In order to organize a spice cabinet is an essential task for avid cooks striving to make their meals more flavorful. It’s important for quick access and convenience and to ensure your spices retain their flavor and stay good over time.
Fortunately, simple strategies can help you create a neat, orderly, and well-stocked spice cabinet that is easy to maintain. By the end of this article, you will know exactly how to organize a spice cabinet in the best way possible.
Why Organize Spices?
First and foremost, it’s essential to understand why you should organize spices. Let’s explore the benefits of having an organized spice cabinet in your kitchen.
✤Easier Cooking Experience
An organized spice cabinet makes for a much better cooking experience. When all the spices are neatly arranged, you can quickly grab what you need without rummaging through the entire cabinet for that one elusive jar of cumin. Even better, if you’re organizing spices alphabetically or by type (e.g., herbs, seasonings, etc.), finding what you need is even quicker and easier. That way, you won’t waste precious minutes searching for the right jar while dinner is burning on the stovetop!
✤Extended Spice Shelf Life
Spices are not cheap, so getting as much bang for your buck as possible is important to ensuring they stay fresh and flavorful over time. An organized spice cabinet helps with this because it allows air to circulate freely around each individual jar. This means that none of your spices are suffocated by their neighbors, which could cause them to become stale or lose flavor prematurely. Plus, it’s easier to check expiration dates or past their prime when things are in order without sifting through a cluttered cupboard full of bottles and jars.
✤Take Stock Easily
Having an organized spice cabinet makes it much simpler to take stock of the spices you have on hand. And decide what needs replenishing in your spice inventory before heading off to the store. That way, there’s no more forgetting which items you need or ending up with duplicates.
A simple glance at your cleanly arranged shelves will tell you exactly where all your spices stand without fail! Whether baking spices, spice bottles, or spice jars, you’ll always know what to restock.
✤Save Money
Organizing your spices can also help you save money. By keeping track of what’s in your cabinets, you’ll easily identify which items need to replenish. This eliminates unnecessary purchases and reduces food waste due to expired items. Additionally, organizing helps you take stock of how much space you have available for new products so that every item has its place in the cabinet for optimal storage.
✤Bring Out Maximum Flavor
An organized spice cabinet allows you access to all the flavors that make cooking fun! Having quick access to all those delicious seasonings means you’re more likely to experiment with different combinations and create unique flavor profiles for each dish you make. Also, by keeping everything separated and accessible, there’s no chance of accidentally adding too much or too little seasoning, which can ruin a dish!
How to Organize a Spice Cabinet
As mentioned above, organizing a spice cabinet can be quite simple if you have the right plan. Here are some tips for getting it done quickly and easily.
🍾Organize Alphabetically
Organizing your spice cabinet in alphabetical order is an excellent way to keep your seasonings in order and easily at hand. Not only does this save time when it comes to dredging through the cabinet for specific spices, but it helps keep the inventory organized and easy to manage.
For example, suppose you need oregano but can’t remember exactly where it is in the cabinet. You can easily locate it within seconds since all culinary herbs should be alphabetically grouped.
In addition, if you are adding new spices or products to your collection, you can quickly group spices among like items without having to move things around. This strategy is perfect for home cooking enthusiasts who have large collections of herbs and spices and need an efficient way of keeping track of them.
🍾Shallow Drawer System
Consider investing in a shallow drawer system if you’re looking for a space-saving storage solution. This type of organizer is ideal for smaller kitchens and tight spaces because it allows you to store your spices out of sight while still being able to access them easily.
This should have separate compartments for all your spice jars, baking spices, and other essentials. Place the spice jars in one area, baking ingredients such as sugar, flour, and cornstarch in another, and keep jars of herbs grouped for easy access when needed.
Not only does this help organize the spice cabinet better, but it also makes it easier to keep things tidy. Investing in storage solutions like these can save time so that you can enjoy more time cooking more.
🍾Use Matching Jars
Using matching jars to store your spices is a great way to group spices together and maximize space. Clear glass or plastic containers with uniform labels can give your spice cabinet a neat, cohesive look while still allowing you to see the contents of each container clearly.
Grouping pantry items and spices like garlic powder into similar spice containers is an easy way to jumpstart tidying up pantries and spice cabinets. It is also beneficial to group spices into herbs, seasonings, and baking powder. This makes cooking projects more efficient as pantry items are well organized and easily accessible.
🍾Make Use of a Spice Riser
Spice risers allow you to store large collections of spices in a small drawer; you can elevate it to ensure that all of your spices are visible and easily accessible. A single spice riser can store up to 24 full-size jars.
You can even label the risers to keep track of which spice is in each column and what order they’re in. Whether you have a large or small spice collection, organizing it with a spice riser will take the hassle out of finding your favorite herbs and spices.
🍾Hanging Spice Rack
A hanging spice rack is a great way to store spices efficiently and attractively. Many of these racks are designed with easy access in mind, so all you need to do is hang it up on the wall and fill each shelf with seasonings.
This storage solution can hold herbs, spices, cooking oils, vinegar, and other ingredients. Plus, with a wide range of sizes and styles available, you can find one that fits perfectly in your kitchen space. Investing in this type of kitchen storage allows you to neatly store all of your spices right inside the cabinet door. With these smart tips, organizing your spice cabinet gets a lot easier.
🍾Use a Small Container
Store your spices in small glass jars of the same size! This will help them stay fresher and ensure you’re never stuck looking for a space in a drawer that’s already full. Besides glass jars, you’ll also want to store your oregano, cinnamon, basil, and other pantry items in containers that are sized for the cabinets.
You can also place them on the kitchen counter or shelves closer to where you’ll be using them. That way, you won’t have to worry about how little space you have. Also, the container can fit easily on a shelf or within the confines of your crowded kitchen cabinet. With this method of organization, you’ll always know where everything is located.
🍾Spice Liners
A dark, cool place is best for storing spices; direct sunlight will cause them to fade, so keeping them out of windows or away from other sources of light is essential. One way to ensure this is to use a shelf liner. Consider lining the shelves with a dark-colored cloth material that will block any light from reaching your spice cabinet.
It will protect and preserve the freshness of your herbs and spices, but it also has an aesthetic quality that might be aesthetically pleasing when you open the cabinet doors. Use markers like labels or small chalkboard tags to label each herb or spice, so everyone in your home knows what’s inside.
🍾Repurpose Food Containers
Creating an organized spice cabinet isn’t difficult if you break it down into a few simple steps. To begin, scoop some of your spices out of their clunky containers and repurpose mason jars or empty food containers as substitutes.
Having uniform-looking containers will help make your cabinet look neat, put-together, and more space efficient. Place a label on each container containing the name of the spice so that when you are cooking, you’ll know which one is which without having to play guesswork. This method takes no time and adds invaluable organization to your spice cabinet.
🍾Organize with Lazy Susan
Using a lazy Susan provides a rotating platform that helps to maximize space and makes it easy to access all of your herbs and spices without moving each jar around. In order to make sure you have enough room on the Lazy Susan, consider using stackable spice jars with airtight lids so that the flavors won’t mix together. You can customize both the size and the number of rows on the Lazy Susan so that you can perfectly organize all of your spices into one convenient location.
🍾Make Use of the Corner Cabinet
If you are looking for an effective way to organize a spice cabinet, consider using the corner cabinet. Even if it is cramped and seemingly difficult to access, it provides an ideal space for storing all your spices in one convenient place. Utilize tiered organizers or even mason jars to ensure that each spice remains visible and easily accessible while saving space in the process.
If you need to build out the area more effectively, consider investing in adjustable shelving to accommodate large and small bottles. The corner cabinet is perfect for keeping items organized, so you can always find what you’re looking for fast.
🍾Tiered Rack for Visibility
The tiered rack is one of the best ways to organize a spice cabinet. It makes it easy to see, store and access even your smallest items. The tiered rack’s stackable design allows you to fit more spices in your cabinet. Plus, each tier has its compartments so that you can easily separate and organize everything according to how you want it.
You can also add labels or chalkboard tags to each tier so that you know exactly which herb or spice is what. With a tiered rack, there’s no need to rummage through your cabinet and waste time searching for the things you need; everything will be visible and accessible immediately.
🍾Old Crate or Shoebox
You can turn your old crate or shoebox into a spice cabinet. Start by organizing your spices, and empty out the contents of the crate or box. If it has an existing divider, take time to ensure the depth and angle of the divider allows for enough usable space within the sections.
Then sort all your spices into like categories: baking items separately from herbs and seasonings, and create separate sections for similar types of items such as dried chilis or cumin family items. Label each section so it’s easy to know what is stored there, and organize your ingredients in alphabetical order within each section. This simple method will help you quickly locate the spice needed while giving it a visually pleasing look on any kitchen countertop.
🍾Under Kitchen Cabinets
Take advantage of space under kitchen cabinets and organize them alphabetically or by use. This has several benefits, including ease of access and being able to rotate through containers with which you may be low on. Though storing your spices under cabinets takes up some acreage, you can always install a pull-out shelf or glide-out drawer if your cabinets are tall enough.
These additions will give you easy visual access to the spices and make it easier to find what you’re looking for quickly. You may label each spice jar and store them by color, size, or type — whatever works best for you.
🍾Metal Tins
Invest in metal tins that can easily fit on the shelves; these durable, opaque containers are ideal for securely storing spices, and many come with tightly fitting lids to keep out moisture and keep the contents fresh. Metal tins also come in different sizes and shapes, so you can tailor your storage needs accordingly.
Put labels on each container with the spice’s name, or consider purchasing pre-labeled tins for added convenience. Doing so will help create an orderly system that is easy to maintain over time.
🍾Wire Baskets
Wire baskets are another great way to store and organize your spices. You can hang them from a cupboard ceiling or wall or place them on a shelf. The open wire construction of these storage solutions allows you to easily find what you’re looking for without having to rummage through everything; plus, they give the cabinet a contemporary look.
If needed, you can also hang labels from the sides of the baskets so that you know which spice is stored in each one. This is an ideal solution for those with limited cabinet space who still want to keep their spices organized.
🍾Baby Food Jars
Baby food jars are actually a great option to organize a spice cabinet. They provide plenty of space for storing most of your spices and come in various sizes to fit the various spice bottles. The clear plastic lids ensure that the contents can easily be identified, making it easier to find exactly what you are looking for when needed.
In addition, the wide-mouth jar rims make it easy to pour out your desired seasoning without spills. With these types of containers in your kitchen, sorting and organizing spices will become second nature.
🍾Rolling Rack
A rolling rack is ideal for cooks who want the convenience of having their spices organized in one easily accessible place. The rack allows you to store multiple types of containers, such as tins and bottles, in one area and has adjustable shelves that can be moved to customize your spice organization based on the quantity, type, or size of the container.
Additionally, it is easy to maneuver around your kitchen cabinet with four casters, making navigation easier. With its space-saving design and efficient organizing capabilities, investing in a rolling rack may be the best way to upgrade your spice cabinet.
🍾Be Creative with Test Tubes
Test tubes are a unique option for storing spices and can give your kitchen cabinet an interesting touch. Fill them with whatever type of spice you like and label the test tube, so you know which one holds what seasoning.
You can also use colorful twine or string to hang the test tubes from a rack that hangs from the ceiling or wall of your kitchen cabinet; this will make the spices easier to find and adds visual interest to the space.
🍾Utilize Bins and Boxes
Having a disorganized spice cabinet can be daunting: it’s hard to find the exact ingredients you need when you’re in the middle of dinner prep. The recipe suddenly calls for sage, but you can’t discover it anywhere! To solve this problem, use bins and boxes for the group and organize your spices.
Put all of your herbs together, for example, and separate them clearly from your chili powders or cayenne pepper. Don’t forget labels: they are vastly helpful as a way of further clarifying what is inside each box or bin. Not only will this result in less stress while cooking, but it also encourages using fewer ingredients multiple times and saving money in the long run.
🍾Opt for Turntables
Investing in turntables is an excellent solution for those seeking to organize their spice cabinet. They make the most of the space within but bring all of the spices up to eye level.
Plus, with a clear plastic tray, you can quickly and easily spot which spices are running low. So you know exactly what you need to pick up at the grocery store. Turntables also save time when it comes to finding the desired spice—no more sifting through shelves or shuffling bottles around. All-in-all, turntables are an effective and efficient way to keep your spice cabinet neat and tidy.
Frequently Asked Questions
How do you ensure manageable and efficient organization with small spices?
Organizing small spices can seem daunting, but you can take steps to make it easier. One option is to use clear jars that stack neatly in the drawer. This way, you can easily see which spice is which without having to remove each jar from the drawer.
Consider labeling each jar as well; this will make it even easier to identify each one at first glance. Another option is using an expanding shelf or rack inside the drawer—the compartments will help keep your jars upright and organized, so they don’t move around as much when you open and close the drawer.
How to organize so many spices?
The key here is categorization. It may help to separate your spices into different groups based on their flavor profiles or types (e.g., savory vs. sweet). This way, if you need something specific for a certain dish, it will be much easier to find what you need quickly and conveniently without having to sift through every single jar in your collection.
How to organize a spice drawer?
First, take everything out of the drawer and clean it thoroughly before restocking your spices. Cleaning will give you a chance to assess exactly how much space you have available for storing all of your jars in an orderly fashion—this could mean rearranging shelves or buying additional racks or containers if necessary.
Once everything is cleaned up, group like items together by their categories (e.g., herbs with herbs), then store them neatly in the designated spaces in your drawers or shelves according to type or size, so they are easy to access when needed.
What is the easiest way to store spices?
The easiest way to store spices is in airtight containers or glass jars away from direct sunlight and humidity. This will help keep your spices fresher for longer periods and maximize their shelf life. Be sure that your containers have tight-fitting lids so that air does not get in, which can cause moisture, mold, and bacteria growth.
Is it better to store spices in glass or plastic?
It is generally considered best to store spices in glass jars since plastic containers can more easily absorb the flavors and smell of food over long periods of time if they aren’t sealed properly. In addition, some studies have found that chemicals used in certain plastics could leach into food when stored for long periods. Glass is also a better option because it doesn’t absorb smells or flavors like plastic does, and it’s easy to clean if needed.
Final Thoughts
With the list of the best way to organize a spice cabinet, you’ve got everything you need to get started. So, get out there, start organizing and make the most of your spice cabinet space. With a little bit of effort, you can create an efficient and manageable system that will keep your spices neatly organized and easily accessible when it’s time to cook. Good luck!