Hunting for the perfect apartment is exhausting, and it can get a little… repetitive. Every apartment claims to be amazing, but which ones actually are? “Vintage charm” can mean outdated, broken down appliances, while “ultra modern” can mean sterile and cold. It can be hard to read between the lines! However, knowing the difference between key bits of lingo can help you narrow down the field and decide which apartment is best for you. Let’s go over the difference between two important words, kitchen and kitchenette, and learn the pros and cons of each!
The Big Difference
The main difference between a kitchen and a kitchenette is the size. The suffix “-ette” often means “small,” so a kitchenette is essentially just a small kitchen! You’ll find a kitchenette in smaller apartments, studios, or anywhere else a full-sized kitchen wouldn’t really fit. Because of the smaller size, you won’t have all of the appliances of a standard kitchen. Instead, kitchenettes usually come with a small counter, a miniature refrigerator and freezer, a microwave, a toaster oven, and sometimes a small stovetop or hot plate.
The Pros & Cons of a Kitchen
The pros and cons of investing in an apartment with a kitchen depend on your lifestyle. The overarching advantage of having a full-sized kitchen is having the ability to cook a variety of meals. With an oven, a stovetop, a microwave, a big refrigerator, and so on, there is nothing stopping you from becoming the next Top Chef. Additionally, more kitchen space means you’re able to host guests, which is a huge plus if you’re someone who enjoys that kind of thing.
If you’re not someone who would use a kitchen, the con is simply that you’ll be paying for something you don’t need. Apartments with a true kitchen will cost more to rent than a similarly-sized space with a kitchenette. If you eat most of your meals out, if you don’t cook anything intricate or anything at all, and if you don’t host guests often, you’ll essentially be shelling out cash every month on a room that will go unused.
The Pros & Cons of a Kitchenette
A major pro is that an apartment with a kitchenette will be cheaper than the equivalent space with a full kitchen. If you’re on a budget, this is a great way to save some money on rent while still having the ability to prepare your own food. You might be surprised at how many kinds of meals you can prepare with a microwave, a stovetop, or a toaster oven!
The downside of the kitchenette is that your culinary capabilities are limited. You probably won’t have an oven for baking or a full stovetop for sautéing or boiling multiple things at once. Your counter and cabinet space will be limited in a kitchenette, and you’ll need to prioritize your kitchen essentials. If you are a person who loves crafting big meals or hosting dinner parties, a kitchenette won’t cut it.
Now that you’re knowledgeable about the differences between kitchens and kitchenettes, it’s time to find your perfect apartment home through ApartmentSearch.com. Narrow down your search by selecting the amenities, appliances, and security features you want in your next place. Let your new complex know where you found them and you could even get $200 in rewards – enough to stock your kitchen or kitchenette with all your favorite goodies. Search recently listed apartments for rent today!
