Lifestyle

This micro-kitchen is a sink, fridge, freezer, dishwasher, oven, and microwave all in one

Megan Willett-Wei

2016-05-03T17:10:00Z

There's no denying the trend of people with disposable income ditching the suburbs for smaller urban homes.

But just because square footage is shrinking, that doesn't mean people want to compromise when it comes to their kitchens — at least, that's what GE is hoping.

The company's appliance microfactory, FirstBuild, designed a micro kitchen in 2014 that is currently in the development phase. While the whole thing is about the size of a standard refrigerator, it includes a stovetop, oven, microwave, sink, dishwasher, fridge, and freezer.

All in a six-foot-long table.

GE tells Tech Insider the micro kitchen units will range from $7,000 to $15,000 depending on the desired features. The company is still in the process of working out kinks (like conforming to building codes in different cities) as well as the final design.

Still, the micro kitchen prototype is an exciting look at the future of micro living.

GE unveiled its micro kitchen design back in 2014. The goal was to seamlessly integrate into existing kitchen cabinetry.

The six-foot-long table is multifunctional with a dishwasher, fridge, sink, freezer, oven, microwave, and stovetop.

The microwave is an Advantium, one of GE's fast-cooking microwaves.

Below the microwave is a conventional oven.

The stovetop is made up of unbreakable glass and can either be induction or radiant, depending on your price point.

You can read about the difference between induction and radiant stove tops here, but essentially, induction stove tops are more expensive.

The stove top appears to be one of GE's biggest challenges. In some locations (like New York City), the cooktops may need to be gas due to building codes.

There's also a sink with a garbage disposal and pull-out faucet. The faucet even has its own touch sensor to control temperature.

The walnut cutting board removes from the sink to create more space for dishes and cooking.

It's not clear how much one of these 24'' drawers can hold, but this picture makes the fridge drawer appear pretty deep.

The touch screen allows you to set the ideal temperature for your produce, too.

The multi-tiered drawers are useful space savers.

You can also convert the fridge into a freezer or vice versa.

There are touch controls for the stovetop, oven, and microwave.

You can set the timers, turn on the heaters, and preheat using only your fingertips.

The dishwasher is the perfect size for one or two people.

According to USA Today, GE may be shifting from the drawer dishwasher model to a more traditional compact dishwasher.

GE said it designed the micro kitchen to be about the same size as a refrigerator on its side. The goal was for the micro kitchen to fit into a New York elevator.

It's also customizable — customers can choose how high-end they want their appliances to be, and can even choose the exterior appearance of the cabinetry.

The cost of the micro kitchen will range from $7,000 to $15,000, depending on the appliances the customers choose.

Next up for GE? Micro laundry units.

You can see the GE micro kitchen in action below.

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