Compact Appliances for Modern Apartments

For modern apartments in cities like London and Manchester, kitchens are being asked to work harder than ever – delivering performance and style in a much smaller footprint. From limited worktop space to integrated living areas, modern apartments demand smarter appliance choices without sacrificing everyday convenience.

That’s where Smeg comes in. Manufactured with real apartment living in mind, our compact appliances combine intelligent engineering with iconic Italian design. Every detail is considered, providing you with compact appliances that suit busy, city lifestyles. This article will explore the highlights of our compact collection, so you can design a smaller yet beautiful kitchen space.

Not every home has room for a full-size kitchen set-up, but everyone still expects performance, reliability, and great design. Compact appliances are the smart answer: they free up valuable floor and worktop space while delivering the core functions you need, with lower running costs and far simpler installation in retrofit apartments.

Benefits of compact appliances include:

• Space-Efficiency: Smaller footprints and clever layouts, such as Smeg’s 45cm dishwashers, free up storage and prep area so a tiny kitchen can feel roomy.

• Lower Energy & Running Costs: Compact units often use less water and energy per cycle, making them kinder to bills – a real win for small households and renters.

• Easier Retrofit Installation: Compact models are designed to fit into existing cabinetry or under counters, with simpler plumbing/electrics in tight retrofit layouts.

• Flexible Layout Options: Choose built-in, freestanding, or stacked solutions to optimise flow – freeing space for dining, desk areas, or extra storage.

• Neighbour-Friendly Performance: Quieter motors and efficient cycles help reduce noise in shared buildings.

Planning for a tighter kitchen space doesn’t need to be complicated – here are some useful tips to help you plan more effectively:

1. Plan Service Routes

Map where water inlets, drains, waste pipes, gas, and electrical feeds sit – and where they can be moved. For example, make sure to decide early whether your cooker hood will be ducted or recirculating, or where a dryer will vent.

2. Measure Twice

Measure width × depth × height, then add clearance allowances for door swings, appliance access, ventilation gaps, and service access for engineers. Note down appliance cut-out sizes and leave enough room for installers to fit any applicable appliances.

3. Think Vertically

When floor space is limited, build upwards. Use tall cabinets, integrated microwave shelves, overhead storage, and vertical pantries. Wall-mounted rails and tall fridges/freezers can reclaim valuable worktop space.

4. Prioritise Function

Decide on the “must-haves” for your kitchen, such as a full oven vs mini oven + microwave, or 60cm hob vs two-zone induction. Choose compact alternatives where they keep the features you need – a 45cm dishwasher still handles daily loads for one or two people, and a mini oven can still roast for guests!

Chcecklist for Compact Kitchens

 Measure space (W × D × H) and note obstructions.

 Mark door swings and appliance clearances

 Record water, drain, gas, and electrical points

 Choose a ducted or recirculating hood

 Decide essential appliances and compact alternatives

 Plan vertical storage and microwave shelf

 Check noise (dB) and energy ratings

 Confirm installer access and landlord permissions

 Re-measure cut-outs before ordering

 Save Smeg product dimensions & installation guides

Smeg’s compact fridges and fridge freezers are more than space-savers – they’re design-led pieces that bring character and practicality to smaller kitchens. 

Available in classic colours and stainless steel finishes, they integrate seamlessly with modern cabinetry or stand out as a style feature in their own right. Ideal for studio kitchenettes, rental apartments, home offices, or as a second fridge or drinks fridge for entertainers, compact refrigeration gives you everyday convenience without dominating the room.

What to Consider

• Internal Capacity (Litres): Choose the right size for solo living, couples, or occasional entertaining.

• Shelving Flexibility: Adjustable shelves and door storage make it easier to store bottles, fresh produce, and taller items.

• Fridge-Only vs Freezer Compartment: Decide whether you need frozen storage or prefer maximum chilled space.

• Energy Rating & Noise (dB): Efficient, quiet operation is ideal for open-plan apartments and shared buildings.

• Reversible Doors: Essential for tight layouts and flexible installation.
   

Smeg’s slimline dishwashers bring signature style to tighter kitchens – a fully integrated appliance that gives couples or individuals the convenience of a full dishwasher without the 60cm footprint. They sit neatly under worktops or inside run-of-cabinetry, keep noise low for apartment living and still offer a proper set of wash programmes for everyday life.
 

What to Consider

• Width & Capacity: Slimline models are typically 45cm wide and can usually handle around 9 place settings – ideal for one or two people.

• Cycle Options: Look for a selection of practical programmes like Eco, Express 50°, and Soak, to balance speed and efficiency.

• Water & Energy: Slimline dishwashers can be very efficient, since they use less water and power. 

• Noise: Apartment-friendly sound levels (around 45 to 47 dB) reduce neighbour disturbance.

• Efficiency & Reliability: Look for condenser/dry-assist drying systems for better results in integrated installs.

Smeg’s countertop ovens and 45cm built-in ovens for apartments pack the same cooking quality you expect – even in a smaller footprint. They keep strong browning, reliable temperature control, and useful features (convection, grill and combination microwave modes), so compact homes don’t have to compromise on results – ideal when space is limited, but standards aren’t.
 

What to Consider

• Internal Volume: Check the oven’s litres – compact built-in models commonly sit around 40 L, so be realistic about roasting size.

• Convection vs Conventional: Convection (fan) ovens give more even browning in smaller cavities and are best for multi-rack use.

• Combination Microwave + Grill: Combination modes speed up cooking and improve results in compact ovens.

• Controls: Many compact models use touch controls and programmable recipes for simple, repeatable cooking.

• Cooling & Ventilation: Compact built-in ovens still need correct ventilation and cooling clearance, so check cut-out and install guidance before ordering.

For apartment kitchens where every centimetre counts but style and function still matter, Smeg’s 60cm range cookers deliver a traditional look in a reduced footprint. These small range cookers for apartments bring together multiple cooking functions – from multi-rack baking and roasting to efficient hob zones – all packaged in a compact 60 cm wide body that fits where larger units won’t.
 

What to Consider

• Overall Dimensions: Even compact range cookers need room – check width, depth, and height, and plan adequate space for door swings.

• Flue/Venting: Some installations require planning for hood extraction hoods; check the model guidance before you buy.

• Minimum Space Requirements: Allow worktop and clearance space on either side of the cooker for safety and service access.

• Multi-Function Capability: Range cookers combine ovens, grills, and hob zones in one unit –  great when you want versatile cooking in a smaller kitchen.

• Installation: Solid floor support and proper services (gas/electric) are essential; consult an installer for this.

Smeg’s compact hobs fit beautifully onto narrow worktops, giving you essential cooking power where a full-size hob won’t fit. Domino hobs offer modularity, where you can build the hob layout you need without wasting countertop space. An induction hob’s rapid heat and cool-to-touch surfaces also make it a landlord-friendly choice in rental apartments, reducing burn risk and simplifying ventilation needs, while its efficiency keeps energy use down.

What to Consider

• Number of Burners/Zones: Choose the right count for your cooking style – from single or two-zone modules to combination setups.

• Pan Compatibility: Ensure your pans are induction-compatible – they must be made with magnetic properties.

• Induction Safety Features: Automatic shut-off and residual heat indicators add peace of mind for households and rental properties.

• Energy Efficiency: Induction transfers heat directly to the pan for faster cooking and

Smeg’s compact washers and washer dryers let you install full laundry capability under a counter or inside a kitchen cupboard without losing useful programmes – ideal when you need a washer dryer for small kitchens. Designed to blend into cabinetry, these integrated units deliver a wide range of programmes, smart anti-flood and anti-vibration features, and gentle drying options so apartment living stays tidy and low-maintenance.

What to Consider

• Capacity (kg): Choose a drum size that matches household needs (single/couple vs family).

• Spin Speed (rpm): Higher RPMs reduce drying time but may increase vibration – check selectable speeds.

• Water & Energy Consumption: Look for models with efficient cycles, and assess energy labelling before purchasing.

• Noise & Vibration Control: Important for open-plan flats and shared walls – look for automatic load balancing and low-vibration design.

• Stacking Kits: By using a stacking kit, tumble dryers can be neatly placed above a washing machine to save space. 

• Installation & Space: Confirm integrated height/width – usually 60 cm for full-width integrated units – and allow service access behind panels.