To cook without a kitchen in a rented apartment, focus on compact appliances like microwaves, mini-fridges, air fryers, and portable stoves. Prepare simple meals such as sandwiches, salads, canned soups, and pre-cooked meals. Use meal prep containers for storage, and leverage external cooking methods like grills or picnic baskets if allowed. Prioritize non-perishable items and versatile ingredients to minimize waste.

The trend of cooking without a kitchen is growing due to rising urbanization and rental housing demand. According to the U.S. Census Bureau, 35% of U.S. adults rent their homes, with many in cities where kitchen space is limited. A 2023 National Association of Home Builders report found that 62% of millennial renters prioritize compact, multifunctional living solutions. Compact appliance sales surged by 12% between 2020 and 2023 (IBISWorld), driven by demand for space-saving devices. Meal kit delivery services, which require no cooking expertise, reached 5.5 million subscribers in 2023 (National Grocers Association), reflecting a shift toward simplified meal preparation. Additionally, 40% of apartment complexes now offer shared kitchen facilities or cooking classes, per a 2024 Urban Land Institute survey, indicating industry adaptation to tenant needs. These factors collectively make cooking without a kitchen practical, efficient, and increasingly normalized in rental housing.