Alternative to a spice pull out next to stove?

5 years ago

Hello. My revamped kitchen will have a somewhat awkward 9" space to the right of the over-the-range microwave. The plan is to put a spice pull out there but I'm wondering if there might be a better use for the space.

Aside from the obvious issue of keeping spices right next to the stove, this cabinet will reach all the way to the ceiling and I'm 5'3", so it will be impractical to keep spices in all but the lowest portion. Open shelving is not an option.

Any other suggestions for what do with such a long, narrow upper cabinet? Does anyone know whether mason jars fit in a spice pull out? I do some canning and have quite a few empty mason jars so if they would fit there I would be satisfied with the spice pull out as jar storage.

Thanks in advance.

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Comments (7)

Sherry Brighton
5 years ago
You could do a cabinet for stemware that you rarely use.
apple_pie_order
5 years ago
Large platters. cookie sheets. muffin pans. broiler pans. cereal boxes.
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Sabrina Alfin Interiors
5 years ago
last modified: 5 years ago
Spice pullouts are not the easiest to organize. Things tend to get lost in them. Great spot for cutting boards or cookie sheets.

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PRO
Norwood Architects
5 years ago
I agree with Sabrina - this might be a great storage spot for seldom used cookie sheets and other bakeware.
pricklypearcactus
5 years ago
I have a 9" upper and lower cabinet next to my range. In the lower cabinet I store cookie sheets, cutting boards, and cooling racks. In the upper cabinet I store small tupperware. Neither is a pull out, just a normal cabinet with a swing door. I also have a small drawer in the lower cabinet and I store parchment paper and foil (which are handy next to the oven). Not sure if that helps, but they do provide some storage value.
acm
5 years ago
Man, give the advertising spam a rest!!

Agree that tray storage is great for a 9" lower, but a 9" upper is just tricky. I'm not sure it would hold enough spices in the lower couple of shelves to justify its extra cost, but then I have two shelves full in a lazy susan, so might depend on your collection. We have a basic 9" upper cabinet with shelves, and it's found uses -- the small containers in one, a pair each of wine/shot/espresso cups in another, a hot pad for sore throats with some Throat Coat Tea in another... If you are scrabbling for every inch, then go spices, but otherwise, I'm not sure I'd bother.

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Liz Court
5 years ago
A pullout is an expensive add-on and would not be worth it to me for mason jar storage. I had a narrow upper cabinet in one kitchen that I lived in briefly. It had a swing door. I kept my main cutting boards there and it was very convenient! I’ve actually always wished I had the same cabinet in subsequent kitchens. If you stand the cutting boards on end, they will use up a lot of the height. If space allows, you could put a little shelf or two in the upper part of the cabinet and have storage for items that are not used often. Maybe vases, or candles or holiday items. Make sure the shelf height is fully adjustable so you can adjust as you acquire different sized items over the course of time.

Another option is to keep some of your cleaning supplies in there. It would be a good size for spray bottles and the tall boxes of dishwasher detergent. Keep the ones you use frequently toward the front for easy access. If you have little ones in the house, this is safer than under the sink.