When outfitting a tiny house, choose appliances that maximize space and pack a big punch
The best appliances for tiny homes balance your space and power needs, including compact fridges, stackable washers, and multipurpose cookers that maximize function.
Expect to pay $450 or more per appliance, with compact fridges ranging from $100 to $4,000 and stackable washer-dryers costing $1,900 to $2,250.
Your appliance choices depend on your power supply, outlet locations, ventilation setup, and whether you prioritize energy efficiency or renewable energy like solar panels.
Hiring a local appliance installation professional helps you navigate power requirements and plumbing connections, keeping your tiny home setup safe and functional.
If you’re making the leap to tiny house living, you’re not alone. Many homeowners are considering trading in square footage for the affordability and efficiency of a tiny home lifestyle. Tiny houses offer a minimalist approach to the amenities of full-sized homes, which includes more compact versions of common kitchen appliances. Our guide breaks down how to pick the right tiny house appliances to meet the unique needs of your new, smaller space.
Before you make any purchase—and if possible, before you even begin construction on a new tiny house—do some research and carefully consider the following tiny house factors. And, if you need help planning the new space, you may want to consider consulting with a home builder near you or a tiny house dealer.
Budgeting is often a top priority for tiny home dwellers seeking an affordable alternative lifestyle. Low-cost appliances might be tempting, but long-lasting high-end appliances will save you money on maintenance and replacement. Expect new appliances to cost at least $450 apiece, although high-end appliances can cost into the thousands.
Consider whether your tiny home’s power supply can handle the appliances you want to install. Kitchen appliances can be a significant power drain, so find out whether your home can handle 120-volt or 240-volt power connections. Most inverters for off-the-grid builds are limited to 120-volt options.
Determine the number of outlets you have and their location. It’s helpful to plan these out during the building process, as they’re inexpensive and easy to install. It is much more challenging to add extra appliances and new plugs after the walls, floors, and ceilings are in place.
Your final electrical consideration is choosing between a direct current (DC) or alternating current (AC) power system. AC appliances are less efficient but also tend to be less expensive while offering a wider range of size and style options. Cost savings can be reinvested in renewable energy, like solar panels, to make up for any energy inefficiencies.
You’ll likely be cooking in your tiny house, so you’ll need suitable ventilation. This is crucial in a small space where bad air or smoke can quickly accumulate. Ventilation tubing is bulky and requires careful planning in a tiny home. Ideal ventilation placement is directly over the stove, so you don’t scatter oil particles around the house while cooking.
If you’re installing appliances that use water, such as laundry and dishwashers, you’ll need a water source and drainage for each. Be sure you’ve got a pipe or tank to connect to for water supply, as well as an obstacle-free path for water to drain out and be properly stored or disposed of.
If one of the reasons you chose tiny home living was to reduce your home’s environmental footprint, your appliance purchases can play a part in your goals. Look for the newest Energy Star labeled green appliances, which use less energy and water and help to reduce your overall carbon output. You can also upcycle by opting for used or refurbished appliances.
One key to enjoying tiny home living is not feeling restricted by a smaller space. Your home should still function the way you need it to, and that includes giving you the freedom to cook and clean the way you want. The following major appliances are all well-suited to a tiny house layout.
If you like to bake, maximize your cooking space with a narrow three-burner stove over an oven just large enough to fit a chicken. If you don’t bake often, you may be content with a portable propane stovetop range that you can stow away when it’s not in use. Another option is a built-in electric stovetop, which is less efficient but far more cost-effective, especially with solar power.
A quality compact range oven retails around $600 to $2,300.
Another alternative to an oven is a smaller countertop appliance that serves many functions. For example, a high-end convection toaster oven can often bake, grill, and even air fry. Some high-end pressure cookers are also slow cookers and steamers. These stowable appliances are another way to maximize space, especially if you have plenty of storage in your home.
Convection toaster oven models range in price from $100 to $1,000. The average pressure cooker costs $100 to $300.
Cold food storage is important, but fridges also run continuously and drain a lot of power. Make sure the model you choose fits within your layout and works with your power set-up. You can avoid electrical logistics with a propane fridge, but these tend to be very expensive. A few more affordable options include:
Mini fridge: Ideal for one adult, but generally not large enough for families. They cost $100 to $250 on average.
Small standard fridge: You’ll pay more up-front for a high-efficiency electric model, but it can pay for itself over time with solar energy. They cost $400 to $3,500.
Refrigerated drawers: These built-in units are installed directly into your counters and offer stylish convenience that uses space efficiently. They cost $1,500 to $4,000 retail.
To save space and energy, many tiny house dwellers hand-wash their dishes, factoring in extra room for a large sink and enough counter space for a movable drying rack on the side. If you still prefer to have a dishwasher, you can find small countertop dishwashers that connect directly to your sink. These are easy to store and don’t require any additional plumbing.
A compact dishwasher costs $750 to $1,500 on average. Depending on the material you choose for your sink, you’ll spend anywhere from $100 to $3,000.
Weekly laundromat visits can add up, so in-home laundry is a valuable amenity. Of the several compact laundry options, the best for a tiny house is a stackable unit with a separate washer and dryer for small loads. These vertical models take up less floor space. Alternatively, you can choose a portable washing machine that operates by hand- or foot-pump—you’ll just need space to hang-dry your garments.
Stackable compact washer–dryers range in cost $1,900 to $2,250 on average.
We have bought and sold numerous times over the past 50 years. Sherman Hall and Top Line are top notch. Thorough and detailed, he explains every possibility, probability, and eventuality. High class and pleasant. The best.
Top Line Home Inspections, LLCSupreme Brick & Chimney did a great job with a cleaning and inspection of the fireplace! He was efficient, on time, and very pleasant. The space was kept very clean, and the fireplace was spotless when he was done. He also performed a thorough inspection, and did a great job talking us...
Supreme brick & chimneyCustom Paint Jobs LLC is the go-to choice for all your painting needs. They painted both the interior and exterior of my house flawlessly. Their work speaks for itself!
Custom Paint Jobs, LLCThey were very helpful with design, very quick to respond, good quality work, and competitive pricing!
Cooks CabinetsOn time, clean and finished fast. Windows seem sturdy and the finish is good. Caulking was done with no smudges. Would recommend.
Window Depot USA of Central OhioIf I could give 10 stars for Kitchen Tune Up, I would. I cannot say enough good things about my experience with Kitchen Tune Up and the entire team involved in the process of my kitchen project. They went above and beyond as far as service and quality with my cabinets, paint, countertops, and...
Beginning with the estimate, Larry and Peyton were super helpful in getting my new condo's interior re-painted. Not only was the job well done, but also done in a super timely manner as promised.
Five Star Painting of Plain City and PowellGreat job...edging and pre clean up went well with a great job with seal coat. Friendly, efficient and professional.
All Star Paving and SealingWe were having 2”x 2” tile installed . There was a small installation error and the new additional replacement tile was from a different lot and the colors didn’t match. Joe assured us that he would rectify everything , which he did without hesitation. We decided to go with the 18” x 36” tile...
CarifaTileWe live in a condo and had space to add a tall cabinet. The problem was the space was already occupied by our catsâ litter box. We needed to still keep the litter box in that same corner. Beiler Custom Cabinets was able to work with our need and design request. What was created was an...
Beiler Custom Cabinets, LTDFrom average costs to expert advice, get all the answers you need to get your job done.
Are you considering converting or adding a loft space to your home? Here's what you need to know about the cost of loft conversion and how to control prices.
The cost to move a tiny house depends on its weight, distance, and what type of moving equipment is required. Our guide can help you budget for your move.
A tiny house might be the perfect fit for your lifestyle and budget. Here’s a breakdown of how much tiny houses cost based on size, type, and building materials.
Tiny houses are known for creative designs and space-saving storage solutions. Whether you’re downsizing to save money, reduce waste, or live a simpler life, these tiny house ideas will help you save space and get organized in your home.
Make the most of limited square footage with the right micro loft design tips, like rethinking your storage set-up and maximizing wall space.
Looking to compare a mobile home vs. a tiny home? Here, we share the significant differences, including the best lifestyles for each home type.
