According to the U.S. Census Bureau, the average American moves 11.7 times in a lifetime, which is much higher than I expected… until I realized I’ve moved three times in the past four years already. Blame it on that awkward transitional period of a 20-something in between college, grad school, career choices and relationships.
I’m currently in the process of furnishing a new apartment, but my lease is only for a year, so who knows where I’ll be this time next summer?
I’m often living out of boxes and even though I’m not ready to settle down yet, it doesn’t mean I want to forgo the modern comforts of life! I still like to have on hand the necessary appliances for daily cooking and occasional entertaining, so thankfully I’ve discovered portable and compact kitchen appliances. I can conveniently fit my appliances on a small kitchen countertop or in the back of my Civic.
For all of us with a nomadic lifestyle, whether you’re living in an RV, boat, or tiny apartment, here are some compact sized appliances you’ll find you just can’t live without.
Portable Dishwashers
Apartment, condo, or RV living does not mean you have to put up with hand washing dishes, or worse, using disposable plates and utensils (so wasteful!). Invest in a portable dishwasher instead.
They fit under or on top of most countertops and hook up to most kitchen faucets. Though compact, portable dishwashers can actually hold up to 6 full place settings and have multiple available wash cycles.
Compact Ice Makers
Whether you’re entertaining guest on your yacht or hosting a backyard family BBQ, a portable ice maker is a must-have for any party. They fit onto any kitchen or bar counter, and come in a variety of styles and colors to match any decor. Never have to make a last minute trip to the grocery store for a heavy bag of ice again!
When I’m not using my ice maker to impress friends with deliciously cold drink mixes, I use it at home to have a ready supply of ice for a big pitcher of iced tea or lemonade on a hot day. Since portable ice makers works in a matter of minutes, I no longer have to wait for water to freeze in inconvenient plastic trays. Plus, I can use the extra freezer space to store more ice cream and frozen dinners.
Electric Grills
Want that grilled taste without the hassle of a full-size grill? Try an electric grill, which comes in both outdoor and indoor models. Some are small enough to use in any kitchen surface, and others come with a stand while maintaining a compact design.
There are a variety of electric grills that are a nice upgrade from the George Foreman kinds, and they’re ideal for anyone looking to make a fast, healthy and delicious meal anywhere.
Mini Fridge
I had a compact refrigerator in my dorm room freshman year of college, but really, when are mini fridges not useful? They’re great for keeping drinks cold in whatever space you’re in, and really come in handy when your roommates take up all the space in the fridge with their leftovers and beer.
Also consider getting a wine cooler, if you’re a worldly traveler that always has a few bottles on hand (or someone who just pretends they are, like me). Many models are portable and fit on a countertop, and can fit at least 8 different bottles of wine. Hey, nomads can be classy too.
New adventures start every day in our lives, and there’s nothing more exciting than hitting the open road in a new RV, or renting your first apartment. With the right appliances, you’ll have all the advantages of a carefree lifestyle plus the comforts of home wherever you end up!
What’s your favorite portable appliance?
