How To Organise A Kitchen Without A Pantry?
Not all kitchens are created equal. Some kitchens have pantries, others do not. Those that do may have butler’s pantries or walk-ins the size of a small apartment. The type and size of your storage space should reflect the overall space you have available, as well as the types of produce you plan to store.
Homes without dedicated pantries can present unique organisational challenges but even a modest kitchen pantry cupboard can be a great storage place if properly organised. In this post, we’ll help you to find the perfect storage solution for your kitchen, whether it’s a small cupboard or a walk-in pantry.
Types Of Pantry Storage For The Kitchen
If you’re looking to create a pantry in your kitchen, the type you choose will depend on several factors including budget, the available space and the amount of food that you’ll want to store. Depending on these factors, pantries can be divided into various types.
Walk-in Pantry
When people talk about pantries, they usually mean walk-ins. This is a room or cupboard within the kitchen dedicated to storing food, kitchen appliances and everything else that may be used in the kitchen. The walk-in pantry can either be a simple shelving rack to store non-perishables, or it could have cupboard units and even kitchen counters.
Butler’s Pantry
A butler’s pantry is a small room located adjacent to the kitchen. It is a space that typically sits between the dining room and kitchen, where food can be stored and sometimes even prepared.
While a typical pantry is only used for storing goods, a butler’s pantry often includes some of the features and accessories of a modern kitchen, such as a microwave oven, coffee machine and countertop for food preparation.
In-kitchen pantries
The quickest and cheapest way to add storage in the kitchen is with a cabinet pantry. They can be found in many small apartments and homes, making good use of the space available and are great for organising items. Pantry cupboards may be prefabricated or custom-built, depending on the style and size.
There are various types of pantry cabinet units from simple shelves to tall cabinets. These types of pantries are more similar to cupboards and can also be used to store pots, pans and small appliances.
Cupboard pantries come in different materials with different properties. However, they are usually designed in the same style as other cabinets in the kitchen.
Freestanding pantries: These types of pantries have adjustable shelves and are great for storing dried and canned goods in small kitchens. They take a minimum floor space while providing you with plenty of storage.
A pull-out pantry: This type of pantry is a large and narrow built-in unit with shelves that allows you to reach the contents from either end when it’s pulled out. The modern version of this pantry is slim and designed to fit between a refrigerator and adjacent cupboards or appliances, allowing for more seamless integration into the kitchen.
A wall pantry: Often utilised in small kitchens, this type of pantry consists of a set of wall-hung cabinets and shelves. They are used to store food items, kitchen tools and small appliances.
Pantry Cupboard Organisation
When it comes to a large kitchen, storage problems do not arise but organising a tiny kitchen without a pantry requires a bit of extra planning. In kitchens with cabinets only, a well-organised storage system is key.
Clutter is a big no-no
Decluttering kitchen pantry cupboards should be a routine process for you. You simply can’t afford to waste space on things you don’t require. Get rid of items you may only use occasionally, tins of food you probably won’t use and make do with a small range of essentials.
Compact cookware
Nesting cookware allows for efficient storage by reducing the amount of space needed when the pans lids are not in use, as they can be stacked neatly together. Collapsible tools, such as bowls (colanders), cutting boards, and mixing bowls can be stored flat, allowing you to have more storage space.
Pantry organisers
Consider buying door racks or a cheap Lazy Susan. You can significantly improve kitchen pantry storage by using organisers. In crowded shelves, they will help you to reach every jar without moving other products.
Drawer potential
Drawer dividers help to utilize all the available space within a drawer efficiently and fit more items without a mess. They create designated areas for different items, preventing them from sliding around and becoming disorganized.
Disorganized kitchens are not only unattractive, they also make cooking and cleaning more difficult. Efficient pantry cupboard design and storage solutions help to alleviate these challenges by maximizing space usage, reducing clutter, and facilitating easier access to kitchen essentials. By investing in organization systems, you can transform your kitchen into a more functional and enjoyable space for meal preparation and cleanup.
