Pots And Pans: Where To Store

Pots and pans are essential in every kitchen, but they can be tricky to store. They're big and bulky, and most people don't want to devote precious counter space to them. So, where do you put them? Well, there are a few options. You could hang them on a rack from the ceiling, on a wall, or even across a window. If you're short on space, you could stack them in a cabinet or drawer, with or without a wire organiser. Or, if you're feeling creative, you could display them on a vintage ladder, a rolling cart, or a vertical pot rack.

Hanging racks

Ceiling-Mounted Racks

Ceiling-mounted racks are an excellent option for small kitchens as they utilise unused space above your head. They come in various styles, such as:

• Single bar, made of wood or metal, with hooks for hanging pots and pans.
• Oval-shaped racks, usually made of metal, with a grid and hooks for hanging.
• Industrial-style pipe racks with an iron pipe and S-hooks for hanging.

Wall-Mounted Racks

Wall-mounted racks are another popular option, especially if you have limited cabinet space. They can be installed on any wall space that is convenient for you, such as above the stove or near the range. Some options include:

• Straightforward designs with a single bar and hooks.
• Two-tier racks with multiple hooks and lid holders for more storage.
• Wall-mounted shelves with hanging rails and hooks.
• Pegboards, which offer a customisable storage solution with slits and holes that accept various hooks and accessories.

Freestanding Racks

If you don't want to mount anything on your walls or ceiling, a freestanding rack might be a better option. These racks usually have a base that sits on the floor and a vertical frame with hooks or shelves for hanging pots and pans. They can be placed wherever convenient in your kitchen and are easily movable if needed.

When choosing a hanging rack, consider the number of pots and pans you need to hang and ensure the rack can support their weight. Also, check that the pots have hanging holes in their handles. With a little planning, you can find the perfect hanging rack to suit your kitchen and storage needs.

Cabinet storage

Cabinet Organizers

Cabinet organisers are a great way to keep your pots and pans in order. You can purchase these online or at most homeware stores. Some products allow you to stack your pots and pans vertically, saving space and preventing scratches. You can also find lid organisers to keep your lids separate and easy to find. When choosing a cabinet organiser, make sure to measure your cabinet space to ensure the perfect fit.

Pull-Out Cabinet Shelves

Pull-out cabinet shelves or drawers are a great way to access pots and pans stored at the back of deep cabinets. These can be custom-made or purchased from hardware stores. They are especially useful for low cabinets, so you don't have to bend down to reach for your pots and pans.

Dividers

Dividers are a great way to separate your pots, pans, and lids and keep them from scratching each other. You can purchase wire dividers or use simple plywood to create sections within your drawers or cabinets.

Deep Drawers

If you're designing your kitchen from scratch or renovating, consider installing deep drawers to store your pots and pans. These drawers should be big enough to accommodate the pots and pans with their lids on.

Built-In Drawer Dividers

Built-in drawer dividers are perfect for storing pots and pans and their accessories. Ensure that your drawers are deep enough for the handles and that the drawer can still close.

Lid Storage

Lids can be tricky to store, but there are a few solutions. You can hang them inside cabinet doors using adhesive lid holders or store them in a dish pan or basket within your cabinet. Another option is to keep the lids on your pots while they're in the cabinet, but flip them upside down to create a flatter surface for stacking.

Custom Cabinetry

If you're willing to invest, you can opt for custom cabinetry to create pull-out shelves or drawers specifically designed for your pots and pans. This ensures a perfect fit and maximises your storage space.

By utilising these cabinet storage ideas, you can efficiently organise your pots and pans, making your kitchen more functional and enjoyable to cook in.

Wall-mounted storage

Wall-mounted pot racks

Wall-mounted pot racks are a popular choice for storing pots and pans. They come in various styles, including metal and wooden options, and can be easily installed in your kitchen. Some racks feature S-type or straight hooks, while others have rails or bars from which to hang your cookware. When choosing a pot rack, consider the weight capacity and ensure that it can withstand the weight of your pots and pans. You may also want to opt for a rack with a top shelf, which provides additional storage space for smaller cookware or utensils.

Wall-mounted shelves

If you're looking for a more streamlined option, wall-mounted shelves are a great choice. These shelves can be installed above your sink or stove, providing easy access to your pots and pans while saving counter space. Some shelves feature hanging rails or rods, allowing you to hang your pots and pans, while others have foldable brackets for additional flexibility. When choosing a wall-mounted shelf, consider the weight capacity and ensure that it is sturdy enough to hold your cookware.

Wall-mounted organizers

For a more comprehensive storage solution, consider a wall-mounted organizer. These organizers typically feature a combination of shelves and hooks, allowing you to store both pots and pans as well as utensils and cookware lids. Some organizers even have designated spaces for lids, ensuring that you always know where to find the right lid for your pot. Wall-mounted organizers are a great way to maximize your kitchen storage space and keep your cookware organized and within reach.

DIY wall-mounted storage

If you're feeling creative, you can also opt for a DIY wall-mounted storage solution. For example, you can install a pegboard and use hooks to hang your pots and pans. Not only is this a functional solution, but it also adds a stylish and unique touch to your kitchen. Alternatively, you can hang pots and pans directly on the wall, tracing around them to ensure they always go back in the right spot.

Considerations for wall-mounted storage

When choosing wall-mounted storage for your pots and pans, there are a few things to keep in mind. First, consider the weight of your cookware and choose a storage solution that can withstand the weight. Second, measure your space to ensure that the storage option you choose will fit properly. Finally, think about the style and design of the storage solution and choose one that complements your kitchen decor.

Drawer storage

If you're using an existing drawer, you can buy dividers separately and add them in. Alternatively, you could use the stacking method, or even place a dish pan or basket in the drawer to keep the lids together. If you're able to renovate your kitchen, installing some bigger drawers is a good idea, and a more narrow one can work well for pan storage.

If you have the space, double deep drawers are a convenient option, providing plenty of room for a wide range of cookware and making it easy to find lids and utensils. You can also buy roll-out or slide-out drawers that fit inside your existing cabinets, so you don't have to worry about clutter.

Pantry storage

If you don't have a pantry, you can also store your less-used pots and pans in other areas of your home, such as a basement or garage, to free up kitchen space.

Additionally, here are some tips for organising your pots and pans in the pantry:

• Use labels: Label the shelves or sections of your pantry where you store your pots and pans. This will make it easier to find what you need and put things away.
• Group similar items together: Keep all your pots in one area and pans in another, or organise by material or size. This will make it quicker to locate the right cookware for the job.
• Utilise vertical space: Install shelves or racks in your pantry to make use of the vertical space. This will allow you to store more pots and pans in a neat and accessible manner.
• Use dividers: Install dividers or separators on your pantry shelves to keep stacks of pots and pans from toppling over. This will also make it easier to retrieve a single item without disturbing the rest.
• Consider lids: If your pots and pans have lids, you can store them separately in a lid organiser within your pantry or designate a specific shelf or basket for them.

By implementing these ideas, you can effectively use your pantry space for pots and pans, making your kitchen more organised and efficient.

Frequently asked questions