Storing Baking Pans: Smart Ways To Save Space

Baking pans come in a variety of shapes and sizes, making them difficult to stack and fit into standard cabinets. Here are some tips to help you store your baking pans efficiently:

- Designate a convenient location in your kitchen for your baking pans, preferably close to the oven.

- Store baking pans vertically to easily access specific pans and prevent them from getting scratched or damaged.

- Utilise file organisers, vertical pan organisers, or baking pan racks to keep pans upright and organised.

- Install shelving or insert vertical dividers in tall cabinets to maximise vertical space.

- Use a Lazy Susan to store baking pans and easily access them by spinning the table.

- Group pans by shape, purpose, and frequency of use to simplify storage and retrieval.

- Store pans at a height that is safe for your family, considering the presence of young children who may pull items from cupboards.

- Use a magazine rack to store lids for baking pans and pots, hanging it over a cupboard door for convenience.

Use a file organiser

File organisers are a cheap and easy way to keep your baking pans upright, organised, and easily accessible. They are especially useful if you don't want to stack your pans, which can be difficult to do with baking pans of different shapes and sizes. File organisers are also sturdy enough to hold heavy pans and can be placed on top of or below shelving in standard-sized cabinets.

If you have a narrow cabinet, a file organiser can help you make the most of your space. You can also create more space by nesting similar-shaped pans inside each other.

If you have a lot of baking pans, you can use multiple file organisers and place them side by side to create more storage channels. However, make sure to secure them with Command Strips to keep your layout in place and make it easier to take items in and out.

You can also use file organisers to store other kitchen items such as cutting boards, skillets, and pot lids.

Store pans vertically

Storing your baking pans vertically is a great way to save space and keep your kitchen organised. Not only does it prevent the pans from scratching and damaging each other, but it also makes it easier to find the pan you're looking for, without having to rummage through a stack of pans.

There are several ways to store your baking pans vertically. One option is to purchase a pan organiser from a homeware store. These organisers are designed to store pans efficiently, either vertically or horizontally. If you're feeling creative and have some basic DIY skills, you could also build your own narrow shelves or vertical dividers inside your kitchen cabinet. This allows you to customise the storage space to fit your pans perfectly.

Another option is to use a pullout organiser, which can be built inside your cabinet to provide easy access to your pans. You can also use tension rods, which are easy to install and create vertical storage for your pans without the need for any drilling or permanent changes.

For a simple and affordable solution, you can use a magazine rack or file organiser. These can be placed inside your cabinet and used to store your pans vertically, just as you would with papers and documents.

By storing your baking pans vertically, you'll be able to maximise your kitchen space and easily find the pan you need, making your baking experience much more enjoyable.

Use a baking pan rack

A baking pan rack is a great way to organise your baking pans and make the most of your storage space. They can be placed in a cabinet or pantry shelf and prevent items from falling over or getting stuck together. When you need a pan, it's quick and easy to pull it out without adjusting everything else.

There are various types of racks available, including vertical organisers, corner organisers, and adjustable racks. Vertical organisers are great for long pans, muffin tins, cookie sheets, and cooling racks. They can also be used to store cutting boards and lids. Corner organisers, on the other hand, are perfect for circle and square cake pans, as the shelves are the right size for these shapes.

If you have a collection of specialised baking pans of different sizes, an adjustable rack might be the best option. The YouCopia Adjustable Bakeware Rack, for example, has sturdy and non-slip bases, as well as adjustable dividers that can be locked into place to keep pans upright. This allows for customisation based on your specific needs.

Another option is to create your own DIY baking pan rack by removing or adjusting existing cabinet shelves and adding a plywood shelf to store your pans on their sides. This can be a cost-effective solution, especially if you have an older kitchen or are not worried about making permanent changes to your cabinets.

Overall, a baking pan rack is a great investment for anyone who wants to organise their baking pans efficiently and effectively. It saves time, keeps your pans easily accessible, and makes the most of your storage space.

Install pull-out drawers

If you're looking to install pull-out drawers to store your baking pans, here's a detailed guide to help you through the process:

Planning:

Before you begin, it's important to measure the depth of your kitchen cabinet to ensure your pull-out drawer fits perfectly. Additionally, consider the height of your pans and whether you want to install multiple pull-out drawers in the same cabinet for optimal storage.

Materials:

• Plywood: 1/2-inch or 3/4-inch cabinet-grade plywood is recommended for its strength and lack of voids.
• MDF: 1/4-inch MDF or plywood will also be needed.
• Drawer Slides: Opt for heavy-duty, full-extension side-mount drawer slides that can bear the weight of your pans.
• Tools: A Kreg Jig (or mini Kreg Jig), wood clamps, a table saw or router, a jigsaw, and a power drill will be useful.

Cutting and Assembly:

Using your table saw or router, create two 1/4-inch dadoes on the front, bottom, and back pieces of your plywood. Ensure your measurements are precise for a snug fit. Cut the plywood to size, creating an angled design for the side pieces using a jigsaw. This will give your drawer a slanted front for easier access.

Next, use your Kreg Jig to create pockets in the wood for joining. Place two pockets at the front of each side piece, six pockets at the back, and 14 pockets on the bottom. These pockets will guide your assembly and ensure a strong build.

Sanding and Finishing:

Sand the wood with #220 grit sandpaper using an orbital sander for a smooth finish. Assemble the drawer by clamping and screwing the pieces together. Follow the measurements and angles you marked earlier for a precise fit.

Installing Drawer Slides:

Install the drawer slides to the bottom or sides of your drawer box. Ensure the slides are attached securely and are level with the back of the drawer. You may need to shim out the slides to clear any cabinet door hinges or face frames.

Final Installation:

With your pull-out drawer assembled and the slides attached, it's time to install it into your cabinet. Center the drawer within the cabinet opening and secure it with screws. Ensure the drawer operates smoothly and bears the weight of your pans without sagging.

Now you have a custom pull-out drawer to store your baking pans! You can adjust the spacing or add hooks to hang pans, depending on your preferences and the types of pans you own.

Use dividers in drawers

If you have a drawer with ample space, you can use dividers to organise your baking pans. Here are some tips on how to use dividers in drawers to store your baking pans:

Choose the Right Dividers

Select dividers that are sturdy and strong enough to support the weight of your baking pans. Adjustable dividers are a great option as they allow for customisation and can accommodate various pan sizes. Vertical dividers are ideal for efficient space utilisation.

Arrange Pans Vertically

Storing your baking pans vertically within the drawer will provide better visibility and accessibility. This arrangement prevents the hassle of rummaging through stacked pans and reduces the chances of scratching and damage.

Group Similar Pans

Cluster baking pans with similar shapes and purposes together within the divided sections. For instance, you can dedicate one section for round cake pans and another for rectangular baking trays. This grouping makes it easier to locate the desired pan for your baking needs.

Consider Frequency of Use

When organising your pans within the divided sections, place the pans you use most frequently at the front or in the most accessible areas of the drawer. Position the pans used less often towards the back or in areas that are slightly harder to reach. This arrangement ensures that your everyday pans are within quick reach.

Combine with Other Storage Solutions

Using dividers in drawers can be combined with other storage solutions. For example, you could utilise the space above or below the drawer by installing narrow shelves or pull-out organisers. This combination maximises the storage capacity of your kitchen and provides designated spots for different types of bakeware.

Frequently asked questions