Cookware can take up a lot of space in your kitchen. Are there options to organize pots and pans in your kitchen? Every kitchen is different, but some of these ideas for organizing pots and pans might work for you.

Get a Handle on Organizing Pots and Pans

Most people put their pots and pans in a cabinet, case closed. Or, in some cases, drawer closed.

Or maybe, oven closed, I should say. Fact: it’s a lot harder to cook if you have to empty out the oven before you begin. It’s crazy that I don’t have a photo of pots and pans in an oven. It’s rare that houses I work in don’t have that going on. I just never thought to snap a pic!

Organizing Pots and Pans by Hanging

Are pots and pans above a kitchen island using pot racks and hangers still fashionable? This this solution best suited for larger kitchens with ample lighting. If the hanging pots are in between the light source and the work areas, you can lose a lot of light, which makes the space look dingy. Hanging pots from an open rack also contributes to the feeling of a kitchen feeling cluttered. You can counteract a certain amount of this by keeping all the pots the same brand and style, and also by keeping them spotless, but that may not be realistic for most families. Take a look below. Yes, that’s the exact same kitchen, but much more open without the pots hanging.

Organizing Pots and Pans on Pull Out Shelves

Homeowners can also make modifications to their existing cabinets/pantries) to better
organize/stack pots and pans? Roll out shelves are an easy DIY project that can nearly double the amount of useable space.

Organizing Heavy Pots and Pans on Shelves

Have a heavy pan or appliance? Reset your shelves so those items have their own shelf space with exactly enough space, and not an inch more, preferably at waist high or lower, making it easier to get them in and out of storage.

Organizing Pots and Pans on Pegboard

This homeowner painted a hardware store pegboard and used the one wall in her tiny kitchen to store all of her pots. This looks organized because the color creates a natural frame for the pots, and the pots themselves are organized and all facing the same direction.

Organizing Pots and Pans In Lazy-Susans

Storing pots and pans in a Lazy-Susan has got to be my least favorite option. The handles always seems to go wonky, making it hard to turn, and really, it’s like a puzzle to get them to behave. I enjoy the challenge, but other people probably won’t stack and spread the items around like you and I would. If you do go with this option, consider labeling each spot so other people know right where those pots and pans go.

Not only did we label which pans and skillets go where, we even included a label to remind people to “turn handles to the right.” Did it help? Sometimes.

If you do need to stack pots and pans, keep in mind my 2×2 rule for organizing…only stack 2 items high and 2 items deep. More than that, and those items in the back and the bottom will never get used. To stack and organize pots and pans without scratching them, separate them with layers of felt, or with felt protectors for pots and pans like these. (You can also use coffee filters to separate dishes.)

Organizing Lids for Pots and Pans

Not only pots, but lids are troublesome to organize. There are plenty of solutions for segregating lids and storing them in a cabinet. I like this slim, slide out lid organizer.

Perfect Stacking Pots and Pans

Want the ultimate pot and lid solution? If you are ready for an upgrade to your pots and pans, check out the Calphalon Premier Space Saving Nonstick set. The flat glass lids create a natural platform to stack another pot with lid on top. The secret is in the notched handles and thoughtful design.

There you have it. Just a few ideas for organizing your pots and pans. Are you making progress in your kitchen organizing project this week? Check out all the organizing articles this month to keep motivated to make the changes YOU want to see.