19 Spice Rack Organization Ideas To Declutter Your Pantry
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Easily some of the most forgotten items in your pantry or kitchen drawers are, you guessed it, spices. Raise your hand if you’ve ever bought a new bottle of seasoning or spice for a recipe, only to come home and realize that there was an almost full container hidden in the back of your cabinet. It happens far too often. Many times, this simply comes from a lack of storage solutions to help you get your spices organized and keep them organized. These eight spice rack ideas are meant to help you save time, save money, and save headaches from kitchen disorganization.
How To Store Your Spices
Before we discuss the best ways to organize your spices, it’s important to educate yourself on the correct way to store your spices. To keep spices as fresh as possible, avoid placing spice containers near direct sunlight or heat. This means that spices should not be placed near an oven or stove, in a windowsill, or stored on a sunny countertop. Sunlight and heat cause spices to break down, reducing their lifespan.
Instead, opt to store spice jars in a cool, dark place, such as a cabinet, pantry, or drawer (if it is away from the oven). If storage is limited, spices can be stored under cabinets or on wall spice racks, as long as they are kept away from the busiest areas of the kitchen.
When deciding on the best spice containers to use, choose an option with a tight-fitting (or airtight) lid. Many spices are often sold in plastic containers due to the cost of manufacturing. However, the best spice storage option would be to place herbs and seasonings in glass jars or tins to ensure maximum freshness.
If spices are removed from the original container, write or use a label maker on the container to make sure that any similar looking spices are not confused at a later date in the spice rack. Position the most used spices in a visible spot at eye level for easy access and less often used spice containers in the back or on lower shelves.
Tip: When labeling the spices, also include the date that it was purchased. This way you’ll never forget how old your spices are ever again.
Spice storage options:
How Long Do Spices Last?
While not all spices follow this exact shelf life, with proper storage, most spices can be stored upwards of one year.
Whole spices
Examples: cloves, all spice, or cinnamon, star anise
These larger spices can be stored for 3 years without losing their freshness.
Ground spices
Examples: cumin, chili powder, ginger, nutmeg
Ground spices have a slightly shorter lifespan and can be stored roughly 2 years.
Ground herbs
Examples: basil, oregano, thyme, parsley
Herbs are more delicate and can be only stored between 1-2 years.
Common baking ingredients, such as vanilla extract, can be stored indefinitely.
Tip: If in doubt of the age of a specific spice, a general rule is to smell the container. If you cannot smell the spice, it is likely too old and needs to be thrown out.
Spice Rack Ideas for Your Kitchen and Pantry
Choosing the best spice rack will ultimately come down to the best storage solution for your kitchen. For smaller kitchens, a hanging spice rack or a shelf organizer may help to maximize space. For those with larger kitchens or ample countertop space, a rotating spice rack, such as a lazy Susan turntable, may make a handy, accessible storage option. Regardless of size, these spice storage ideas will help you find the solution for any size!
Magnetic Spice Racks
Magnetic wall spice racks can an ideal storage solution for smaller kitchen as it allows you to maximize unused vertical wall space. By using a thin piece of metal, you can affix a magnet to the back of any of your spice containers and then conveniently attach the strip to the wall. This allows you to see the best spices and most frequently used, right at your fingertips. By placing this directly at eye level, you can quickly and easily grab any spice you need while cooking. But just remember, make sure to keep spices away from a sunny window or a warm stove.
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Magnetic Spice Jars
Impresa
Cabinet Organizers
Perhaps the most common of all listed options, for those with ample room, a cabinet provides a cool, dark space for spice storage. Since many standard options can be very deep, it’s essential to use a shelf organizer to avoid any spice jars becoming forgotten at the back of the cabinet or pantry. These shelf organizers come in tiered shelves that make a “stair" to allow you to see each spice jar’s label at variable heights. Another shelf organizer option are easy-to-organize bins that are made of clear acrylic, making each bottle visible.
A deep drawer in your kitchen can also make the ideal pullout spice rack. Spices stored in square metal tins can be conveniently organized to avoid rolling bottles or wasted space. If you prefer to use glass jars, or your kitchen drawer is extra deep, a drawer organizer can create sections or rows for spices to be stored by category or use. This organization method allows you to group your best spices in an area that you can quickly access when pulling out the drawer.
Tip: If using a deep drawer for your spices, be sure to label the lid of the container so as to avoid confusion when cooking.
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Spice Organizer for Cabinet
Lynk Professional
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Bamboo Spice Rack Organizer
Teamkio
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Spice Drawer Organizer
SpaceAid
Over The Door Organizers
These space-saving spice racks can be an affordable and versatile use of pantry space. Plastic or vinyl hangers are placed over a door with pouches that multiple or individual spices can be placed in. More substantial options are made from metal, creating a wire rack or spice shelf on the back of your pantry door. This is a great storage option for anyone who frequently needs multiple spices for recipes or has a large quantity to store.
Image: Amazon
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Adjustable Pantry Organizer Rack
Smart Design
Under The Cabinet Organizers
Another great use of oft wasted space, hanging spice racks can be installed under cabinets to optimize storage and accessibility. These hanging options can be magnetic, sliding, or even pull down spice rack options to quickly access spices. The only drawback to under cabinet racks is the smaller size, meaning they are best for frequently used spices.
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Under Cabinet Shelf
Joseph Joseph
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Under Cabinet Spice Rack
Kirshy Solutions
Countertop Organizers
Countertop options can be the best spice rack choice for someone who needs quick access to commonly used spices or seasonings. These spice racks can conveniently hold peppercorns or salt for cooking, or cinnamon for morning coffee. Whether you prefer a turntable style or rack, just remember: always keep spices away from heat or sunlight.
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Countertop Spice Rack Organizer
Pinnacle Cookery
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Wood Spice Rack
AllSpice
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Revolving Organizers
The “lazy Susan” is the commonly used term for a circular, movable surface. Often placed on a table, countertop, or within a cabinet, this rotating spice rack can be another efficient use of space. Group spices together by category, recipe, or frequency of use, and simply spin the lazy Susan around to access your needed spices.
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Lazy Susan Spice Rack
Belwares
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Revolving Spice Rack Set
New England Stories
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Revolving Countertop Spice Rack
Kamenstein
Wall Mounted Organizers
Another option to save space are wall mounted spice racks. These racks can be mounted underneath cabinets or anywhere that you have available wall space. An ideal idea for apartments with small kitchens or to maximize space in pantries or areas without additional storage.
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4 Pack Wall Mounted Spice Rack
TJ.MOREE
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Wall Mounted Spice Rack Organizer
Deco Brothers
DIY spice rack
None of the above storage options fit your needs? Create your own! Creating a wooden spice rack can be an easy, weekend do-it-yourself project that requires minimal tools and even less money. By customizing your spice storage, you can create a rack that will not only meet your needs but be best suited your kitchen and space. Plus, a custom spice rack could be a great gift idea for new homeowners or newlyweds!
Looking for inspiration? Our DIY wooden gallery shelf or honeycomb projects can easily be adjusted in size to work within a kitchen and give you additional options for wall shelving organization!
Have another storage option that worked well for you? Let us know!
