Ever feel that you just don’t have enough kitchen cabinet space? We know how that goes. Kitchen cabinets are pretty beneficial for just about everything. You need them for storing plates, cups, and pots and pans, and hiding your food supply and collection of pantry goods.
While it’s often easy to avoid how unorganized they are by simply closing those cabinet doors, having messy kitchen cabinets can actually cause a lot of stress and chaos when you're cooking. Plus, disorganization can eat up a ton of extra space.
Consequently, we're always on the lookout for kitchen cabinet organization ideas. To get the most out of your kitchen storage and save yourself the headache of searching for all of your cookware and servingware, consider investing in a few smart kitchen cabinet organizers. We researched dozens of designs and options, carefully looking at important features, such as the type, size, and materials to determine high-quality options that are ultra-functional and easy to use.
Features two pull-out drawers
Two different-sized compartments for small and large items
No power tools required for assembly
Can wobble when there isn't enough weight
Not ideal for vegetables and fruits due to their weight
Our top pick for the best kitchen cabinet organizer is the Simple Houseware Stackable 2-Tier Sliding Basket Organizer. This highly versatile cabinet organizer features two pull-out drawers, making it easier to see what you actually have in your cabinets and pantry, and the top of the shelf system doubles as a shelf for even more space. The organizer also has two different-sized compartments for small and large items, including sandwich bags, canned foods, and spices.
While it does wobble without weight, the drawer set is actually quite sturdy and can hold all sorts of kitchen essentials, keeping your cabinets organized and making mealtime all the more efficient.
Type: Free-standing drawers | Dimensions: 12 x 16.75 x 11 inches | Material: Metal | Color: Chrome, black, white
Best for Dishes
Simple Houseware Plate Drying Rack with Drainboard
Features space-saving design
Holds pot lids and plates
Fits a variety of plate sizes (but not all)
Not super-stylish
Stacking dishes is the standard for tidy cabinet organization, but it’s not always the most space-saving—especially if you have low shelves. The Simple Houseware Plate Drying Rack with Drainboard is a simple yet effective way to keep dishes organized behind cabinet doors.
We love it because it fits a variety of plate sizes (however, not all plates will fit) as well as flat Tupperware lids. Although the materials might look cheap and aren’t the most stylish, they actually do hold up and get the job done.
Type: Dish rack | Dimensions: 2 x 9.2 x 16.6 inches | Material: Alloy steel | Color: Chrome, black
Best for Pots and Pans
Mudeela Pan Organizer Rack
Designed for cabinets, countertops, and the ground
Made of heavy-duty iron
Versatile
Only fits large cabinet spaces
Keeps pots and pans organized, but isn't space-saving
The Mudeela Pan Organizer Rack for Cabinet is the ultimate organizer for pots and pans. With a variety of display options—including in the cabinets, on countertops, and on the ground—it’s an incredibly versatile option for storing pots and pans and keeping them totally organized in the kitchen. Constructed from heavy-duty iron, this handy organizer is also ultra-durable, and it can hold the weight of an eight-piece pot and pan set.
Because it holds so much, it’s not exactly a space-saving option. It’s more about keeping pans protected and organized within cabinets. This item is best suited for kitchens with more space versus small kitchens with limited room.
Type: Rack | Dimensions: 21.44 x 7.86 x 16.52 inches | Material: Iron | Color: Black
Best for Spices
SpaceAid Spice Rack Organizer Set
Ability to customize your own spice jars
Several sizes available for 20 to 36 jars
Highly functional
Jar lids aren't the highest quality
Doesn't come in a variety of colors
There are lots of ways to keep spices organized, depending on your space and needs. If you have enough space for the job, a spice rack inside your kitchen cabinet or pantry can make a world of a difference.
The SpaceAid Spice Rack Organizer comes in several sizes, allowing you to customize jars for 20 to 36 spices. Constructed from durable steel, the rack itself is sturdy enough to keep all of your jars organized and intact. And while the jar lids aren’t the highest quality, they’ll keep spices sealed and allow you to see what you have on hand.
Type: Spice rack | Dimensions: 10.8 x 9.8 x 4.4 inches (20 jars), 9 x 13.4 x 4.4 inches (21 jars), 10.8 x 11.8 x 4.4 inches (24 jars), 10.8 x 13.4 x 4.4 inches (28 jars), 10.8 x 15.3 x 4.4 inches (32 jars), 10.8 x 17.2 x 4.4 inches (36 jars) | Material: Alloy steel, glass | Color: Black
Best for Pantry
Simple Houseware 2 Tier Sliding Cabinet Basket Organizer Drawer
Comes in lots of fun colors
Excellent space saver
Good solution for a small collection of spices, condiments, and other small jars
No lid on top
Too small for larger pantry items
Slide-out drawers are an excellent storage and organization solution for the pantry. The SimpleHouseware 2 Tier Sliding Cabinet Basket Organizer Drawer comes with two drawers that extend out so you can actually see what you have. It is ideal for smaller pantry items like tea, granola bars, spices, condiments, and packaged snack bags.
In addition to their slide-out feature, these drawers are on the smaller side, so you can fit multiple next to each other (if you have a larger pantry) to get even more out of your space, especially for small pantry organization. The kitchen cabinet organizers also come in lots of fun colors, including pink and turquoise, as well as more neutral white, silver, and bronze, so you can select one that looks best with your cabinets and design aesthetic.
Type: Drawer | Dimensions: 8 x 14 x 12.75 inches | Material: Metal | Color: Silver, bronze, pink, turquoise, white
Best for Stovetop
Yamazaki Spices Seasoning Condiments Rack
Sleek and modern design
Hides clutter
Pulls out for convenience
May be too big for some countertops
We love Yamazaki's Seasoning Condiments Rack as the perfect stovetop companion. It's slender size is ideal for hiding away bottles of soy sauce, cooking spray, and olive oil, as well as heavily used spices. That way you won't have to clutter your work area with miscellaneous bottles. We especially love that the steel rack pulls right out, and the drawer is tall enough to fit most bottles.
Measuring 36.6 x 4.9 x 14.4 inches, the organizer is also magnetic, so you can clip on a quick recipe or attach a timer. Plus, the simple design comes in white or black—so you can find an option to match your style.
Type: Enclosed shelf | Dimensions: 36.6 x 4.9 x 14.4 inches | Material: Steel | Color: White, black
Best Lazy Susan
SAYZH 2 Tier Lazy Susan
Has two tiers for additional storage
Comes in lots of different sizes, so you can find a good fit for your space
Super versatile
Needs a little bit of weight in it to stay sturdy
Can be wobbly
Lazy Susans are all about accessibility—this one takes that up a notch with two tiers. The SAYZH 2 Tier Lazy Susan is a super-versatile kitchen organizer solution, allowing you to access oils, vinegar bottles, condiments, and spices with ease.
The Lazy Susan also features a stylish design so it can serve as kitchen counter decor or as an out-of-sight pantry organizer. It comes in several different sizes, so you can fit everything you need in one, or invest in multiple smaller options for tinier spaces. Additionally, this lazy Susan setup is made of steel, providing exceptionally sturdy storage.
Type: Tray | Dimensions: 12, 8.7, 10 inches | Material: Steel | Color: Black, white, teal, gray
Best for Container Lids
YouCopia Food Container Lid Organizer
Comes with different size options, including ones with tall dividers and expandable sides
Easy to put together
Not super versatile
Doesn't work well with lids that have tab closures
Container lids are perhaps one of the most annoying aspects of kitchen organization, but the YouCopia StoraLid Food Container Lid Organizer provides the ultimate solution. This Tupperware lid organizer comes in sizes small through large, and it has an expandable option with taller dividers, so you can find the perfect organization solutions for your collection of lids.
Made from durable plastic, the tray is easy to put together. It boasts excellent value (you can get a two-pack of small trays for $25), and it can fit a variety of cabinet sizes.
Type: Tray | Dimensions: 10.6 x 8.3 x 3.3 inches (small), 10.4 x 11.2 x 3.3 inches (medium), 10.4 x 13.2 x 3.3 inches (large), 10.6 13.5 - 22.5 x 5.4 inches (expandable with dividers) | Material: Plastic | Color: White
Best for Water Bottles
YouCopia Water Bottle Organizer
Comes in wide size options
Ability to choose between two and three shelves
Ultra-durable
Three-tiered shelf isn't as durable with heavy bottles
If you have lots of water bottles, a shelving system designed specifically with your collection in mind is a must. The YouCopia UpSpace Water Bottle Organizer can fit up to nine water bottles on the three-tiered shelf and six bottles on the two-tiered shelf, and save you lots of space while doing so.
Constructed from durable alloy steel and plastic, the kitchen organizer can hold up to 15 pounds. We also like that it's easy to put together, will save lots of space, and fits a variety of cabinet spaces.
Type: Shelf | Dimensions: 7.5 x 11.4 x 9.1 inches | Material: Alloy steel, plastic | Color: White
Best Food Storage Containers
Chef's Path Airtight Food Storage Container Set
Four-hinge locking system preserves freshness
Super-versatile and can be used in the fridge, pantry, and on the counter
Not suitable for large storage
Clear plastic isn't crystal clear
This wouldn’t be a roundup of the best kitchen cabinet organizers without a fantastic food storage option. The Chef’s Path Airtight Food Storage Containers is an excellent way to organize dried pantry goods in one swoop, as it allows you to invest in a variety of containers for under $100.
You can pick between a small set of 14 or 36 different pieces. In addition to containers, the containers come with stickers and a white marker, so you can create custom labels, adding to the organization factor.
Type: Containers | Dimensions: Not listed | Material: Plastic | Color: Clear
Best for Corner Cabinets
Bambüsi Bamboo Kitchen Corner Shelf
Excellent kitchen organizer for small dishes
Easy to assemble
Looks good on a kitchen counter
On the smaller side
The bamboo is lightweight
The Bambüsi Premium Bamboo Kitchen Corner Shelf is the best solution for tackling a pesky corner cabinet. Ideal for small bowls and dishes, the kitchen cabinet organizer is super-easy to assemble and versatile enough to use for all sorts of purposes, including displaying pastries for breakfast, holding fruit on the kitchen counter, and organizing cooking essentials like olive oil, salt, and pepper.
Measuring 10 x 10 x 9.5 inches, the organizer is on the small side, but it does a great job of holding a variety of dishes. Although the bamboo wood is light, it stays in place after weight is placed on it.
Type: Shelf | Dimensions: 10 x 10 x 9.5 inches | Material: Bamboo wood | Color: Bamboo, gray, white
What to Look for in a Kitchen Cabinet Organizer
Decide Which Organizer Works Best
The beauty of kitchen cabinet organizers is the wide range of organizer types. There are so many different types of kitchen cabinet organizers, including containers, pull-outs, baskets, liners, and turntables, explains Marcia Sloman, a professional organizer at Under Control Organizing.
When shopping for a kitchen cabinet organizer, keeping the type of solution you need in mind will help you narrow down your search and ensure that you choose an option that will ultimately fit in your cabinet, with lots of function. “A few trusty organizers can easily turn a messy kitchen cabinet into an organized one as they help contain everything from your go-to snacks to Tupperware,” adds professional organizer Britnee Tanner.
Measure, Measure, Measure
Similar to kitchen organizer types, there are lots of different sizes. Size is one of the most crucial aspects to consider, as this will tell you whether or not it will actually fit inside your cabinets and if it will hold your items. When shopping for an organizer, we recommend first measuring your cabinet space and having a good understanding of the maximum size organizer you can use in each.
It might take some extra planning beforehand, but it'll save tons of time and frustration in the long run. When in doubt, an option with expandable features (such as our best for container lids, YouCopia StoraLid Food Container Lid Organizer), can help you get a more custom fit.
Pay Attention to the Materials Used
The type of material is another important feature, as it can truly make or break your kitchen organizer. Organizers can be made of metal, plastic, acrylic, wood, glass, stone, ceramic, melamine, MDF, and polypropylene. Material matters for a few reasons, including durability and sturdiness, as some kitchen organizers might use cheaper materials—such as flimsy plastic—that won’t withstand daily duties.
That's why having a clear understanding of an organizer's purpose will not only help you land on the right design, but it will also help you choose the right materials for the job. Keep in mind that some uses might require more sturdy construction, such as our best for cans pick, the Simple Trending Stackable Can Rack Cabinet Organizer, which holds up to 36 cans. Material can also impact design features as some might boast clear or gridded surfaces so you can easily see what’s inside, while others might be less translucent, requiring you to label properly.
Get Organized and Create Labels
The first thing you should do when organizing any kitchen cabinet is to take everything out of it, says Tanner, adding that this allows you to take inventory of everything you have and what you no longer love, use, or need. The most efficient way to organize kitchen cabinets is to store like items with like, says Lucy Milligan Wahl, a professional organizer and the owner of LMW Edits. Like items usually can be stacked well and save space, and it’s easier to find things and know where they should be.
When you have all of your organizers, add labels where possible, so you can have a clear idea of what you have and where. “Kitchen cabinet organization really comes down to customizing your cabinets so you can find what you need when you need it most,” Tanner explains.
Why Trust The Spruce?
Contributing writer Jessie Quinn covers everything from organizing solutions to home essentials for The Spruce. When researching the best kitchen organizers, Quinn looked at everything from the design and function to the durability and quality of construction to find the options that will best fit your kitchen organizing needs. She also reached out to top organizing professionals for their opinions on what to consider when shopping for kitchen cabinet organizers, plus insights on the most frequently asked questions when it comes to organizing a kitchen.
Our Experts:
- Britnee Tanner, professional organizer from Salt Lake City
- Lucy Milligan Wahl, professional organizer and owner of LMW Edits
- Marcia Sloman, professional organizer at Under Control Organizing