Pots And Pans: Smart Kitchen Storage

Pots and pans are essential in every kitchen, but they can be tricky to store. They're big, bulky, and often used, so they need to be kept close at hand. The first step to arranging them effectively is to take everything out and see what you're working with. You might find that you have multiples that you don't need, so it's worth paring down your collection to just the pots and pans you use regularly.

Once you've decided what to keep, there are several storage options to choose from. You could hang them, use a designated cabinet or deep drawer, or put them on open shelving. Whichever method you choose, it's important to keep them organised by grouping them by size and use. This will make it easier to find what you need when cooking and will help keep your kitchen looking neat and tidy.

Stacking pots and pans

Choose the Right Set

Firstly, consider the size of your kitchen and the amount of storage space you have. Stackable cookware sets come in different sizes, ranging from a few essential pieces to larger sets with more than 10 items. If you have limited space, opt for a smaller set or one that can be stacked in a single, stable stack. Some popular options for compact sets include the Meyer Accent Series The Essential Set and the Tramontina Nesting 11-Piece Non-Stick Cookware Set, which takes up 50% less space than standard cookware.

On the other hand, if you require a more comprehensive set, consider the T-Fal Stackable 12-Piece Cookware Set, which offers an affordable and all-inclusive option. The Calphalon Premier Space-Saving Stainless Steel Cookware Set is another excellent choice, allowing you to stack the pans and lids in any order and saving you 30% more space compared to non-stacking cookware.

Additionally, pay attention to the material of the cookware. Non-stick, stainless steel, copper, and ceramic options are all available, so choose the one that aligns with your preferences and cooking needs. For example, the Caraway Ceramic Cookware Set offers a durable non-stick coating, while the Calphalon Premier set provides stainless steel cookware.

Stacking Techniques

When stacking your pots and pans, there are a few techniques to keep in mind. Firstly, some pots and pans are designed to layer from largest to smallest, while others are interchangeable, allowing you to store your favourite pieces on top. If you're stacking multiple stacks, believe the manufacturer's recommendations on the number of stacks to ensure stability and ease of access.

To protect your cookware from scratches, consider using pan protectors or placing a cloth napkin between the pots and pans. Some sets, like the Tramontina Nesting Set, have built-in protection with locking handles and silicone-rimmed lids to prevent scratches.

Stacking in Action

Now, let's put these tips into practice. Here's a step-by-step guide to stacking your pots and pans efficiently:

• Group similar items together: Start by gathering all your pots, pans, and lids. Group them by size and type to get an idea of how many stacks you'll need and which items will fit together best.
• Choose a stacking order: Decide on the stacking order for each group. You can stack them from largest to smallest or mix and match based on your preferences and how often you use each piece.
• Protect your cookware: If your set doesn't have built-in protection, use pan protectors or cloth napkins between the pots and pans to prevent scratches.
• Stack the cookware: Begin stacking the pots and pans, ensuring they are stable and secure. Place the lids on top of their respective pots or store them separately to save more space.
• Utilise accessories: If your set comes with accessories like a lid rack or a fry basket, use them to further organise your cookware and save space.
• Optimise your cabinet space: Arrange the stacks in your cabinet, ensuring they are easily accessible and don't take up too much space. You can also store some pieces separately in the fridge or oven if needed.

Using a designated cabinet

Declutter and Edit Your Collection:

Start by going through your pots and pans and deciding which ones you really need to keep. Get rid of any damaged, duplicate, or unused items. You can donate or recycle the items you no longer need. Keep special-occasion pots and pans tucked out of the way until needed so they don't take up your everyday storage space.

Utilize Adjustable Dividers:

If your cabinet has deep shelves, adjustable dividers can be a great investment. These dividers can be adjusted to fit the size of your pots and pans, keeping them neatly stacked either vertically or horizontally. This helps maximize space and makes it easier to find what you need.

Make Use of Vertical Space:

Take advantage of the vertical space in your cabinet by stacking your pots and pans. Place larger pots at the bottom and stack smaller pans on top. You can also use a cookware rack as a divider to keep pans organized and prevent scratching.

Store Lids Properly:

Designate a specific area in your cabinet for pot and pan lids. You can use lid racks, dividers, or organizers to keep lids neat and accessible. Another option is to store lids inside their respective pots to save space and make it easier to find the right lid for each pot.

Use Protective Liners:

To prevent scratching and wear, consider using protective racks, cloth liners, or dish towels between stacked pots and pans. This will help keep your cookware in good condition and make it easier to slide them in and out of the cabinet.

Regular Upkeep:

Maintain the organization of your pots and pans by periodically rearranging and removing items you no longer use. Make sure to put everything back in its designated spot after cleaning to keep your cabinet tidy and organized.

Hanging racks

Under-Cabinet Hanging Rack

If you have a shelf or cabinet with space underneath, you can install an iron rail with hooks. This is an affordable option that can hold up to 25 pounds if mounted on studs. It's a great way to utilise empty space while keeping your pots and pans accessible.

Pegboard Hanging Rack

Pegboards are highly versatile and can be placed on the inside of a pantry door or on a wall. You can adjust the pegs to suit your needs, holding pots, pans, and various kitchen utensils. They come in a variety of colours to match your kitchen's style.

Overhead Hanging Rack

If you have high ceilings in your kitchen, an overhead hanging rack is a great option. You can hang a rack over your kitchen island to save space and keep your pots and pans within reach. Look for a simple design with chains for mounting and S-hooks for hanging your cookware.

Kitchen Island Hanging Rack

A kitchen island with storage space is ideal for hanging pots and pans. If your island doesn't have racks, you can easily add them by anchoring S-hooks under the counter. This provides a convenient and accessible storage solution.

Floating Shelf Hanging Rack

Open shelving can be customised to fit your kitchen and allows you to stack your pots and pans. This modular system gives you the flexibility to create your own organisation method. It's a great option if you don't mind having your cookware on display.

Pullout Hanging Rack

A pullout hanging rack makes your pots and pans easily accessible and provides a place to store lids. This sliding rack can be adjusted to fit most standard kitchen cabinets. It's also customisable with removable hooks.

Deep drawers

A standard deep drawer for pots and pans is around 21 inches deep, but you can also get double deep drawers that are around 42 inches. These drawers prevent the hassle of searching through the back of cupboards and can be a more intuitive way to store your cookware. If you have the space, they are a great option for storing everyday items.

To organise your pots and pans in deep drawers, you can use the common stacking method, with protectors in between to prevent scratching, or you can use dividers to keep everything within reach. For lids, you can stack them vertically along one side of the drawer, using tension rods to separate them and keep them in place. You could also invest in custom drawers with lid holders at the back to keep them separate from the pans.

One issue with deep drawers is that items can slide around and knock against each other when you open and close the drawer, causing scratches and chips. A product like the Umbra Peggy Drawer Organizer can help with this by allowing you to customise the space so that each item stays in place.

Corner cabinets

L-Shaped Corner Cabinets

Round items work best in L-shaped corner cabinets, as they fit neatly into the corner while remaining easy to access. Look to store bowls, cake plates, small appliances, turntables, lazy susans, and round baskets in this space. Even if you just focus on putting round items in the corner spots, you can still use the rest of the shelves for square-shaped items.

If you need to store smaller items in your corner cabinet, use round, turnable storage containers such as lazy susans or turntables. This will help you to take advantage of the corner depth while keeping small items together and easy to grab. This is a great option for spices, oils, measuring spoons/cups, vitamins, and medicines.

Turntable/Lazy Susan Corner Cabinets

Many lower corner kitchen cabinets are outfitted with tiered lazy susans. Their round shape takes advantage of the deep cavity between the lower cabinet doors and the walls, and the spinning functionality makes it easy to access everything in the cabinet.

When storing pots and pans on a turntable, arrange them with the pot towards the outside and the handle towards the inside. This arrangement mimics slices of a pie and keeps handles safe from catching along the sides as the shelf spins.

If you don't have a lazy susan, consider buying one from a home improvement store and installing it yourself. They are great for storing bulky items such as mixing bowls, colanders, salad spinners, blenders, and pots and pans. If you need to store small items here, put them in a basket or bin so they stay contained when the shelf is spun.

Other Tips

Before you start organising your pots and pans, make sure you only keep the ones you really need. Each organising project should start with decluttering. Ask yourself questions such as how often do I use this? Do I need to keep this?

If your corner cabinet doesn't have a lazy susan and there isn't room to install one, you may want to store your pots and pans elsewhere, as items at the back of the cabinet may be hard to reach.

Frequently asked questions