Best Appliances for a Studio Apartment
Furnishing a studio apartment presents a unique challenge: you need every appliance to earn its place. Space is limited, bench space is precious and you can't afford to waste money or space on appliances you don't need. This guide covers what to buy, what to skip and what to look for when shopping for compact appliances.
Must-Have Appliances for a Studio
1. Bar Fridge or Compact Fridge (150–250L)
Unless your studio apartment has a kitchen with a full-height fridge cavity, a bar fridge or compact fridge is usually the right choice. For one person, 150L is generous. If you do cook at home frequently or want to keep a week of groceries, go to 200–250L.
Top brands to consider: Hisense, Haier, Samsung, LG. These are available from $400–$800 for quality models.
What to avoid: Mini bar fridges under 100L — they can't hold a week's groceries and are very inefficient. Buy compact, not tiny.
2. Portable or Slimline Washing Machine
Many studio apartments don't have laundry facilities installed. Options:
- Portable twin-tub — connects to the kitchen tap. Cheap ($250–$400). Manual, loud, limited capacity. Fine for singles who don't wash often.
- 7kg front-load washer — if you have a water connection and drain point. Can stack a dryer on top to maximise vertical space.
- Washer-dryer combo — washes and dries in one machine. Saves space. Performance varies — generally slower and less efficient than separate machines, but ideal when space is at an absolute premium.
3. Microwave (Essential)
If your studio has limited cooking facilities, a good microwave is essential. Combination microwave-convection ovens let you bake, roast and reheat in one appliance — often better than a full oven for a studio cook.
4. Split System Air Conditioner (If Not Built-In)
If your studio doesn't have air conditioning, adding a small split system (2.5kW is usually enough for a studio) makes a significant difference to comfort and liveability. This is an investment worth making.
Optional but Useful
- Slimline 45cm dishwasher — if you hate washing up and have a water connection. Genuinely improves daily life.
- Portable induction cooktop — if the studio's cooking facilities are poor or you want flexibility
- Electric kettle and toaster oven — useful supplements if the microwave won't do everything you need
What to Skip
- Full-size 500L+ fridge — overkill and may not fit. Buy to fit your space and lifestyle.
- Standard 60cm dishwasher — usually too wide. If space allows a dishwasher, buy slimline 45cm.
- Large washing machine (8kg+) — for a studio, 7kg is fine. Don't waste space and money on capacity you won't use.
- Standalone dryer if you have a washer-dryer combo
Key Tips for Studio Appliance Shopping
- Measure everything before you buy — width, depth and height of every cavity and space
- Consider stackability — stacked washer-dryer combinations use vertical space instead of floor space
- Check door swing directions — a fridge door that opens the wrong way can block the entire kitchen
- Buy energy efficient — small apartments can get warm; a less efficient fridge or aircon makes the space less comfortable
Find Compact Appliances at Oceania Appliances
We carry a range of compact fridges, bar fridges, slimline dishwashers and apartment-friendly washing machines as ex-display and graded stock. Free delivery across Sydney. Contact us to find out what's available today.