Pots And Pans: Storage Strategies

Pots and pans are essential in every kitchen, but they can be tricky to store. They're big and bulky, and with many shapes and sizes, finding a place for them can feel like a puzzle. The key to storing your pots and pans is keeping them organised and easily accessible. Here are some ideas for where to store your pots and pans:

- Deep drawers: Deep drawers are a great option for storing pots and pans, as they offer plenty of space and make it easy to see what you have. You can also use dividers to keep them organised and prevent them from rattling when you open and close the drawer.

- Hanging racks: You can install a hanging rack on the wall, across a window, or from the ceiling to hang your pots and pans. This saves cabinet space and makes use of empty space in your kitchen.

- Open shelving: Consider using open floating shelves to store your pots and pans. This can be a stylish focal point in your kitchen, but remember to keep them well-organised to avoid a cluttered look.

- Cabinet dividers: If you're using a cabinet to store your pots and pans, consider adding dividers to keep them organised and prevent smaller items from getting lost.

- Pantry space: If you have a pantry, you can use it to store larger pots and special-occasion items that you don't use regularly.

- Above the stove: Keep your most commonly used pots and pans within arm's reach by storing them above the stove. You can mount a simple pot rack on the wall or underside of the cabinetry to hang your cookware.

- Rolling cart: A rolling cart can be a practical solution, as you can move it around your kitchen and tuck it away when not in use.

Hang pots and pans on a wall

Hanging pots and pans on a wall is a great way to save cabinet space and keep your cookware within easy reach. Here are some tips to help you get started:

First, consider the location of your wall-mounted pot rack. The best place to hang your pots and pans is near your stove or cooktop, so they are easily accessible while cooking. You can also utilise the wall space above or around your stovetop. If you don't have any wall space near your stove, you could try hanging pots and pans across a window, but make sure you don't block out too much light.

Next, choose the right type of wall-mounted pot rack for your needs. There are several options available, including:

• Pot rails: These can be attached directly to the wall or to the underside of cabinets.
• Pot racks: These are usually made of metal and can be mounted on the wall or hung from the ceiling. Some pot racks feature shelves or multiple rails for additional storage.
• Pegboards: Pegboards are a customisable option that allows you to arrange hooks and other accessories to suit your needs.

Once you've chosen a pot rack, make sure it is sturdy enough to support the weight of your cookware. If you're mounting the rack on a wall, be sure to attach it securely, especially if you plan to hang heavy cast-iron pots and pans.

When hanging your pots and pans, consider grouping them by use and size to make it easier to find what you need. You can also hang utensils, lids, and baking essentials on your pot rack to keep everything within reach.

Finally, don't forget to consider the aesthetic of your kitchen. Wall-mounted pot racks can be functional and stylish, so feel free to get creative and choose a shape, style, and finish that complements your kitchen's decor.

Store lids separately

Storing your pots and pans with the lids on is not the most efficient use of space. This method leaves no room for stacking, and the lids can easily become separated, rattling around or getting lost at the back of a cabinet. Experts recommend storing them separately for a more manageable organisation system.

If you're speaking to a kitchen designer, ask about having bespoke organiser inserts or inner drawers installed for storing pan lids. For a less permanent solution, professional organiser Vicky Silverthorn suggests mounting a rack on the back of the cabinet door that you can slot lids into. Position them opposite their counterpart, so you can match them quickly and easily.

If you're storing pots and pans in deep drawers, stack lids vertically along one side, using tension rods to separate them. You can also use Command hooks to store lids on cabinet doors. You'll need two hooks per lid, positioned at 8:00 and 4:00 (pretending the lid is a clock face) so you can slide the lid in between them.

If you have timber kitchen units, you can screw in some large hooks underneath your upper cabinets and simply slot the handles of your pot lids through them. Alternatively, use a pegboard to display your pot lids. Imagine the lid is a clock face and place two pegs either side of it, at 4 pm and 8 pm, so you can immediately see where all your lids are.

Use a deep drawer

Deep drawers are a great option for storing pots and pans. They are typically around 21 inches deep, providing ample room for a wide range of cookware. If you're renovating your kitchen, consider installing bigger drawers to accommodate your pots and pans. You can also opt for double deep drawers, which offer a symmetrical style and added convenience.

To make the most of your deep drawers, consider using the common stacking method or dividers to keep everything organised and within reach. You can add internal pan racks or risers to prevent rattling and make it easier to access each item. Vertical and horizontal racks are available to maximise the space.

Another option is to divide the deep drawer into cubbies using plywood or a pegboard liner. This will create separate compartments for your pots and pans, ensuring they stay organised and don't shift around when you open and close the drawer.

Deep drawers are ideal for storing everyday pots and pans, keeping them easily accessible near the cooktop. You can also use slim drawers positioned above the deep drawers to store pan lids separately, or stack them vertically in the deep drawer with tension rods as dividers.

Install a hanging rack

Hanging racks are a great way to save space and keep your pots and pans within easy reach. You can install a hanging rack in several ways, depending on your kitchen setup and personal preferences. Here are some steps and tips to help you install a hanging rack for your pots and pans:

• Choose a hanging rack: Select a hanging rack that fits your kitchen's size and style. Wrought iron pot racks come in various sizes and styles, so choose one that is aesthetically pleasing and suitable for your kitchen.
• Decide on the hanging location: Choose a spot within your reach, typically over kitchen islands, sinks, or counter areas. Consider where you do most of your cooking and prep work to keep your utensils close by. Ensure that the hanging rack does not block ceiling lights or natural light sources and avoid hanging it directly above the stove as it may collect grease.
• Determine the height: Install the hanging rack at a comfortable arm's reach, ensuring it is not too low that you bump your head. Consider the average height of your pots and pans and adjust the rack's height accordingly. A good ballpark figure is approximately 42" above the counter space below.
• Locate the ceiling joists: Use a stud finder or look for nails or nail heads in the drywall to locate the ceiling joists. This step is crucial if you are hanging a wrought iron rack, as it needs to be attached to a solid frame.
• Drill the pilot holes: Once you've located the ceiling joists and decided on the hanging location, measure the distance between the chains or mounting hardware and mark your ceiling. Drill pilot holes, ensuring they are not larger than your ceiling hooks or screws.
• Secure the chains or mounting hardware: After screwing in the hooks or mounting hardware, adjust the length of the chains or hardware to control the rack's height. Remember that you can always add or remove links in the chain for fine-tuning.
• Attach the hanging rack: Simply attach your chosen hanging rack to the chains or mounting hardware. Now you can start hanging your pots and pans!
• Consider weight distribution: If you plan to hang heavy pots and pans, ensure the hanging rack is sturdy and secure. Consider mounting a metal rack directly to a ceiling beam for extra support.
• Utilize hooks: Use hooks to hang your pots, pans, and even utensils. Hooks provide flexibility and make it easy to rearrange your cookware as needed.
• Combine with other storage solutions: You can also combine your hanging rack with other storage ideas. For example, you can hang baking essentials or utensils on a pegboard or use a rolling cart for additional storage and mobility.

Stack and nest with protectors

Stacking pots and pans is a great way to save space, but it can cause damage if not done properly. Pots and pans are susceptible to scratching, chipping, and cracking when stacked, so it's important to take precautions to protect your cookware.

One way to protect your pots and pans when stacking is to use protectors. These are placed between the pots and pans to prevent them from scratching and extend their lifespan. There are a variety of materials that can be used as protectors, such as paper towels, dish towels, or cardboard. However, for better protection, you can purchase specialized protectors made from felt or polyester felt. These protectors are designed to fit between your pots and pans, preventing them from scratching and reducing noise when you retrieve a pot or pan. They are also washable and can be trimmed to fit your cookware perfectly.

When stacking your pots and pans with protectors, it's important to group them by use and size. Start by grouping similar items together, such as frying pans, saucepans, and casserole dishes. Then, stack them by size, with the largest items on the bottom. If you have the space, you can keep the lids on your pots by flipping them upside down, creating a flatter surface for stacking.

Using protectors when stacking your pots and pans is a simple and effective way to save space in your kitchen while also protecting your cookware. By investing in specialized protectors and organizing your pots and pans by use and size, you can create a neat and functional stacking system that will make cooking and cleanup a breeze.

Frequently asked questions