Your kitchen might be equipped with great cabinets, countertops, and a nice layout; however, it may look messy. What is the reason for that? Your toaster, blender, coffee machine, air fryer, and stand mixer placed one by one on your counter.

An appliance garage is what you need here. You can provide all your kitchen gadgets with a special place for them and thus keep your countertops clean without hiding those items into a far cabinet.

What are the reasons why more people choose appliance garages? Firstly, you have an opportunity to store all those bulky appliances without adding additional space in your room and keeping all those appliances in order. If you’re looking for more ways to maximize every inch, explore these kitchen storage ideas for a more organized cooking space.

Once everything is at its right place, you can easily find anything you need without looking through countertop stuff.

Here are some examples of appliance garages in our article 12 Appliance Garage Ideas.

What Is an Appliance Garage?

An appliance garage is a small enclosure for storing small appliances, which is attached either to or close to your kitchen countertop. It’s normally installed either directly on the countertop or between the countertop and your upper cabinets and always has a door or drawer that opens and closes.

A lot of appliance garages even have a receptacle inside for plugging in your appliance and using it without the need to take it out each time.

Common appliances people store in one include:

• Toaster
• Blender
• Coffee maker
• Air fryer
• Food processor
• Stand mixer
• Rice cooker

Why Do We Call It an Appliance Garage?

Well, the reason is quite simple it has to do with parking. Just like you park your car in the garage, you store each appliance inside its own little “garage,” where it belongs when you’re finished using it. There is nothing left on the countertop to collect dust.

Why Should You Include an Appliance Garage in Your Kitchen?

First of all, let’s talk about how you will benefit from adding it. The reasons are more than cosmetic.

1. Declutter Your Countertops

Appliances take up much more room than you think. Hiding them behind the door gives you a little extra space on your countertop for work, not for storage. For more ways to make your counters both practical and stylish, check out these kitchen countertop ideas.

2. Make Your Tiny Kitchen Look Larger

Too many visual distractions make any small kitchen look even smaller than it is. With empty countertops, everything looks more spacious and clean.

3. Store Regularly Used Devices Easily

While a waffle iron may deserve to sit in a deep cabinet for infrequent use, your coffee machine or toaster should be easily accessible. An appliance garage can serve you well here.

4. Get a Neat Kitchen by Making Everything Have Its Place

With each appliance stored in its own designated spot, there is no need to search for anything anymore.

5. Make Your Counter Cords-Free

Mess made by cords and other accessories can be a real eye-sore. With all this stored away behind closed doors, your kitchen will be visually appealing all the time.

12 Genius Appliance Garage Ideas for a Cleaner Kitchen

Let’s find out the most ingenious ideas to create an appliance garage in your kitchen.

1. Install a Pull-Out Drawers for Heavy Kitchen Appliances

Nobody likes having to bend down and lift a hefty kitchen mixer from a deep drawer. This can easily be solved with the installation of a pull-out drawer.

The pull-out drawers will work for:

• Stand mixers
• Blenders
• Food processors
• Coffee machines
• Air fryers

One of the most useful kitchen storage solutions, the pull-out drawers save your back and ensure easy access to heavy items. Make sure to get strong enough slides that can support the weight of the heaviest appliance.

2. Lift-Up Appliance Garage Door Installation

Lift-up doors are doors which swing upward and can stay open without any help. These are referred to as hydraulic lift-up doors, stay-lift doors, and up-and-over cabinet doors. For the right mechanism, check lift-up cabinet door hardware designed for overhead cabinet applications.

This design works perfectly when you don’t have much counter space since there’s no swinging door blocking your workspace. However, ensure that the opened door will not collide with:

• Upper cabinets
• Under-cabinet lighting
• Your head
• Nearby appliances

In essence, this solution fixes the main issue with conventional doors, namely, obstruction.

Good lighting can make this storage area even more practical, so explore these kitchen lighting ideas for a brighter workspace.

3. Create Your Appliance Garage with Double Doors for More Width

If you would like to store several household appliances next to each other, creating an appliance garage with double doors will be a great decision. Imagine such an appliance garage storing an air fryer, toaster, kettle, and rice cooker in it.

Wide access will allow you to see everything in your appliance garage, take out what you need easily and clean the inside. Cleaning will become easier without having to work with a narrow entrance.

4. Transform Your Existing Cabinets into an Appliance Garage

This solution does not require a complete reconstruction. In many cases, it will be enough to transform some of the free spaces that you already have.

Look for:

• Empty base cabinet sections
• Underused upper cabinets
• Cabinets in a desk area
• Awkward storage zones
• Extra countertop cabinets

Installation of doors, a shelf or sockets will be much cheaper than building new structures. It will be the best cheap way to provide you with additional storage in your kitchen.

If you’re also planning to update your cabinetry, these kitchen cabinet designs can give you more inspiration for creating functional storage.

5. Create a Two-Zone Appliance Garage

Instead of stuffing everything into one space, split your appliances by how you use them. This is activity-based kitchen organization, and it makes daily routines smoother.

Coffee zone:

• Espresso machine
• Coffee grinder
• Kettle
• Mugs

Cooking zone:

• Blender
• Food processor
• Air fryer

Each zone sits near the place where you actually do that task, so you are not walking across the kitchen with a heavy blender.

6. Consider Using an Open Appliance Garage for Daily Needs

Some appliances do not necessarily have to be hidden. An open appliance garage, which is a cabinet-like structure without a door, is ideal for storing items such as your coffeemaker, a stylish stand mixer, or a toaster that you need every day.

The following table provides some insight into how to consider your options:

• Open storage gives you speed and easy access.
• Closed storage gives you a cleaner, calmer look.

If you appreciate the appearance of your appliances, you can display them using open storage. For those who desire a clutter-free countertop, closed storage is preferable.

7. Create an Appliance Garage in the Corner

The corners of any room can often be considered unused areas of space. An appliance garage in the corner takes care of this problem of wasted space making it one of the best space-savers on the list.

Items that can be stored in the corner garage are: a stand mixer, blender, coffee machine and toaster.

You can use different kinds of doors for the corner garage:

• Tambour (roll-up)
• Pull-down
• Bi-fold
• Lift-up

The door depends on how the corner is used. Generally, the Tambour and Bi-fold doors require less space than other doors. If you are looking for small kitchen appliance storage, this is where you should begin.

For even more clever ways to maximize limited space, explore these small kitchen storage ideas.

8. Mix an Appliance Garage with a Pantry

Why should appliances and food be stored in different locations? The vertical or horizontal area will accommodate both.

The appliances may include an air fryer, blender, and coffee machine. The pantry may include spices, dried products, and baking ingredients.

It is particularly useful in kitchen designs where there is no place for a pantry. All the things needed for cooking and baking are located in one place, so you do not have to cross the whole room to pick up your flour and your mixer.

If you want to make your pantry work harder, these kitchen pantry ideas can help you create a more organized storage zone.

9. Create a Dedicated Coffee Appliance Garage

This option is loved by coffee addicts as the coffee appliance garage is transformed into a hidden coffee station with:

• Coffee maker or espresso machine
• Grinder
• Coffee pods
• Mugs
• Syrups
• Filters

Open the doors and you have a mini coffee bar ready to go. Close them and the whole setup, including drips and stray pods, disappears. It is a great fit for busy mornings and for guests who love a good latte.

10. Glass-Panel Doors for Viewing Purposes

The other problem with enclosed storage is forgetting what is inside the unit. Glass panels will help you see your appliances without even opening the storage door.

Glass panels also look visually appealing and combine functionality with aesthetics. They go well with glass-front kitchen cabinets. Alternatively, use frosted or textured glass if you do not want to expose all of the items inside.

11. Use Contrasting Cabinet Doors for Your Appliance Garage

At times, the solution is not in hiding your appliance garage but in showcasing it.

Some of the options include:

• Dark wood in a light kitchen
• A green cabinet against neutral cabinetry
• Brass cabinet hardware
• A different finish from the surrounding cabinets
• A bold interior color that shows when the doors open

It creates a functional piece with an aesthetic appeal.

12. Consider Sliding or Tambour Doors for a Contemporary Look

Both sliding doors, which slide horizontally, and tambour doors, which open vertically and resemble rolling garage doors, do not require swinging space. This means that these two types of doors can be installed in small kitchens without any problem.

They will allow your kitchen appliances to remain accessible until you have finished using them and will close automatically, providing additional space:

• Prep space
• Walkways
• Nearby appliances

Where Should Your Appliance Garage Be?

As important as design is the placement. It will depend both on the purpose of the appliance and its frequency of use.

Near the preparation space: Excellent choice for a blender, food processor, or mixer, as you may take them during cooking.

Near the coffee-making space: Place your coffee machine, espresso machine, or grinder near the water supply and the cups.

Near the oven: It works well for other cooking appliances like air fryer or toaster oven that complement your main cooking process.

In an awkward corner: Good solution if there is an unused corner.

Adjacent to a pantry: In this way, you get a food preparation zone with appliances and ingredients placed nearby.

A very important remark: Avoid placing all your appliances in one place. Place each garage according to its function and frequency of use.

What Appliances Can You Store in an Appliance Garage?

Not every appliance needs the same setup. This quick guide can help you choose.

Use this as a starting point, then adjust for your own kitchen and habits.

Appliance Garage Ideas for Small Kitchens

Small kitchens gain the most from a smart appliance garage. Here is how to make the most of limited space:

• Use vertical cabinet space. Go up instead of out.
• Choose sliding doors. They need no swing room.
• Use corners. They are often the most underused area.
• Install pull-out shelves. They make deep cabinets usable.
• Combine pantry and appliance storage. One zone does double duty.
• Keep only daily appliances on the counter. Everything else goes inside.
• Build one large garage. It is often better than several small storage spots.

Best Door Styles for Small Kitchens

The right door can save precious clearance.

• Sliding doors: No swing space needed, great for narrow walkways.
• Tambour doors: Roll up and out of the way, very compact.
• Lift-up doors: Open overhead, but check head space and upper cabinets.
• Bi-fold doors: Fold in on themselves, useful in tight spots.

For most small kitchens, sliding and tambour doors give the best mix of function and space savings.

Appliance Garage vs. Pantry Storage: Which Is Better?

Neither one wins outright. They do different jobs, so the better choice depends on what you are storing.

An appliance garage is best for:

• Frequently used appliances
• Easy access
• Counter-level storage
• Coffee stations

A pantry is best for:

• Less frequently used appliances
• Food ingredients
• Bulk storage
• Larger items

The best of both worlds is a hybrid. A pantry with a built-in appliance garage section keeps daily-use appliances at counter height and stores food and rarely used gadgets on the other shelves. If your kitchen has the space, this combo is hard to beat.

Things to Consider before Building an Appliance Garage

Better to be safe than sorry, here is a checklist that will help avoid future problems.

1. Measure Your Appliances

Measure how tall, wide, and deep each appliance is. Leave enough room for the door and your hand to grab the appliance out. An appliance can fit physically but it still might not be easy to reach out.

2. Think about Outlets

If you want to use the appliances inside the garage, remember to plan the outlet placement from the very beginning. In order to be on the safe side, it makes sense to call a professional electrician to do it.

3. Provide Adequate Ventilation

Some appliances generate heat when working. Enclosed garage doesn’t mean your appliance will be safe for using. Follow the manufacturer’s guidelines and if you are in doubts, better take it out before turning on.

4. Consider Door Clearance

Make sure the door will not collide with:

• Upper cabinets
• Windows
• Nearby appliances
• Walkways

5. Ensure That the Counter Top Is Adequate

For heavy appliances, you must ensure that the counter top is adequate to support them. Check whether the shelves, tracks, and cabinet base are adequate for the appliance.

6. Ensure Easy Cleaning

For crumbs, coffee grounds, dust and spillages, the interior surface should be easy to clean and enough space should be available to access the corners.

7. Consider Frequency of Use

Your frequently used appliances must be accessible while infrequently used appliances should be stored at the bottom and rear.

Top Mistakes to Make When Planning an Appliance Garage

Even the best of ideas can fail miserably. Look out for these mistakes.

Making the appliance garage too cramped. Even though the appliance will fit, removing it might prove tricky.

Neglecting door clearance. The lovely-looking door is bound to be an issue once it obstructs your working space.

Failing to plan the electricity needs. Make sure to plan where the outlets will be placed.

Overstoring appliances. This only turns your garage into a place that adds to the clutter.

Picking style over functionality. The beautiful cabinet won’t be helpful if the appliance is out of reach.

How to Keep Your Appliance Garage Organized

Once it is built, a few habits will keep it working well:

• Group appliances by function
• Keep everyday appliances toward the front
• Use shelf risers to add levels
• Add pull-out trays for easy access
• Store cords neatly with ties or clips
• Avoid overcrowding
• Wipe the cabinet down regularly
• Keep accessories with their matching appliance

These small steps keep your kitchen organization from sliding back into chaos.

Are Appliance Garages still a good storage solution for kitchens?

Absolutely, but not due to the popularity of the idea. The reason why appliance garages are relevant is their ability to resolve functional issues. The garages do not only help to avoid visual clutter but also make kitchen work easier and provide you with easy access to the appliances.

This is where functionality meets organization and design; that is why the idea keeps being relevant and popular.

FAQs

What should you put in an appliance garage?

An appliance garage provides space for storing various appliances on the counter in your kitchen. This includes small appliances such as a toaster, coffee maker, blender, air fryer, stand mixer, and food processor. You may store some accessories related to these items, such as filters and cords.

What are 10 household appliances?

Some common household appliances include a refrigerator, microwave, oven, dishwasher, washing machine, dryer, toaster, kettle, vacuum cleaner, and air conditioner. Some people also use smaller appliances in their homes, such as a blender or coffee maker. All these appliances make life much easier by saving time in preparing meals, cleaning, and doing laundry.

Is it good to have an appliance garage?

Indeed, for most kitchens, it is. Appliance garage helps in cleaning countertops, cord hiding, and storage of everyday appliances. In addition, it works great even in a small kitchen, but you have to plan ahead regarding outlets, ventilation, and clearance first to make sure that the garage is useful rather than just one more cabinet full of junk.

What kind of garage storage is a good choice for kitchen appliances?

It could be pull-out shelving for a bulky mixer, lift up doors for crowded countertops, sliding or tambour doors for tight kitchens, and corner cabinets for a useless space. Also, there is a choice of a pantry with a built-in appliance garage, or even a special coffee station for your drinks.

How to make an appliance garage?

You will need to measure your appliances first, find the place convenient enough for them, add a shelf or pull-out trays, mount a suitable door style, and arrange for an outlet with an electrician.