Storing Lids For Pans: Easy And Space-Saving Solutions

Keeping your kitchen organised can be a challenge, especially when it comes to pot lids. They are notoriously tricky to store, often resulting in a cluttered cabinet or drawer. However, there are several clever and inexpensive storage solutions to help you keep your lids neat and tidy. From utilising cabinet doors and walls to investing in lid organisers, you can easily find a solution that suits your kitchen setup. So, let's explore some of the best ways to store lids for pans and bring a sense of order to your kitchen.

Store lids in pans

Storing pan lids in pans is a great way to keep them together so that they are easy to grab without having to search for the matching lid. This method works best if you have deep drawers or cabinets to store your pans in. Simply place the lid upside down on top of the pan, and then stack the next pan on top, repeating the process for each pan. If you want to prevent the pans from scraping against each other, you can place a pan protector between each lid and the pan on top.

This method of storing lids in pans can be a simple and effective solution, but it may not be ideal for smaller spaces or kitchens with a large number of pans. Before implementing this storage method, it is recommended to review how many pans and lids you need to store and get rid of any excess items.

In addition to storing lids in pans, there are other creative ways to organize your lids and maximize space in your kitchen. For example, you can fix a rack to the inside of a cabinet door, use a lid organizer, install a lazy Susan cabinet, or utilize a drawer divider.

Use a lid organiser

Using a lid organiser is a great way to keep your kitchen tidy and efficient. There are many different types of lid organisers available, so you can choose the one that best suits your needs and kitchen setup. Here are some options:

Lid Organiser for Cabinets

If you want to store your lids inside a cabinet, you can purchase a lid organiser that expands to fit inside any cabinet. These organisers usually have adjustable dividers to accommodate lids of various sizes, and some even have non-slip feet to keep them in place. This is a great option if you want to keep your lids hidden away and maximise your counter space.

Over-the-Door Rack

If you want to utilise the space inside your cabinet doors, you can install an over-the-door rack. These racks provide storage for multiple lids without taking up any shelf space. They can be installed on the inside of the cabinet door or mounted on the wall, and the metal tiers will securely hold each lid while making them easy to remove.

Wall-Mounted Lid Organiser

If you have wall space to spare, you can opt for a wall-mounted lid organiser. These organisers usually have multiple tiers or compartments to store your lids and can be purchased in various materials like wood, metal, or plastic. This option keeps your lids easily accessible and adds a decorative touch to your kitchen.

Freestanding Lid Organiser

For a versatile option, consider a freestanding lid organiser. These organisers can be placed on your countertop or inside a cabinet, offering flexibility in your kitchen setup. Some freestanding organisers feature multiple tiers or expandable racks to accommodate a variety of lid sizes.

Lid Organiser for Drawers

If you're looking to organise lids in a drawer, there are specific lid organisers designed for this purpose. These organisers have adjustable dividers to fit various drawer sizes and keep your lids neatly arranged. This option is ideal if you want to utilise your deep drawers for efficient lid storage.

By using a lid organiser, you can effectively manage your lid storage and create a functional and aesthetically pleasing kitchen. Choose the option that best suits your space and preferences to keep your lids organised and easily accessible.

Install a Lazy Susan cabinet

A Lazy Susan cabinet is a great way to utilise space in your kitchen, especially in corner cabinets. Here is a guide on how to install one and make the most of your storage.

Planning and Preparation

Firstly, you need to ensure you have the right equipment. A Lazy Susan is a turntable-style storage solution that can be installed in a corner cabinet. You can buy a cabinet with a Lazy Susan built-in, or you can install one yourself. If you are installing it yourself, you will need to purchase the Lazy Susan mechanism, which typically includes the shelves and hardware. Measure your cabinet carefully to ensure you buy the correct size. You will also need tools such as a drill, screwdriver, and possibly a saw, depending on your cabinet.

Installation

Now it's time to install your Lazy Susan. This process will vary depending on the type of cabinet you have and the specific instructions for your Lazy Susan mechanism. However, here is a general overview of the steps:

• Remove everything from your cabinet, including the existing shelves.
• Assemble the Lazy Susan shelves according to the manufacturer's instructions.
• Mark the position of the shelves on the cabinet walls.
• Drill holes and attach the hardware to secure the shelves.
• Test the mechanism to ensure it spins smoothly and is level.

Organising Your Pans and Lids

Once your Lazy Susan is installed, it's time to organise your pans and lids efficiently. Here are some tips:

• Group similar items together. For example, store all your lids together, and group pans by type (non-stick, stainless steel, etc.).
• Use heavy-duty pan racks to stack your pans. This is especially useful for non-stick pans, which should not be stacked directly on top of each other.
• Place larger, heavier items on the lower tiers of the Lazy Susan and frequently used items on the top tiers.
• Store lids by turning them upside down on top of their corresponding pans. This saves space and keeps the lid with the pan.
• Use dividers or bins to separate and organise lids and smaller items.
• If you have a multi-tiered Lazy Susan, use a divider on one shelf for other pantry items such as baking supplies or tea bags.
• Consider using universal pan lids to reduce the number of lids you need to store.

By following these steps, you can effectively utilise a Lazy Susan cabinet to store your pans and lids, making the most of your kitchen storage space.

Hang lids from rails

Hanging rails are not just good for utensils – they are also a great option for storing pot and pan lids. If your lids have knobs instead of handles, simply slot them in the gap between the wall and the rail, to hold them in place.

You can purchase a pot rail in multiple sizes and finishes. Hang pots on hooks and slide the corresponding lids behind the rail above them. If you don't have a lot of space, you can install a towel bar inside a kitchen cabinet or behind a pantry door. Alternatively, you can substitute a tension rod for the towel bar, which will be held in place by spring tension without the need for any tools.

If you have an island with overhead space, use it for a hanging rack to create an organisational area for holding pots and their corresponding lids. If you use a pot lid organiser over a stove or cooktop, make sure there's enough distance between the heat source and the pans and lids so that the heat won't damage them.

Use a magnetic strip

Using a magnetic strip is a great way to store your pot and pan lids efficiently and stylishly. If your lids are magnetic, you can use a magnetic knife strip to store them. This is a clever way to repurpose a knife strip and can work for most lids, even those without a loop. Most lids have a raised lip around the rim where they sit on the pot, which is usually enough for a hook to grab on to.

You can install the strip on a kitchen wall or behind a cabinet door. This method keeps your lids within easy reach but out of the way. It also adds a decorative element to your kitchen, especially if you hang your lids on a wall. You can also use adhesive hooks inside a kitchen cabinet or pantry if your lids are not magnetic.

Frequently asked questions