Good Questions: Modern All-In-One Kitchen?

Dear AT, I am looking for the modern version of this 1952 compact kitchen. I have seen a similar unit by Avanti, but have also read comments from AT posters to avoid Avanti at all costs. Any suggestions on where I could find something similar, preferably in Chicago so that I could go check it out in person? Thanks! Jill

Jill, Maxwell recently compiled a post of the 2008 Best Small Kitchen Units which you should definitely check out. At the high end is Joe Colombo's MiniKitchen (shown above), a sleek model available through Italian manufacturer Boffi. Boffi products are sold through Luminaire in Chicago. At the low end are the IKEA freestanding kitchens, which you can mix-and-match with small appliances to fashion a kitchenette. Be sure to check out some of the mid-range options listed as well, including Dwyer and Acme kitchenettes.

AT Readers, any suggestions for Jill?

Comments (8)

It seems like a small sink and countertop paired with a cube fridge and a plug-in burner would always be cheaper and more custom-fit. Also, if one breaks or leaks, the whole thing doesn't need repairing (or trashing.)

compactappliance.com has a variety of all-in-ones, made by the dreaded Avanti, and another company called Summit.

I found a bunch made by Acme on Nextag
http://www.nextag.com/all-in-one-kitchen-unit/search-html

and here
http://www.ajmadison.com/b.php/Acme;Compact Kitchens/brand_store~1;N~36 4294967270

and Summit
http://www.combokitchens.com/

Looked into these for my studio rental.

http://applianceden.com/products/CK36
http://www.brandsconnection.com/proddetail.php?prod=CK301

They may not be the most sophisticated design, but they have all the necessary appliances and are affordabe.

Hope this helps.

Check out Dwyer.
http://www.dwyerkitchens.com/

wish i knew about these in college!!

The old WNYC offices in the Municipal Building in downtown Manhattan had one of those units. Perhaps from the 60s! I don't know if they saved it when they moved. Or if it was donated to some sad design charity!

IKEA used to sell one...don't know if they still do