Pots And Pans: Where To Store

Pots and pans are essential in every kitchen, but they can be challenging to store due to their size and shape. While some people prefer to hang them on walls or ceilings, others opt for storing them in cabinets, drawers, or pantries. Here's an introduction to the various options available for organising and storing your pots and pans efficiently.

Hanging racks

When choosing a hanging rack, consider the weight capacity and ensure that it can withstand the weight of your pots and pans. Also, check the number of hooks provided and if they are adjustable or detachable. Additionally, some hanging racks come with lights, adding a decorative element to your kitchen.

• OROPY 38-inch Pot Bar Rack: This wall-mounted rack has 14 S-hooks and is detachable.
• JK Adams Maple Hanging Bar Pot Rack: This rack is made of maple wood and has multiple sizing options.
• Vdomus Heavy-Duty Hanging Pot Rack: Made of black alloy steel, this ceiling-mounted rack comes with 15 hooks and is rust-resistant.
• KES 30-Inch Kitchen Pot Rack: This matte black, 2-tier wall-mounted rack comes with 12 hooks and is ideal for storing pots, pans, and other kitchen items.
• ROOHUA Pot Rack: This expandable rack has 10 adjustable compartments and can be placed inside a cabinet.

Wall-mounted pot racks

There are many types of wall-mounted pot racks available, from simple rails to more elaborate shelves with multiple hooks. Some even have a towel bar included. Most are made from metal and come in a variety of colours and finishes, including matte black, iron, and stainless steel.

When choosing a wall-mounted pot rack, it's important to consider the weight of the items you'll be hanging, as different racks have different weight capacities. For example, the Cucina Steel Straight Wall Mounted Pot Rack from Wayfair can hold up to 30 lbs, while the Wall Mounted Pot Rack Kitchen 30 Inch 2-Tier Wall Shelf with 12 Hooks Matte Black from the same retailer can support an even heavier load.

You should also measure your available wall space and check that the rack you choose will fit. Some racks can be adjusted to fit your space, like the 2-Tier Hanging Pot Rack from Wayfair, which has shelves that can be moved up and down.

Finally, consider the style of the rack and how it will complement your kitchen decor. For example, a wrought iron rack with curved hooks might suit a traditional or rustic kitchen, while a sleek, straight-lined stainless steel rack might be better for a modern space.

• Cucina Steel Straight Wall Mounted Pot Rack from Wayfair: This set of two racks comes with plenty of colour-matching hooks and has a weight capacity of 30 lbs.
• Metal Rectangle Wall Mounted Pot Rack from Wayfair: This rack features 12 removable hooks and a top shelf for additional storage. It's easy to mount and perfect for saving cabinet space.
• Cuisinart Metal Oval Wall Mounted Pot Rack from Wayfair: This stylish, brushed stainless steel rack is the perfect way to store and display your Cuisinart cookware.
• Metal Straight Wall Mounted Pot Rack from Enclume Design Products: Handcrafted in the USA, this rack includes six multi-purpose hooks and is a great solution for small spaces.

With so many options available, you're sure to find a wall-mounted pot rack that suits your needs and style.

Kitchen cabinets

Stacking and Dividing

One of the simplest ways to store pots and pans is to stack them in a cabinet. To do this effectively, you can place dividers or racks between them to keep them organised and prevent scratching. You can buy wire rack organisers online or at home goods stores. Alternatively, you can use felt protectors or paper towels between cast iron or stainless steel pans when nesting them to protect the surfaces and absorb moisture. If you have the space, you can also store lids separately, either on the inside of cabinet doors or on a wall using Command hooks.

Roll-Out and Slide-Out Cabinets

If you want to keep your pots and pans in a cabinet but struggle to reach items at the back, you can install roll-out or slide-out shelves. These shelves allow you to pull out the shelf you need and easily grab what you require. This is a great way to utilise the space at the back of deeper cabinets.

Cabinet Dividers

Built-in or DIY cabinet dividers are perfect for storing awkwardly shaped items like baking sheets and smaller pans that can get lost in a stack of pots and pans. Dividers also work well in drawers to keep pots and pans separate and prevent them from scratching each other.

Open Shelving

Open floating shelves are a great storage option for pot lids. You can also use a hanging rack for smaller pots as an extension of the shelves, freeing up cabinet space.

Custom Cabinetry

If you're renovating your kitchen or installing new cabinets, consider adding deeper drawers for storing pots with their lids on. You can also add bigger drawers for pans and built-in dividers to keep items separate. If you have the space, you can also add a lazy Susan or turntable cabinet to easily access all your pots and pans without having to pull them out individually.

By using a combination of these storage methods, you can effectively utilise your kitchen cabinets to store your pots and pans in an organised and accessible manner.

Pantry space

If you have a smaller pantry, you can still utilise the wall space by installing a pegboard or a pot rail. A pegboard is a great way to use vertical space and allows you to fully customise the storage layout. Simply hang it on the wall and place hooks to accommodate your pots and pans, as well as other kitchen items. Similarly, a pot rail can be installed on the wall to utilise unused space. Pots and pans can be hung on hooks, and lids can be propped onto the rails for smarter storage.

If you have a lot of pots and pans, you can also use a combination of these storage methods. For example, you could hang some pots and pans on a rail or pegboard and store the larger, heavier, or less frequently used items in the pantry. This will free up space in your kitchen cabinets and make room for more regularly used cookware.

Open shelving

If you're going for an eclectic, country look, consider lining up a row of burnished copper cookware on solid timber shelves. Hanging shelving around the stove area can maximise accessibility and is a great idea for small kitchens where the backsplash is often unused.

If you're displaying your pots and pans, it's important to keep them well-organised at all times to avoid a cluttered feel. Arrange them by size and use, and consider adding dimmable lighting to create an ambient shadow effect. You can also mix your cooking kit with decorative items and serveware for a unique design statement.

If you're worried about scratches and wear and tear, don't be! A well-worn patina will only add to the character of a country kitchen. And if you're short on space, open floating shelves can also be used to store anything from dry goods to pot lids.

If you're looking for a seamless extension of your shelves, consider adding a hanging rack for smaller pots. This will free up space and give your kitchen a farmhouse feel.

Frequently asked questions