Mini kitchen: what do you really need?
A complete mini kitchen consists of two essential appliances: a mini oven for baking, grilling and reheating, and an electric hob for boiling, frying and stir-frying. Together they replace a full cooker – without a fixed installation or the high energy consumption of a built-in oven.
The advantage of a compact setup is flexibility. You place the hob on the countertop and the mini oven next to it or on a stable surface. Both appliances work independently of each other on a standard power socket.
How do you set up a mini kitchen smartly?
A well-thought-out layout prevents frustration and unsafe situations. When positioning the appliances, consider heat, ventilation and freedom of movement.
- Choose a stable, heat-resistant surface. Never place the mini oven directly on a wooden shelf without a protective mat. The bottom and sides get warm during use.
- Leave at least 15 cm of clear space around the mini oven. This applies to the sides and the top – ventilation openings must never be blocked.
- Don't place the hob directly next to the mini oven. Heat radiation from the oven can affect the hob. Keep a gap of 20–30 cm between them.
- Use separate power sockets. A mini oven typically consumes 1,200–2,000 W and a hob 1,500–2,500 W. Preferably use two separate circuits to avoid overloading.
- Store accessories in an organised way. The baking tray, rack and oven gloves need a dedicated spot in a small space. A narrow wall shelf or a kitchen drawer works well.
What can you prepare simultaneously in a mini kitchen?
The great advantage of the mini oven + hob combination is that you can run two preparations at the same time. Here is an overview of practical combinations:
| In the mini oven | On the hob | Total preparation time |
|---|---|---|
| Chicken (180 °C, fan, 35–40 min) | Stir-fried vegetables (medium heat, 10 min) | ± 40 minutes |
| Oven dish (170 °C, top/bottom heat, 30 min) | Rice or pasta (high heat, 12–15 min) | ± 30 minutes |
| Pizza (220 °C, fan, 12–15 min) | Soup to reheat (low heat, 10 min) | ± 15 minutes |
| Cake or muffins (160 °C, fan, 20–25 min) | Milk to warm up (low heat, 3–5 min) | ± 25 minutes |
Always start with the dish that has the longest preparation time. That way, both will be ready at the same moment.
Which bakeVIA mini oven suits a compact mini kitchen?
It depends on how much you want to prepare and how much countertop space you have. A smaller capacity is more agile; a larger volume offers more options for oven dishes and rotisserie chicken.
- 25 litres: Ideal for 1–2 people. Heats up quickly, requires little countertop space. View the bakeVIA mini oven 25 L.
- 35 litres: A great all-rounder for daily use. Available in two versions: standard or black inox.
- 45 litres: Spacious enough for families or those who regularly prepare larger dishes. See the bakeVIA mini oven 45 L.
- 60 litres with rotisserie: For those who also want to prepare rotisserie chicken. View the bakeVIA mini oven 60 L with rotisserie.
Pairing the mini oven with a hob? Also check out the bakeVIA hobs for a matching setup.
Is a mini kitchen enough for everyday cooking?
Yes, a mini kitchen with a mini oven and electric hob is perfectly sufficient for most daily meals. You can bake, grill, boil, simmer and reheat – all without a fixed cooker or built-in oven. The only limitation compared to a full kitchen is capacity when cooking large quantities, such as preparing a meal for six or more people at once.
For studio flats, student rooms, holiday rentals or temporary living situations, the combination offers a practical and affordable alternative.
Common mistakes in a small kitchen
- Connecting both appliances to the same circuit. This can trip the fuse. Use separate sockets or circuits.
- Not preheating the mini oven. Without preheating, you get uneven results, especially with baked goods and pizza.
- Pans with a curved base on the hob. On an electric hob, only a flat base works efficiently – otherwise heat transfer is poor.
- Blocking ventilation openings. Never place anything on or directly against the mini oven while it is in use.