Spices are the secret ingredients that can elevate any dish, but hunting through a cluttered cabinet can quickly kill your culinary vibe. Do you know what's easier? Storing those tiny spice bottles in a drawer.
Not only is organizing spices in a drawer or cluttered spice cabinet an absolute breeze (some of us have been doing it for decades) but there are many other benefits too. We'd even go as far as to say that you'll use them more often and be less likely to lose track of what you have. Whether you go the glass spice drawer route, need to organize spices in bulk or just want to take inventory of your current spices so they're visible, these tips will help.
Benefits of Storing Spices in a Drawer vs. a Kitchen Cabinet
Even if you are short on kitchen drawer space in the kitchen, there are several benefits:
- Maximizes space
- Easy access to all spices without rummaging
- Drawers are close to your cooktop
- Better visibility, making it easier to find what you need
- Labels will stay upright
- Prevents spices from clumping or losing potency due to light exposure
8 Tips to Organizing a Dreaded Spice Cabinet
You won't regret setting up a spice drawer, especially if you've been dealing with countertop spice racks and limited counter space. Even if you have half-used bottles, different-sized spice containers, or way too many spices, auditing your inventory makes organization easier. (P.S. We have shallow drawers, and it works great.)
- Collect your spices. Gather all of your spices in one location in the kitchen.
- Declutter what you have. Assess your spice collection. Duplicate containers of your favorite spice? Merge them. Lots of spices you never, ever use? See if a friend would like it. And there's something to be said about paying attention to expiration dates, but spices don't go bad in the same way other kitchen ingredients spoil. They just get less potent (and less aromatic). Use your own judgment if you need to throw something away.
- Use the same container type (optional). Some designers love to coordinate containers for spices, so go ahead and do it if it floats your boat. Getting the same store-bought spice jars does help the drawer look and stay neat, but it's not totally necessary. If you're weighing the options, know that square spice bottles won't roll around in a drawer and often come in sets of a few dozen. Then, when it's time to refill, you can get bulk spices and save money.
- Prepare the space. Empty and clean out a drawer located close to where you cook. A drawer liner helps to keep the space clean.
- Invest in spice organizers. Measure the drawer size and get some containers, spice racks or risers for drawers (especially if it's a deep drawer). Spice drawer organizers or tiered racks are a simple solution and come in various shapes and sizes. Choose one with adjustable rows to fit the drawer.
- Label everything (if needed). Proper labeling is clutch, especially for specialty spices. Use clear, waterproof spice labels or invest in a label maker for a professional touch.
- Choose your organization method. This is where the time savings comes in. Pick the method that works best for your cooking sessions.
- Alphabetically
- By category e.g., baking spices, herbs, blends
- By frequency of use. Regularly used kitchen spices can go in the front.
- Finish it up. Put all the spice jars in place and you are all set.
Periodically review and rearrange anything to make sure you have an organized spice drawer. Plus, take some time every month to wipe down any spills in the drawer. With the spices at your fingertips in your work zone, you can more easily prevent clutter from creeping back in, and stay aware of what needs replenishing. By decluttering, investing in the right organizers, and implementing a good organization system, you can transform your spice drawer.
