Tiny Kitchen = Tiny Combo Units
Here’s another moment where you might begin to think we’ve gone a little crazy. This is our grill… er, oven… er, microwave:
Presto!
Actually, it’s all of these. This little fella is an oven/microwave combo that has about five other features that I haven’t translated yet. I’m willing to bet it is smaller inside than most people’s microwaves. Yes? No?
Presto Take Two!
As we started sketching plans for our kitchen remodel, we really had to sit back and think about what we really, truly needed in our 36 square foot kitchen. It was like packing for vacation. You can’t have everything in your suitcase, so what do you bring? Need versus want. My dad would be proud.
An Oven
Well we obviously needed one of those in the kitchen. But how much oven? We agreed: not much oven. (I wish everything were this simple. Kitchen, build yourself!) We started thinking about all of the things we used our oven for like this. And since we’re no Martha Stewart, we didn’t see the point in heating a massive space for one little casserole dish or cookie sheet, which are usually the only types of dishes we use. Then there’s the whole electricity-in-Germany-is-outrageously-expensive thing, you know. So no big turkeys or roasted animals for us. There’s just no room, and we’re secretly fine with that. (Not that they’d fit in our fridge, anyway)
A Microwave
Then came the issue of this guy. I wanted to say, “Oh, who needs a silly microwave?” Except it was obvious that we needed a silly microwave. So it stayed on the must-have list while items like a food processor, my dream mixer (boo hoo), and any extra utensils were cut.
An Oven/Microwave Combo?
My husband originally found this combo unit. I thought he was out of his mind. Then he asked if I wanted to sacrifice my blender, our entire utensils drawer, the space for the towels and dishcloths, and… I said okay. Let’s try it.
Now? We LOVE It. We’re gradually getting used to having a microwave and convection oven in one, and we were able to donate our old oven to a kind Russian man. I didn’t realize how much I relied on a microwave while the oven was on before. Now I’m learning to melt butter on the stovetop like my grandma and organize my cooking schedule a little better. Trust me: It’s Not As Bad as It Sounds.
It’s also the most amazing oven I’ve ever used, not that my comparisons are exactly high standard. Think fresh-out-of-college ancient apartment oven – that was us. And let me tell you, none of those ovens whipped together anything like this:
Mmm…
It’s our version of a Halloween sugar high: witch shoe cookies. (We tried, okay?)
I’m thinking we might make pilgrim shoes next. It’s too bad Germany isn’t known for wooden shoes like Holland. I could have made wooden shoe cookies. I love our combo unit that much.
Keep it green and simple with 2 more ideas:
November 4th, 2008 at 3:36 pm
Living in a teeny Washington, DC efficiency for two years before we got married, my now-husband, then-fiance had one of the combination microwave/convection ovens (and a combination washer/dryer, which was really nice — put in your clothes, and come back 4 hours later and they were washed AND dried!). The micro-oven is fantastic for space-saving! As someone who does cook actual, elaborate meals, I had a really tough time adjusting to it, since I could only bake one thing at a time, or microwave (and my fiance would only eat at his place since he was studying, and I had a full gorgeous kitchen at my condo), but once you figure it out, it really is a brilliant concept for saving space. You really will not regret it AT ALL or miss your regular oven and microwave in the littlest in comparison to the space you save, especially if you are not used to complicated cooking!
November 4th, 2008 at 4:02 pm
I think it’s awesome that you’re managing to maximize every inch of space. And what do we really love at This D*mn House? MULTI-FUNCTIONAL things! So you’re convection/microwave combo definitely fits that category.
Things are lookin’ great, too!
November 4th, 2008 at 4:02 pm
I meant your on the second reference! (I’ve not had caffeine yet.)
November 4th, 2008 at 4:24 pm
Hi…just checking in to see what great spacesavers you used. Good job! ;-) Bo
November 4th, 2008 at 6:51 pm
That is so cute! And practical, too. I cannot say that I have ever seen a microwave/reg. oven combo before :o)
November 4th, 2008 at 8:05 pm
What a cute post! You are so brave for trying new things/appliances. I would be so scared!
November 4th, 2008 at 8:44 pm
Congrats on your new micro-oven. It looks amazing, and yes, in a small space, everything has to work double duty.
November 4th, 2008 at 9:15 pm
If only I had an oven that actually worked! I would definitely trade in my microwave and barely functioning oven for a nice space-saving oven/microwave like yours. Steve and I were recently thinking about all of the wasted energy that the oven creates. I baked a pumpkin pie a few weeks ago in our huge oven and it too 1 1/2 hours (should have only been 45 minutes, but our oven isn’t very good). A huge oven was heated and energy was wasted in making the little pie. Katie, I am jealous!
November 4th, 2008 at 9:16 pm
p.s. I like your witch shoe cookies!
November 4th, 2008 at 10:33 pm
What I’m about to say is embarrassing, but I’d rather have a microwave than an oven. I seldom use the oven, but use my microwave and Foreman Grill almost every night. You have found a great compromise though!
November 5th, 2008 at 1:52 am
that is a cool and perfect oven. I don’t even know why the double big ovens became so popular in homes when they are hardly used…for me anyway. I have a toaster oven smaller than yours. I bought it bec. I didn’t want to use the big oven for a little pizza I prepare for my son almost every day. Yours is perfect bec. its a microwave AND a grill too! WOW!…the pleasures of simple living. (sigh)
November 5th, 2008 at 8:07 am
Man! Does that thing make Espresso too??? And I am sure it unfolds in a twin bed as well…
November 5th, 2008 at 10:34 pm
What a cool combo unit! You’re too funny. :) And the shoe cookies are just adorable.
November 6th, 2008 at 4:50 pm
hehe! You all are cracking me up.
And no, Tanja, we decided against the foldout bed version. Not a bad idea, though. :) We could have skipped the couch purchase.
Sorry for your oven pain Michelle. I’m so glad your pumpkin pie turned out. That’s one thing we can’t get here, so I’m equally envious of YOU.
But my paintbrush is drying out, so I’d better move move move. Thanks for the happy break.
Katie
November 6th, 2008 at 8:33 pm
Hi
I’m about to do the very same thing. What brand/model did you buy, where and at what price? Thanks
November 6th, 2008 at 11:18 pm
Rich, our unit is a Miele. We bought it through a little mom and pop appliance store. We’re kind of partial to the little guys, so sorry I can’t offer anything more. If you’re in Germany, there are similar stores all over the place. You can also go to show rooms if that’s your preference.
Good luck. You’ll love it.
Katie
November 11th, 2008 at 11:47 pm
I’m thinking smaller is better…
November 22nd, 2008 at 2:58 am
I love your ideas! And your input is very interesting…we are currently downsizing & can’t wait for a smaller, more efficient kitchen! :)
February 13th, 2009 at 12:52 pm
What is the brand name? I am looking for something exactly like this!