Home Organizing Ideas
Allison T.S. RobicelliUpdated: Mar. 31, 2024
No matter the size of your kitchen, you can keep it organized and tidy with these space-saving kitchen storage cabinets.
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When it comes to kitchen storage space, there’s no such thing as too much. Even large kitchens can benefit from kitchen storage cabinets, which can be use to conceal small appliances, stash pantry items, hold infrequently used cooking devices (looking at you, pasta maker!) or add more counter space to help keep clutter under control.
“Freestanding kitchen storage cabinets have emerged as a versatile solution for homeowners seeking to optimize space and functionality without the limitations of built-in cabinetry,” says Di Ter Avest, a professional home and lifestyle organizer in Baltimore, MD. “A good reason to consider purchasing a freestanding kitchen storage cabinet is its ability to offer flexible storage solutions. You can use them as a pantry with adjustable shelves or islands with built-in storage drawers on wheels.”
Ready to add one of these smart storage solutions to your home? We found the best options on the market—for every style and budget.
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Best Overall
Red Barrell Studio Slim Kitchen Pantry
One of the best storage solutions for small spaces is to think vertical instead of horizontal. That’s exactly what you’ll get with this tall, 68-inch slim cabinet. As one of the best kitchen storage cabinets, it boasts adjustable shelves, two drawers and four cupboard cabinets. The real kicker? It doubles as a microwave stand or bakers rack.
One five-star reviewer says this freestanding pantry is perfect for her small kitchen. “I wanted something to hold extra kitchen pantry items and this works great,” she writes. “Two small drawers, nice sized underneath cabinet with adjustable shelf and center can hold small electric appliances with access for cord in back… Instructions were easy to follow.”
Pros
- Two drawers
- Lower cabinet with solid doors
- Upper cabinet with transparent glass-paneled doors
- Adjustable shelves
- Available in five colors
Cons
- Glass cupboard not deep enough to hold dishes
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Best Budget
Vasagle Lowell Storage Cabinet
Yes, you can find kitchen storage cabinets on Amazon and yes, they’re actually good-looking and functional. This industrial-chic piece comes in two rustic wood colors with iron accents and has three spacious shelves along with a closed cupboard. Inside the cupboard, you’ll find two adjustable shelves perfect for implementing some of our favorite pantry organization tips. This piece is also sleek enough to use as a bar cart!
“I bought this to make a small coffee bar,” raves one 5-star reviewer. “I was blown away by the quality. For the price, it is really well made and looks like real wood grain. Instructions were clear and cabinet is easy to assemble… I highly recommend this item. It’s well made and very cost effective.”
Pros
- Highly affordable
- Adjustable feet for stability
- Mix of open and concealed shelving
Cons
- Slim 11.8-inch depth limits storage space
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Best Kitchen Island
Homestyles Mobile Kitchen Island
Aesthetically pleasing spice storage ideas are all the rage right now, which is one reason this island cart is so popular among Amazon shoppers. The kitchen islandhas a spice rack on one side and a towel rack on the other, along with plenty of cupboard and drawer space. Plus, it boasts a drop-leaf top for extra dining space. Just add these chic kitchen island barstools!
Amazon customer Christina raves: “I love this kitchen island. The quality is great, and equally important to me is the fact that it had the best assembly instructions I have ever used! It made putting it together easy, and I was able to do it alone. Also, I love that it comes partially assembled, with hinges and brackets already attached… all in all, I’m so happy with it, and I’d recommend it to anyone looking for a nice island in this size!”
Pros
- Three drawers
- Adjustable shelving
- Durable hardwood countertop
- Lockable swivel casters make it simple to move
- Drop-down leaf
- Small racks on either side for towels and spices
Cons
- Some customers complain assembly is difficult
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Best Space Saver
Homecho Wide Kitchen Pantry
Good things really do come in small packages, as evidenced by this space-saving cabinet. It has a little bit of everything: a drawer, a microwave shelf, two cupboards (one with a pretty glass door) and a countertop that can be used as a workspace. Bonus: The material is water-resistant, so cleaning up spills is a breeze. Keep these pantry organization bins in the cupboard to maximize storage.
“After searching online for a days, I came across this cart and thought it would be just perfect for the space in my kitchen near the back door,” raves 5-star reviewer Victoria. “Oh was I right! It was simple to assemble and took no more than an hour. I decided to buy fancier knobs but I am so pleased with my purchase! Definitely recommend purchasing!”
Pros
- Value priced
- Easy to clean
- Water-resistant microwave cabinet
- Rounded corners to prevent painful accidental bumps
Cons
- Small size means limited room for storage
- Short stature keeps microwave below waist height
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Best Moveable
Andover Mills Prado Solid Kitchen Cart
If you’re really short on space, fear not. There are plenty of narrow options, like this rolling island that’s under 30-inches wide. Made of solid wood, it’s sturdy and features an adjustable interior shelf that allows for customized storage. It also has a drawer for utensil organization or linen storage, along with a towel rack on the side.
“I am thrilled with this cart,” writes 5-star reviewer Barbara. “Using as island in my small kitchen. It is beautiful and a sturdy piece. It was not difficult to assemble. Each piece was labeled and instructions were clear. It made me a happy woman.”
Pros
- Made of solid wood
- Locking wheels
- Towel rack
- Utensil drawer
- Easy to assemble
Cons
- Drawer is on the small side
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Best Value
Function Home Farmer’s Pantry Cabinet
This genius freestanding pantry definitely belongs on a list of the best kitchen storage ideas. Not only does it open up to reveal six height-adjustable shelves, each of the two doors boasts six smaller shelves for even more space. That’s a total of 18 shelves, which is plenty of room for stashing essentials in pantry storage containers.
“We have a small panty that got real crowded, especially after having a kid,” raves one 5-star reviewer on Amazon. “We wanted another pantry to hold the dry goods and this is perfect… we loaded it up and we were very pleased with how much we could pack in. Cleared up so much space! The door storage space is a huge plus! Highly recommend!”
Pros
- Highly affordable
- Height-adjustable shelves
- Available in 12-inch and 15.75-inch depths
- Comes in four colorways
- Easy to assemble
Cons
- Some customers complain that the magnetic catches aren’t always strong enough to keep the cabinet doors closed.
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Best Splurge
Swanscombe Kitchen Pantry
With a classy paneled design, this extra tall freestanding pantry is a welcome addition to any kitchen. It has two large cabinets—each with adjustable shelves—along with a drawer for holding placemats, silverware and the like. Hundreds of shoppers rate it five-stars, with many saying it looks even better in person. Pro tip: Keep one of these kitchen step stools nearby for reaching the top shelf.
Five-star reviewer Donna raves: “This is exactly what we were looking for to hide away some of the appliances and pots and pans from our kitchen. It fits perfectly in the space and was fairly easy to assemble with two people.”
Pros
- Heavy and durable
- Available in two colorways
- Adjustable shelving
- Attractive antique brushed nickel hardware
- Easy to assemble
Cons
- Pricey
What to Look for When Buying Kitchen Storage Cabinets
Before purchasing kitchen storage cabinets, decide what problem you’re trying to solve. “Assess your storage needs and choose a freestanding cabinet with a configuration that accommodates your specific requirements,” says Di. “Whether you need adjustable shelves, deep drawers or specialized compartments for organizing kitchen essentials, prioritize functionality and efficiency in your storage solution.”
Once you know what functions your kitchen storage cabinet will serve, figure out where you can fit an additional piece of furniture in your kitchen. If you don’t have a ton of floor space to work with, look for taller kitchen storage cabinets which can maximize your storage space. You can also consider putting kitchen storage cabinets in your pantry, mudroom, hallway or dining room. As long as they’re easily accessible when you’re cooking, they’ll serve their purpose spectacularly.
Features to Look For in Kitchen Storage Cabinets
After function comes form. “Select a freestanding cabinet that complements the aesthetic of your kitchen and reflects your personal style preferences,” says Di. “Whether you prefer a modern minimalist design, a rustic farmhouse-inspired look, or a classic traditional vibe, choose a cabinet that enhances the visual appeal of your kitchen.”
You should also consider price and quality when finding the best kitchen storage cabinet for your needs. Cheap models are made of cheap materials, but if you’re not planning on staying where you live for long, you don’t necessarily need to invest in something expensive. Alternately, if you’re looking for something that will last for years to come, it’s worth it to spend a bit more money for something made of solid wood or other durable materials.
Most kitchen storage cabinets you can buy online will arrive flat-packed and require assembly upon arrival. If you’re not handy, or if you’re ordering a rather large piece of furniture, you’ll likely need to call a friend or family member for assistance, or pay a service to put it together for you.
Why You Should Trust Us
As a lifelong city dweller, I’ve always cooked in small kitchens. I know how to maximize the paltry amount of storage that come with them. In fact, I’ve added a kitchen storage cabinet to every apartment kitchen I’ve ever lived in! They’re essential for keeping clutter at bay, giving me a place to store small appliances when they’re not in use and keeping my counters clean.
Di Ter Avest is a professional home and lifestyle organizer and the owner of Di is Organized, in Baltimore, MD. Her accountability program and digital book Organize Yourself Healthy help women across the globe get their lives and homes organized. Her expertise has been featured in several media outlets, and she has also given workshops at IKEA, West Elm and Williams Sonoma.
How We Found the Best Kitchen Storage Cabinets
To find the best kitchen storage cabinets, we combed through the offerings of the most popular internet retailers to find out which models impress real-world customers the most. Next, we did a deep dive into their reviews, comparing and cross-referencing their insider intel so we could determine if the kitchen storage cabinets delivered in difference configurations and scenarios. We also took into account how easy they were to put together and the quality of construction, disqualifying models that had repeated complaints about manufacturers defects or difficult assembly. After analyzing reviews and comparing product specs, we selected the most high-performing models across multiple categories.
Originally Published: March 01, 2023
Allison T.S. Robicelli
Allison is a James Beard-nominated cookbook author, recipe developer and food writer. As a former professional chef, Allison is the go-to writer at Taste of Home for putting cooking tools to the test and sharing what’s worth adding to your home kitchen. A few of the things she’s personally reviewed at Taste of Home include HexClad cookware, All-Clad cookware and the Beautiful by Drew Barrymore cookware set. Formerly the chef-owner of Robicelli’s Bakery in Brooklyn, she currently resides in Baltimore, Maryland, with her kids, cats, pots and pans.
