I agree with all of this too. I've just started using the move objects cheat (after learning that it doesn't affect my console achievements like most cheats) and I've tried putting a few other decorative kitchen clutter items around the gadgets to save space in each section if my Sim has a lot of appliances. But you have to be really careful not to block access to the gadget itself. Those little scales can fit anywhere, knives, spice racks, etc.
It also frustrates me that some items have to go on a kitchen island instead of a counter, like some scales and some Cool Kitchen items. That doesn't make sense to me.
But my biggest pet hate is that the DHD built in ovens can't be placed under the hobs. That makes no sense at all because IRL that's exactly where they do go. A built in oven goes directly under a hob whether gas or electric. I have an electric ceramic hob with an oven fitted underneath it. I do have a counter top combination oven too which is bigger (but that's for my accessibility needs for my weak back lol, don't want to injure self fighting with an oven ready chicken 🍗😩) but everyone I know has the oven under the hob. They look daft being placed in the counters around the hob. Even cooking shows have kitchens set up this way too. It annoys me.