Organizing Baking Pans: Smart Storage Hacks For Your Kitchen

Baking pans can be a pain to organize. They come in different shapes and sizes and don't stack neatly, making it hard to store them efficiently in standard kitchen cabinets. But with a bit of creativity and some handy organizers, you can get your baking pans in order. Here are some tips to help you organize your baking pans like a pro.

Store baking pans in an adjustable rack with vertical dividers

Baking pans can be a pain to store due to their varying shapes and sizes, which often means they don't stack well and can be hard to access. An adjustable rack with vertical dividers is a great solution to this problem, allowing you to store your pans vertically and make the most of the space in your kitchen cabinet or pantry shelf.

An adjustable rack with vertical dividers works like a file organizer, allowing you to separate and store different types of pans such as sheet pans, muffin tins, and pizza pans. This type of organizer is sturdy and strong enough to hold heavy pans securely, without the need to stack them. The dividers are also coated, so you don't have to worry about your bakeware getting scratched.

One of the main benefits of using an adjustable rack with vertical dividers is easy access to your baking pans. You no longer have to lift and move multiple pans to reach the one you want at the back of the cabinet. This type of organizer is also modular, so you can mix and match the dividers to find the right arrangement for your collection of pans.

When choosing an adjustable rack with vertical dividers, be sure to measure the dimensions of your cabinet or shelf before ordering to ensure it will fit properly. For example, the YouCopia Bakeware Storemore Adjustable Rack measures 7.25″D x 11.5″W x 6.38″H. You can find similar products on Amazon, Marshalls, HomeGoods, TJMaxx, and Ross.

By using an adjustable rack with vertical dividers, you can transform your cabinet or pantry shelf into a neatly organized baking zone, making it easier and more enjoyable to bake your favourite treats.

Use a lid organiser in a kitchen cabinet

If you're looking for a way to organise your baking pans in a kitchen cabinet, a lid organiser is a great solution. Here's how you can use one to maximise your storage space:

First, find a sturdy lid organiser that fits your cabinet. You can find these at stores like Marshalls, HomeGoods, TJMaxx, and Ross, or online at Amazon. Look for one with strong dividers that can accommodate the weight of your pans and won't move around when you take items in and out. You may need to adjust the spacing of the dividers to fit your pans, so look for an adjustable or modular design.

Next, decide on the best layout for your pans within the lid organiser. You can group like pans together or nest them within each other to save space. For example, circle and square cake pans can be stacked in a single column using the lid organiser's compartments. Long cake pans and muffin tins are best stored on their sides, and cookie sheets can be nested together.

To make the most of your cabinet space, consider using multiple lid organisers. Stack them on top of each other or place them side by side, leaving some space in between to create additional storage channels. You can secure them to the cabinet using Command Strips to keep them in place and make it easier to access your pans.

Using a lid organiser in your kitchen cabinet is a simple and affordable way to organise your baking pans. By taking the time to find the right organiser and arrange your pans efficiently, you'll be able to maximise your storage space and keep your kitchen tidy.

Store pans in a lazy Susan cabinet

If you have a lazy Susan in your kitchen, it can be a great way to organise your baking pans. A lazy Susan is a spinning storage solution that can be built into your cabinets to make use of awkward spaces, such as corner cupboards.

To store your baking pans in a lazy Susan, you'll need to make sure you're using the space efficiently. One way to do this is by using pan racks. These can be placed on the rotating shelves of the lazy Susan and allow you to stack your pans neatly and safely. If you have non-stick pans, a pan rack is particularly important as it prevents the non-stick coating from getting scratched. If you don't want to buy a pan rack, you can also stack stainless steel pans directly on the lazy Susan shelves.

When stacking your pans, it's a good idea to place the heavier, bulkier pans, such as Dutch ovens and stockpots, on the bottom shelves. This helps to balance the weight distribution and makes it easier to spin the lazy Susan. You can also stack your pans according to type and size to make finding the right pan easier.

Another way to save space when storing your baking pans is to use universal lids. These can replace the individual lids that come with your pans, reducing the number of lids you need to store. To save even more space, try turning the lids upside down and placing them on top of their respective pans. This keeps the lids and pans together and makes it easier to grab what you need.

In addition to pans, you can use the lazy Susan to store other baking tools and appliances, such as mixing bowls, sifters, and measuring cups. You can also use the space to store spices and condiments, making it a one-stop shop for all your baking needs.

By using a lazy Susan to store your baking pans and other supplies, you can make the most of your kitchen storage space and keep everything organised and within easy reach.

Try a space-saving nested baking set

If you're in the market for new bakeware, a nested set of pans and sheets for cakes, cookies, muffins, and more could be a great option. Designed to save space in a cabinet, drawer, or pantry shelf, these sets allow you to store multiple pieces of bakeware in the space you'd usually use for one.

One option is to find a cookie sheet organizer that fits perfectly in your cupboard. You can then store your baking pans on their sides, making it easier to slide them in and out. If the shelf in your cupboard is too low, you can cut it or replace it with a higher one. Another idea is to use a file folder holder or magazine holders to store your pans vertically.

If you're looking for a more permanent solution, you can build your own vertical storage rack or install pull-out drawers in your cabinets. These options make it easier to access your bakeware and maximize space in your kitchen.

Install a toe-kick drawer at the bottom of the cabinet

Baking pans can be a pain to organize due to their varying shapes and sizes, but installing a toe-kick drawer at the bottom of your cabinet can be a great way to maximize your storage space. Here's a step-by-step guide on how to do it:

Step 1: Determine the Toe-Kick Size

First, build the toe-kicks before moving on to the toe-kick drawer. For IKEA cabinets, you can rip 2x6s down to 4.5" tall, which will make the finished countertop height 36" off the floor. This is also a good stage to decide where you want the toe-kick drawer to go. Simply skip the front portion of the toe kick in that area.

Step 2: Determine the Toe-Kick Drawer Size

Once you've decided on the location of the toe-kick drawer, it's time to do some measurements. It's recommended to have the drawer rails on hand to get the final measurement of the drawer size. Leaving a rough 1/16" spacing in the final drawer measurement is a good idea.

Step 3: Build the Toe-Kick Drawer

For this step, you'll need to build a simple drawer box. Using pocket screws and wood glue will help keep the box strong and square. The bottom of the box should be 1/4" plywood, slid into a dado slot. A tip from professional carpenters is to never glue in drawer bottoms, as wood can change with humidity and temperature, causing glued inserts to bust out. Instead, use space balls in dado or routered grooves to prevent rattle and maintain pressure on the insert.

Step 4: Assemble the Final Toe-Kick Drawer

Use a combination square and wood spacers to ensure the drawer rails are height-matched on each side of the toe-kick. If you plan on doing more cabinetry work, investing in a Kreg slide jig is recommended.

Additional Tips:

• When choosing drawer slides, Blum's Movento is highly recommended by experts due to its high load capacity, sag values, and soft-close feature.
• For the drawer faces, remember to pick hardwood that matches your cabinets. If your cabinets are made from a less common wood species, try a lumberyard or use stain to match.
• Consider whether you want the drawer pulls to match your cabinet hardware or be different. You can get away with less expensive versions since they'll be somewhat hidden.
• Plan where the seams will fall. You may want to extend the drawer fronts to visually balance the seams if they don't line up with your cabinets.
• Don't exceed the weight limits of your drawer hardware.
• You can use toe-kick drawers to store various items, such as cookie sheets, baking pans, serving platters, linens, dish towels, placemats, and even pet bowls.

Frequently asked questions