Whether you just moved into a new house or just want to rearrange your kitchen, you may be wondering, “What are some storage ideas for pots and pans?” After all, pots and pans take up a lot of room and are usually a pain to store neatly. They clank, they’re bulky, and they sometimes don’t fit neatly when you try to stack them on top of each other.
If you use your pots and pans as much as I do, then you know how easily a neat and organized pot storage area becomes messy and chaotic. Don’t worry. I’ve got you covered.
These pot and pan storage ideas are designed to help you keep every piece of your cooking arsenal in its optimal spot so all your cookware is within easy reach whenever you need it.
1. In Drawers
Creating a pot and pan drawer is arguably the easiest way to handle unruly cookware. Plus, it’s a good option if you’re on a strict budget—it won’t cost you much at all.
The first step is to clear out a large drawer (the deeper, the better). If you can’t afford pot and pan dividers which are used to protect the insides, use some cloth napkins or spare pot holders. Carefully stack your pots and pans in order of size using said dividers, starting with your wider, deeper items and working toward your smaller saucepans.
When stacking pots and pans, I find it easiest to separate the two, with pots in one pile and pans in the other. Try it yourself if space isn’t an issue for you.
If you have some money to spend on the project, consider investing in a pot and pan drawer organizer. They’re usually made of either metal or wood, and they help keep kitchenwares of every size and shape neat and tidy.
2. On Shelves
Another easy option for storing your pots and pans is an exposed shelf. Mount one yourself, or use one that’s already in your kitchen. For pots and pans that aren’t used frequently, use the empty space above your cabinets.
Of course, there are some pots and pans that you’re bound to use all the time. For these, try an exposed shelf that sits behind or near your range. Again, simply stack them using pot and pan dividers, and you have an easy, affordable solution.
3. On a Ceiling-Mounted Pot Rack
There’s a reason industrial kitchens use ceiling-mounted pot racks. They’re super convenient and also keep all those pots and pans completely out of the way when they’re not needed.
Photo by Artazum on Shutterstock
Pot hanging racks are available at a variety of price points. Regardless of the style or material you choose, remember that where you mount the rack is vitally important. Since it will hold a significant amount of weight, always install the pot rack hooks directly into the wood stud/beam.
4. Hung on a Wall-Mounted Pot Rack
If you’re not willing to install a pot rack on the ceiling, try a wall-mounted pot rack. The wonderful thing about a wall-mounted pot rack (aside from its inherent functionality, of course) is that it’s a great DIY project.
A DIY pot and pan rack needn’t be complicated. Try adding an iron or metal curtain rod, or a stained or painted two-by-four, directly to the wall. Then, use stainless steel pot hanging hooks to keep hold of all your cookware.
Copper cookware, or any cookware that’s antique or special, deserves to be out in the open, and a wall-mounted pot rack is a great way to put them on display.
5. Stored in the Cabinet
In smaller kitchens, wall space is at a premium. If you’re running out of space, the best place to start looking for space for your pots and pans is in your cabinets, tables, or your island.
Use a strong C-hook and screw it directly through the underside of your cabinet/countertop, making sure the hook is attached securely but doesn’t go through the top. Space the hooks evenly (and make sure they won’t get in the way of chairs), and then hang the pots and pans as you wish.
6. Separate the Lids
So now you have several storage options for your pots and pans, but what about all those lids? While it may seem counterintuitive, the best way to handle pot and pan lids is to separate them. In my experience, it’s much easier to store pots and pans without their lids, and vice versa.
Stacking pot lids is a tricky business and more than likely to end in disaster. Thankfully, you can never go wrong with a simple pot lid divider. This handy tool keeps all those kids upright and ready for use.
Regardless of how you choose to store your pots, pans, and lids, remember to take a look at your storage solutions once a year to determine if they’re working for you. If need be, adjust until you find the right pot and pan storage solution that meets your needs and matches your space.
