamline your entire space. Not only will it make cooking more enjoyable, but it will make it easier to keep things put away.

Step #1. Take Stock of What You’ve Got

Let’s be real—we probably all have more kitchen appliances than we actually use. And if you’re being honest with yourself, some of them haven’t seen the light of day in months… maybe even years. Before we can get your kitchen all sorted and organized, we’ve got to figure out exactly what you’re working with.

Start by clearing a nice, open spot to lay out all your small appliances and gadgets. A kitchen table is perfect for this, but if that’s not an option, grab a folding table and set up a sorting station nearby.

Now, divide your appliances into three piles:

Pile #1 – Appliances you use every day.
Pile #2 – Appliances you use weekly or monthly.
Pile #3 – Appliances you only pull out every few months (or less).

This little exercise gives you a clear picture of what you actually have and makes it much easier to decide which items deserve a permanent place on your counters and which can be tucked away until you need them. It’s all about prioritizing what makes your kitchen work best for you.

young woman making breakfast toast bread with toaster at home kitchen

Step #2. How much space do you have?

Now that you have the majority of the clutter off of your counters, take a look at how much room you actually have. You might be surprised at all the space you opened up and that is your goal for this particular project. To make available space for cooking and preparing meals.

To keep all this amazing space open going forward, you will want to be very selective about what appliances will remain out at all times.

If you don’t use it every day, find it a home and put it away.
Declutter in Minutes

Step #3. Organize Your Daily Essentials

Now it’s time to tackle the appliances you’ve sorted into your “daily use” pile. These are the ones that deserve a prime spot on your counters because you actually use them all the time. To keep things running smoothly, try placing them as close as possible to where they’re used.

Here are some ideas to get you started:

Put your toaster near the bread and plates for easy morning toast.
Keep your coffee maker next to your mugs and coffee for a hassle-free caffeine fix.
Place your can opener near the stove, so it’s handy when you’re cooking.

This is called organizing using zones, and it is a great way to create an efficient workflow in your kitchen.

Step #4. Stash Your Weekly-Use Appliances

For those appliances you only pull out once or twice a week, it’s time to think storage. If counter space is tight (and isn’t it always?), consider tucking these gadgets away in cabinets or on nearby shelves. This frees up precious room for prepping and cooking.

For example, if you only break out your can opener a couple of times a week, storing it in a cabinet near your usual cooking spot is a great option. It’s close enough to grab when you need it, but it’s not taking up prime counter real estate.

DM Pro Tip: Be smart about where you store heavier appliances. That hefty stand mixer? Save yourself the hassle (and a potential arm workout) by storing it in a lower cabinet instead of up high. Accessibility matters, especially with bigger items.

Step #5. Utilize vertical and ceiling space.

I love to find unique ways to store items in my home, especially in the kitchen. If you have limited space, look to the walls and even your ceiling for storage options.

pots and pans hanging from a ceiling in a kitchen

You can hang pots and pans on a pot rack that you have suspended from the ceiling. This is a super common way to organize and store a large collection and free up more valuable space.

Another area to consider for storage is our kitchen walls. You can put shelves out to hold small items such as spices, seasonings, cookbooks, or oils. You can also install a wall organizer for storing the lids for your pots and pans.

Step #6. Stash the Appliances You Rarely Use

For those gadgets that only come out once in a blue moon, it’s time to get creative with storage. If your kitchen is short on space, think outside the kitchen! Finding a new home for these items can free up valuable room where you actually need it.

Here are a few clever storage ideas to think about:

Use the floor space in your pantry for bulky items.
Add a shelf in a nearby closet for smaller appliances.
Store them in your basement for easy access when needed.
Try a shelf in the garage or even a sunroom if it’s dry and safe.

The key is to keep these rarely used items out of sight but within reach when the occasion calls for them. Your kitchen will feel so much more spacious and functional.

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Step #7. Rethink Your Layout

By now, you’ve probably cleared some of the clutter off your counters using the tips above. That’s awesome! Now’s the perfect time to take a step back and really look at your setup. Are things in the best spots? Can you move a few more items to free up even more workspace?

One of the biggest frustrations with cooking is not having enough room to work. That’s why keeping your counters as clear as possible is such a game-changer. Here are some ideas to help you make the most of your space:

Group appliances in an unused corner. Those tricky, hard-to-reach corners can be the perfect home for small appliances you don’t use daily.
Try baskets or trays to organize. Keeping gadgets and tools on a large tray makes it super easy to move them aside when you’re in meal-prep mode. Plus, it looks tidy!
Invest in smart organizers. Consider using the space under your cabinets creatively. You can add a hanging can opener, a storage system for your mixer, or even some produce nets. These can free up counter space without sacrificing access.
Always be ruthless. Once you see how amazing it feels to have extra counter space, you might start spotting even more items that can be stored away. Keep asking yourself, “Do I really need this out all the time?”

a collection of small appliances in the corner of a kitchen

The goal is to create a kitchen that works for you. A little tweaking here and there can make a big difference in how functional and enjoyable your space feels.

Appliance Storage Bonus Tips:

If you have not yet seen an option that will work for your setup, here are a few more ideas to consider.

Keep frequently used items within easy reach by storing them on sturdy wall shelves or in appliance cabinets that are located near the stove or sink. This will make cooking and cleanup a breeze.
Use appliance mats or pads to protect your countertops from scratches and scrapes. This will keep your counters looking like new for years to come.
A rolling cart specifically for appliances.
Install an appliance garage.
Use pull out trays to put appliances on and allow you to keep your counters more organized.

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Arranging your kitchen appliances doesn’t have to be a daunting task. With a little bit of planning, you can create a functional and stylish space that will make cooking and meal prep a breeze.

By following these simple tips on how to arrange kitchen appliances on a counter, you can create a kitchen that is both convenient and functional. A room you love to be in, So get organized and enjoy whipping up delicious meals in your beautifully arranged kitchen.