Pots And Pans: Storage Essentials

Pots and pans are essential in every kitchen, but they can be challenging to store. They come in various shapes and sizes, and you'll want to keep them close to the stove, so it's important to consider how many you need and how to store them efficiently. Stacking them in a cabinet can save space but may damage their coated surfaces and reduce their lifespan. Therefore, it's recommended to keep only what you use regularly and store special-occasion pots and pans elsewhere.

Stacking pots and pans

Choose Stackable Cookware Sets

Some cookware sets are designed with space-saving in mind and can be stacked or nested within each other. These sets often have removable handles, interchangeable lids, or magnetic racks for more efficient storage. For example, the Calphalon Premier Space-Saving Cookware Set can be stacked and nested in any order, saving precious cabinet space.

Utilize Cabinet Space

If you're storing your pots and pans in a cabinet, organisation is key. Stack your pots and pans in size order, with smaller pots inside larger ones, to make the most of your cabinet space. You can also use a cookware rack as a divider to keep pans organised and prevent them from scratching each other.

Install a Hanging Rack

Hanging racks are a great way to store pots and pans, especially if you have limited cabinet space. You can install a simple tiered holder to store pans vertically, freeing up space in your cabinets. Hanging racks can also be installed above the stove, keeping your pots and pans within easy reach while cooking.

Use a Pegboard

A pegboard is a customisable storage solution that can be installed on a wall. Use an assortment of hooks to hang pots, pans, and utensils by their handles. This keeps your cookware organised and easily accessible.

Store Sheet Pans on End

Flat items like baking sheets and cutting boards can be stored vertically to save space. You can use a pan organiser rack inside a cabinet to keep these items filed in divided rows. Alternatively, you can install a narrow pull-out cabinet next to your stove to stash sheet pans.

Make Use of Other Storage Areas

If you're running out of cabinet space, consider using other areas of your kitchen for storage. For example, you can use the space under your island or install a toe-kick drawer to store sheet pans and baking trays flat.

Hanging racks

Under-Cabinet Hanging Rack

If you have a shelf or cabinet with space underneath, an under-cabinet hanging rack is a great option. Simply install an iron rail with hooks to hang your pots and pans. This type of rack is affordable and can typically hold up to 25 pounds when mounted on studs. It's a great way to utilise empty space under your cabinets and keep your pots and pans easily accessible.

Pegboard Hanging Rack

Pegboards are highly versatile and can be installed on a wall, inside a pantry door, or even on the wall of a breakfast nook. They offer a customisable storage solution, as you can configure the pegs to hold various items such as pots, pans, cutting boards, spatulas, and tongs. Pegboards come in a variety of colours to match your kitchen's style, and they are easy to adjust to suit your changing needs.

Overhead Hanging Rack

If you have high kitchen ceilings, an overhead hanging rack is a great option to save cabinet space. You can hang a rack over your kitchen island or in another open area of your kitchen. Look for a rack with chains for mounting and S-hooks for hanging your pots and pans. You can even add some greenery to the rack for a rustic, cottage-core charm.

Kitchen Island Hanging Rack

A kitchen island with storage space is a clever solution if you want to keep your pots and pans within easy reach. Look for an island with shelves, drawers, and a rack for hanging pots and pans. If you already have a kitchen island without a rack, you can easily add storage by anchoring S-hooks under the counter and hanging your pots and pans.

Floating Shelf Hanging Rack

If you don't mind having your cookware on display, consider installing open or floating shelves. These shelves can be customised to fit your kitchen and provide ample space for stacking your pots and pans. A modular kitchen organiser is a simple yet elegant solution, allowing you to create your own organisation system.

Pullout Hanging Rack

A pullout hanging rack is perfect for easy access to your pots and pans, and it also provides a designated space for storing lids. This type of rack can be extended to fit the depth of most standard kitchen cabinets and is fully adjustable, with removable hooks for customisation. Pullout racks are versatile and can be used in other areas of your home, such as the bathroom or bedroom closet.

Storing in a designated cabinet

Storing pots and pans in a designated cabinet is a great way to keep your kitchen organised and efficient. Here are some tips to maximise the use of your cabinet space:

Firstly, it is important to edit your collection of pots and pans. Go through your cookware and decide which items you use regularly and which are only used occasionally. Keep the cookware you use regularly in your designated cabinet, and store the others out of the way until they are needed. This will make your everyday cooking routine much easier and less cluttered.

When storing your pots and pans in the cabinet, organisation is key. Stack your pots and pans in size order, with the smallest at the top, so that no smaller pot gets lost at the back. You can also use a cookware rack as a divider to keep pans organised and prevent them from scratching each other. If your cabinet has built-in dividers, or you are designing a kitchen from scratch, consider adding them to your drawers or cabinets to help with organisation.

If you have deep drawers, these can be a great space to store your pots and pans. They are often big enough to store pans with their lids on, and you can install built-in drawer dividers to keep the pans separate and protect them from scratches. You can also line the bottom of the drawers with a pegboard liner, which can be adjusted to separate different types of cookware.

Another option is to use a hanging rack inside your cabinet. This works well for flat items such as baking sheets and cutting boards, which can be filed in divided rows and kept tidy.

By using these storage methods, you can make the most of your designated cabinet space and ensure your pots and pans are always organised and easily accessible.

Storing in a pantry

Storing pots and pans in a pantry is a great way to keep your kitchen organised, especially if you have limited cabinet space. Larger pots and special-occasion items can be stored in a pantry, leaving your everyday cookware closer to hand near the range.

If you have a walk-in pantry, you could consider storing larger pots and less frequently used appliances here. This way, they are still easily accessible but not taking up valuable space in your kitchen cabinets. You could also use a pantry to store stock pots, which can be tricky to find a home for.

A pantry with wire tiers and dividers can be a great way to maximise space and keep your pots and pans organised. You could also use Command hooks on the back of the door to store pot holders and oven mitts.

If you don't have a pantry, you could consider adding open shelving to your kitchen. A freestanding shelf unit, such as a ladder shelf, will give your kitchen a utilitarian vibe and provide storage for your pots and pans, as well as cookbooks and mugs.

Storing lids separately

If you have the space, storing lids in a dedicated drawer near the stove is a good option. This way, you can easily grab the right lid while preparing a meal without rummaging through a crowded cabinet. You can place a lid organiser inside the drawer to keep the lids upright and in place. Alternatively, you can utilise an over-cabinet lid holder to take advantage of the space behind cabinet doors.

If drawer space is limited, you can get creative with other storage solutions. A simple and inexpensive idea is to use a mail sorter with dividers of graduated height to keep the lids upright and orderly inside a cabinet. Ensure that the sorter is sturdy and heavy enough to support the weight of the lids and consider choosing one with a mesh design to avoid toppling. If you have more than three lids, you may need more than one sorter.

Another option is to hang lids on a wall-mounted lid rack or use an in-cabinet lid sorter. If your lids have a handle with a loop, you can also rig an S-hook hanging situation. For smaller metal lids, you can use a magnetic strip, similar to how knives are stored.

Finally, if you have the space, you can dedicate an open shelf to cookware storage and nest several pots together, storing the lids elsewhere. This can be a practical and aesthetically pleasing solution, especially for displaying copper cookware or creating a farmhouse-style kitchen.

Frequently asked questions