Say Goodbye To Appliance Garages: The New Way To Keep Appliances Organized And Visible

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No one likes a cluttered kitchen. When your countertops are littered with small appliances, though, that's exactly what you get. While implementing appliance garages in the kitchen has long been a go-to solution for freeing up counter space and concealing unsightly equipment, another trend is gaining momentum that makes accessing your appliances even easier: vertical countertop shelving. This simple addition offers an effective and budget-friendly solution to keeping your appliances organized and within view.

There's no question that appliance garages have had their moment. Providing a dedicated spot to hide ugly machines while keeping them nearby made these clever cabinets a popular feature in kitchens everywhere. But there are some drawbacks. You need enough space to install a countertop cabinet that will store your kitchen appliances without blocking windows or interfering with other features in the room. They also take up a fair amount of space, since the appliances inside need clearance around them for airflow. Appliance garages can also be pricey. Often, they need to be custom-made to fit specific dimensions. Electrical work is also needed to make outlets accessible from inside the garage.

By contrast, adding vertical shelving offers a simpler, space-saving alternative that solves many of these issues without a hefty price tag. Plus, you can easily add, remove, or tweak them to fit your changing needs. Get floor-standing racks to maximize appliance storage to the side of your counters, or set up versatile countertop racks to hold your gear. If you're in the DIY spirit, you could even install custom shelving to optimize your space and keep your appliances tidy and accessible to complete a lived-in look.

Vertical shelving is a great way to give your kitchen more storage space and keep appliances organized. The most cost-effective option is to purchase a basic shelving unit that sits atop your counters, stacking appliances on top of one another. This lets you easily see and access each appliance. Some units have wheels or pull-out sliders that let you reach and relocate them as needed. If you're on a tight budget, opt for a basic expandable rack that you can custom fit to your countertop space, like the DOLALIKE Microwave Oven Rack sold on Amazon for $27. You could also get a piece that looks more like furniture. For instance, Wayfair sells a stylish wooden cabinet for around $80 that provides room for appliances as well as additional storage, keeping equipment and accessories tidy while elevating the kitchen's look.

If you have the space and funds, you could consider installing vertical shelving in an open corner above your counter. While this can be a more expensive and labor-intensive solution, it will create a finished, high-end look. If you do go this route, make sure the shelves are sturdy enough to support the weight of heavy appliances. Also, you will need access to power for the appliances, which may require relocating an outlet. Keep in mind that appliances pull a lot of electricity. If you are planning to have more than one plugged in and in use at a time, it's a good idea to consult an electrician to make sure you're not overloading your electrical circuits and possibly install a new dedicated circuit.