Hanging Pots And Pans: A Step-By-Step Guide

Hanging pots and pans is a great way to save cabinet space and keep your kitchen organised. There are many ways to do this, from installing a ceiling pot rack to hanging them on a wall-mounted pegboard or towel rod. You can also display them on a vertical pot rack, stack them in a cabinet with an organiser, or hang them on a pot rail under a window.

Hanging pots and pans on a wall

First, decide whether you want your cookware on display or hidden. If you don't cook often, storing your pots and pans in a pantry or cabinet might be preferable to avoid grease and dust buildup. If you opt for a wall-mounted storage solution, you can choose from various options, including rails, racks, and pegboards.

If you decide to hang your pots and pans on a wall, consider the following:

• Choose a suitable location: Select a wall near your range or stovetop to keep your cookware easily accessible. Ensure there is enough clearance between the wall and any nearby counters or islands.
• Select a mounting system: You can choose from various mounting systems, such as rails, racks, or pegboards.
• Measure and plan: Measure the width of the wall and the length of your pots and pans to determine the appropriate size for your mounting system. Ensure the system is sturdy enough to support the weight of your cookware.
• Install the system: Follow the manufacturer's instructions to install your chosen mounting system securely. If mounting on drywall, ensure you use appropriate anchors or fasteners.
• Hang your pots and pans: Once the system is installed, hang your pots and pans, ensuring they are secure and evenly spaced. Consider adding other kitchen utensils or decorative items to create a stylish display.

Some popular products for wall-mounted pot and pan storage include:

• IKEA's GRUNDTAL Stainless Steel Rail, measuring 23 1/4 inches wide.
• Rogar Bar Pot Rack, 24 inches wide, with a sleek black finish.
• Enclume's Rack-It-Up Utensil Bar, 22 inches wide, with S-hooks.
• OROPY 38-inch Pot Bar Rack, which is wall-mounted and includes 14 S-hooks.
• VDOMUS Hanging Pot Rack, a 2-tier wall-mounted organizer with 12 hooks and 2 pot lid holders.

Remember to consider the weight of your cookware and choose a sturdy mounting system that can support it. Also, ensure your cookware is hung securely to avoid any accidents.

Using a ceiling pot rack

A ceiling pot rack is a simple design that helps you store pots and pans and clear up valuable storage space. The rack hangs from the ceiling of your kitchen, usually over a kitchen island, sink, or counter area. You can also hang it above a stove, but this is not recommended as the pots and pans may collect grease from cooking.

When choosing a ceiling pot rack, it's important to select one that fits the size of your kitchen and is aesthetically pleasing, as you will be looking at it nearly every day. You should also consider the weight of the rack and whether your ceiling will be able to support it.

• Choose a spot that is within your reach. Keep in mind where you do most of your cooking and prep work so that your utensils are always close. Also, make sure you don't block ceiling lights or natural light sources, and ensure the rack doesn't block views into other rooms.
• Determine the height for your hanging pot rack. The rack should be hung so that your utensils are easily reachable but not so low that you bump your head. A good ballpark figure is to hang the rack approximately 42" above the counter space below.
• Find the ceiling joists. Ceiling joists are horizontal supporting members above your ceiling that will bear the weight of the rack. You can use a stud finder to locate them, or look for nails or nail heads in the drywall.
• Drill the pilot holes. Once you've located the ceiling joists and decided where to hang the pot rack, mark the distance between the chains on the ceiling and drill the holes. Ensure the holes are not larger than your ceiling hooks, and keep the rack squared over the counter, island, or sink.
• Secure the chains. Screw the hooks into the ceiling and then hang the chains. You can adjust the length of the chains by adding or removing links.
• Attach the pot rack. Once the chains are in place, simply attach your pot rack.

If you are unable to find ceiling joists where you want to hang the pot rack, you can use ceiling anchors, such as toggle bolts, to secure the rack. Toggle bolts are strong enough to support a lot of weight and can be installed by drilling a hole in the drywall, pushing the toggle through the hole, and then tightening the bolt.

Stacking and nesting

If you're looking for a more permanent solution, consider investing in stackable cookware. Stackable cookware sets are designed with small spaces in mind and often feature removable handles, interchangeable lids, and clever nesting solutions. Stackable cookware tends to be on the smaller side, so be sure to check the individual pot and pan sizes to ensure they'll fit your needs. Some great options for stackable cookware include:

• Tramontina Nesting 11-Piece Nonstick Cookware Set
• Meyer Accent Series The Essential Set
• T-Fal Stackable 12-Piece Cookware Set
• Calphalon Premier Space-Saving Stainless Steel Cookware Set
• Gotham Steel Stackmaster 10-Piece Cookware Set
• Joseph Joseph 4-Piece Stackable Cooking Set

These sets offer a variety of materials, including non-stick, stainless steel, and copper, and many work on all types of cooktops, including induction. They also vary in price, so you can find an option that fits your budget.

Wall-mounted pegboards

To install a pegboard, first decide how much you want to hang. This will determine the size and strength of your pegboard. If you're hanging heavy items, like cast-iron pans, you'll need a stronger pegboard with larger holes. Mark where your pegboard will go on the wall, making sure it's level, and drill holes into the wall through the pegboard. Use wall anchors and screws to secure the pegboard to the wall.

Once your pegboard is installed, you can use a variety of hooks, shelves, and baskets to hang your pots and pans. Standard v-hooks and u-hooks will serve most of your needs, but you can also use 6-ring tool holders, large double arm hooks, and magnets for smaller items like measuring spoons and knives.

Custom drawers

Deep Drawers

Deep drawers are ideal for storing pots and pans, especially if you have limited cabinet space. They allow you to store all your cookware in one place and provide easy access without the need for rummaging at the back of a cabinet. Consider installing graduated drawer units with a shallower drawer at the top for lids and a deeper drawer below for pots and pans.

Internal Pan Rack

To organise your pots and pans within the drawers, you can install an internal pan rack. This helps to keep the cookware organised and easily accessible, and it reduces rattling when you open and close the drawer. Vertical and horizontal pan racks are available to maximise the use of drawer space.

Lining the Drawer

Lining the bottom of the drawer with a pegboard liner is a clever way to separate and organise your cookware. You can adjust the dowels to create sections for different types of cookware, such as frying pans and casserole dishes. This helps to keep your pots and pans organised and prevents scratching.

Storing Lids

Storing lids separately from the pots and pans can save space and make it easier to find the right lid when you need it. You can stack lids vertically in a slim drawer next to the pots and pans, using tension rods or dividers to separate them. Alternatively, you can mount a rack on the back of the cabinet door to slot the lids into.

Stacking Sensibly

If you choose to stack your pots and pans within the drawers, there are a few tips to keep in mind. First, group the cookware by use and then stack them by size, with the largest on the bottom. You can keep the lids on the pots, but flipping them upside down creates a smoother surface for stacking. Using protectors between each pot and pan will also help to prevent scratching.

Frequently asked questions