Published on July 25, 2025 by Filip
Last updated on July 25, 2025
Why and how I test the best kitchen gear for single people ? The answer is quite simple, it starts with the fact that I’m a single guy who cooks every day, and I live in a small apartment.
Over the years, I’ve learned to make smart use of limited space, and I don’t like my space looking cramped or messy – despite the fact I like to own lots of fancy tech, and yes that includes my prime kitchenware.
And let’s face it, not every product is built for the realities of a cramped kitchen, late work nights, and solo living.
At TinyKitchenGuy.com, I don’t just regurgitate spec sheets or Amazon reviews. I actually use the gear I talk about in a real, tiny apartment kitchen, meaning you get honest, useful advice that’s rooted in lived experience, and I also adhere to strong editorial guidelines.
Here’s how I test and review kitchen gear:
1. Real-Life Use in a Tiny Kitchen
No test labs and dream kitchens, because I test products in a real apartment with limited counter space, tiny storage, and one plug that powers everything.
I ask:
- Does this thing actually fit in a small kitchen?
- Can I stash it in a cabinet or does it live on the counter forever?
- Can I use it half-asleep at 7 AM without blowing a fuse?
If it doesn’t pass the “can-I-use-this-in-a-tiny-kitchen-at-2AM-with-no-clean-dishes” test – it doesn’t make the cut.
2. Performance Testing Over Time
I don’t do one-and-done unboxings. I use the gear for at least 2-4 weeks (longer if it’s core gear like air fryers or rice cookers).
I track:
- Cooking time & consistency
- Ease of cleaning
- Durability – plastic parts? Loose handles? Wobbly trays? Noted.
- Noise level – because no one wants a blender that sounds like a leaf blower.
3. Setup & Storage Stress Test
Most single guys and women don’t want to spend 40 minutes reading a manual. So I rate products on:
- Ease of setup right out of the box
- Instructions clarity
- Storage convenience i.e. can it be tucked away or does it demand its own shrine?
4. Cleaning Score
We don’t want scrubbing fans forever, which is why I asses:
- Are parts dishwasher-safe?
- Is cleanup a nightmare?
- Does grease build up in impossible-to-reach places?
You’d be surprised how many “perfect” air fryers fail this test.
5. Price-to-Performance Value
I always consider:
- Is this worth your money?
- Are there cheaper alternatives that do the same thing?
- Would I buy this again if I had to start over?
I don’t care if it has 5,000 reviews. If it’s an overpriced piece of cooking gear, I’ll say it.
6. Bonus Points for Space-Saving Design
If a product folds, stacks, collapses, or somehow turns into a transformer to save space – it gets extra credit. Multi-function gear also gets bonus points (for example toaster + oven combo).
No Sponsored Hype
I don’t accept paid placements or sponsored reviews. If I ever do in the future, it’ll be clearly labeled, but right now, it’s all me.
This means every recommendation is based on experience, not a paycheck.
💬Your Feedback Matters – if you’ve used a product I’ve reviewed and had a different experience, tell me! I welcome real-world feedback from other tiny kitchen warriors. Get in touch through my contact page.