If you enjoy your cooking, then you know how convenient it feels when you can locate specific spice jars just when you need them without having to turn your kitchen inside out.
Spice racks are designed to help you do exactly that - keep your favorite bottles of seasoning, spices, and herbs within easy reach. They also enhance the style and organization of your kitchen.
In this guide, we show you how to choose spice jars & spice racks as well as the most important factors to consider when shopping for the best spice rack for your kitchen.
Why Do You Need Spice Jars and Spice Racks?
As everyone who loves to cook knows, you need a collection of spices, herbs, and seasoning to add that special flavor to any meal that you cook.
However, when you keep all your seasoning bottles tucked inside your kitchen cupboard, you are most likely to forget what you already have available and end up throwing away good spices after they've long expired. A spice rack provides well-organized kitchen storage and overall better cooking experience.
If you have a small kitchen, you could attach racks to your cupboard doors and save space while keeping your favorite seasonings close at hand. You can even get a rotating spice rack designed to suit your kitchen size rather than clutter your small kitchen cupboard with bottles of herbs and spices.
So, how do you choose the best spice jars and spice racks? Here are a few important questions you may need to ask yourself when shopping.
What Type of Spice Rack Best Suits My Needs?
There are several types of spice racks designed to suit different kitchen needs. To find one that best suits your needs, check how it fits your kitchen's size and style.
To help you make an informed decision, here are some of the most common types of spice racks available on the market today:
This type of spice rack comes in an adjustable size both vertically and horizontally. It can easily fit into different sizes of cabinets and is designed to accommodate most spices available in stores today.
You won't need to transfer spices you've bought at the store into other containers so they can fit in your in-cabinet spice rack.
These ones fit perfectly in a drawer and can hold spice bottles in a horizontal way. They are mainly used to hold store-size spice bottles so you don't have to transfer spices you've bought at the store into different containers for storage.
- Magnetic or Wall Mounted Spice Racks
These are both decorative and functional spice racks because they are visible at all times. In most cases, wall mounted spice racks are available in a standard size or specific types of jars. This means that you’ll have to transfer spices to new containers to store them in the rack.
- Free Standing Spice Racks
Free standing spice racks have the same design or style as your typical bookshelf or wine rack. They have horizontal or vertical shelves into which you easily slide your spice jars for storage.
They may work with normal sizes and types of jars but in some cases, they come with their own containers.
These are similar to freestanding spice racks but small enough to be placed on a kitchen countertop. They are ideal for kitchens with limited space for extra storage furniture.
Your choice of the best spice rack will, therefore, depend on your preferred style, whether you want to keep changing your new spices into different bottles every time you stock your kitchen and the amount of space available in your kitchen.
How Much Space Do You Have for a Spice Rack in Your Kitchen?
Space is another important factor to consider when choosing a spice rack that will suit your kitchen. As discussed above, there are different types of spice racks to suit different kitchen sizes.
There are also newer spice racks with extendable space for both small and large kitchens. If you have enough corner space, a freestanding spice rack will serve you better while enhancing the look and style of your kitchen.
Remember to check the exact dimensions of the rack before you make a purchase to ensure that you have enough room for it in your kitchen and it will not get in the way while you're busy cooking.
How Many Spice Jars and Bottles Do You Have?
The size and capacity of the spice rack that you choose will also depend on the number of spice jars and bottles that you have in your kitchen. In other words, if you have a lot of spice jars and bottles, then definitely go for a rack with enough capacity to hold your large stock of herbs, spices, and seasoning.
However, even if you have a lot of spice jars, it does not necessarily mean you need to have a huge rack and display all of them. Think how many of these spices you use on a daily basis - these are the ones that should always be at hand. A jar with asafoetida or fenugreek can be neatly stored in your cabinet or drawer.
Is the Spice Rack Stable and Durable?
You definitely want a spice rack designed with stability and durability in mind. It should always stay in good condition and last for a long time. It should also be stable enough to ensure that your precious spice jars don’t fall out. If you are looking for a countertop rack, make sure that it comes with non-slip feet for better stability.
Most spice racks today are made from durable wood and steel materials. Plastic racks are also quite popular but they don’t measure up to the strength and durability of steel racks.
On the other hand, plastic doesn’t rust or corrode as steel does after years of use. Stainless steel is definitely the best option when it comes to strength and durability.
Is the Spice Rack Easy to Use?
Whatever style or design of spice rack you choose, make sure it makes your life easier rather than complicate matters in the kitchen.
A good rack ensures that your spice jars are accessible and clearly displayed for easy identification. Keep in mind that the main goal of getting a spice rack is to help you locate your spices quickly and easily.
Does the Rack Match My Kitchen Style?
Style may not be a critically important factor but it’s worth considering in your choice of the best spice rack for your kitchen.
If you want to complements the style of your kitchen, you'll basically have to differentiate between traditional and modern-looking racks. Elaborate wooden racks will typically make a good choice for a traditional, rustic or farmhouse kitchen look, while plastic and sleek metal are bettwer suited for contemporary kitchens.
Is it better to store spices in plastic or glass?
Spices, especially the high-quality ones, are best stored in glass. Plastic can allow air to get into the jar through tiny pores, which might damage spices. Glass significantly extends the shelf life.
Spice racks help you display your herbs, spices, and seasoning bottles in a more organized and practical way. They also help to make your cooking less tedious and enjoyable. The factors discussed above will show you how to choose spice jars & spice racks best suited for your kitchen.
Tara is a San Antonio-based award-winning landscape architect, writer and educator, passionate about eco-friendly solutions and growing her own food. She knows all it takes to help you create a sustainable backyard retreat that combines blissful charm with a modern take on landscaping.
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