Pantry Cabinets

Pantries are essentially the kitchen’s closets and are filled with items often used on a daily basis. Keep your pantry cabinet from becoming a nonsensical catchall for wayward kitchen items by giving thought to how it’s organized. Your food pantry’s efficiency will lead to a much more smoothly operating kitchen on all counts, so consider the following before your online shopping spree:

How should I build my pantry shelves?

First of all, make them shallower than your other kitchen cabinet shelves. The ideal shelves are 6 to 9 inches deep; the shallow space keeps all your items visible and easy to reach. To avoid stacking jars, add shorter shelves for small jars or spices. Some pantries have such shallow shelving built into the doors, increasing the surface area of storage space. See our Kitchen Cabinet Dimensions Guide for more help designing the ultimate pantry cabinet.

How should I organize my pantry cabinet?

Make an inventory of the items you stock most; it will help you keep track of what’s available (keep the pen and paper in the pantry, so you’ll always remember to update the list). Organize items in a fashion that makes sense to you, whether it’s alphabetically, by associated ingredients, brand name and even color (so when you’re looking for tomato sauce, you know to check the red section). Store heavy items on an easy-to-reach shelf to avoid straining your back, and lighter and non-child-safe items near the top. The most commonly used items should go right in the center.

How can I take advantage of all the available space in my kitchen storage cabinets?

Install adjustable wire racks underneath shelves and hang an organizer on the back of the door for spices or smaller items. When you have deep shelves, a lazy Susan will help keep things in order in an easily accessible fashion. Add slide-out baskets or drawers for bulky or bagged items, and removable shelves for flexibility and customization.

What’s the best way to light my pantry?

If you’re lucky enough to have a walk-in pantry, adequate lighting is crucial, as you’ll be scouring through an assortment of small items with even smaller printed descriptions on the labels. Install a motion-sensor lighting system that immediately lights your way when you open the door. Be wary of adding windows: dark, dry pantries are better for preserving food.

How can I squeeze pantry storage into a small space?

Think about installing a pullout pantry next to your cooking and prep space. This type of unit has a tall door attached to shelving that pulls out like a tall, narrow vertical drawer, and is often near the oven or stove. It’s not intended for bulky items but will definitely help keep your spices, oils and other favorite ingredients organized and handy. Pullout pantries can also make use of an awkward space between cabinets that may otherwise go unused.

What are some ways to make my kitchen pantry more visually appealing?

Store everything in identical jars or baskets for interest. It will make “shopping” in your cupboard more of a delight. If your home has a rustic, Americana theme, you might consider purchasing a pie safe. These freestanding cabinets were used to keep pies, breads and other foods safe and well ventilated. They were a kitchen must-have in the 1700 and 1800s, and feature punched tin on the doors.