Kitchen storage space is always in demand. Whether you’re replacing your cabinets, doing a complete remodel, or just looking to free up some space, there are plenty of add-on parts and accessories that will maximize kitchen storage and provide better accessibility.

Upper Kitchen Wall Cabinet Organizers

1. Pull-down organizers make it easier for anyone to safely reach items stored at the top and rear sections of upper cabinets — no more dragging over a chair or stool or having to kneel on the counter. These organizers will also help you keep track of inventory, so you won’t be buying “lost” items twice. Here are different types of pull-down organizers to choose from:

• • A two-tier chrome wire basket system that uses a gas-assisted mechanism for lifting and lowering. You pull the shelving out toward you, then down. To return it, pull it down a bit, then push it back up. The shelving for 24-inch cabinets brings items down 10 inches and 14-3/4 inches out from the cabinet, while the shelving for 36-inch cabinets brings items down 11-1/2 inches and 16-3/4 inches out.
  • A three-tier pull-down steel wire spice rack with shelves 2-3/4 inches deep pulls out and unfolds downward in front of the cabinet shelf. It’s good for storing not only spices, but oil and vinegar bottles, herbs, essential oils, medicines, and vitamins. The stadium style allows you to see all items even when the rack is returned to its original position in the cabinet. 
  • A lift-up and down storage system with options for one or two shelves, depending on the cabinet width. The frame is metal, and the shelves are made of melamine. The entire storage unit lowers down in front of the cabinet by gently pulling the handle, and the shelf rail folds away for better access. It requires only 10-5/8 inches of internal cabinet depth and will hold up to 18 pounds.
  • A soft-down cabinet system consisting of two shelves made of steel, aluminum and ABS plastic. It’s very sturdy, can hold up to 36 pounds, and is ideal for storing cereals, dry food, and items in plastic containers. There are three adjustment settings for the pull-down force, depending on the weight of the storage load. It’s very easy to operate — slowly pull straight down with the handle or push straight up.

2. Pull-out organizers for upper kitchen cabinets don’t drop down to help you access those higher items, but they do allow you to organize your shelves efficiently and see what you have stored at a glance. Some pull-out types include:

• • A tandem swivel pull-out storage system. This pull-out consists of two chrome baskets mounted on the inside of a cabinet door attached to two chrome baskets in the cabinet. When the door is opened, a mechanism pulls out the cabinet baskets for easy access. It’s also available in a three-basket system.
  • A wood pull-out system with a maple finish. This pull-out is 26-1/4 inches tall, 10-3/4 inches deep, and available in 5- and 8-inch widths. It has five adjustable shelves with chrome rails, and can hold up to 100 pounds, providing storage for many types of items. You can get this pull-out with an optional soft close mechanism.

3. Lazy Susans are not just for table tops and corner base cabinets. They can also be installed in upper cabinets (including corner ones), and some models are available with low wire rails to prevent items from falling off as the shelves rotate. Lazy Susans are constructed from various materials, such as wood and polymer, and come in different sizes and shapes, with a choice of one to three trays. Other features can include adjustable trays and anti-slip surfaces to keep items in place. They’re easy to use and can help you find anything in your cabinet with just a turn of the tray.

Base Kitchen Cabinet Organizers

Base kitchen cabinet organizers also provide easier access to storage items for any age group and can save you from getting down on your hands and knees to reach into the back corners of lower cabinets. There are a number of pull-out organizers that can be installed inside your base cabinetry.

1. Pull-out metal wire baskets for cookware give you quick access to pots, pans, and lids. Some are designed with two tiers — the top one for lids, and the bottom one with adjustable dividers for different cookware sizes. The slides can operate independently with certain models for even easier access. Not all cookware pull-out organizers have full-extension slides.

The size of your cabinet will determine which cookware pull-outs you can install, as not all are available in all standard base cabinet widths. You’ll also need enough room for the pull-out to slide in and out. Some require a full height base cabinet, while others are more suitable for a cabinet with a drawer above. A few other features to look for when choosing a cookware pull-out include:

• • Weight capacity. Some can hold up to 100 pounds, while others are suitable for lighter loads.
  • Holding capacity. Not all will take larger pots and pans or fit certain pan handles.
  • Soft closing slides.
  • Cabinet door mount kit.
  • Adjustable shelves.
  • Dividers. Sometimes an open basket is preferable.
  • Adjustable dividers.
  • Integrated pull handle.

2. Trash bin pull-out system. One of the best ways to save space in the kitchen and handle trash and recycling with ease is to move the trash and recycling bins out of sight with a cabinet pull-out system. Trash bin pull-outs can fit either one or two waste bins and are manufactured to work with standard cabinet widths. For example, the double-trash bin pull-out just needs 18 or 21 inches of cabinet space. The trash cans are large enough that you can use one for trash and the other for recycling.

There’s a wide variety of trash bin pull-outs. Some use a frame that sits on a slide, and the frame glides in and out of the cabinet. The frame is mounted to the bottom of the cabinet with a few screws, and you have to open the cabinet door, then pull out the bins. Others are secured to the cabinet door with a door mount kit so you can use your existing door pull or knob to pull the bins out.

3. Blind corner pull-out shelves are designed for those corner base cabinets that you have to crawl into to retrieve things at the back. Usually these cabinets are reserved for items you don’t use on a regular basis, such as serving trays, mixers, bakeware, etc. However, with the right pull-out shelves, you can store appliances, dishes, or dry goods you use more regularly.

Before installing an organizer in your blind corner, first determine whether you have a blind right or a blind left cabinet. You have a blind left cabinet if you pull the organizer out and swing it toward your right, and you have a blind right cabinet if you pull the organizer out and swing it toward your left.

Some organizers are universal, and can be installed in both blind right or left cabinets. Some, however, are meant for right or left, so check to make sure you’re getting one that will function for your cabinet. You’ll also want to take into account nearby appliances that may interfere with the organizer so you can’t open it all the way.

Other features to consider with blind corner base cabinet organizers:

• • Number, shape, and size of baskets or trays (e.g. bean, square, rectangular, half-moon).
  • The finish: chrome/wood, wood, plastic, metal wire.
  • Availability for your cabinet size, plus minimum opening width of your cabinet.
  • Weight capacity for each basket or tray.
  • Adjustable or removable baskets
  • Soft closing
  • Adjustable tray heights

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