Key Points
- Our choice for the #1 Best Overall small TV for a kitchen is the SYLOX Smart TV, a versatile system with an array of connectivity options.
- Kitchen TVs typically range from 14 to 24 inches in size.
- Most major TV brands don’t produce TVs under 20 inches.
- Usage, sizing, and features are key when shopping for a kitchen TV.
If you’re tired of getting your smartphone dirty watching cooking tutorials on YouTube, the best small TVs for kitchens can solve that problem. Kitchens have become a popular place to consume content, and adding a TV in the area can solve several issues simultaneously. Whether you want a set that’s mounted to the wall, sits under the counter, or sits on top of it, there’s a solution to suit your needs. After reviewing the options, our choices for the five best small TVs for a kitchen are below.
- Best Overall: SYLVOX Smart TV
- Best Smart TV: VIZIO D-Series Smart TV
- Best Budget: INSIGNIA F20 Smart TV
- Best Wall-Mounted: Samsung The Frame LS03C
- Best Portable: MILANIX Portable Widescreen TV
Best Overall: SYLVOX Smart TV
- 1080p FHD resolution
- Space-saving foldable design
- Runs on Android 11.0
- Google Assistant and Chromecast built-in
- Supports dual-band Wi-Fi
- 2 HDMI ports and 2 USB ports
The SYLOX Smart TV is our choice as the best small TV for kitchens due to its versatility and features. While this quirky TV isn’t the brainiest device on our list, its design allows it to be used in multiple locations.
You can mount this kitchen TV under a countertop or cabinet with ease. The screen folds up when not in use, and you can sit it on a counter using a tent-like mode. When collapsed, the TV is less than two inches thick. The design feels somewhat dated, but the controls are easy to access on the system or with the remote control.
The display on this TV is 15.6 inches and has a resolution of 1,920 x 1,080. You can stream content in the kitchen through Chromecast capabilities or use the USB and HDMI ports on the system. There’s also a small digital timer on the front to let you keep track of time while cooking. The screen also rotates 360 degrees allowing viewers to find the perfect angle.
SYLVOX isn’t a well-known name in the TV world compared to companies like Samsung, LG, or HiSense. They are a brand consumers will remember, as their portable TVs have received favorable reviews. The only drawback of this versatile kitchen TV is the price tag compared to other models around the same size.
Check out the SYLOX Smart TV and see if it is the perfect fit for your needs.
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| The display rotates 360 degrees. | It’s an expensive TV for its size. |
| It’s easy to install in multiple locations. | The design will clash in some kitchens. |
| The TV has a wide variety of ports. | |
| It has built-in Chromecast streaming and Google Assistant. |
Best Smart TV for a Kitchen: VIZIO D-Series Smart TV
- 1080p Full HD resolution
- 60Hz refresh rate
- Faster navigation and quicker load times
- Automatically optimizes picture mode for gaming
- Supports Wi-Fi
The best smart TV for kitchens is the VIZIO D-Series D24f-J09. VIZIO’s D-Series television sets provide a lot of bang for the buck, and this model is just the right size to sit on a counter, under a shelf, or attached to the wall.
At 24 inches, this TV isn’t the smallest on our list, but it is the smartest. That’s due in part to VIZIO’s UI, which gives users access to all the key streaming platforms. You can watch Prime or YouTube in the kitchen, plus free content through the company’s streaming channel. The D23f-J09 is compatible with Alexa, Google Assistant, and has AirCast capabilities as well.
While the D-Series is affordable, this model is a 1080p TV set with an IQ processor. This TV has Full Array backlighting, and while it’s vibrant, it won’t blow you away with brightness or contrast. It has a variable refresh rate of 40-60Hz and AMD FreeSync, along with dual HDMI ports. It’s a step down from the company’s budget-friendly 4K models, but it is also considerably cheaper.
VIZIO’s 24-inch smart TV has thin bezels and is only 6.2 inches deep with the stand attached. It will take up less space mounted, and it’s only 6.2 pounds, so it’s very lightweight. While the UI can feel a bit wonky at times, it’s a great deal overall if you have space for a 24-inch TV in the kitchen.
Check out the VIZIO D-Series D24f-J09 and see if it is the perfect fit for your needs.
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| It has Full Array LED backlighting. | There are no voice controls on the remote. |
| There are built-in Chromecast and streaming capabilities. | It’s light on ports compared to other smart TVs in this range. |
| It has a thin, lightweight design. | |
| The TV is compatible with major voice assistants. |
Best Budget TV for a Kitchen: INSIGNIA F20 Smart TV
- 720p resolution
- Alexa voice control
- Built-in Fire TV
- Supports Apple AirPlay
- 60Hz refresh rate
The best small TV for kitchens when your budget is tight comes from INSIGNIA, with the F20 Smart TV. It’s by far the cheapest television to make our list, and while not the smallest, it’s among the smartest for the price.
The Insignia NS-24F201NA23 carries the company’s branding, but this TV set is clearly influenced by Amazon. It’s in the Fire TV category, so you’re getting Alexa compatibility and voice control out of the box. As a bonus, you can use Alexa skills with this TV. You can adjust your kitchen lights with the remote or order takeout if you’re not in the mood to cook.
This TV has three HDMI ports on the side, along with a USB port and a 3.5mm audio out jack. The display is direct-lit, and it has DTS TruSurround Sound. The bezels are thick on this 24-inch panel, which is rated at 60Hz. Consumers felt the TV’s picture was bright and sharp, although it’s a step down from FHD TVs considering the resolution tops out at 720p.
Fire TVs are a popular option due to their price and smart features, especially if you’re already invested in Amazon’s ecosystem. It’s hard to argue with the price tag on this kitchen TV from Insignia with Amazon’s UI and Alexa. Just keep the resolution in mind, as you’ll notice a difference if you’re used to watching content on a 4K TV set.
Check out the ISIGNIA F20 Smart TV and see if it is the perfect fit for your needs.
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| It has a fantastic price tag. | It’s a 720p television set. |
| The smart features through Amazon’s UI. | The design is outdated with thick bezels. |
| It has a great selection of ports. | |
| There is an Alexa-powered remote control. |
Best Wall-Mounted TV for a Kitchen: Samsung The Frame LS03C
- 1080p FHD display
- 100% color volume
- HDR support
- Customizable bezels come in 4 colors
- Smart TV features
The Samsung Frame TV isn’t necessarily small, but it is the best wall-mounted kitchen TV. It’s stylish and doubles as a work of art when not in use. It also has the sharpest picture of any television set on our list.
At 32 inches, this TV isn’t designed for countertops, but it will look amazing on any kitchen wall. The design ensures it will never seem out of place, especially when paired with a bezel that matches your kitchen decor. You can choose from brown, sand gold, teak, or white with the Samsung Frame LS03C and load up family photos or art to put on display.
When you do want to watch television, you will be impressed by the quality. The QLED panel has a resolution of 1,920 x 1,080 with 100% color volume through Quantum Dot tech. It supports HDR, has Micro Dimming, and Bluetooth for hooking up a soundbar or headphones. This smart TV also comes with an anti-reflection matte display, making it ideal for bright kitchens where glare is an issue.
Samsung’s TV isn’t the smallest or the cheapest, but it’s hands-down the best-looking TV you could put in a kitchen. Guests won’t realize it’s a TV until you turn it on, and while it’s larger than most of the TVs on our list, it’s designed for wall-mounted installations. If budget or size isn’t a concern, the Samsung Frame is available in six additional sizes from 43 to 84 inches.
Check out the Samsung Frame TV and see if it is the perfect fit for your needs.
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| The TV has a stunning FHD display with 100% color volume. | Wall-mounted TVs aren’t suitable for everyone. |
| There is a selection of colored bezels. | The price is high considering it’s an FHD TV. |
| It has HDR support and smart TV features. | |
| The matte display is ideal for bright rooms. |
Best Portable TV for a Kitchen: MILANIX Portable Widescreen TV
- Built-in rechargeable battery
- HDMI and VGA interfaces
- Two built-in speakers
- Supports Roku
- Wireless remote
When you want to watch TV in the kitchen on occasion, not all the time, MILANIX’s portable TV is the best choice. It’s the perfect size to sit on a countertop and provides consumers with some interesting options.
Portable TVs have always been a unique alternative to traditional TV sets. You can take MILANIX’s small TV set on the go or sit it on the kitchen counter. A kickstand in the back keeps it upright, but you can mount it on the wall as well. Want to connect a cable line? That’s an option, along with the classic colored AV jacks, a VGA port, an HDMI port, and a headphone jack.
This small TV has a 14.1-inch LED display with a set of small speakers mounted on the rear. The resolution appears to be around 720p, and you can get around five hours of power from the rechargeable battery. That’s a bonus, and so is the built-in TV tuner. You can watch TV in the kitchen with the MILANIX portable TV set, which supports various formats through the USB port and SD card slot.
MILANIX’s portable TV doesn’t break any new ground in the design department, but we love its portable nature and the built-in rechargeable battery. The selection of ports is fantastic, and so is the price point. This TV is available in three sizes, but we chose the 14.1-inch because of the minimal price difference between sizes.
Check out the MILANIX Portable TV and see if it is the perfect fit for your needs.
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| It has a portable battery-powered design. | The speakers are tinny and weak. |
| It comes with a TV tuner. | Its build quality could be better. |
| The TV has a great price point. | |
| There is a built-in kickstand. |
How to Pick the Best Small TV for a Kitchen: Step by Step
Choosing a TV for a kitchen doesn’t take a lot of research, but there are a few things you’ll need to keep in mind. Usage is important, and you’ll want to consider the size of the TV, along with any features that would be useful in the kitchen.
- Usage
- Sizing
- Features
Usage
How do you plan to use the TV in your kitchen? Do you need one for cooking tutorials, or is it to keep the kids connected? Usage dictates the type of TV you should look for, which directly impacts the price. If you only plan to use the TV occasionally, consider something portable and inexpensive.
On the other hand, homeowners who intend to watch TV in the kitchen on a daily basis will want something they can mount. Countertops work for TVs under 15 inches, but you’ll run into trouble with larger sets. Most “small” TVs sold today aren’t that small at all.
TVs that mount under counters or cupboards are ideal when you need to save space and don’t want a TV sticking out like a sore thumb. The design of these small kitchen TVs may not vibe with your kitchen, whereas TVs like the Samsung Frame will look great in any room.
Sizing and Resolution
On average, we found that good small TVs typically range from 14 to 24 inches in size. That means your selection is fairly limited unless you can deal with TV sets larger than 30 inches. Using a TV that large may seem out of place unless you have a spacious kitchen.
While there are dozens of models under 20 inches, quality and resolution take a hit with smaller displays. You can find mobile phones and tablets with 4K panels, but you will have a hard time replicating that feat with a kitchen TV.
Resolution is important, but most TVs in this class are 720p or FHD. That may seem disappointing if you’re a cinephile, but not many people will watch a two-hour film in the kitchen. Consider the type of content you plan to watch, and then think about the brightness levels after settling on a resolution.
Features
Just because a TV is small doesn’t mean it can’t be smart. That’s the main selling point for kitchen TVs outside of the display, and it can significantly impact your viewing experience. If you plan to cast or stream a lot of content in the kitchen, a smart TV should be at the top of your shopping list.
Remote controls are standard, but the ones that utilize voice control are not. That’s a premium feature, just like additional HDMI or USB ports. Both of those features can be hard to come by on smaller TVs. Need to run a cable line to the TV in your kitchen? That’s an option, although not a feature found on many television sets from larger brands.
What to Know Before Buying a Small TV for Your Kitchen
An overlooked piece of advice for anyone planning to buy a small TV for their kitchen is to keep quality in mind. Not picture quality, although that’s important, but build quality and branding. A cheap $50 TV may seem like a good idea, but it won’t last as long as a television set from Samsung or LG.
Accidents happen in kitchens, and TVs are not waterproof. It’s also a good idea to keep countertops in mind with placement. Televisions in kitchens are lightweight, but a stand could interfere with an overhead cabinet.
Using a Small Kitchen TV: What It’s Like
When you fire up a kitchen TV for the first time, you shouldn’t expect the same experience you’ll get from a TV in your living room or bedroom.
Size matters, so unless you’re going with a TV 30 inches or larger in size, your kitchen TV will probably be a downgrade. Outside of a drop in resolution and mediocre remotes, using a kitchen TV is no different from using one in any other room of your home.
Summary Table
| Rank | TV Model | Best For |
|---|---|---|
| #1 | SYLVOX Smart TV | Best Overall |
| #2 | VIZIO D-Series Smart TV | Best Smart TV for a Kitchen |
| #3 | INSIGNIA F20 Smart TV | Best Budget TV for a Kitchen |
| #4 | Samsung The Frame LS03C | Best Wall-Mounted TV for a Kitchen |
| #5 | MILANIX Portable Widescreen TV | Best Portable TV for a Kitchen |
The image featured at the top of this post is ©Petinov Sergey Mihilovich/Shutterstock.com.
