Appliance Garages: The Secret to a Clutter-Free Worktop
There’s one search term that’s quietly exploded over the past year: “appliance garage”, up 452% according to
Houzz‘s 2026 trends data. It’s not the most glamorous-sounding feature, but it might be one of the most
genuinely useful ideas to come out of recent kitchen design, and it’s one I find myself recommending to more
and more clients.
What exactly is an appliance garage?
Put simply, it’s a dedicated cupboard or cabinet, often with a roller shutter, bi-fold or lift-up door, designed
specifically to hide away everyday countertop appliances like your toaster, kettle or coffee machine. Many are
fitted with an internal socket, so you can keep the appliance plugged in and simply close the door when you’re
not using it, no unplugging, no lifting a heavy machine in and out of a cupboard.
Why they’ve become so popular
Part of it is the broader shift towards warmer, calmer kitchens with clean, uninterrupted worktops, a look that
simply doesn’t work if every surface is covered in small appliances. But it’s also practical: most of us own more
countertop gadgets than we did even five years ago, from air fryers to coffee machines to stand mixers, and they
all need somewhere to live that isn’t a straining cupboard shelf.
Where to fit one in your kitchen
Appliance garages work particularly well in corner units, at the end of a run of cabinetry near a socket, or built
into a tall unit close to your main prep area. A good designer will think about ventilation too, a kettle needs
somewhere for steam to escape, and a toaster needs airflow so crumbs and heat don’t become an issue over time.
Is it worth the extra cabinetry cost?
It does add a small amount to your cabinetry budget compared with open worktop space, but for most of my
clients it’s one of those features they end up loving most once it’s in, because it makes the whole kitchen feel
calmer and easier to keep tidy, without losing an ounce of practicality.
If you’re thinking about a new kitchen in Bristol or Bath, I’d love to hear about your project – get in touch to book your free design appointment.
👉 Book a free design appointment
Have a good week!
Vicky
