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Kitchen Beyond
Clever benchtop storage with an organised drawer beside a cooktop

Appliance garage ideas for your kitchen

The clever benchtop cupboard that hides the kettle, toaster and coffee machine — plugged in, ready to go, and out of sight.

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An appliance garage is a benchtop cabinet with a door that hides small appliances while keeping them plugged in and ready to use. The kettle, toaster, coffee machine and air fryer live inside with internal power points, so your bench stays clear and clutter-free — then you roll or lift the door and everything's right there. It's one of the simplest, most satisfying storage features we build into New Zealand kitchens.

Why people love them

  • A permanently clear bench — the daily appliances vanish behind a door instead of cluttering the worktop.
  • No unplugging and lugging — everything stays wired up and ready in its spot.
  • A tidy kitchen in seconds — close the door and the morning mess disappears before guests arrive.
  • A defined zone — the coffee-and-toast corner has a home, so mornings flow better.
  • Protected appliances — doors keep dust and grease off the gear you use most.

Door styles

The door is what makes an appliance garage. A roller (tambour) door is the classic — it rolls up and tucks away, taking no swing space, and it's great in a corner. Lift-up or bi-fold doors give a flush, seamless look that blends into the cabinetry when closed. Pocket doors that slide open and disappear into the sides are the neatest of all. We'll match the style to your kitchen and budget.

Designing one that works

A few things make the difference between a gimmick and a feature you use every day. Size it for the appliances you own plus a little room to grow. Fit internal power points so nothing has to come out to be used. Put it where it's convenient but not in the main sightline — a corner or the end of a run is ideal. And consider the bench depth: a deeper bench gives the appliances somewhere to sit without crowding the door.

Appliance garage or scullery?

If you've got a scullery, the small appliances often live there instead, leaving the main kitchen completely clear. If you don't, an appliance garage gives you much of the same tidiness for a fraction of the space and cost — which is exactly why it's such a popular move in compact Kiwi kitchens. Many homes use both.

Built in our Rotorua factory

Because we design and manufacture our own cabinetry in Rotorua, an appliance garage is built to your exact bench and the appliances you own — not forced to fit a standard box. We handle the cabinetry and coordinate the power with your electrician, then install it across the Waikato.

Frequently asked questions

What is an appliance garage?
An appliance garage is a benchtop cabinet that hides small appliances — the kettle, toaster, coffee machine and air fryer — behind a door, with power points inside so you can use them without pulling them out. It keeps the bench clear and the gear plugged in and ready.
What kind of door is best for an appliance garage?
A roller (tambour) door is the classic — it rolls up out of the way and takes no swing space. Lift-up or bi-fold doors give a cleaner, flush look and suit a more premium kitchen. Pocket doors that slide back into the cabinet are the tidiest but cost a little more.
Do you need power inside an appliance garage?
Yes — that's the whole point. Internal power points mean the coffee machine and toaster stay plugged in and usable with the door up, then disappear when the door's down. We coordinate with your electrician so the wiring is sorted before installation.
Where should an appliance garage go?
Usually in a corner or at the end of a bench run where it's handy but out of the main sightline — often near the kettle-and-toast zone. In a kitchen with a scullery, the appliance garage often lives there instead, keeping small appliances out of the main kitchen entirely.

Contact us to transform your kitchen experience

Kitchen Beyond is where your dream kitchen becomes reality — expert planning, quality craftsmanship and a seamless install, all from our own Rotorua factory.