Storing pans and pots in the kitchen

They're a necessary part of any kitchen, but storing the variety of pans and pots that most people own neatly and efficiently isn't without its challenges. We examine the pros and cons of three common storage methods.

Cupboards

Kitchen cupboards are still the most popular place to store pots and pans and everything from glassware to crockery. The trick is selecting a cupboard in the right spot to house your cooking utensils.

Corner cupboards are a good solution, mainly due to their size. Compared to a 'single' cupboard, corner cupboards offer more space and are therefore good for large items, rather than smaller ones that can get lost at the back.

But, if you do opt for cupboards, it's a good idea to kit them out with a spinning, fold-out, or pull-out rack to help make access easier.

Drawers for pans and pots

An increasingly popular option for modern kitchens, drawers can be used to store everything from cutlery to crockery and of course saucepans and oven utensils. Generally speaking, drawers are more expensive than cupboards because you're paying for the mechanics of a drawer as well, but they often make more sense than cupboards – being able to pull the drawer right out provides more accessible (and therefore more useable and plentiful) storage than a typical cupboard or cabinet can.

A few things to remember if you do want a saucepan drawer. First, make sure it's big enough. It needs to be at least 450mm – but preferably 600mm – wide. It also pays to invest in a drawer that has a quality runner, because a drawer filled with relatively heavy pots and pans will experience a lot of wear and tear.

Hanging racks

These can be either wall or ceiling mounted and can equate to a good use of otherwise dead space. They’re also handy because you can easily store every shape and size of utensil, simply by hanging them in an aesthetically pleasing manner. 

But remember that this 'look' won't suit every kitchen. While it can be quite at home in a modern-country design, in more contemporary, low-clutter, minimalist kitchens, having kitchenware hanging about can look out of place.

Also remember that anything you have out on display in your kitchen does risk becoming covered with a thin film of dust and cooking grease – so unless you're vigilant about keeping things clean, this may be inconvenient and a source of extra work. 

Talking with an interior designer can help you find the right solution to your pans and pots storage: