How to Organize Pots and Pans: Racks, Organizers and Space-Saving Ideas

Few kitchen chores are as frustrating as digging through a jumble of pots, pans and lids to find the one you need. A little organization saves time, protects your cookware and frees up space. Here’s how to organize pots and pans, whether you have a big kitchen or a tiny apartment galley.

Step 1: Declutter first

Before buying any organizer, sort through what you have:

• Pull everything out of the cupboards.
• Get rid of warped pans, scratched non-stick and lids with no matching pot.
• Donate duplicates you never use.
• Group the rest by type: frying pans, saucepans, stockpots and bakeware.

You may find you need much less space than you thought.

Step 2: Choose a storage strategy

Hanging pot racks

A pot rack moves cookware out of cupboards and into easy reach. It also shows off nice pans. Ceiling racks work over an island; wall racks suit smaller kitchens.

The stainless steel oval pot rack holds up to 40 pounds, includes eight stainless steel hooks and comes with complete installation hardware and instructions. It measures about 18 by 33.7 inches, so check your ceiling height and the space above your island before you buy.

Lid organizers

Lids are the biggest source of clutter. A rack inside a cupboard door or a vertical lid holder keeps them upright and easy to grab. Our guide to using cookware lid organizer systems covers the options.

Pull-out drawers and shelves

Deep drawers are ideal for pots and pans because you can see everything from above. Pull-out shelves bring the back of a cupboard to you.

Vertical dividers

Store frying pans and baking sheets on their sides with dividers, like files in a cabinet. It’s much easier than lifting a stack.

Step 3: Choose space-saving cookware

Sometimes the best organizer is the cookware itself. Pans with removable handles nest tightly together and take up far less room than pans with fixed handles.

The 9-piece non-stick cookware set includes three saucepans, two frying pans, two lids and two removable handles. With the handles off, the pans stack inside each other. Read more about cookware with removable handles.

Step 4: Protect your pans

Stacking pans can scratch them, especially non-stick. Simple fixes:

• Put a felt or silicone protector, or a folded towel, between stacked pans.
• Store non-stick pans on top, not underneath heavy pots.
• Hang your best pans if you have a rack.

Step 5: Put things where you use them

• Keep everyday pans closest to the stove.
• Store stockpots and rarely used pieces higher up or deeper in cupboards.
• Keep bakeware near the oven.
• Store utensils in a crock by the stove. See our guide to cookware utensils.

Organizing a small kitchen

Use the walls

Wall rails, hooks and magnetic strips free up cupboards.

Use the inside of doors

Door racks hold lids, cutting boards and baking sheets.

Use the oven drawer

The drawer under many ovens is perfect for baking sheets and roasting pans.

Buy fewer, better pieces

A small, versatile set beats a big set you can’t store. See should you buy individual cookware or a set.

Keeping it organized

• Put pans away as soon as they’re dry.
• Do a quick sort every few months.
• Replace damaged pieces instead of keeping them “just in case.”

Organizing bakeware and small appliances

Baking sheets, cooling racks and cutting boards store best on their sides, in a narrow cupboard or with vertical dividers. Muffin tins and cake pans can nest together. Small appliances you use weekly should live on the counter or in an easy-to-reach cupboard; appliances you use once a year can go on a high shelf or in a pantry. Label bins so everyone in the house knows where things go.

FAQ

What’s the best way to store pots and pans?

Deep drawers, hanging racks and vertical dividers all work well. Choose based on your kitchen layout.

How do I store lids neatly?

Use a door-mounted rack or a vertical lid holder so lids stand upright.

Are pot racks safe?

Yes, when installed correctly. Use the included hardware, mount into solid structure and don’t exceed the weight limit.

How do I stop non-stick pans from scratching when stacked?

Place a pan protector or towel between each pan, or hang them.

How much weight can a pot rack hold?

It depends on the rack and how it’s mounted. Always follow the stated weight limit and mount into solid structure.

We run the NicheStuff store; some links in this post go to products we sell.