Save time and frustration with these simple solutions for storing cookware in your kitchen. Here are the tips, tools and ideas you need to easily organize and declutter your pots and pans once and for all.
If you’ve ever had to deal with pots, pans, and random bakeware stacked and stuffed into kitchen cabinets, then you know the inconveniences that unorganized cookware can cause.
For me, it meant wasted time digging through precariously stacked pieces. And things clashing and clanking, falling every-which-way as I tried to pry loose the thing I needed.
The chaos resounding from the kitchen would prompt my family to ask “are you okay?” and “what was that crashing sound?”
My 1990’s cabinets made finding the perfect cookware storage solution a bit of a challenge. Older cabinets lack those nifty deep drawers like the newer cabinets have, for instance.
I even tried one of those hanging pot racks over my kitchen island, but it was always leaning to one side or the other. It attracted dust. And it made my kitchen look even more cluttered.
I did eventually find some amazing organizational tools that work for traditional as well as modern cabinets. And the result has been nothing short of miraculous.
This might sound corny, but I can honestly say that organizing my pots and pans has changed my kitchen experience.
And, therefore, my life.
“If you can organize your kitchen, you can organize your life.” – Louis Parrish
So, if you hate clashing metallic noises and digging through stacked frying pans as much as I do, check out these ideas for quick and easy cookware organization.
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Space saving in-cabinet pots and pans storage
1. Pullout organizer does double and triple duty
This type of storage organizer has rolling pullout shelves with dividers, and actually installs inside of your kitchen cabinet.
I have used this one, Rev-A-Shelf 2-Tier Wire Pull Out Organizer for Pots, Pans, and Lids, for several years.
This particular design has two sliding wire shelves, is extremely sturdy, and pretty simple to set up.
The Rev-A-Shelf holds all of my everyday stainless steel pots and pans, along with their lids, strainers, and other accessories.
And, if I want to add something or change things around, I can adjust it in seconds just by sliding the dividers along the wire base.
Having everything plainly visible and easily accessible saves me so much time in the kitchen.
This organizer has been nothing short of miraculous for storing pots and pans in my older cabinets.
Need a one-tier or other type of design? You can find other styles, sizes, and price-points here.
2. Chefs love this vertical tiered pot rack with multiple options
The GeekDigg Pot Rack Organizer, Adjustable Height and Position, Kitchen Counter and Cabinet Pan Organizer holds up to eight pots and pans with their lids on. So, there will be no more searching for the right sized lid.
This nifty contraption has three options for configuration. So, it can be used vertically two different ways, or laying horizontally.
Users say it is a cinch to assemble.
I’ll have to admit, I have never used one of these storage racks myself, but the reviewers love this one for its durability, flexibility, and use of vertical space.
Storing heavy duty and cast iron pans
3. Sturdy wire rack does the job
My cast iron pieces store nicely in a simple vintage coated wire rack that I thrifted a few years back. It is very similar to the ones in this budget-friendly 2-Pack Simple Houseware Kitchen Bakeware Cabinet Organizer.
I like how the coated wire sort of “cushions” the pans and doesn’t scratch or disturb the finish.
These racks are substantial in weight and have rubber feet to keep them from sliding around when you are reaching for or replacing an item.
4. Heavy duty rack stores larger cookware with ease
The Heavy Duty Extra Large 5-Tier Pan Organizer Rack is another great choice for storing your enamelware and cast iron cookware.
This one holds up to 60 pounds, and can even accommodate larger pieces, such as dutch ovens and deep skillets.
It is attractive enough for countertop storage, and can be placed vertically or horizontally to best fit your space.
Best minimalist pots and pans storage
5. Compact sized rack is perfect for storing cookware in small kitchens
For adjustable storage of fewer items, the YouCopia Storemore Pan and Lid Rack could be just what you need.
The YouCopia has dividers that can be placed exactly where you need them to accommodate different sizes.
A white finish gives it a clean, minimalistic look that is nice enough to display right on your kitchen counter. Yet, it is small enough to tuck into a cabinet.
Pro Tip:
>>Declutter your cookware while you are reorganizing it! Get rid of scratched or warped pieces, duplicates, and things you no longer use. Make room for the good stuff!
6. Expandable storage rack fits minimalists’ needs
The larger cousin to the above compact storage rack, this YouCopia StoreMore Expandable Cookware Rack actually expands in length from 12” to 22” to fit your space.
Also adjustable, this one has the flexibility to meet your storage needs and a style that fits any decor.
Wall-mount kitchen organizers
7. Hanging storage organizers utilize wall space
If you’re short on cabinet and counter space, you might think about trying a wall storage unit like this Lyon Kitchen Organization and Storage Rack for Hanging Pots and Pans to store your cookware.
Wall units come in an array of finishes, styles, and sizes, and can hold everything from stock pots to frying pans.
For a large capacity option, this Miyili Wall Mounted Pot Rack offers two-tiered shelving and fifteen hooks.
This one has room for even more of your cookware, plus your favorite cooking utensils and accessories.
8. Simple rail design is minimal and effective
The rail or pipe design can work in a kitchen where counter and cabinet space is lacking. They can be mounted in obscure locations, such as below the upper cabinets, and can hold quite a bit.
This Oropy 39” Pot Bar Rack Utensils Hanger with 14 S Hooks comes in copper or cast iron. Reviewers love its simple styling and durability.
DIY Tip: You can also accomplish this look with an industrial towel bar like this one Vintage Style 16 Inch – Heavy Duty Rustic Hand Towel Bar and a few S hooks.
Storing sheet pans and bakeware
9. Bakeware racks offer quick and simple solution
For organizing cookie sheets, muffin pans, cutting boards, baking stones and more, bakeware racks are more than practical. Most require minimal or no assembly, and come in many lengths to fit a variety of cabinets and shelves.
The YouCopia Bakeware Storemore Adjustable Rack gets amazing reviews. It has movable dividers. Non-slip feet will keep it in place when you are removing or replacing your cookware.
As an ultra budget-friendly option, this Kitchen Bakeware Pot Lid Rack Holder Organizer is the perfect choice. It is the same style that I use in my kitchen.
I like it for its simplicity and for the wide spaces that accommodate many different kitchen items.
10. Slide-out organizer is sleek and convenient
A pullout style rack keeps all of your bakeware sorted and easy to access. The Lynk Slide Out Cutting Board, Bakeware, and Tray Organizer Pull Out Kitchen Cabinet Rack rolls right out from the cabinet so you can view everything at once, making it easy to find what you’re looking for every time.
Users have great things to say about this one, including that it “looks very professional,” and is “sturdy and easy to install.”
What about stock pots and large roasting pans
Large cookware that doesn’t work in a cookware rack, such as deep stock pots and roasting pans, can present a storage challenge for sure. Just their mere size can make it hard to find a place for them.
My larger stainless steel pots are simply stacked and nested in the large cabinet space underneath my stovetop.
Here are some other ideas for storing large cookware:
- use floor space in a pantry or closet
- on top of cabinets
- clear a shelf in a closet or pantry
- in a deep cabinet drawer
- hanging from a single bar suspended from ceiling
- in a kitchen cart
- open shelving in a kitchen island
What to do with oversized lids and odd accessories
Some of my larger lids store nicely in my 2-tiered pullout organizer, either in the top or bottom rack.
Large and even oversized lids usually work well in a simple cookware rack. My huge glass lid to my large frying pan works great in one of these racks along with my cast iron pans.
DIY Tip: Attach a towel bar to the inside of a cabinet or cabinet door for cookware lid storage. This one from 3M Command sticks right on and removes without damage. How cool is that?!
Pro Tip:
>>Nest large lids inside of larger pans in your cookware rack.
Related post: 10 Simple Habits for a Cleaner Kitchen
>>Check out more storage and organization ideas for pots and pans HERE.
