I definitely believe more counter space!! You will add storage if you extend the counter (with cabinets under it?) and could even put the microwave under there.

You can never have too much counter space. As far as storage goes, for me storage behind closed doors tends to collect junk, so I always need to "clean house" about every six months and toss out things I am not using or something I saved and have no idea why.

My vote is pantry!!!

I vote counter space. BUT I would not put a microwave on the counter top. If you can find a little less obvious spot for a microwave, I'd do counter.

I can't choose just by what would look better, and without a layout to see your space. I actually do believe you can have too much counterspace...if it's not where you need it, or more than you need. Excess counter collects dust and clutter, in my experience. With my kitchen, if I were redoing it, I could see giving up some counter for more storage...Substantial storage as opposed to shallow uppers with shelves inconvenient to reach. I could welcome multiple pantries, as I can now see that pantry storage would be a great way to house dishes, serveware, baking dishes, baking ingredients, etc., etc. A place for the microwave and dishes, etc. used in the microwave would be a great reason to have it.

my vote is for counter space too especially if you have a pantry already. I have never had enough counter space and have a pantry that I would give up and change to counter and upper and lower cabinets.

I just ripped out my pantry for more counter space but I had next to NIL on countertops and still have a small pantry in hall. I think it's kinda hard to advice when we do not know what you have now. I have to say though that it was very exciting taking that impractically located, bulky (6" on both sides framing) eye sore out. By getting a counter depth refrig and taking pantry out I now have 7" more to work with around my little Boo's block. It doesn't sound like much but in a small kitchen you can feel it. If you have any pictures it would help.

carmudgeon mode on...

Do you have a clear idea about the real usage that will occur in each of your two pantries? The unit designated for canned and packaged goods in many kitchens becomes an excuse for overbuying--a real danger in this eara of overeating and junk food eating. If you have space, you will tend to fill it. There are few places in the nation these days that are far from a grocery store and we tend to go frequently to the store for fresh milk and veg and etc. so long-term buying and storing of groceries can be counterproductive. Think very hard about what you want the pantry to accomplish. Do you really need it or is it a piece that is included because you think somebody expects you to have it?

Counterspace is always good.

I'd go for counter over pantry. In a pinch, I can always store pantry items elsewhere (closet, mud room, basement) but it's a real pain to do prep work someplace besides my kitchen counters.

I'm with Rhome on this one, it depends on where the extra counter space is. And, as she says, a pantry can be a wonderful space to store dishes, bowls and other things that are traditionally stored in wall cabinets. We are currently on vacation in a condo that has two pantry cabinets, one in which all of the dishes are stored. I really like it.

Cheri, we rented a house in Positano this summer, itÂs funny how you can get used to and enjoy things you didnÂt think you would ever like. The kitchen had no wall cabinets and no pantry but it did have a great big gas range, lots of counter space and very well made solid cabinetry. It didnÂt matter that the style was not my taste because the workmanship was stunning. I donÂt have a gas range just a 30" side in and was perfectly happy, but there is something about cooking with gas. I didnÂt miss the wall cabinets one little bit but did love all the counter space. As mentioned above, one just needs to address what is more important for daylily needsÂcounter or pantry. I loved that kitchen in Italy, never thought I would say it but if I had more room the no uppers isnÂt so bad after all.

We just made that decision and basically opted for less storage and getting a range rather than a cooktop and wall ovens, in order to get more counterspace. I would rather ditch some of my stuff or store it in the basement pantry in order to have not only the increased counter, but a feeling of more spaciousness in my smallish kitchen.

Storage.