Here at Remodelista our obsession with tiny kitchens hits close to home. Many of us live with postage-stamp-size setups, but, surprisingly, we don’t long for more space. What we’re eternally searching for are great-looking, high-functioning appliances scaled to fit our quarters. Which is why we're so taken with Italian company Alpes Inox's freestanding stainless-steel kitchen systems. Tailored for tight spaces, they're multi-functional and made to come with you should you move—none are built-ins, so they can be rearranged as needed, and most designs are available on wheels.
Based in Bassano del Grappa, Italy, Alpes Inox has been making freestanding stainless-steel kitchen equipment since 1954. Inox, by the way (an abbreviation of the French, acier inoxydable), means stainless steel, and the company uses only top-of-the-line, high-nickel stainless, which has a durable, bright-white shine. All of Alpes Inox's designs are the work of founder Nico Moretto, who now runs the company with his two sons.
Above: US buyers can purchase directly from Alpes Inox (be warned that these pieces are pricey—the most compact electric oven with five-burner gas cooktop is € 6,695). For more information and prices, see Alpes Inox, and contact Mr. Passalacqua in the company's export department at commerciale@alpesinox.com.
Above: The two gas burners on this cooktop flip up so that the piece doubles as a food prep table. Under it, a two-drawer cart on casters holds pots and pans and other kitchen essentials. Several variations of the cart are available, and buyers can opt for a steel top or a wooden cutting board (shown in the previous photo).
Above: This all-stainless-steel sink has two basins with different depths, which makes it possible to position a dishwasher under the shallow side. A sliding cutting board (not shown) fits over the work surface alongside inset bins with knobbed white tops for collecting food scraps.
Above: An Alpes Inox stacked oven and beverage refrigerator stands next to a multi-drawer unit that features a sink, inset dish drying rack, and cooktop.
Above: The gas burners flip up to create extra counter space as needed.
Above: Alpes Inox's Washing, Cooking, and Refrigeration Column comes with a 60-cm-wide oven and spaces to insert a dishwasher and fridge. The same basic structure is available as a two-door wine refrigerator, a side-by-side refrigerator and freezer, or a four-shelf pantry.
Above: The at-your-service island—it contains a five-burner gas cooktop, deep sink, and drawers on two sides.
Above: The top drawer is kitted out with wooden dividers for flatware, serving utensils, placemats, a cutting board, and knives.
Above: A rolling electric oven with its own shelving unit and utensils drawer.
For more inspirations and solutions, see our gallery of small kitchens, which includes Radical Downsizing, High/Low Mini Kitchens.