Storing Pots And Pans: Restaurant Edition

Properly storing pots and pans in a restaurant is essential for creating a functional and efficient kitchen. With a variety of shapes and sizes, organising cookware can be challenging, but it is crucial to ensure easy access during cooking and quick clean-up afterwards. Here are some tips to help you get started on storing pots and pans like a pro:

1. Assess your collection: Start by taking out all your pots and pans to see what you have. You might be surprised at the number of duplicates or items that are rarely used.

2. Declutter and streamline: Unless you're a professional chef, you probably don't need multiple frying pans or pots of the same size. Get rid of any extras and focus on keeping the ones you use regularly. This will make your storage system more manageable.

3. Designate a storage area: Allocate a specific area in your kitchen for pot and pan storage. Deep drawers, cabinets with dividers, or even a rolling cart can be great options. Consider proximity to the stove and ease of access when choosing a storage location.

4. Utilise vertical space: Hang pots and pans from hooks, rails, or a ceiling-mounted rack to save space and create a stylish display. This is a great option if you have limited cabinet space.

5. Store lids separately: Storing pots and pans with their lids on takes up valuable space. Keep lids in a separate drawer or use a rack to organise them efficiently.

6. Protect your cookware: When stacking pots and pans, use protectors or paper towels between them to prevent scratching and reduce moisture build-up.

7. Make use of deep drawers: Deep drawers can accommodate pots and pans of various sizes, and they pull out fully for easy access. Consider installing internal pan racks or liners to keep things organised and noise-free.

8. Customise corner cabinets: Corner cabinets can be tricky, but with sliding racks or custom inserts, they can become functional storage spaces for your cookware.

Stacking pots and pans

Firstly, it is important to stack similar-sized pots and pans together to avoid instability and prevent smaller items from getting lost at the bottom of a stack. If you have a large number of pots and pans, consider grouping them by size and assigning a specific area in the kitchen for each size. This will make it easier for kitchen staff to find the right equipment and maintain a tidy workspace.

When stacking pots and pans, always place the larger items at the bottom and the smaller items at the top. This will help distribute weight evenly and reduce the risk of accidents. It is also essential to stack pots and pans of similar materials together. For example, stack stainless steel pots and pans together and cast iron cookware separately. This is because different materials have different weights and stacking them together can make the stack unstable.

To protect your pots and pans from scratches and other damage, use protective pads or dividers between each item. Felt protectors are ideal for stacking stainless steel pans, while paper towels can be used to protect cast iron cookware and absorb any moisture to prevent rusting. If you're stacking non-stick pans, it's crucial to use soft pads or cloths between them to prevent scratches and damage to the non-stick coating.

Additionally, consider using a pot and pan organiser or rack to make stacking easier and safer. These products are designed to optimise space and provide stability for your stacked cookware. You can find various options online or at kitchen supply stores.

Finally, always stack pots and pans in a safe and accessible location in the kitchen. Avoid stacking them too high, as this can be dangerous and make it difficult to retrieve items from the top of the stack. Keep the stacks at a manageable height, and ensure they are securely stored to prevent accidents.

Using a designated cabinet

If you're using a designated cabinet to store your pots and pans, organisation is key. Here are some tips to make the most of your cabinet storage:

Firstly, it's important to declutter and only keep the pots and pans that you use regularly. Having too many items can lead to a disorganised and cramped cabinet. Go through your collection and donate or recycle any items you don't use often. Keep special-occasion pots and pans tucked out of the way until needed so they don't take up your everyday storage space.

Once you've curated your collection, it's time to organise the cabinet. Start by grouping similar items together, such as frying pans, saucepans, and casserole dishes. Then, stack them by size, with the largest items at the bottom. If you have the space, you can keep the lids on your pots by flipping them upside down, creating a smoother surface for stacking. However, if you're stacking multiple pots and pans on top of each other, consider using protectors, such as paper towels or felt protectors, to prevent scratching and reduce moisture.

To maximise space, you can use a combination of stacking and hanging. Install a hanging rack or a pegboard inside the cabinet to hang some of your pots and pans, freeing up shelf space for stacking. Alternatively, you can use a sliding pull-out organiser, which allows you to stack your items while still providing easy access. These organisers are adjustable and can accommodate different types and sizes of cookware.

Finally, consider adding dividers or shelves to your cabinet. Vertical pan organisers or expandable shelves can create extra space and ensure that your pots and pans are not stacked on top of each other, reducing the risk of scratching and making it easier to access your items.

Installing a hanging rack

Hanging pot racks are a great way to save space and keep your pots and pans within arm's reach. Here is a step-by-step guide on how to install a hanging rack for your restaurant's pots and pans:

Step 1: Choose a Pot Rack

First, select a pot rack that fits the size and style of your kitchen. Wrought iron pot racks come in various sizes and designs, so choose one that is aesthetically pleasing and fits your kitchen's dimensions.

Step 2: Decide on the Hanging Height and Location

The ideal height for a hanging pot rack is approximately 42 inches above the counter space. It should be easily reachable but not so low that it becomes an obstruction or a bump hazard. Consider the height of the users and their comfortable reach. Also, ensure the rack doesn't block ceiling lights or natural light sources, and avoid hanging it directly above the stove to prevent grease buildup on the pots and pans. Common locations include above kitchen islands, sinks, or counter areas.

Step 3: Gather the Tools and Supplies

To install the hanging rack, you'll need ceiling screw hooks, chains, and, if needed, additional chain links or 2x4" x 4' lumber if mounting between ceiling joists. These items usually come included with the pot rack, but it's good to check beforehand.

Step 4: Locate the Ceiling Joists

Ceiling joists are the horizontal supporting members above your ceiling. Use a stud finder or look for nails or nail heads in the drywall to locate them. Mark their locations with a pencil or masking tape.

Step 5: Drill the Pilot Holes

Measure the distance between the chains on your pot rack and mark the ceiling accordingly. Drill pilot holes, ensuring they are not larger than your ceiling hooks. Keep the rack squared over the desired hanging area, such as the counter, island, or sink.

Step 6: Secure the Chains and Attach the Rack

Screw the ceiling hooks into the drilled holes. Decide on the desired height, and then hang the chains. Finally, attach your chosen pot rack to the chains, and you're ready to start hanging your pots and pans!

Additional Tips:

• If your ceiling joists are not parallel to the rack, you may need to add 2x4 lumber by marking and pre-drilling pilot holes, then cutting the lumber to size and nailing it to the existing joists.
• For high ceilings, consider adding length to the chain to make the rack more accessible.
• Avoid hanging iron pots and pans directly above walking areas to prevent accidents if they fall.
• If you cannot find ceiling joists in the desired location, you can use ceiling anchors or toggle bolts to support the rack.

Hanging them on a pegboard

Hanging pots and pans on a pegboard is a great way to save space and keep your restaurant kitchen organised. Pegboards are simple panels of wood, metal, or sturdy plastic with pre-drilled, evenly spaced holes. They are traditionally used in workshops, but they are a fantastic way to hang and organise your cookware. You can install a pegboard on any wall in your kitchen, and they are especially useful if you don't have a lot of cabinet or drawer space.

To get started, you'll need to decide how much cookware you want to hang on the pegboard. This will help you determine the size and strength of the board. Pegboards come in various materials, such as steel and wood, and shapes like squares and rectangles. The holes are typically spaced one inch apart and come in two sizes. Small holes (3/16-inch diameter) are better for lighter items, while large holes (1/4-inch diameter) can accommodate both small and large hooks for heavier cookware.

Once you've selected your pegboard, create a display system that works for you and your restaurant kitchen. Arrange your most-used pots, pans, and utensils within easy reach. You can use an assortment of hooks to hang your cookware by their handles. Additionally, consider using accessories like shelves, baskets, and tool holders to maximise the storage capacity of your pegboard.

To install the pegboard, you'll need basic tools like a drill and a tape measure. You can cut the pegboard to your desired size and paint it to match your kitchen aesthetic. Clear polyurethane paint is recommended to seal the board and prevent water damage. After painting and letting the board dry, attach wooden planks to the back of the pegboard for added stability. Mark the desired location on the wall, drill holes, insert anchors, and then hang the pegboard by drilling screws through the board into the anchors.

With your pegboard in place, you can start hanging your pots and pans. Use hooks, shelves, or brackets to hang your cookware and create a functional and stylish storage solution for your restaurant kitchen.

Using a deep drawer

Deep drawers are a great way to store pots and pans in a restaurant kitchen. They are spacious enough to store the pans with their lids on, and can be pulled out to see everything inside at once, making it much easier than rummaging around in a cabinet.

If you are renovating a kitchen, installing bigger drawers is a good idea. You can also install a narrower drawer for pans. Built-in drawer dividers are great for storing pots and pans, but make sure there is enough depth for the handles. Lids, steamer baskets, and other kitchen accessories can also fit in these drawers. If your drawers don't have built-ins, you can DIY your own.

To avoid rattling when you open and close the drawers, consider installing an internal pan rack to allow easy access and space around each item. There are vertical and horizontal racks available, so you can utilise the drawer space to best effect.

Lining the bottom of the drawer can reduce noise and protect the pots and pans from scratches. A pegboard liner is a clever hack, as the dowels can be adjusted to separate casserole dishes from frying pans, for example.

For less frequently used pots and pans, you might want to consider making space for them when organising deep pantry shelves.

Frequently asked questions