Stoves and fridges in flats?

[NorthernNomad]

Moving to Hong Kong in August. I understand flats are usually quite small and people eat out a lot, but I was curious about typical cooking arrangements in flats? We're most likely going to rent a 1bdrm flat. Could be 2bdrm if our budget caters for that. Definitely on Hong Kong Island (probaby north point, causeway bay, kennedy town, something like that). In the middle of planning so kind of up the air still. Anyhow, do most flats have a stove? Are they usually gas operated? Four burners or are they sometimes little mini stoves like one sees sometimes in small student flats or something similar? I understand ovens are rare but I am assuming there are toaster ovens one can buy or do these come with the flat typically? How about refrigerators? Are they usually full size (e.g. ca 6ft tall) or half size (e.g. ca 3 ft tall) in 1bdrm flats? How about freezer? Do flats usually have one?

Just curious as what to expect when we start flat hunting. We both love to cook, but can easily adapt I would think if Hong Kong life involves more eating out and perhaps adapting how often we shop for food etc. Thanks for any replies.

[MovingIn07]

Depends on your budget, but yes, typically in the cheap 1bd and 2 bd places you are looking at 2-rings, no oven, perhaps a microwave and a small "bar fridge" with a freezer compartment that is almost useless.

BUT there are exceptions. Some people have fitted out appts to 'western standards' - a mate of mine who loves to cook found a fabulous place in Happy Valley that had a fully fitted full kitchen (but that was owner-let by an expat). So - if kitchen is important make sure your agent knows it and you may find something nice.

Other thing - kitchens themselves are tiny and SEPARATE. Open-plan is rare (drives me crazy, I hate tiny little enclosed kitchens) so again, if that would bother you (only room for one person in the kitchen mostly! Think toilet cubicle sized!) again tell the agent.

[wtbhotia]

2 burners the most common and fridges anywhere from 4-6 ft, toaster ovens can be easily bought in electrical appliance stores. Gas depends on your locations, some old buildings u might need to order LPG canisters like we do, they last for a few months so not a biggie.

[NorthernNomad]

Thanks a lot for that. Been to Hong Kong a number of times but never lived there. Want to manage my own expectations regarding the things which may be an adjustment at first. Re separate kitchens I guess that would be OK if the flat is small. Less smells and grease in the main living areas (provided there is a decent fan system).

[limepickle]

Thanks a lot for that. Been to Hong Kong a number of times but never lived there. Want to manage my own expectations regarding the things which may be an adjustment at first. Re separate kitchens I guess that would be OK if the flat is small. Less smells and grease in the main living areas (provided there is a decent fan system).

I live in a 750 sq ft modern 2 bed. We have 3 gas burners (one of them is a wok burner) and 2 electric rings. We also have a built in microwave but, alas, no oven.

We have a full size built-in fridge/freezer - pretty much the same as we had in the UK.

Not much space for anything else though - couldn't fit a counter oven or even a toaster. Just enough space for a kettle and a little room to chop.

[carang]

i had to get used to doing ALL prep work on the dining table instead of actually IN the kitchen. just makes things a lot easier.

you can also get a small table/stand for a microwave &/or oven.

[NorthernNomad]

Thanks everyone. Sounds kind of what I expected. Lack of space may be a bit of an adjustment overall when it comes to flats! Then again living in central london we're used to small flats and high rents and unscrupulous agents. My better half is Hong Kong born and speaks cantonese so that'll probably be an advantage in terms of securing a decent flat.