Condo living in Singapore offers modern layouts, stylish interiors, and convenient locations — but kitchens are often compact, enclosed, and tightly regulated.
Choosing the wrong appliances can result in:

• poor ventilation

• excessive noise

• lack of counter space

• higher electricity bills

• installation issues with MCST rules

This guide helps condo homeowners and tenants choose the right kitchen appliances that fit limited space, comply with condo regulations, and still support daily cooking needs.

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1. Understand Condo Kitchen Constraints (Before You Buy Anything)

Before selecting appliances, understand these common condo limitations:

✔ Smaller kitchen footprint

Most condo kitchens are:

• galley-style

• enclosed with sliding doors

• semi-open to dining areas

This means every appliance must earn its space.

✔ Limited ducting & hacking permissions

Many condos:

• restrict wall hacking

• do not allow external ducting

• require approval from MCST

This affects cooker hood choice significantly.

✔ Noise sensitivity

Condos have shared walls and neighbours above/below — loud appliances become a problem fast.

✔ Power & ventilation limits

Electrical load, exhaust routes, and airflow paths are often pre-determined by the developer.

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2. Choose Space-Saving, Built-In or Slim Appliances First

For condo kitchens, built-in and slim appliances are almost always better than bulky freestanding ones.

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2.1 Built-In Hob (Induction Preferred)

Why induction works best for condos:

• Less heat released into kitchen

• Faster cooking

• Safer (surface stays cooler)

• Easier to clean

• No gas piping concerns

👉 Built-in Induction Hobs Collection

Recommended size:

• 60cm (most condo kitchen cut-outs)

• 2–3 zones instead of 4 to save space

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2.2 Cooker Hood: Slim, Quiet & Condo-Approved

Many condos do not allow ducting, so choose carefully.

Best options for condo kitchens:

• Slim hood

• Telescopic hood

• Recirculating hood with charcoal filter

What to look for:

• 450–700 m³/h suction (balanced for condos)

• Noise level ≤ 58 dB

• Easy-to-replace charcoal filters

• Strong grease filtration

👉 Slim Cooker Hoods for Condos

⚠ Avoid oversized industrial hoods — they’re noisy and unnecessary for condo cooking.

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2.3 Compact Built-In Oven or Oven-Microwave Combo

Instead of separate appliances, choose multi-function units.

Good condo-friendly options:

• 45L compact oven

• Microwave + convection oven combo

👉 Compact Built-In Ovens

Benefits:

• Saves counter space

• Cleaner kitchen design

• One appliance, multiple functions

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3. Prioritise Energy Efficiency (Electricity Matters in Condos)

Electricity bills in Singapore are not cheap, and condo kitchens often rely fully on electrical appliances.

What to look for:

• Inverter technology

• NEA 3–5 tick energy rating

• Eco or standby modes

This applies to:

• fridge

• cooker hood

• dishwasher

• washer-dryer (if in kitchen)

👉 Energy-Efficient Kitchen Appliances

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4. Fridge Selection for Condo Kitchens

Fridges take up the most space — choosing the wrong size is a common condo regret.

Recommended fridge types for condos:

• Bottom-freezer fridge (300–400L)

• Slim-width fridge (≤ 60cm)

• Flat-door design for tight door clearance

Avoid:

• Very deep American-style fridges

• Wide French-door fridges unless kitchen allows

• Poor ventilation clearance

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5. Dishwashers: Slim Models Work Best

Contrary to belief, dishwashers are great for condo kitchens.

Best options:

• 45cm slim built-in dishwasher

• Countertop dishwasher (for rentals)

Why dishwashers help in condos:

• Use less water than hand-washing

• Reduce sink clutter

• Improve hygiene in humid climate

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6. Choose Quiet Appliances (Noise Control Is Critical)

In condo living, noise travels.

Recommended noise levels:

• Cooker hood: ≤ 58 dB (normal use)

• Dishwasher: ≤ 45 dB

• Fridge: ≤ 40 dB

Always check noise ratings — high suction does not mean better if it’s loud.

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7. Go Multi-Function Wherever Possible

Small condo kitchens benefit most from multi-use appliances.

Examples:

• Oven + microwave combo

• Air fryer + oven

• Washer-dryer combo

• Dehumidifier + air purifier

This reduces:

• appliance clutter

• power points used

• maintenance cost

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8. Layout & Clearance Tips for Condo Kitchens

✔ Measure before buying

Check:

• cabinet width & depth

• door swing clearance

• ventilation gaps

✔ Avoid heat stacking

Don’t place:

• oven next to fridge

• hob directly beside fridge

✔ Think vertical

Use:

• built-in ovens

• stacked appliances

• wall cabinets

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9. Common Condo Appliance Mistakes to Avoid

❌ Buying oversized appliances
❌ Choosing ducted hoods without MCST approval
❌ Ignoring noise ratings
❌ Overloading kitchen power circuits
❌ Using freestanding appliances that block workflow

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10. Sample Ideal Appliance Setup for Condo Kitchens

A balanced condo kitchen setup:

• 60cm induction hob

• Slim recirculating hood

• 45L compact oven

• 300–380L bottom-freezer fridge

• 45cm slim dishwasher

• Multi-function countertop appliance

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Final Thoughts

Condo kitchens in Singapore demand smart appliance choices, not bigger ones.
When chosen correctly, compact and efficient appliances can deliver:

• better airflow

• lower noise

• energy savings

• cleaner design

• smoother daily cooking

The key is to prioritise space, noise, efficiency, and MCST compliance — then choose appliances that truly fit condo living, not landed-home kitchens.