Sur La Table: Organize Your Pots And Pans

Pots and pans are essential in every kitchen, but they can be tricky to store. They come in various shapes and sizes, and because they're often used, they need to be easily accessible. If you're looking to organise your pots and pans, here are some ideas to get you started:

1. Use a designated cabinet: Stack pots and pans in size order and use a cookware rack as a divider to keep them organised and scratch-free.

2. Install a hanging rack: Showcase your pots and pans by installing an oval pot rack or a simple tiered holder.

3. Utilise deep drawers: Deep drawers are perfect for storing pots and pans with their lids on.

4. Use cabinet dividers: Add dividers to your cabinets or drawers to store awkwardly shaped items like baking sheets and smaller pans.

5. Store large pots in the pantry: If you have a walk-in pantry, utilise that space for larger pots and special-occasion items.

6. Hang pots and pans above the stove: Free up cabinet space by hanging pots and pans on a rack or hooks above the stove, keeping them within arm's reach.

7. Use a slide-out rack: Install a slide-out rack within a cabinet to hang your pots and pans without the clutter.

8. Utilise wall space: Install hooks, a curtain rod, or a pegboard on a blank wall to hang your pots and pans, turning them into a decorative feature.

9. Store lids separately: Consider storing lids separately in a drawer or cabinet near the stove for easy access during meal prep.

10. Stack sensibly: Group pots and pans by use and size, and use protectors between them to prevent scratching.

Cabinet storage

If you're using a cabinet to store your pots and pans, organisation is key. Stack your pots in size order and use a cookware rack to divide pans and prevent them from scratching each other.

If you have deep drawers, these can be a great place to store pots and pans. Ensure they are deep enough that the pans can be stored with their lids on. You can also add plywood to your deepest drawers to create cubbies for your cookware.

If you have the space, you could install a slide-out rack within a cabinet. These racks allow you to hang your pots and pans inside the cabinet, but without the clutter.

If you have a lot of pots and pans, consider donating or throwing out the ones you don't use. This will save space and make it easier to find the cookware you need.

Hanging racks

Types of Hanging Racks

Placement

When installing a hanging rack, it's important to consider the placement. Ideally, the rack should be placed near the range or stove for easy access while cooking. Ensure that the rack is high enough so you don't bump your head on the pots, especially if it's mounted directly over the range. If your ceilings are high, consider adding length to the fixture's chain to make it easier to reach.

Weight Limit

Ceiling-mounted racks should be installed securely, especially if you plan to hang heavy pots and pans. Consider mounting the rack directly to a ceiling beam instead of drywall for extra support. Always check the weight limit of the rack to ensure it can handle the weight of your cookware.

Hooks and Utensils

Style and Decor

Stacking methods

Stacking pots and pans is not ideal as it can damage their coated surface and reduce their lifespan. However, if you must stack them, here are some methods to do so:

• Group pots and pans by use, for example, frying pans, saucepans, and casserole dishes. Then, stack them by size, starting with the largest on the bottom.
• If you have the height space, keep the lids on your pots but flip them upside down so the handle faces downwards. This creates a flatter, smoother surface for stacking another pot and also keeps the lid and pot together.
• Use protectors, such as paper towels or felt pads, between each pot and pan to prevent scratching.
• If you have a mix of different-sized pots and pans, consider investing in multi-use or stackable sets that fit together rather than holding onto mismatched pans that don't stack well.
• If you have a large collection of pots and pans, consider storing them in a designated cabinet. Stack them in size order and use a cookware rack as a divider to keep them organized and prevent scratching.
• If you have limited space, a narrow drawer can also be used for stacking pots and pans. Install built-in drawer dividers to keep them organized and prevent them from shifting.

Lid storage

There are several ways to store your pot and pan lids using various products and storage solutions.

Firstly, you could use a lid organiser, which is designed to keep your lids in order. These come in various sizes and materials, such as wood, plastic, or metal, and can be adjusted to fit different-sized lids. They can be placed inside a cabinet near your pots and pans for a streamlined storage system.

If you want to save money, you could use Command Hooks to hang your lids on the inside of a cabinet door. Simply stick two hooks per lid at 8:00 and 4:00 (pretending the lid is a clock face) and slide the lid in between them.

If your lids are magnetic, you could use a magnetic knife strip to store them.

Another option is to use a rolling cart. Stand the lids up vertically or diagonally to fit as many as possible on each shelf.

If you have a lot of lids, you could dedicate a whole drawer to them, arranging them by size to maximise space.

If you want to keep your pots and lids together, you could hang them on a pot rail or pegboard. Slide the handle of the pot through the lid and hang it up. You could also use a hanging pot rack, placing the lids behind the bars of the rack.

If you have a corner cabinet, you could install a Lazy Susan. Hang the pots and pans from the shelves and place the lids on the bottom for quick and easy access.

Creative solutions

If you're looking for creative ways to organise your pots and pans, there are plenty of options to explore. Here are some ideas to get you started:

• Customise drawers with lid holders: Deep drawers with compartments can keep lids separate from pans, ensuring they stay organised and don't rattle around.
• Display on a pegboard: Install a pegboard on a wall and use hooks to hang pots and pans by their handles. This is a customisable option that also works for other kitchen items like utensils and measuring cups.
• Mount a ceiling pot rack: If you're short on wall and cabinet space, utilise your ceiling! Pot racks come in various sizes and can be a great solution for storing pots and pans without taking up valuable cabinet space. Just ensure they're within easy reach.
• Use a slide-out rack: Install a slide-out rack within a cabinet to hang pots and pans. This keeps them organised and accessible while hiding the clutter behind cabinet doors.
• Install a hanging rack: A hanging rack above your island or stove can free up cabinet or drawer space. It also doubles as a decorative piece, especially if you have copper cookware or other aesthetically pleasing pots and pans.
• Create a dedicated zone: If you don't want pots and pans hanging over your island or on the walls, create a dedicated zone between cabinetry and appliances. This keeps them out of the way yet easily accessible.
• Use a curtain rod: Turn your pots and pans into a decorative feature by installing a curtain rod on a wall and hanging them on it. This adds an eye-catching display to your kitchen.
• Utilise a toe-kick drawer: Store sheet pans and baking trays flat in a toe-kick drawer, a hidden storage compartment installed beneath lower cabinets or appliances. This is a clever way to make use of often-overlooked space.
• Embrace open wire racks: Oversized wire racks are not only stylish but also functional. They allow for easy access to your pots and pans without the hassle of cabinet doors or sides.
• Store lids separately: Instead of storing pots and pans with their lids on, keep the lids in a separate drawer or cabinet near the range. This makes it easier to grab the right lid during meal prep and maximises storage space.

Frequently asked questions