Ceramic Utensil Holders

Buying Guide

Oh the challenges of organizing a kitchen. Despite running the math for hours while designing cabinets and believing that you have accounted for every whisk, tong, and knife that you own, chances are that you are still dealing with clutter. The fact is that kitchens tend to be one of the most overstuffed rooms in the house. And clutter is almost impossible to get rid of. Well, almost.

Rather than expensive remodels, it’s out-of-the-box thinking and smart organizing strategies that will keep them from looking like a disaster zone. That's when ceramic utensil holders come into play. Confused about which one to pick? Here’s a shopping primer for first-time buyers.

What are the advantages of ceramic utensil holders?

Ceramic utensil holders are a cost-effective, aesthetic way to keep your utensils organized and at close hand. Also called ‘Crocks’, these stoneware utensil holders are multifunctional. They look stunning and can be placed anywhere in the kitchen, right from counter shelves to the countertop itself.

What can be stored in ceramic utensil holders?

Make a list of the things that lie cluttered and unorganized in your kitchen. Of these, utensils like spoons, forks, spatulas, tongs, turners, brushes, knives and whisks can easily be stored in the utensil holder.

Some large utensil holders have a removable partition that allows you to separate your utensils. The wooden utensils can be separated from the metal ones. Cookware can be separated from bakeware and so on.

The number of things that you store will also determine the dimensions of the holder. If the list is too large to fit into one utensil holder, then you can buy a set of three or four holders of varying sizes.

Where to place utensil holders?

Are you using the holder to store frequently used utensils? Then the countertop is the best place to have the holder. You can easily access everything. On the other hand, if it’s used to store bakeware or your barbecue tongs that are not used as frequently, then it can even be stored in a cabinet.

What are the available designs of ceramic utensil holders?

Ceramic holders are made of stoneware and can have a high glazed finish or a matte one.
Handmade designs can be ornate with paintings and carvings. Mass produced ones, on the other hand, are available in an endless array of colors, sizes, and shapes.
Some have pottery-styled handles, while others can have externally attached lugs.
The flatware caddy style is quite popular.
White is the most popular color. But you can find one that matches your countertop or creates a contrast with it.
Vintage ceramic holders have a rustic charm that makes them pop out from the rest.
These are often handcrafted by skilled artisans and have tiny imperfections that give them a distinct character.
A vintage ceramic holder will blend well in a kitchen with a classic décor theme.
If you have an industrial kitchen or a contemporary one, then consider one with modern features integrated into it. Like an iPad or a tablet holder.
Holders with non-skid feet will stay put even if you accidentally elbow it while reaching out to grab a spoon.

How to select good quality ceramic utensil holders?

Check the quality of the handles. Are they sturdy? Some manufacturers offer handles with a non-stick coating. This will prevent slippage and an imminent crash even if you lift it up with wet hands. Does it come with a warranty? Speak to the manufacturer about it.

A good quality ceramic utensil will hold up well to everyday use. Having said that, anything that houses metallic utensils is bound to get a few nicks and dings every now and then. But if the paint chips or peels at the slightest touch, then it's most likely a cheaply made product. Similarly, the color or the print should not fade when exposed to heat.