There are a lot of pot storage solutions, from lazy susans to overhead hanging mechanisms, but these options aren’t necessarily easy to adopt for everyone. Moreover, they can be quite costly or require a dedicated space in a tightly packed kitchen. Hence, making wire racks and smartly designed pots and pan organizers an affordable and lightweight storage solution for your small kitchen. This buying guide narrows down the essential factors you should consider when looking for rack items for kitchen organization!
Orientation of the Pots and Pan Organizing Racks
The main motive of the organizational wire racks is to maximize the space. Wire racks for pan and pot organization with horizontal and vertical orientation are a highly functional and space-maximizing choice. The dual orientation of the organizer makes the placement easy inside the cabinets to achieve maximum space efficiency. However, not all wire racks have dual orientation, and utilizing them in the wrong direction may cause your pots and pans to topple over. So, it’s advisable to opt for a wire rack that can be mounted both ways.
Rack Placement
When scouring for a reliable rack for your pots, you first need to visualize how you will be placing it in the kitchen. If your kitchen has zero counter space, then wall-mounted pot holding racks are a good option. However, the downside to a wall-mounted organizer is its questionable durability, as it is extremely common for substandard wall-mounted organizers to bend and cave under the weight. So, until and unless your wall-mounted wire rack is not made of high-quality steel alloy, do not load up your dishes on it to save yourself from a pot falling avalanche. Contrary to wall-mounted options, the freestanding wire racks are more durable and sturdy. You can easily place the freestanding wire racks over the countertop and under the cabinets without any hassle. And since they are placed on a solid surface, the risk of pans slipping and toppling over is also minimized.
Size
The size and height of a pot and pan organizer are crucial deciding factors. The freestanding wire racks are available in various heights and dimensions. For instance, if you are looking to house your deep pots, pans, and Dutch ovens in an organizational unit, then the wire rack should have a proper height and width. An organizer rack with an approximate height of 15” or above is a great pick to house your pots and pans. There are also compact, horizontal organizers that can easily carry pans, baking trays, cutting boards, and sheets. The compact rectangular organizers come with 3 and 4 slot capacity, measuring between 2.5 to 3.5 inches in width. Whenever you are investing in a kitchen pot rack, it is essential that you consider the available space on your kitchen counter and cabinets as well! Plus, when you are measuring the available space to figure out whether it fits your organizing rack, always make sure to leave an extra few inches around the area for easy access to pull out the pots and pans.
Material
An ideal pan organizer for your kitchen will not bend with excess pressure, and that is only possible if you opt for an extraordinary wire rack or one that’s made out of a more durable, solid material. The right rack material will withstand the weight of bulky pots and free up extra space in your kitchen. The alloy steel and metal are the top choices as they are highly efficient and can easily sustain the load of heavier objects. Furthermore, since the metal organizers come in various finishes such as silver, chrome, bronze, and black; they can easily create a synchronized aesthetic with your kitchen scheme. The wire racks are also available in plastic and wooden material, and they have their own perks. But, the wire racks with the spray-painted finish and high durability of steel alloy make them more user-friendly and long-lasting.
Rack Design and Build
The pots and pans organizers come in various designs and shapes. One of the most desirable features of the organization rack is the U-shaped and triangular grooves in the design, which ensures that the smaller utensils such as lids and trays do not slide or slip out. The inclusion of rubber or plastic feet on the rack’s bottom is another essential design feature you should look out for. These tiny objects have an anti-slippage mechanism and ensure that the steel wire rack does not cause scratches on the counter surface. Usually, you’ll find the steel slots to be quite smooth but they can be very slippery. However, some wire racks come with silicon grip covers on the slots to ensure that pans fit properly and do not slip off. Additionally, look for an organizational rack that comes with adjustable slots. With adjustable slots, you can easily place the bulky and heavy pans easily!
