Streamline Your Cookware

Pots and pans can be awkward to store, taking up a lot of space in your kitchen. If you're looking to declutter, it's worth asking yourself a few questions. How often do you use a particular pot or pan? Do you like using it? Is it damaged or worn? Do you have duplicates? Do you have the lid? And how much space do you have to store your cookware?

Once you've decided what to keep, there are plenty of storage options to choose from. You could hang pots and pans on a pegboard, mount a ceiling pot rack, or use a slide-out rack within a cabinet.

How to store lids with their matching pots and pans

Keeping lids with their matching pots and pans can be a challenge, especially if you have a large collection or limited storage space. Here are some tips to help you store lids with their matching pots and pans:

Utilise Wall Space

If you have some free wall space in your kitchen, consider installing a pegboard or a wall-mounted rack. You can use hooks to hang pots, pans, and their lids by their handles. Not only does this keep everything organised and within easy reach, but it also adds a decorative touch to your kitchen.

Store Lids Separately

While it may seem convenient to store lids with their matching pots and pans, it's not always the best idea. Instead, designate a separate cabinet or drawer near your stove for lids. You can use a lid organiser or an over-cabinet lid holder to keep them upright and in place. This way, you can easily grab the right lid without having to rummage through stacks of cookware.

Nest Pots and Pans

If you're short on space, nesting pots and pans can be a great solution. Place the lids upside down on the pots to create a flatter surface, then stack them together. This saves space and also makes it easier to grab the pot or pan you need without disturbing the entire stack.

Use Dividers and Organisers

Dividers and organisers can be a game-changer when it comes to storing lids with their matching pots and pans. Look for organisers that have designated spaces for lids, pans, and pots. You can also use acrylic shelf dividers to separate lids from pots and pans, especially if you're storing them in the same cabinet or drawer.

Make Use of Hidden Storage

If you have toe-kick drawers or other hidden storage compartments in your kitchen, utilise them for storing lids and pans. Toe-kick drawers are perfect for storing baking sheets, pizza pans, and muffin tins. For deeper drawers, you can add plywood dividers to create cubbies for pots, pans, and their lids.

Declutter and Donate

Finally, it's important to declutter and let go of any pots, pans, or lids that you no longer use or need. Go through your collection and ask yourself how often you use each item. If you have duplicates, damaged items, or lids without matching pots, consider donating or recycling them to free up space.

How to dispose of old pots and pans

When decluttering your pots and pans, it's important to dispose of old or unused items properly. Here are some ways to get rid of your old pots and pans:

Donate or Recycle

If your pots and pans are still in good condition but you no longer need them, consider donating them to a local charity or thrift store. This gives the items a second life and helps those in need. Alternatively, look for recycling options in your area. Many places accept pots and pans, even with Teflon coating, as part of regular recycling. Check with your local recycling centre or scrap yard to see if they can be recycled with other metals.

Repurpose

If your pots and pans are no longer suitable for cooking, you could repurpose them for other uses. For example, they could be used as planters for your garden or offered up for free online for craft purposes.

Dispose of Properly

If your pots and pans are damaged or no longer usable, it is important to dispose of them properly. Check with your local waste management guidelines to see if they can be left with your regular trash or if there are specific instructions for metal items. Some cities have lookup tools on their websites where you can enter an item and they will provide disposal instructions.

How to organise pots and pans in a small kitchen

Pots and pans can be bulky and awkward to store, especially in a small kitchen. Here are some tips to help you organise them effectively:

Declutter

First, go through your pots and pans and decide which ones you want to keep. Ask yourself the following questions:

• How often do I use this? If you never use a particular pot or pan, it's taking up valuable space. Even items used only occasionally might not be worth keeping.
• Do I like using this? Life is too short to use cookware you detest.
• Is it damaged or worn? Get rid of any cookware that is deeply scratched or scorched beyond cleaning. Also, dispose of any non-stick cookware with a flaking or peeling coating.
• Do I have duplicates? How many pots and pans can you actually cook with at one time? Clear out the excess.
• Does it have its matching lid? If not, it's a prime candidate for decluttering.
• How much space do you have? Assess how much room you have available and be choosy about what you keep.

Choose a Storage Solution

Once you've decided which pots and pans to keep, it's time to organise them. Here are some storage ideas:

• Above the stove: Keep frequently used pots and pans within easy reach by mounting a pot rack on the wall behind the stove or on the underside of upper cabinetry. Use hooks to hang them.
• On a pegboard: Install a pegboard on a wall and use hooks to hang pots and pans. You can also use the pegboard to hang other kitchen items like utensils, measuring cups, and cutting boards.
• Ceiling-mounted rack: If you're short on wall space, consider a ceiling-mounted pot rack. Just ensure it's easily reachable without a stepping stool.
• Toe-kick drawer: Baking sheets and pans can be stored flat in these hidden compartments installed beneath lower cabinets or appliances.
• Slide-out rack: Install a slide-out rack within a cabinet to hang pots and pans without the clutter being visible.
• Hooks: Use peel-and-stick hooks to transform wasted space, such as between the kitchen cabinet and the wall, into storage.
• Lid organiser: Keep lids organised and easy to find with a wall-mounted lid organiser or an over-cabinet lid holder.
• Drawer dividers: Create cubbies in deep drawers using plywood dividers to store pots and pans and prevent stacking fails.
• Open shelving: If you have the space, consider installing open shelving or a kitchen cart to dedicate a shelf to cookware storage. You can also nest pots together and flip lids upside down inside the pots to create a flatter surface for stacking.

How to decide which pots and pans to keep

When deciding which pots and pans to keep, it's important to consider the type of cook you are and the kinds of dishes you regularly prepare. Here are some factors to help you decide:

• Conductivity and Heat Retention: Even heat distribution is crucial for even cooking. Copper, anodized aluminium, and cast iron are excellent heat conductors, while stainless steel tends to develop hot and cold spots. If you're keeping stainless steel, choose those with an aluminium or copper core to improve heat distribution.
• Durability: Some materials are more durable than others. Stainless steel, for instance, is known for its durability and scratch resistance. Cast iron is also extremely durable but requires regular seasoning to prevent rusting.
• Reactivity: Some metals react with certain foods. For example, aluminium may react with tomato-based or other acidic dishes, and cast iron may react with food unless it's seasoned.
• Maintenance: Different materials require varying levels of maintenance. Copper and cast iron often need more upkeep to maintain their pristine condition, while stainless steel is generally lower maintenance.
• Ease of Use: Consider the weight and handle design of your pots and pans. Heavy-gauge materials with thick bottoms conduct heat evenly but can be cumbersome when full of food. Opt for well-constructed, heatproof handles that are easy to grasp and stay cool during cooking.
• Cooking Techniques: Match your cookware to your cooking techniques. For example, if you frequently sear meat, a cast-iron skillet is ideal for even browning. If you often cook scrambled eggs or pancakes, non-stick pans are a good choice. For searing, browning, and braising, stainless steel is a versatile option.
• Oven Safety: If you frequently transfer your cookware from the stovetop to the oven, check the oven-safe temperature limits. Some materials, like cast iron, can withstand higher temperatures than non-stick pans.
• Specialty Cooking: If you enjoy making specific types of dishes, you may need specialised cookware. For instance, a Dutch oven is excellent for stews, casseroles, and pot roasts, while a wok is ideal for stir-fries and Asian cuisine.

Creative ways to store pots and pans

Pots and pans can be tricky to store, especially if you have a lot of them or a small kitchen. Here are some creative ways to store your pots and pans to help you declutter your kitchen:

Utilise Wall Space

One way to save space in your kitchen is to use wall space for storage. You can install a simple pot rack on the wall, or if you're feeling creative, a pegboard. Use hooks to hang your pots, pans and utensils, keeping them within easy reach. This also adds a decorative element to your kitchen.

Ceiling-Mounted Rack

If you're short on wall space, look up! Ceiling-mounted pot racks are a great way to store your pots and pans and free up cabinet space. Just make sure the rack is secure and that you can easily reach the hanging pans without a stepping stool.

Above the Stove

A practical and convenient place to store your pots and pans is right above the stove. This keeps your cookware within arm's reach while cooking and can also add a decorative touch to your kitchen. You can mount a simple pot rack on the wall or underside of the cabinetry, or use hooks to hang items.

Deep Drawers

Deep drawers are ideal for storing pots and pans, especially if they're big enough to accommodate the lids as well. If you're renovating your kitchen, consider installing larger drawers to create a dedicated space for your cookware.

Pantry Space

If you have a pantry, utilise this space for storing larger pots and special-occasion items that you don't use every day. This keeps your frequently used cookware within easy reach and frees up space in your kitchen cabinets.

Rolling Cart

A rolling cart is a versatile storage option. You can move it around your kitchen as needed and tuck it away into a corner or closet when not in use.

Lid Organisation

Lids can be tricky to store, and stacking them with pots can take up a lot of space. Try storing lids separately, such as on the inside of cabinet doors or in a dedicated drawer, to keep them organised and easily accessible.

Nesting with Protectors

Nesting your pots and pans can save space, but it can also cause scratches and damage. Use paper towels or felt protectors between items to protect the surfaces and avoid any rattling when you open drawers or cabinets.

Declutter

Finally, the best way to create more storage space is to declutter. Go through your pots and pans and ask yourself: "How often do I use this?", "Do I like using this?", "Is it damaged or worn?", "Do I have duplicates?", and "Does it have its matching lid?". By getting rid of any items you don't use or need, you'll free up valuable storage space.

Frequently asked questions