Tame Pots & Pans Clutter With A Simple Storage Solution That Maximizes Cabinet Space

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Storing pots and pans in cabinets is a headache. If you're like most people, you likely stack them on top of each other in approximate size order and then carefully close the door, hoping not to hear them topple over. Then, cooking becomes a game of Jenga, where you need to carefully move the entire stack to reach the bottom pan, hoping not to cause an avalanche. But you don't have to do it this way. There are some clever adjustable vertical racks designed for pots and pans that you can use instead.

We're not talking about horizontal pot racks, which allow you to store flat pans and lids next to each other. While these do the job, they don't work for taller stockpots or saucepans. Instead, consider investing in a vertical rack for your pots and pans. These are customizable, so that you can easily fit even your largest pots and casserole pans.

Racks are a fantastic way to store and organize pots and pans for a clutter-free kitchen. The best part is that there are tons of different vertical organizers you can choose from based on your specific needs and budget. For example, this A-Trend Deals 8-Tier Organizer is adjustable and can carry cookware up to 12 inches in diameter (nearly as large as it gets). If you're in need of a sturdy rack for heavy cookware like cast iron pans or Dutch ovens, the Ordora Adjustable Organizer or the Lamu 6-Tier Organizer both have a sturdy design that won't risk losing balance and falling over. And if you're looking for something a bit smaller, consider this Deco Brothers Pan Organizer, which has five tiers and works for flat pans.

Before buying a vertical pot organizer, make sure you have enough space for one. These are great for taller cabinets without shelves, where you can fully use the height to store pots. If your pot and pan cabinet has shelves, a horizontal rack might be a better idea since it takes up less space. If it's a tall but tight space, consider some of the models that can be drilled into the cabinet sides, taking up a bit less room.

To choose the right model, assess your pan collection for size, number, and weight. Looking through pots is a good opportunity to declutter your kitchen without going overboard. If some pots and pans are scratched, damaged, or never used, now might be the time to get rid of them. Keep in mind that the coating of non-stick pans is toxic, so any scratched-up or peeling cookware should not be used. You might also have some statement cookware that you'd prefer to display on a wall pot rack, like vintage kitchen cookware and copper pots.

Once you have the rack, design the levels of your adjustable vertical organizer to fit your pot collection. You can make some thin slots to store flat pans and leave more space in between other levels for taller pots. While it's tempting to stack several pans, it might cause scratches, which could make them unusable. Adjust the tiers of the organizer on the table or counter first, then place your perfectly customized organizer into the cabinet. Now, you only need to slide the pots and pans into their slots, and you're done. If your pot collection evolves, you can always readjust the tiers accordingly.