Ad Reader-supported. We may earn a commission if you buy through links on this page, at no extra cost to you. As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases. How we make money
Spices are small, numerous and identical from the top — which is why they turn into a jumble at the back of the cupboard. A good spice rack shows every label at once. Which type works depends on whether you have a spare drawer, a cabinet door or just a shelf.
Measure
- Cabinet shelf depth, width and height.
- Door clearance from inside of door to shelf edges (for door racks).
- Drawer inside height and depth (for drawer inserts).
- Your jar sizes — standard jars vary by brand and country.
Types compared
| Type | Where | Visibility | Watch out |
|---|---|---|---|
| Tiered (stepped) shelf | Cabinet shelf | Good — rows step up | Expandable versions fit more widths |
| Pull-down rack | Upper cabinet | Excellent | Needs fixing; check cabinet depth |
| Door-mounted rack | Inside cabinet door | Good | Must clear shelves when closed |
| Drawer insert | Shallow drawer | Excellent (labels on lids) | Needs a free drawer; lid labels |
| Turntable | Corner or deep shelf | Fair | Jars fall over on small turntables |
| Magnetic tins | Fridge side or steel panel | Good | Need refilling; heat from appliance |
Ad Compare current options on Amazon ↗Paid link · prices and availability on Amazon
Tips
- Store spices away from the hob/stove and direct sunlight — heat and light dull flavour.
- Uniform jars save space but aren’t required; labels on lids help in drawers.
- Sort alphabetically or by cuisine — whatever you’ll keep up.
FAQ
How long do ground spices last?
They’re safe for a long time but lose flavour; many cooks replace ground spices yearly.
Related: Pantry organizers
