Last Saturday, I met a woman at the farmers’ market. She had recently moved in with her mom after a health scare. When I asked how things were going, she sighed, saying, “The kitchen. I can’t work in that kitchen.” I got it right away.
Her mom’s kitchen wasn’t dirty; it was just crammed with old appliances. Every inch of counter space was taken up. No room to chop veggies or roll out dough—just a display of gadgets from days gone by.
Today, many kitchen trends favor clean, uncluttered countertops. Experts say a busy counter can make a kitchen feel cramped and outdated. Nowadays, people prefer integrated designs, where appliances fit into cabinets.
If your counters are overflowing, it’s time for a rethink. Here are seven common appliances that often create clutter:
The Bread Machine
Remember when everyone thought bread machines would change home cooking? They were once the talk of the town. But after a couple of months, many people found them gathering dust instead of making dough. Most just take up too much counter space for something that’s only used occasionally. If you aren’t using yours weekly, maybe it’s time to find it a new home.The Fancy Coffee Maker
Many spend a good chunk of change on coffee makers with built-in grinders. They sound great, but most end up using pre-ground coffee anyway. If you aren’t grinding beans every morning, that machine is just taking up space. A simple coffee maker or pour-over setup might serve you better.The Electric Can Opener
Electric can openers once seemed like the peak of sophistication. Now, they mostly remain unused. With modern manual can openers available that work great, it’s hard to justify the space for a bulky electric model, especially if you don’t open many cans.The Rotisserie Oven
Rotisserie ovens used to be must-haves for home cooks. But they take up significant space and are rarely used. Air fryers are now popular alternatives, doing similar jobs in less time and space.The Overwhelming Food Processor
While food processors can be handy, the large models often end up collecting dust. They might have fancy features, but many find them too complicated for everyday cooking. Smaller models or a good knife can often do the trick without the hassle.The Toaster Oven
Toaster ovens look practical, but many homes have fully functional standard ovens. Unless you regularly cook for one or two people, that toaster oven might just be another unused gadget hogging counter space.The Specialty Appliance Graveyard
Many kitchens have single-purpose appliances—think sandwich makers or waffle irons. They seem important at the time, but they often end up unused. A good pan can handle a variety of meals without taking up as much space.
A clean kitchen counter feels much more inviting than a cluttered one. The key is knowing what you really use. If you haven’t touched something in three months, it doesn’t deserve a prime spot.
A recent survey showed that 60% of home cooks feel more inspired to cook in tidy kitchens. When you clear the clutter, you might find cooking becomes much more enjoyable. No more dodging dusty machines when you just want to slice an onion.
Your counters should be your cooking haven. Rethink what stays and what goes. You’ll likely be surprised by how much you enjoy your time in the kitchen when it feels open and calming.
For more insights on kitchen efficiency, check out this report from the National Cooking Association.
