10 Home Appliances Your Tiny House Needs

Fitting all you need in a tiny house can be hard sometimes, but there’s no denying that pulling your creative muscle is one of the best parts of owning a tiny house. You’re working in a limited amount of space, which may be new to you. And so it requires innovation so you can use every inch of your tiny home. 

Therefore, it only makes sense to purchase appliances with design and performance that fit your needs. You may be wondering what home appliances your tiny house needs. 

Read on as we give you a list of the best appliances for tiny homes. We’ll also talk about how to choose appliances that’ll reduce your energy use and lower your electricity bill. 

Home Appliances Your Tiny Home Needs

Tiny houses have escalated in popularity, and they attract more and more people nowadays. The tiny house movement, however, is not just a passing trend. It inspires people to live a minimal, cost-effective, and eco-friendly living. 

Many believed that traditional homes are a great investment until the housing market crisis happened in 2006. Called the United States housing bubble, the housing prices exponentially increased in early 2006, then soon started to decline that same year and the year after. 

The year 2008 was reported to have the largest housing price drop in history. This left many people to feel disillusioned with the idea of homeownership. 

Then came the tiny house movement. Affordable, sustainable, and environmentally-friendly, many people transitioned from traditional homes to tiny houses. 

But then again, living in a tiny house poses a lot of challenges, choosing small-scale yet high-performing appliances included. While the market is already bombarded with household appliances for tiny houses, choosing the best items is still tricky more so if your house measures no more than 200 square feet in total area. 

That said, it’s important to consider buying appliances that are extremely compact, yet durable and high-performing. Here are some great home appliances your tiny house needs. These items will save you some space and reduce your energy usage and even water consumption.

Water-Conserving Appliances Your Tiny House Needs

Did you know? On average, each person uses about 80 to 100 gallons of water per day for indoor home uses. Globally, that’s around 4 trillion cubic meters of fresh water a year!

So what can you do to make a change in the environment and conserve water? Living in a tiny house is one, but you can do more than just that. How? By using water-conserving appliances in your tiny house. 

Many companies are stepping towards providing greener alternatives to conserve water and reduce water usage every month. For most consumers, conserving gallons of water every month and saving big on utility bills is as easy as changing old appliances for more eco-friendly models. 

Check out some of our favorite water-conserving appliances below:

Low-Flow Toilets

According to a report, a conventional toilet uses 3 gallons per flush. An average household flushes six to eight times per day. 

3 gallons per flush x 6 to 8 flushes per day = 18 to 24 gallons*

Niagara Stealth is one of the best low-flow toilets available in the market. Consumers report that this toilet does not clog. It only uses 0.8 gallons per flush. And compared to other similar products, Niagara Stealth is way more affordable. 

Low-flow toilets are a good option only if you want a toilet system similar to that in a traditional home. You can conserve more water if you use composting toilets.

Here’s why we think composting toilets are a better option.

Composting toilets are cheaper than a traditional toilet system. They are also faster to install, consume a minimal amount of space, require little maintenance, conserve water, and generate nutrient-rich fertilizer. 

What’s another great thing about composting toilets is that most companies offer lifetime warranties. 

[Must Read: The 3 Best Toilet for Tiny Houses]

Shower Filters

Did you know? An average person uses 2 gallons of water a minute in a shower. That means a 10-minute shower consumes 20 gallons of water. 

Shower filters purify water to reduce chlorine, chloramine, and chemical content in your shower, so you can keep your skin and hair healthy and soft. The Pelican Water, however, does more than just filter dirt from water. It comes with a dual-head system that allows you to conserve hundreds of gallons of water per month! 

The pressure mode lets you enjoy a standard shower experience. The water conservation mode does the same, except you save water while still benefiting from healthier and safer water.

Pelican Water functions:

• Filters chemicals in water, including chlorine, chloramines, and other contaminants
• Improves softness in skin and hair by reducing dryness, flakiness, and fading of dyed hair.
• Removes unpleasant odors from water.
• Maintains shower pressure for excellent shower experience. 
• Features dual-head function. 

Advanced Dishwashers

Did you know? A dishwasher uses four to 10 gallons of water a day. That’s 120 to 300 gallons of water per month.

If you have a large household and cook at home frequently, then you might use more water than the average presented above. You can conserve water by purchasing an efficient Energy Star-certified dishwasher. 

The Beko DIT28430 uses a very minimal amount of water, only 2.4 gallons of water per cycle to be exact. A standard dishwasher uses about 5 gallons of water per cycle, which means the Beko DIT28430 is 52% better than the standard dishwasher. 

It is Energy Star-certified and is 27% better than US Federal standard dishwasher in terms of energy use per annum. 

Alternatively, consider this Farberware Professional Compact Portable Countertop Dishwasher.

Water-Saving Washing Machines

A standard washing machine uses 15 gallons of water per load. Sometimes, it can go as high as 45 gallons. You can combat this alarming amount of water waste per washing cycle by opting for high-efficiency and water-conserving washing machines. Eco-friendly washing machines can help you save as much as 15 gallons of water per cycle, or even more. 

Consider Samsung 4.5 cu. Ft. Front Loader Washer. It has eight preset wash cycles and another nine washing options. Plus, it is Energy Star-certified. 

Purchase a washing machine that’s not only water-saving but also compact and uses a minimal amount of energy. 

Read The 8 Best Washer and Dryer Combos for Tiny Homes to learn more.

Kitchen Appliances Your Tiny House Needs

As tiny houses grow more and more popular, a lot of companies across the United States and around the globe produce small-space kitchen appliances with top-notch aesthetics and performance. 

However small… or technically, tiny… the living space is, there’s no doubt that people still want the convenience of a microwave, refrigerator, hood, stove, and washer/dryer. Fortunately, manufacturers are able to meet the demand of tiny house owners by producing small-scale products — both built-in and freestanding. 

As reported by The New York Times, “micro kitchens are now being embraced by a group of early adopters who could easily afford much larger ones, and whose culinary preferences could shape kitchen design for years to come.” 

Clearly, millennials now prefer shrunken kitchen appliances because they perform efficiently yet use less energy compared to full-sized, conventional appliances. 

Plus, small kitchen appliances can make a kitchen feel larger. 

Refrigerator

You need a fridge that can efficiently provide healthy living by keeping your food fresher longer. If money isn’t a big deal, we recommend Bosch Benchmark® Built-in Freezer B18IF900SP. This 18” custom panel single door built-in freezer is Energy Star qualified for energy efficiency. 

What’s more, with the Home Connect app, you can monitor and control your fridge even if you’re away from your home. 

It has ice maker technology in its Ultra Capacity Ice Drawer and a bright all LED lighting. This slim fridge has three modes to help you control your fridge: Sabbath Mode, Economy Mode, and Vacation Mode. It also has Door Open Alarm technology. 

If you want to opt for something more budget-friendly, consider 800 Series Freestanding Easy Clean B1CB81SSS, still from Bosch. It has NoFrost technology, so you’ll never have to defrost your fridge again. It is almost 40% cheaper than the Bosch Benchmark® Built-in Freezer. Plus, it’s freestanding, so you can place it anywhere it suits in your tiny house. 

And just because it’s more affordable doesn’t mean it doesn’t have style. The stainless steel exterior looks classic and chic. And oh, it’s easy to clean.  

Remember, though, that refrigerators use the most energy, so it’s best to buy an energy-efficient fridge. 

Another option is this TACKLIFE 7.0 Cu. Ft Fridge with Freezer. It’s compact, efficient, and features frost-free operation.

Microwaves

If you want to reheat food, cook popcorn, or try quick Buzzfeed snacks, then you need a microwave. But not just a standard microwave but a compact, energy-saving one. 

Take note, there is no Energy Star label for microwaves at this time. Yet, that doesn’t necessarily mean you cannot find energy-efficient microwaves.

In this world of big guides, we’ve listed down five best compact microwaves available in the market. 

Oven

No space for a stove or stovetop? No worries. You will love Avanti Multi-Function Oven. With it, you can prepare your favorite dishes. This small yet powerful oven has two burners for stovetop cooking. Yes, with it, you can spend less on the gas bill. 

Your kitchen might have shrunk, but that doesn’t mean you have to downgrade your lifestyle as well. By choosing compact yet high performing appliances, you can still enjoy the comforts you’re accustomed to while choosing energy- and water-saving choices in the process.

The Cuisinart TOA-60 Convection Toaster Oven Airfryer is an excellent multifunctional oven, too!

Coffee maker

If you’re anything like us, you can’t start your day without a sip of coffee. There are a lot of coffeemakers in the market. Hence, we understand how overwhelming it can be to pick the best one. 

We’ve narrowed the list and picked the three best coffee makers there is for tiny houses. 

Keurig K-Mini Plus Coffee Maker

Sometimes we just want to get a cup of coffee as quickly as possible. Keurig K-Mini Plus Coffee Maker can make coffee within a few minutes only. It has a removable drip tray for easy cleanup. It is also energy-efficient, making it even more perfect! 

Black+Decker Coffee Maker CM0700BZ

Ergonomic, space-saving, and affordable, Black+Decker Coffee Maker makes delicious coffee in an instant. All it takes is a flip of a switch to brew a cup of aromatic coffee. And with its permanent grounds filter, you never have to remove messy paper filters. 

Ninja 12-cup Programmable Coffee Maker

Need a coffee maker that can brew coffee for the entire family? This coffee maker is capable of brewing up to 12 cups of coffee. If you want to wake up to the smell of a freshly brewed cup of joe, it takes a few taps to program this coffee maker. 

Other Home Appliances Your Tiny House Needs

Air Conditioning System

Air conditioning was once seen as a luxury, and by then, only those who have the $$$ are able to enjoy the comfort it provides. But now, as more and more companies offer air conditioning systems, they have become more affordable. 

Adding an AC system to a tiny house isn’t uncommon. Many tiny housers install AC systems in their tiny homes. 

But before getting an AC system, consider these:

• Pick the right AC system

Look for an AC system that’s within your budget. This can help you narrow your search for air conditioners. 

Take note, too, that there are different kinds of AC units, like (1) central air system, (2) standalone units, and (3) window units. 

If an AC system is not within your budget, you can opt for alternatives instead. You can use fans or bladeless fans instead. Or better yet, keep your house cool without using AC. 

To learn more about the air conditioning system for tiny houses, read How to Get Air Conditioning in a Tiny Home. 

Heaters

Has the weather kept you chilling on your bed? A heater can help. Take note, heating your home doesn’t have to be expensive. Several portable heaters are now available at affordable prices. 

Here are some ideal portable heaters for your tiny house.

Lasko 754200 Ceramic Portable Space Heater

Pros:

• You can use the fan only feature all year round
• The adjustable thermostat lets you pick your preferred temperature
• Compact and space-saving
• No need to assemble

Cons:

• You can’t set a specific temperature 
• It only heats in one direction

Mr. Heater MH9BX Propane Heater

Pros:

• Made of durable and high-quality materials
• Compact
• Equipped with safety features
• Light and portable

Cons:

• Propane is more expensive than electricity
• Heating real estate is pretty small

Homegear 1500W Infrared Electric Portable Space Heater

Pros:

• Energy-efficient
• Comes with a remote control
• Equipped with temperature display

Cons:

• Bulky and hard to move around
• Noisier than its competitors

Get our full list of portable heaters here: The 10 Best Portable Heaters for Tiny Homes

How Much Energy Do You Need?

With all these appliances in your tiny house, how much energy do you need to power them up? And how much will it cost you?

Your energy consumption depends on several variables, including the number of appliances you have, power usage of each item, frequency of use, and size of your household. And take note, having few appliances doesn’t always guarantee you’ll use less energy. 

Remember, not because you live in a tiny house doesn’t mean you’re exempted from a high electricity bill. As mentioned, several factors affect your power consumption. 

The Size of Your Tiny House

Compared to traditional homes, you can only fit in a few appliances in a tiny house. Technically, that means you’ll consume far less electricity than conventional houses. 

The average power consumption of a traditional home in the US in 2018 was 914kWh per month, according to the US Energy Information Administration. A tiny house consumes an average of 21kWh per day, which is about 630kWh per month. 

The Power Usage of Appliances

The number of appliances you have is a factor we must consider in determining the amount of power you need. But what is more important than the quantity is the power usage of your home appliances. 

It’s easy to assume that if you have fewer appliances, you’ll consume a minimal amount of energy. That’s not the case if your home appliances, though few, are high-powered. 

Let’s say you have only eight appliances at home, but six of which consumes more than 1000 kWh per day. You’re most likely going to spend big for your utility. 

Now, let’s say you have 15 appliances at home, all of which are energy-efficient. You’re likely going to spend less on your utility bill if this is the case. 

The Household Size

The number of your dependents can also impact your power consumption. The more people living in your home, the more the appliances are to be used. 

For example, your air conditioner may need to work more to accommodate eight people compared to when there are only two or three people. 

Also, cooking for eight people on an electric stovetop may take longer than if you’re cooking for two or three people only. 

Your Electricity Cost

Now you’re probably wondering how much it would cost you to power up your tiny house with all your appliances. 

There are different kinds of energy for tiny homes, including fuel power, solar power, external generators, and on-grid power. 

If you’re directly connected to an electricity grid, your electricity cost will depend on your (1) energy consumption and (2) location. 

The price of electricity varies per state. Idaho, North Dakota, Arkansas, Washington, and Utah, for example, charge 8 cents per kWh. While Arizona, Florida, Texas, Ohio, Alabama, and Nevada charge 11 cents per kWh. In Connecticut, the price of electricity is 18 cents per kWh. 

It’s important to remember that the rate of electricity may change from time to time. If you’re not sure about the cost of electricity in your area, we suggest asking your local authority. 

Solar panels are also a great choice to power up your home. A solar panel system can provide you with free and clean electricity. It’s also an excellent power option if you want to go greener. 

Though a solar panel system requires a huge amount of upfront payment, it’s a good investment considering it can power up your tiny house for years without being reliant on in-grid electricity and without having to pay for the monthly electricity bill. 

You might be interested in reading this: How Many Solar Panels Does It Take to Power a Tiny Home?

How to Buy Home Appliances

Shopping for home appliances for your tiny house is fun and exciting until you’re presented with so many options that it becomes rather overwhelming and tedious. 

So, to make your home appliance search easy, it helps to have criteria so you can narrow down your search and focus only on those that are in line with your standard. 

Here are a few tips when buying for home appliances. Thank us later. 

• Measure it

Since you’re living in a home with limited space, you want to purchase items that are compact and can be fitted in your tiny house. 

Purchasing an appliance that fits perfectly in your house is much easier than buying one that is too large to pass through the doorway or hits the walls as it is carried in. 

When it comes to stoves, don’t forget to consider the space it needs to connect any pipes. For refrigerators, make sure that you consider the depth of the door. 

• Look for online reviews

To make sure you get the best out of your hard-earned money, do research, and learn about the appliances you want to buy. Read online reviews from people who have actually used the product. 

You may also want to check consumer publications like Consumer Reports to get authentic reviews.

• Choose energy-efficient appliances

Energy-efficient home appliances can help a lot in reducing your power usage. Such appliances often have an eco-mode feature that optimizes power consumption without ever sacrificing performance. 

Energy-saving items are usually easy to detect. Look for appliances that are Energy Star compliant. 

Learn more about How Much Electricity Do Tiny Homes Use here. 

How to Save Energy

Aside from choosing Energy Star appliances, there are other smart things you can do to save energy. 

Open Your Windows

Feeling hot? Why not open your windows to let cold air in instead of turning on your air conditioner? Or better yet, go outside for a quick walk, go to a windy place, and relax. 

You can use this time to unwind and be in the “now.” 

Coffee in a Flask

Instead of frequently turning on your coffee maker to get a cup of joe, you can brew your coffee once in larger amounts, drink a cup of coffee, and keep the rest in a flask. A high-quality thermos should be able to keep your coffee hot for 5 hours or so. 

This being said, make sure to invest in a high-quality flask that can keep your joe warm for several hours. We recommend the Stanley Classic Vacuum Bottle.

Use LED Light Bulbs

LED light bulbs use less energy than conventional light bulbs. An average household keeps lightbulbs on for an average of 5 to 8 hours (depending on your location). So if you’re going to keep your lights this long, you can save money (and energy) if your light bulbs only consume a minimal amount of energy. 

Final Takeaway

Living in a tiny house doesn’t necessarily mean you cannot enjoy the comfort of a traditional home. You can still get to use appliances, just this time you’re going to do it smarter. 

Choose energy-saving, compact, and high-performing household appliances with sleek aesthetics. Refer to our buying guide when selecting home appliances your tiny house needs. 

Owning energy-saving appliances is good, but there are other steps you can take to go greener.

Related Questions

Where can I purchase home appliances for tiny houses?

Home improvement centers offer a wide range of appliances for both tiny homes and traditional houses. Some of the famous brands known for creating high-performing, durable, and reliable appliances are Samsung, Whirlpool, Bosch, LG, Frigidaire, and KitchenAid.

Refrigerators consume large amounts of energy. Do I really need one?

To have or not have a fridge is totally up to you. But let’s not forget how a refrigerator can keep your food chilled and your produce fresh for a long period.