The best spice racks on our list will save you “thyme” and help organize your kitchen. When you finally arrange your seasonings you’ll banish the chaos in your kitchen. A spice rack is great for keeping your seasonings accessible and easy to use while preparing your favorite meals.
Spice Rack
Whether you’re making your shopping list or cooking, an organized spice rack will simplify your life. It’s so convenient to have all of your seasonings available at your fingertips. Owning a spice grinder is also a handy kitchen tool that compliments a spice rack. It’s especially useful if you’re really into buying whole spices so your meals taste super fresh.
When you buy new recipe books, a well-stocked spice rack will eliminate those last-minute trips to the store. If you need some ideas for stocking your spice rack, check out our cumin, coriander and dry mustard substitute articles to give you some help.
Contents
Size & Design
Spice racks come in a wide variety of sizes and designs, from swiveling carousels to wall-mounted shelves, and even models designed to arrange spices in a cabinet or drawer. There are a lot of options and it can be challenging to select the best one for your needs.
If your kitchen is short on counter space, consider a mounted rack or spice wall rack to store your collection. Spice rack towers are also a compact way to keep a variety of seasonings close-at-hand and don’t require any installation. Tiny kitchens are ideal for space-saving spice racks that can fit under a cabinet or attach to your refrigerator using magnets.
Save Time & Money
Regardless of the size of your home or budget, there is a spice rack perfect for your kitchen. Once you get your spices arranged, it will be easy to stay organized.
A spice rack is also helpful for meal planning and tracking your inventory of seasonings. It saves you time by keeping your spices within easy reach while you are cooking. If you often buy spices you already have but can’t find, then getting a spice rack will eliminate this problem.
No matter the size of your kitchen or your spice collection, we will help you find the best spice rack for your home. With your seasonings neatly organized in a spice rack, you’ll never have to worry about buying a duplicate jar of any spice again!
Spice Organizer Comparison Table
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Top 10 Spice Rack Reviews
You have a lot of options when choosing a spice rack. Some are free-standing while others can be mounted on a wall or pantry door. You may prefer one that comes with jars you can label yourself, or one designed to hold spices you bought at the supermarket.
If you are not certain which style of spice rack is ideal for your kitchen, then skip ahead and review our Buyer’s Guide.
Whether you are a cooking novice looking to expand your spice repertoire, or an experienced chef tired of shuffling through a cabinet full of store-bought seasonings, there is a spice rack on our list that will get you organized.
Below are 10 great spice storage ideas for your kitchen. We have chosen the spice racks and organizers as the best on the market based on their construction quality, durability, appearance, value and overall utility. We focused on choosing the best model in each style of spice rack, so there is an option well-suited to every kitchen.
1. Kamenstein Ellington Revolving Tower
If you are looking to organize a large collection of seasonings then consider the AllSpice wooden spice rack. Crafted from the highest-quality wood products and stained in the color of your choice, this free-standing spice wall will last a lifetime and might just become a family heirloom.
This wall’s appearance is modern yet reminiscent of the Arts and Crafts Movement of the 1920s. The frame and back of this rack are crafted from furniture-quality hardwood.
The front plate is a sturdy manufactured board that allows a precise fit for your spice jars. Your spices will stay fresh for years on this wall because the jars are completely protected from any exposure to light.
The set includes 15 large-hole shakers, 15 small-hole shakers and 15 spoon scrapers. It also comes with 315 pre-printed black labels with an easy-to-read white font.
There are also duplicates so you can label the lids and the jars themselves. The company offers custom labels for less-common spices. Replacement jars, lids and shaker-tops are available from their website.
Key Details
This spice rack comes with 60 airtight glass spice jars with plastic lids. Each jar has a capacity of 4 ounces and measure 2 x 4.25 inches tall. They are the perfect size to transfer store-bought seasonings into and are ideal for both whole and ground spices.
The AllSpice is 25.25 x 4.75 x 16.5 inches and can be oriented horizontally or vertically. This spice wall is free-standing and comes with felt feet to protect your countertops.
It can also be mounted on a wall (hardware not included). It weighs 30 pounds so the company recommends professional installation if you decide to mount it on the wall.
This is the ultimate spice wall. It is as beautiful as it is functional. The incredible high-quality of this set makes it an easy choice for our Best Overall spice rack.
There isn’t a better option for organizing 60 large jars of seasonings. If this spice rack is beyond your budget or too large for your kitchen, consider their 12 or 30-jar walls as an alternative.
Pros
- Constructed from furniture-quality hardwood and manufactured wood products.
- Completely encloses the spices, protecting them from the light and heat.
- Includes 60 large airtight spice jars with a variety of shaker and spoon tops.
- Lifetime warranty against defects.
Cons
- The premium price tag may be out of the budget for some families.
- Large size and footprint make it a difficult fit in many small kitchens.
- Wall-mounting hardware is not included.
2. SpaceAid 28 Spice Rack Organizer
If you are looking for a budget-friendly solution for organizing your seasonings, these YouCopia drawer liners may be the right fit for you. They are the simplest and most customizable way to organize your existing spice collection in your kitchen drawers. The only tool you will need to install these liners is a pair of scissors.
These neutral grey liners are molded from NBR foam and are similar in feel to a yoga mat. The liner acts as a flexible and water-resistant cushion to cradle your spice jars on their sides. The indented rows prevent the jars from rolling around when the drawer is opened and keeps their labels facing up for easy reading.
Key Details
Each liner has 6 indented rows and can accommodate up to 4 standard-sized spice jars per row. You can arrange as many as 24 of these jars per liner. The entire kit includes 6 drawer liners, allowing you to organize up to 144 standard jars of seasonings in your kitchen drawers.
The liners measure 15 x 18 inches and can accommodate round and square spice jars under 2.75 inches in diameter. Each row is 2.5 inches wide. To install, measure the interior dimensions of your drawer and cut the liner to size. Place it in the empty drawer and top it with your spice jars.
This is an inexpensive and easy solution for organizing a large collection of spice jars and is especially useful for storing those little half-jars of seasonings. While they tend to get buried in a spice cabinet and usually don’t fit on a tower or mounted rack, they are perfect for drawer storage. You could organize up to 8 of these small jars per row or 48 of them on a single liner.
These drawer liners are an excellent way to store spices you don’t use frequently. The jars are kept out of the light and away from heat and moisture. However, these liners can’t accommodate spice containers that are oversized or oddly shaped.
They are also not especially attractive, but since they will be sitting in your spice drawer this isn’t a big drawback. As the best budget way to organize your spice collection, these liners are a good option. They offer more spice-organizing bang for your buck than any of the other organizers on the market.
Pros
- Package of liners can organize up to 144 standard spice jars.
- Liners are easily cut to size using a pair of scissors.
- Simple, inexpensive organizing solution.
Cons
- Limited to organizing spice jars under 2.75 inches in diameter.
- Rectangular or odd-shaped spice tins won’t fit into rows.
- Appearance is plain and functional.
3. Best Riser Pick- DecoBros Expandable Spice Rack Step Shelf Organizer
If you want a flexible and attractive way to organize your spices on a countertop or in a cabinet then check out the DecoBros expandable risers. These sturdy risers allow you to store your spice jars on 3 tiers so your seasonings are easily visible.
Their modern and elegant appearance is surprisingly attractive given their modest price point and basic construction. The risers have a chrome frame and three white plastic shelves. The rear chrome feet come with plastic covers to protect your cabinet or countertop.
The two-pack of risers include a large shelf and a slightly shorter medium shelf. The medium shelf slides under the larger one, allowing these risers to stretch from 12.5 to 25 inches across a cabinet or countertop. You can use the risers separately, or even use multiple sets to organize a wider area.
Each riser measures 12.5 x 9.75 x 4.5 inches and the shelves are 3 inches deep. The plastic shelves are thick and won’t easily break. The set of risers weighs a modest 2.8 pounds.
Key Details
Each shelf can accommodate about 5 to 6 standard spice jars and can organize about 30-36 jars total. You can easily store oversized spice jars, tins and even mason jars on these risers.
These shelves are a great value and are suitable for kitchens of any size or decor. You can use them in cabinets, pantries or on your countertop. You have a lot of flexibility with the expandable DecoBros spice risers.
The main downside to these risers is that the shelves are smooth and there is no lip to prevent jars from sliding off the edge. It would be nice if the shelves were non-slip to prevent jars from falling off them. Also, while the risers are quite attractive it would have been nice to have other color options.
Still, these are minor criticisms and don’t detract from the overall attractiveness and functionality of this set. If you want an inexpensive and simple solution to organizing a spice cabinet then this is a good choice.
Pros
- Flexible risers can accommodate cabinets from 1-2 feet wide.
- Holds standard and oversized spice/mason jars.
- Risers are versatile and multiple sets can be used together.
Cons
- Shelves lack non-slip coating.
- Only one color option.
4. Best Free Standing Pick-DecoBros Spice Rack Stand
If you want an open-design, compact spice wall for your kitchen, then consider the classy and modern DecoBros spice rack. This chrome-plated steel rack comes with 18 spice bottles on three tiers and will look great sitting on your countertop.
The open frame makes it easy to see the spices in your bottles when they are on the rack. It is a single piece, welded together, and comes with plastic feet to protect your countertops.
The slots cradle your bottles on their sides securely with the lids facing outwards. With just a glance you can read the lids and find the spice you need.
The sturdy construction of this rack is impressive given that it is so lightweight. You might even choose to store this spice rack in a cabinet or pantry if your kitchen is short on counter space.
The thick glass bottles are high-quality and not easily broken. The bottles have plastic shaker disks and come with brushed aluminum lids. They measure 1 ¾ x 3 ¾ inches and hold 2 ounces of seasonings. The set comes with 48 different labels and covers most of the common herbs and spices.
Key Details
The DecoBros spice rack stand measures 13 x 4 ¼ x 8 ¼ inches and weighs 5.45 pounds when empty. It is a simple, durable spice rack that would fit beautifully with any kitchen decor.
The DecoBros rack does have a few downsides. It can only be oriented in one direction and is not designed to be mounted. The open design of the rack has advantages but also leaves your spices exposed to the light and heat in your kitchen.
While the set includes 48 labels, they are not especially attractive and there are no duplicates. You can label the lids or the bottles but can’t do both unless you purchase an additional set of labels.
The real disappointment with this set is that the bottles can’t achieve a fully-airtight seal. Your spices may lose their freshness faster than expected since they may be exposed to air and moisture. While the bottles themselves are high-quality, the lids leave something to be desired.
Still, this is an attractive and inexpensive option for a free-standing spice rack and it is ideal for keeping your frequently-used seasonings within easy reach.
Pros
- Attractive, open-design keeps spices within sight and easy reach.
- High-quality, thick glass bottles.
- Lightweight, sturdy rack is easy to move.
Cons
- Aluminum lids are not airtight.
- No duplicate labels.
- Rack positioning is limited to the horizontal orientation.
5. Best Revolving Pick-Belwares 12-Jar Revolving Spice Rack Organizer
If you are looking for a revolving spice carousel, then consider this 12-jar spice tower from Belwares. The open shelves are perfect for showcasing your spice collection and it’s compact size makes it a suitable fit in almost any kitchen.
The stand has a stainless steel rod attached to two black plastic shelves on a revolving base. Unlike many towers, the Belwares holds your jars upright on the slotted shelves instead of sideways. You can easily see the jar’s contents as they spin around, and they are securely held in place.
These unique spice jars are round and wider in the middle, almost egg-shaped, and feel really comfortable to hold. If you suffer from arthritis or have pain in your hands these may be easier to use than standard spice jars.
The most exciting feature of this tower is the lids on the spice jars. They are made in two pieces- a black plastic screw-on piece with an attached stainless steel slider plate.
The plastic lid secures it to the jar and contains two sizes of shaker holes and a pour spout. The slider rotates around and allows you access to the holes. It also seals the top closed when you are finished.
Key Details
This compact tower measures 6.3 x 6.2 x 11.8 inches and fits easily under most cabinets. It weighs 4.5 pounds when empty. The jars are 1.6 x 3.6 inches and hold about 2 ounces of seasonings.
You will love the versatility of having slider-lids on your frequently-used spices. Just slide the steel plate around and dispense your spices with a few shakes of your wrist. The spout allows you to easily pour or measure your seasonings as well. They also look fantastic and add a lot to the overall appearance of the tower.
While this set is our pick for Best Revolving spice rack, it does have a few disadvantages that may make it a less desirable option for some chefs.
The slider-lids are a very convenient feature but they also have a drawback- they are not airtight. The slider will prevent debris from contaminating your spices when closed but they can’t maintain an airtight seal. This may not be the best choice for storing spices that you only use occasionally.
This is a sturdy spice tower but the construction materials are not very durable. If you drop something on the plastic shelves they might break. This set does not include any labels for the jars, so you may need to purchase those separately.
This compact tower is still a great option for most kitchens and is ideal for storing and dispensing the seasonings you reach for every day.
Pros
- Slotted shelves securely store your jars upright and keep them easily accessible.
- Two-piece slider-lids are convenient and allow you to easily shake or pour your spices.
- Compact footprint makes this an ideal tower for a small kitchen.
Cons
- Mostly-plastic construction decreases the durability of this tower.
- Slider-lids are not airtight.
- Set does not come with labels.
6. Best Pre-Filled Set Pick-Kamenstein 30020 Revolving Countertop Tower Organizer
If you want a spice rack that you can start cooking with right out of the box, then the Kamenstein pre-filled revolving spice tower may be the choice for you. This lovely stainless steel tower comes complete with 20 pre-filled, labeled jars and even includes free spice refills for 5 years.
The modern stainless steel stand holds your spice jars in slots sideways with the lids facing out. The jars are easy to read as the rack rotates around. This tower has a narrow profile, making it a great choice to tuck next to the stove or underneath a cabinet.
The best thing about this pre-filled set is that you can refill all of your spices for free once a year for 5 years. All you have to pay for is shipping.
So you actually receive 120 jars of spices over 5 years for the cost of one spice rack plus shipping. This set is an incredible deal and makes a great gift for a housewarming, wedding or other special occasions.
Key Details
The stand is 11.3 x 14.2 inches and weighs about 8.6 pounds. It is sturdy and lightweight but won’t be knocked over easily. The jars come with plastic shaker disks and airtight black plastic lids that are labeled for you. The jars measure 1.5 x 3.5 inches and hold about 2 ounces of seasonings.
The downside to the Kamenstein tower is that spices that come with your original set are a random assortment. You may get lucky and get all the basic seasonings you want, but you could also end up with a more limited selection. You can choose different seasonings when you order your refills but you will need to replace the label and lid for that jar.
Also, there are no labels on the jars themselves. Once the lids are removed you might mix-up jars of similar-looking spices. You may want to consider getting an extra set of labels for the jars to prevent this problem.
This is an attractive and sturdy pre-filled tower. The free spice refills add convenience and value to this set. Replacement jars and lids are available online. This is a great option for a starter-spice rack and makes an ideal gift for a novice chef.
Pros
- Pre-filled spice tower comes with an assortment of 20 herbs and spices.
- Ideal for small kitchens.
- Free annual refills of your spices for 5 years (pay just shipping).
Cons
- Seasonings included with the initial set are random.
- Unlabeled spice jars.
- Most commercial seasonings will not fit on this tower.
7. SWOMMOLY 36 Jar Spices Rack Organizer
If you have a spice cabinet that is out-of-control, consider installing a Spicy Shelf to organize your seasonings. It is the most versatile free-standing cabinet organizer on the market.
The Spicy Shelf turns those awkward kitchen cabinets into a convenient and functional spice rack. The shelves allow you to organize your spices around the sides and back of your cabinet where you can easily see them.
You can customize the shelf height to accommodate jars of all sizes and shapes. The shelves can be stacked on top of each other or can be installed side-by-side. You can even use more than one kit to create the ultimate spice rack across a wider cabinet or pantry.
The kit includes two U-shaped plastic shelves and all of the parts you need to create the perfect spice rack inside your cabinet. You won’t need any tools to install these shelves because the pieces easily snap together.
Its flexible design fits in cabinets from 7.5 to 17 inches wide and at least 10 ⅜ inches deep.
Key Details
The Spicy Shelf allows you to manage up to 64 jars of spices and it is sturdy enough to hold 40 pounds of seasonings. The shelves have a non-slip coating and small lip to keep your spice jars firmly in place.
This set is the Best Cabinet organizer by far but it does have a few disadvantages you should be aware of.
The Spicy Shelf may appear a bit intimidating right out-of-the-box because the kit contains many individual pieces. Luckily, the assembly and installation are actually straightforward and can usually be accomplished in under 30 minutes.
The kits contains extra pieces so you can customize the design of your spice rack no matter the size of your cabinet. You will likely have extra pieces of leftover once you are finished.
Its appearance is more functional than attractive. It is only available in white plastic with a grey slip-coating on the shelves. It would be nice if they offered more color options to coordinate with different kitchen decors. Since the shelf is inside of a cabinet, however, this isn’t a big drawback.
The Spicy Shelf may appear a bit plain but it is the most efficient and cost-effective way to arrange a cabinet and turn it into the ideal, organized spice rack.
Pros
- Installation requires no tools or equipment.
- Organize up to 64 jars of spices in a cabinet.
- Multiple kits can be used together to create a larger spice rack.
Cons
- Appearance is rather plain.
- Shelves are difficult to disassemble if you want to adjust the design.
- Kit contains many parts but assembly is easy.
8. Best Mounted Pick-Spectrum Diversified Countertop 3-Tier Spice Rack
Chefs who want a high-quality and inexpensive wall-mounted spice organizer should check out this Spectrum 3-tier rack. If you have plenty of seasoning jars and want to organize your collection on a wall then this spice rack is a great option.
The Spectrum is a sturdy and elegant rack made from welded steel. The modern design is simple with open shelves and decorative rail guards.
You can purchase this rack in a black or chrome finish. The mounting hardware is included. It is a surprisingly attractive spice rack and would look at home in most any kitchen.
Each shelf can accommodate about 6 standard-sized spice jars for a total capacity of about 18 jars. You can also use this as a free-standing spice rack on a counter or in a cabinet if you don’t want to mount it.
Key Details
This rectangular spice rack has three shelves. It measures 13 x 2.75 x 13.25 inches and weighs a light 1.14 pounds. The distance between shelves is 5.25 inches which is big enough to fit most jars of spices.
There are a few downsides to this rack. While it is ideal for storing standard-sized jars of spices, the shelves are not wide enough to accommodate jars wider than 2.75 inches in diameter. You will have to store your larger jars on another spice organizer.
While this rack is designed for wall-mounting it isn’t ideal for mounting on a cabinet or pantry door. The decorative rail guards are not sufficient to keep the jars securely on the shelves when the rack is moved.
Still, this is a very attractive and functional spice rack. It looks great sitting on your counter or mounted on your kitchen wall. It is an inexpensive way to organize the spice jars you have already collected.
If you are looking for an attractive mounted spice rack and don’t want the fuss or expense of dealing with new spice jars, then this may be an ideal rack for your kitchen.
Pros
- Simple, elegant design is attractive and functional.
- Accommodates up to 18 standard spice jars on 3 shelves.
- Easy to hang and all hardware is included.
Cons
- Oversized spice jars wider than 2.75 inches will not fit on shelves.
- Not ideal for cabinet-mounting.
- Only available in a plain black or chrome finish.
9. LYNK PROFESSIONAL Spice Rack Drawer Organizer
If you are looking for a unique and compact solution for storing your spice jars, then the YouCopia Universal organizer may be what you have been searching for. This organizer keeps your jars tucked out of the way when you are not using them but leaves them easy to access anytime you do.
The YouCopia is a self-contained, 3-drawer plastic organizer you can use in a cabinet, on a shelf or even on your countertop. It has 3 drawers with slots to securely hold your spice jars sideways. The drawers pivot downward so you can easily view your jars even if they are on a higher shelf.
You can organize 30 standard-sized or up to 60 half-jars of spices in this one organizer. It can accommodate both round and square spice jars. The set also comes with 48 pre-printed labels and 48 blank labels you can fill in yourself.
The great thing about the YouCopia is how well it works in small kitchens. You can store it high on a shelf and still view your spices easily.
Since it requires no installation, it can be used anywhere and it is easy to move or relocate. You can even bring this spice rack with you if you are cooking outside.
Key Details
The YouCopia is the most efficient way to organize a large number of spices in a very compact amount of space. It measures 12 ¾ x 10 ⅞ x 8 ¾ inches and weighs 3.13 pounds when empty. While it is constructed entirely out of plastic, it is sturdy and durable and will last for years.
While the YouCopia is our pick for the best compact spice organizer, it does have a few drawbacks that may make it a less attractive option for some chefs.
It isn’t a premium spice rack but it is more expensive than many alternatives. Since it is constructed from plastic it could potentially break and the pivoting drawers are a definite weak point.
This black-and-silver or all-white plastic organizer appears functional but is not especially attractive. If you are planning on using your organizer on your counter, you may prefer a more decorative spice rack.
The YouCopia has some disadvantages but is still a great option for organizing your commercial spice jars in a very compact amount of space. It is a solid choice and a good value for the right family.
Pros
- Organizes 30 standard or 60 half-jars of spices in a compact area.
- Self-contained drawer system is easy to move and relocate.
- Drop-down pivoting drawers keep your spices accessible even when stored on a high shelf.
Cons
- Constructed entirely from plastic.
- Only available in all-white or black-and-silver colors.
- Pricey option for some families.
10. Best Magnetic Pick-Gneiss Spice Small Magnetic Spice Jars Hanging Spice Rack On Fridge
These beautiful magnetic spice jars from Gneiss can hang on your refrigerator or any magnetic board. This frees up space on your counters and cabinets.
Storing your herbs and spices in these jars creates a lovely mosaic of color on your fridge. You can arrange the hexagonal jars to create a pattern or picture out of your seasonings, and they fit perfectly against each other to save space. Your seasonings will always be in reach when you use the Gneiss system.
The glass jars are the ideal way to store your spices and the magnetic screw-tops maintain an airtight seal. The small jars measure 2 x 1.75 inches and hold about 1.75 ounces of seasonings.
The lids are made from a food-safe stainless steel and have powerful magnets to hold your jars securely. You can even use these on your refrigerator door and they won’t fall off.
One thing we really appreciate about Gneiss is their stellar customer service. Having a problem with a heavy jar of salt not staying in place?
Just contact the company and they will send you an extra magnet for that lid. They make it a point to be there for their customers. It is really easy to get a hold of them if you have a question.
Key Details
This set comes with 24 jars and lids along with a selection of labels. You can label the bottoms of the jars if you’d like. You can also opt to label the lid of the jar thereby leaving it hidden when the jars are in place.
The Gneiss system is the most attractive and sturdy magnetic spice organization system out there but it may not be the ideal option for every family.
Due to design limitations, the current generation of jars will not work with shaker discs. Your jars are wide open under those lids. If you prefer a set with shaker disks then this may not be an ideal set for your family.
This set is also more expensive than comparable sets and may be out of the price range of some families.
The Gneiss is still an ideal way to store spices on your fridge, on a magnetic wall or even on a magnetic plate attached to the underside of a cabinet. It is a terrific solution for creating a spice rack in a tiny kitchen or RV.
The company also offers sets featuring empty large jars and pre-filled sets of both sizes. You can even buy your seasonings directly from them.
Pros
- 24 small jars with magnetic lids and labels are included.
- Hexagonal jars are beautiful and add to the appearance of your kitchen.
- Sturdy magnets work with any magnetic surface and secure jars solidly in place.
Cons
- Small jars only hold 1.75 ounces of seasonings.
- Shaker or sifter disks won’t fit on these jars currently.
- Set may be pricey for some families.
Spice Rack Buyer’s Guide
Spice racks will keep your seasonings organized and ready to use. It will also save you time and frustration. It will make it a lot easier to produce great meals either on your stove top or in your slow cooker.
Benefits of Using a Spice Rack
Spice racks are a very useful tool to organize your kitchen and every chef can benefit from having a spice rack (or two).
Frankly, most of us acquire too many jars and boxes of seasonings to keep track of without using a special rack, tower or organizer.
There are two really good reasons to get a spice rack: to keep your spices organized and to make them easier to use. Let’s explore how a spice rack can simplify your life and make cooking more convenient than ever.
Organization
A spice rack will help you organize your culinary seasonings so that you can easily find what you need when you need it.
Having your spices organized will save you time while you are cooking. You won’t have to stop and search for the seasoning you want. A spice rack may also assist you in meal planning and shopping because you can easily see what’s missing from your collection.
Cooks at every level of experience will appreciate the convenience of having their seasonings well-stocked and organized. Once everything is arranged, it’s easy to maintain that order as you add new seasonings to your rack.
Organizing your spices on a rack is a personal decision and there is no “right” way to do it. Some folks arrange the jars in alphabetical order, although that’s not my favorite method.
Systemization
You might even decide on different systems for different spice racks. You should pick a system that makes it easy to quickly locate the seasoning you want.
I like to organize mine by frequency and usage. I keep the spices I use daily together on a tower near the stove. For my lesser-used spices, I organize by groups in a cabinet: baking spices, ethnic cuisine, BBQ rubs etc.
Organizing your spices on a rack also makes it easier to keep track of how old they are. When I add a new spice to my collection, I date the bottom of the jar using an inexpensive sticker.
If you keep track of their freshness you will never have to wonder if your herbs have lost their potency. This is especially helpful for those seasonings that don’t get used very often. Instead of tossing them out, you can use them before they lose their flavor.
Utility
Organizing your spices in a rack will also make them easier to use. Obviously, you can’t use a seasoning if you can’t find it. But using a spice rack can help prevent you from falling into a culinary rut as well.
Well-organized spice racks make it easier to get creative when cooking and meal planning. When your collection is chaotic, you are more likely to stick with using the same seasonings over and over. If all of your spices are organized you may be inspired to try something new.
I remember making dinner one evening, just after I was gifted my first spice rack. I was all set to make my usual chicken recipe. Then, I glanced over and saw a couple of spices in the rack that I had never used before. It motivated me to swap the spices around and I ended up creating a new family favorite.
Having a spice rack will also save you time and a lot of frustration when you are cooking meals. I once spent an hour digging through the kitchen looking for a bag of sage I knew was there. When I couldn’t find it I had to pause my dinner prep and head to the store.
So save yourself the frustration and think about buying a spice rack instead. It will keep your collection organized and make it easier to add new recipes to your repertoire.
Selecting a Spice Organizer
The most influential factor in choosing a spice rack is the size and design of your kitchen. If your kitchen is short on counter space then a wall or door-mounted spice rack might be your best option. If you can’t install a spice rack, then a free-standing spice wall or tower may be a better option for your kitchen. It just depends.
You also want to consider how your kitchen is set-up. A spice rack is most convenient when placed near your prepping and cooking areas. If you locate your rack in one of these areas then you will always have your spices within easy reach.
If you are already using a drawer or cabinet to hold your seasonings then you may opt to get a spice organizer designed specifically for these areas. They allow you to organize your collection and easily access them without having to mount a rack or lose any counter space.
Or you may decide you need multiple spice racks to meet your goals. Perhaps you’d like to organize the spices in your cabinet and get a spice rack to mount on a wall.
Before you settle on a location and start choosing a spice rack, also consider how that location may affect the longevity and flavor of your spices. You can read more about this in our article “Best ways to store spices in the kitchen.”
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Should you choose a spice rack that includes pre-filled spice jars?
A: If you are just beginning to cook with spices then a spice rack with pre-filled jars is a good option for you. You will have a nice compliment of seasonings for a minimal amount of effort and expense. If you are concerned about the age or freshness of the spices in pre-filled jars, then opt for a rack that comes with empty jars.
Q: What is the best style rack for a very small kitchen?
A: There are many space-saving designs ideal for a small kitchen or RV. Consider a compact rotating tower or a small spice wall if you have the counter space. You might mount a spice rack on a wall or inside a cabinet to free up room. Magnetic spice jars are another great solution for incorporating a spice rack into a tiny kitchen.
Q: What are the best containers to store my spices in?
A: The ideal way to store your spices is in airtight glass or ceramic jars. Your spices will last up to two times longer if you keep them out of direct light and away from any sources of heat or moisture. For occasionally-used seasonings, the best way to extend their longevity is to store them in a cool, dark location such as a pantry or cabinet.
Q: How long do spices stay fresh?
A: It depends on their state and how they are stored. On average, whole spices maintain their freshness for about 3-4 years and ground spices and herbs for 1-3 years.
Spices do not go bad, and old spices will not make you ill if you consume them. They do lose their flavor and aroma over time, however. When using an older jar of spice you may need to use a greater quantity to achieve the result you want. A good way to track the freshness of your seasonings is to date the bottom of each jar with a label as you add them to your collection.
Q: Are there health benefits to cooking with spices?
A: Yes, eating spicy food can be beneficial to your health. Some spices, such as turmeric, ginger and garlic, have known health benefits when taken on a regular basis. Several spices have antibacterial properties or reduce inflammation, and there are even a few spices that have been linked to lower cancer rates.
The challenge is that these benefits are usually only accrued when the spices are consumed in larger quantities than we usually use in our food preparation. Also, cooking an herb or spice may dilute the health benefits, since heat destroys some of their disease-fighting properties. Still, eating a variety of spices is a good way to increase the macronutrients and trace minerals in your diet.
Q: What is the best way to organize my seasonings on my spice rack?
A: Many chefs prefer to arrange their herbs and spices in alphabetical order. That system makes it very easy to keep track of a large collection. You may also consider organizing spice racks in groups such as: frequently-used seasonings, baking spices, ethnic cuisine seasonings etc.
Conclusion
They say that “variety is the spice of life.” Make it easy to experiment with new recipes by organizing your seasonings on a spice rack. A well-stocked spice rack allows you to take full advantage of the seasonings you have to create delicious and flavorful meals.
Spice racks, shelves, towers and organizers bring order to the chaos in your spice collection. A new spice rack will keep your seasonings at your fingertips and help inspire your next tasty creation. No matter the size of your kitchen or your budget, there is a spice organizer on our list that is perfect for your family.
Whether you want to arrange your spices in a cabinet, drawer or on the countertop we have a variety of options for you. Novice and experienced chefs alike will appreciate the convenience of having their seasonings organized and accessible on a spice rack.
We hope that after reading our detailed spice rack reviews and comprehensive buying guide, you’ll have all the information you need to select the right spice rack for your kitchen.
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