Designing for Small Spaces: How to Maximize Every Inch in a Tight Kitchen

June 17, 2025

Let’s be real—not every kitchen has the luxury of square footage.

Whether you’re outfitting a breakroom in a federal office building, a canteen in a healthcare facility, or a remote military galley, the challenge is the same: you have limited space, but high expectations.

As a commercial kitchen equipment dealer who works with tight kitchens every day, we’ve seen it all—and helped our customers make the most of every corner.

Here’s what we’ve learned, and how we can help.

🧩 It’s Not About Shrinking—It’s About Smarter Choices

When space is limited, the goal isn’t to sacrifice function—it’s to prioritize equipment that does more, takes up less, and still performs reliably.

We help customers rethink layouts and product selection by asking:

  1. What tasks happen most often?
  2. Can you combine cooking methods in one unit?
  3. Are there mobile or undercounter options?
  4. Where are the choke points in movement or access?

💡 Our Go-To Recommendations for Tight Spaces

We carry a wide range of compact, high-performance equipment that’s built for efficiency:

  1. Combi ovens from Rational and Convotherm – Replace multiple cooking units in one footprint
  2. iVario from Rational – A multifunctional replacement for kettles, fryers, griddles, and tilt skillets in one powerful unit
  3. High-speed ovens from Turbochef and Merrychef – Ideal for operations that need fast, high-quality output in a compact footprint
  4. Undercounter refrigerators from Beverage-Air and undercounter dishwashers from Champion – Use vertical space wisely
  5. Wall-mounted and adjustable shelving from Advance Tabco and Metro – Customize storage and free up floor space. Tip: Choose Metro Super Erecta® shelving with adjustable heights and mobile casters for flexible, reconfigurable storage
  6. Counterline griddles and ranges from Southbend – Compact, durable, and designed for smaller kitchens

Not sure what’ll fit? Send us your layout—we’ll help you make it work.

📦 Our Role as Your Dealer

We’re not just handing you a catalog and saying “good luck.” At Aldevra, we:

  1. Help you select models that fit your specs and floorplan
  2. Coordinate with installers, electricians, and plumbers
  3. Advise on ventilation, clearance, and code compliance
  4. Deliver DOD/VA-compliant shipments labeled properly and staged smartly
  5. Troubleshoot if something’s not working post-install
  6. Help coordinate warranty service if issues arise

Your kitchen might be small—but our support is full-sized.

🧭 A Few Tips If You’re Just Getting Started

  1. Plan vertically – Think wall storage, shelving, stackable units
  2. Measure twice – Doorways, elevators, even the turn into the room
  3. Prioritize multi-function – Avoid single-use equipment that hogs space
  4. Be realistic – You might not need a full-size walk-in or double-stack anything
  5. Talk to your dealer early – We’ll help you avoid costly rework or overspending

Let’s Make the Most of Your Space

Limited space doesn’t mean limited performance. With the right equipment, expert support, and a little creativity, you can run an efficient, compliant, and functional kitchen—no matter the footprint.

Let us help you get there.

👉 www.aldevra.com/contact

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