What I Don't Own In My Kitchen (and Still Cook From Scratch Every Day

I have a very small kitchen, and I wanted it to feel calm, spacious, and genuinely enjoyable to cook in. That meant I had to be ruthless.

Not organised-for-Instagram ruthless.
Not “buy better storage” ruthless.
But deeply intentional ruthless.

I cook every single day, mostly from scratch, and yet my kitchen contains far fewer gadgets than most. Over time, I realised something important:

Kitchens are where we accumulate the most stuff we barely use.

What I Don’t Own (and Why I Don’t Miss Any of It)

Here’s a snapshot of what never made the cut in my kitchen:

• Blender – A stick blender does almost everything.

• Garlic crusher – A fine grater works better and cleans easier.

• Ice cream scoop – A spoon works just fine.

• Microwave – I defrost using a radiator, sunlight, warm water, or a gently warming oven.

• Electric kettle – I use a hob kettle, which frees up precious counter space.

• Popcorn maker – A saucepan does the job perfectly.

• Toaster – I use the oven grill.

• Air fryer – I know they’re amazing… but also huge and (for me) ugly.

• Coffee machine – Old school stove-top coffee maker all the way.

• Sandwich toaster _ Try a frying pan and knob of butter.

• Waffle iron - We eat pancakes instead

• Tortilla maker – A rolling pin already exists.

None of these things are bad.
They just weren’t necessary for me.

The Question That Changed Everything

When decluttering kitchen cupboards, I now ask one simple question:

“When was the last time I actually used this?”

Not could I use it.
Not might I use it one day.
But actually used it.

The answers are often surprising and a little confronting.

What I’ve Learned From Cooking With Less

Here’s what simplifying my kitchen taught me:

1. Multipurpose Tools Are Gold

If something only does one job, it has to earn its place.
My best tools do many things:

• Saucepan

• Knife

• Grater

• Oven

• Stick blender

These work harder than any single-use gadget ever could.

2. Space Is a Tool Too

Clear worktops make cooking easier, faster, and calmer.
When surfaces aren’t cluttered, your brain isn’t either.

In a small kitchen, visual space matters as much as physical space.

3. Convenience Isn’t Always Convenience

Many “time saving” gadgets:

• Take time to get out

• Take time to clean

• Take space to store

Sometimes the simplest method is actually the quickest.

A Gentle Challenge for You

Next time you open a kitchen cupboard, try this:

• Pick one item

• Ask yourself when you last used it

• Ask if something you already own could do the same job

You don’t need to declutter everything.
Just start noticing.

Final Thought

A small kitchen doesn’t have to feel cramped.
A simple kitchen doesn’t mean a limited one.

It’s amazing what you can do without, and how much lighter your home (and mind) can feel when every item has a clear purpose.