
A cluttered kitchen can be overwhelming and stressful to work in. Kitchen cabinets with an appliance garage can help keep your kitchen organized and clutter-free.
The appliance garage is a great way to hide small kitchen appliances like toasters and blenders, keeping them out of sight and off countertops. This design feature can help reduce clutter and make your kitchen feel more spacious.
Having a designated space for your appliances can also make it easier to clean and maintain your kitchen. By keeping your appliances in a garage, you can wipe down the cabinets and floors without having to worry about dust and crumbs accumulating around your appliances.
Kitchen Cabinet Design
Kitchen cabinets with appliance garage require thoughtful design to maximize functionality. A well-placed appliance garage door can create a work surface or landing area in front of it.
Consider the location of your appliance garage door and how it fits into your kitchen layout. If it's within a wall of cabinetry, think about alternative ways to create a work surface or landing area in front.
An appliance garage door that opens top-down, like the one for the coffee maker, can provide a flat surface for a cup of coffee or a warm plate from the microwave. This design also helps prevent the door from hitting other cabinet doors or windows.
To optimize lower cabinets, create a base to store larger items, but install a sliding element that can prop your gadgets up. This gives you more space on which to work and makes the most of your kitchen's vertical space.
Appliance Garage
An appliance garage is a great way to keep your kitchen clutter-free.
It's designed to store small appliances like toasters, blenders, and coffee makers out of sight.
This type of storage is perfect for busy families who want to keep their countertops clear.
As Anna Popov, founder of Interiors by Popov, says, an appliance garage was designed for a family where tea and smoothies are a daily occurrence that they wanted to be able to tidy away.
A sliding shelf with ample space is a must-have for an appliance garage to make it extremely functional.
It's also a great way to keep your kitchen looking sleek and modern.
Cabinet Organization
You can dedicate an entire cabinet as an appliance garage if you have several small appliances. This can be a game-changer for busy mornings when you need to access your stand mixer, microwave, coffee maker, and toaster quickly.
Optimizing lower cabinets can also provide more space on which to work. By installing a sliding element, you can prop your gadgets up and store larger items, making the most of your cabinet space.
Installing appliance garage hardware can also convert one of the doors to open and tuck away beneath the cabinet above it, providing easy access to your most used appliances. This design can blend in seamlessly with the rest of the cabinetry in your kitchen.
Consider reading: Outdoor Bar Cabinet with Fridge
Pantry
Pantry organization is a game-changer for any kitchen. A well-designed pantry can keep your dry goods and smaller appliances within easy reach.
Consider installing shelves that roll out for easy access to dry goods and smaller countertop appliances like blenders and a standing mixer. This setup frees up counter space and higher drawers for more frequently used items.
A pantry appliance garage can be a great addition to your kitchen. It keeps smaller appliances like blenders and standing mixers out of the way, freeing up counter space and higher drawers for more frequently used items.
In a modern kitchen, a hidden shelf can be a clever storage solution. It can be used to store mugs, coffee tins, tea bags, sugar, and other necessities, keeping them out of the way but still easily accessible.
Optimize Lower Cabinets
You can create a base in your lower cabinets to store larger items, but install a sliding element that can prop your gadgets up, giving you more space on which to work.
Appliance garages don't always live between the upper cabinets and the countertop, so think outside the box.
In a compact appliance garage, you can mount a more compact garage beneath one of the cabinets without taking away from the counter space beneath it.
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This design is perfect for smaller kitchens where extra countertop or cabinet space is scarce.
If you're installing your own kitchen cabinets, look for some appliance garage hardware that will convert one of the doors to open and tuck away beneath the cabinet above it.
This will provide you with easy access to your most used appliances, such as a blender or food processor.
A compact appliance garage won't fit larger appliances, like an air fryer or stand mixer, but it can help keep other items from cluttering your countertops.
In a kitchen with limited space, consider dedicating an entire cabinet as an appliance garage if you have several small appliances.
This design utilizes open shelving of varying heights to store a stand mixer, microwave, coffee maker, and toaster.
Additional reading: Open Ghost Kitchen
DIY Projects
You can DIY a built-in bar or appliance garage using Ikea or Semihandmade cabinets or doors, and it's surprisingly easy, even for those who aren't handy.
It's a great way to hide small appliances and keep your kitchen counters clutter-free. You can also combine Ikea and Semihandmade for a unique look.
To get started, you'll need special hinges, like the ones from Accuride, which come in different sizes to fit your cabinet's depth and door size. These hinges will take up a few inches of room, so plan accordingly.
If you have a standard 24” depth kitchen cabinet, it's best to stick with doors that are 18” or narrower to avoid them poking out too far. Deeper cabinets, however, give you more flexibility with door size.
For a seamless look, consider dedicating an entire cabinet as an appliance garage if you have several small appliances. This design also helps keep your countertops clear and makes it easier to access your appliances.
You can even build a custom door like we did for our DIY wall cabinet and door, or order a premade door online to save time. Either way, it's a great way to add some functionality and style to your kitchen.
Additional reading: Measure Kitchen Cabinet Doors
Cabinet Hardware
When selecting cabinet hardware for your kitchen cabinets with appliance garage, consider the quality and functionality of the hinges. A high-quality hinge is essential for a DIY appliance garage that will be used frequently.
The Blum AVENTOS HL lift systems offer a reliable option. This hinge can be used on cabinets with a height range of 11-13/16″ to 22-13/16″ tall and a width up to 72″ wide.
For a DIY appliance garage, you'll need to purchase specific parts from Blum, including the Cabinet Lift Mechanism Set, Hinge Cover Set, Arm Assembly, Wood Mounting Plate Set, and Stabilizer Rod.
Here are the Blum parts you'll need:
- Cabinet Lift Mechanism Set – Part # 20L2300.N5
- Hinge Cover Set – Part # 20L8020.NA
- Arm Assembly – Part # BA20L3800.06
- Wood Mounting Plate Set – Part # 20S4200
- Stabilizer Rod – Part # 20Q1061UA
The total cost of hinge parts plus shipping can be less than $250, depending on where you order from.
Bi-Fold Doors
Bi-fold doors are a great option for appliance garages, making it easy to access the nook and keep the countertop clear.
Bi-fold doors can be used to create a vertical space by utilizing the area from the countertop to the upper row of cabinets.
Additional reading: Kitchen Countertop
Think through the items you might need when using the appliances and plan to store them close by, like storing coffee beans and sugar near the drip coffeemaker.
A top folding door is perfect for appliance garages with multiple shelves, providing a convenient place to tuck away appliances like the coffee machine.
Cabinet Door Pull
Using a pull-up cabinet door can be a great solution for small spaces. Traditional swinging doors often won't fit, as seen in a tight kitchen where they wouldn't have fully opened.
A hinged door that lifts up is a better option, as it utilizes the space more efficiently. This design allows for a clutter-free look even in a compact area.
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Hinges
Hinges are a crucial part of creating an appliance garage cabinet, and choosing the right ones can make all the difference in functionality and durability.
You can find high-quality hinges from reputable manufacturers like Blum, which is known for producing reliable and efficient hinges.
For another approach, see: Adjust Grass Kitchen Cabinet Hinges
For a DIY appliance garage, it's essential to select a hinge that can handle frequent use, especially if you plan to hide a microwave or other frequently used items.
Blum's AVENTOS HL lift systems are a popular choice among DIY enthusiasts, and for good reason - they offer a wide range of options to suit different cabinet sizes and weights.
The Blum AVENTOS HL lift systems can be used on cabinets with a height range of 11-13/16″ to 22-13/16″ tall and a width range up to 72″ wide.
If you're planning to install a Blum hinge, make sure to check the installation instructions, which will guide you through the process of selecting the correct parts.
Here are the Blum parts you'll need to order for a standard installation:
- Cabinet Lift Mechanism Set – Part # 20L2300.N5
- Hinge Cover Set – Part # 20L8020.NA
- Arm Assembly – Part # BA20L3800.06
- Wood Mounting Plate Set – Part # 20S4200
- Stabilizer Rod – Part # 20Q1061UA
Keep in mind that you may need to order parts from multiple online stores, as not all parts may be available from the same place.
The total cost of hinge parts and shipping can range from under $250, depending on the specific parts and shipping costs.
Cabinet Features
A top folding door is a must-have for kitchens with multiple shelves, allowing you to keep the countertop clear at all times.
Having a bi-fold door in an appliance garage, like the one designed by Popov, provides a perfect place to tuck away the coffee machine.
A well-planned appliance garage can help keep your kitchen clutter-free and organized.
Tambour Door
A tambour door is a great option for an appliance garage, especially if you want to save counter space. It's made of narrow slats that roll back into the upper area of the cabinet.
The advantage of a tambour door is that it takes up no counter space when open. This is a big plus in small kitchens where every inch counts.
However, tambour doors can sometimes be slightly tricky to work with, so make sure they're installed correctly for a smooth opening and closing.
In a kitchen with a corner appliance garage, a tambour door is a great choice because it stays out of the way to let you move your appliances in and out of the space with ease.
One thing to keep in mind is that tambour doors can be customized to fit your specific storage needs. Consider the layout of your kitchen and how many small appliances you'd like to conceal.
A tambour door can be a great option for a corner appliance garage, where you want to make the most of the space.
Coffee Station
A coffee station is a must-have for any coffee lover. Consider creating an appliance garage for your favorite brewing tools, like a coffee maker or milk frother.
You can find a wire basket for storing coffee grounds, scoops, and other tools inside a cabinet, perfect for coffee enthusiasts. This setup provides ample work space in front of the coffee maker to measure coffee beans or add cream or sugar.
An appliance garage can serve double duty, concealing small appliances while also serving as a kitchen coffee station. Add coffee mug storage, a drawer for coffee pods, and enough room for a milk frother and more.
A modern appliance garage can coordinate nicely with a modern kitchen, offering shelves to store mugs, coffee tins, tea bags, sugar, and other necessities. The bottom shelf can even accommodate a coffee and cappuccino maker.
A top folding door or a bi-fold door is a great option for an appliance garage with multiple shelves, keeping the countertop clear at all times. This design provides a perfect place to tuck away the coffee machine.
Frameless Cabinet Option
If your cabinet has a face frame, you may need to make it frameless for the appliance garage installation. This involves installing a piece of 3/4″ thick wood to make the face frame and inside of the cabinet flush with each other.
The wood should be at least 7″ tall x 11″ long, and it's essential to place it in the top left and right corners inside of the cabinet. This is where the appliance garage hinges will be installed.
You'll need to drill the pin hole locations for the hinges on the inside of the cabinet, using a 3/16″ drill bit to create holes about 1/8″ deep.
For another approach, see: Olive Wood Kitchen Utensil Set
Cabinet Accessories
Dedicating an entire cabinet as an appliance garage can be a game-changer for small appliance storage.
Consider using open shelving of varying heights to store appliances, as seen in the example that utilizes a stand mixer, microwave, coffee maker, and toaster.
Having necessities like mugs for coffee stored nearby can save steps and time on busy mornings, just like in the example.
Appliance garages can be a great way to keep countertops clear and clutter-free, making a big impact on the overall look and feel of your kitchen.
Safety and Accessibility
Having an appliance garage in your kitchen can make a big difference in terms of safety and accessibility.
An appliance garage can help you create an accessible kitchen station for homes with one or more household members who use a wheelchair or prefer to sit while they work.
This appliance garage opens to reveal a baking station that sits at just the right height for use in a seated position, making it a comfortable workspace for those who need it.
By incorporating an appliance garage, you can create a more inclusive and user-friendly kitchen environment for everyone.
Heat and Steam Safety

Heat and steam can be a real concern in the kitchen, especially when using appliances like toasters or coffeemakers. Allow adequate counter space in front of an appliance garage to ensure heat and steam can dissipate into the kitchen.
You'll want to slide these appliances forward to use them, rather than keeping them confined in the garage. This simple precaution can make a big difference in keeping your kitchen safe.
For example, if you have a toaster or coffeemaker, you'll likely want to slide them forward to use them. Then, when you're done, tuck them back into the cabinet, and they're out of sight for the rest of the day.
Electrical Outlet Access
Having electrical outlet access is a crucial feature of an appliance garage.
You'll want to make sure there's a wall outlet in the area where you plan to install your cabinets.
We had a wall outlet in the corner on the wall where we were installing our cabinets, but we ended up having to move it because the hinges needed to be installed where our outlet was located.
You can use a combination square to help with this step.
Accessible

Creating an accessible kitchen is crucial for household members who use a wheelchair or prefer to sit while they work. An appliance garage can help achieve this by providing a baking station at the right height for seated use.
This type of appliance garage can be opened to reveal a countertop drawer that pulls out to create a comfortable workspace. The ideal height for a seated workspace is just right, allowing users to work efficiently without straining their back or neck.
A well-designed appliance garage can also provide ample storage for frequently used items, keeping the workspace clutter-free and organized. This makes it easier for users to focus on their tasks and reduces the risk of accidents caused by tripping over clutter.
Design Ideas
An appliance garage door design is critical to its functionality, so consider alternative ways to create a work surface or landing area in front if yours is located in a spot without a stretch of countertop below.
To create a flat surface, choose an appliance garage door that opens top-down, like the coffee maker door in the example. This allows for a convenient spot to place a cup of coffee or a warm plate from the microwave.
Powering your appliances in a single space can be convenient, as seen in the example where an outlet was installed in the appliance garage.
Door Design Ideas
Consider the location of your appliance garage door. If it's in a spot without a stretch of countertop below, like within a wall of cabinetry, think about alternative ways to create a work surface or landing area in front.
An appliance garage door design is critical to its functionality. A coffee maker appliance garage door that opens top-down can create a flat surface for a cup of coffee or a warm plate from the microwave.
A microwave appliance garage door that lifts is a good idea if you have a window or other cabinet doors nearby. This design prevents the door from hitting them.
A well-designed appliance garage door can make a big difference in your kitchen workflow. It can provide a convenient place to put a hot dish or a cup of coffee.
If this caught your attention, see: Microwave Ovens Appliances
Ideas
Appliance garages can be a great way to reduce clutter and keep your kitchen looking neat. They typically sit on top of countertops and are built into cabinetry, featuring lifting doors, double-sliding doors, or retractable doors.
You can power your appliances in a single space by including an outlet in your appliance garage, as seen in one design example. This makes it easy to use your appliances without having to search for a nearby outlet.
Spotlight your prized appliances by treating the appliance garage as a gallery with cabinet display lighting, as done by California-based interior design firm Regan Baker Design. This is especially useful when making coffee before dawn, and the lighting upgrade can make a big difference.
Appliance garages can make a big impact on the aesthetic of your kitchen, giving you back clean counter space and keeping your kitchen looking organized.
Installation and Setup
Installation and Setup is a crucial part of bringing your kitchen cabinets with an appliance garage to life.
First, attach the hinges to the appliance garage cabinet by aligning the two pins with the drilled holes. Then, screw the hinge in place with the included screws. The front edge of the hinge should be aligned with the top corner edge of the cabinet.
Make sure to follow the manufacturer's instructions for the specific type of hinges you're using, as they may have slightly different installation requirements.
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Attach the Hinges
The key to a successful appliance garage cabinet is having the right hinges.
The Blum AVENTOS HL lift system hinges are a great choice for this project, and can be used on cabinets with a height range of 11-13/16″ to 22-13/16″ tall and a width up to 72″ wide.
To attach the hinges, align the two pins with the drilled holes in the cabinet.
The front edge of the hinge will be aligned with the top corner edge of the cabinet once installed.
Here are the parts you'll need for the Blum lift system hinges:
- Cabinet Lift Mechanism Set – Part # 20L2300.N5
- Hinge Cover Set – Part # 20L8020.NA
- Arm Assembly – Part # BA20L3800.06
- Wood Mounting Plate Set – Part # 20S4200
- Stabilizer Rod – Part # 20Q1061UA
Setup Breakfast Station
Setting up a breakfast station can be a game-changer for your morning routine. An appliance garage can serve double duty, concealing small appliances while also serving as a kitchen coffee station.
Consider adding coffee mug storage, a drawer for coffee pods, and enough room for a milk frother to make your coffee station functional. A wire basket for storing coffee grounds, scoops, and other tools is also a great idea.
You can take inspiration from a Black Ink Interiors project, which focused on housing the necessities that go hand-in-hand with a toaster. Adding utensils corralled in a container can help keep the drawers tidy.
Materials and Options
To build a kitchen cabinet with an appliance garage, you'll need a cabinet with a door, which is a fundamental component. This will be the base of your project.
You'll also need appliance garage hinges and related parts, which are mentioned in the materials list. These will help you create a smooth and functional garage door.
A cabinet with a door is the foundation of your project, so make sure to choose one that fits your needs.
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