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Messy Spice Drawer? Here’s Your Solution!
We both know that when it comes to cooking an awesome meal, you’re going to want to spice things up.
Whether it's a dash of cayenne, a pinch of cinnamon, or a sprinkle of paprika, your kitchen is a playground of flavors.
But let's face it, finding the right spice container in a messy drawer can sometimes be as challenging as finding a needle in a haystack.
That's where today’s solution comes into play—the spice drawer organizer!
These organizers will get your spices in order and give them the luxury drawer heaven they deserve.
They’ll not only simplify AND speed up your cooking process but will also add a dash of appeal to your kitchen space.
But…
Choosing the perfect spice drawer organizer can be a bit confusing, given the many options available.
With varying sizes, materials, and design options, it’s easy to spend hours scrolling through the sea of drawer organizers.
In this article though, I’ll provide you with the best spice drawer organizers that offer the most value and functionality, while also having great price tags and good build quality. No ridiculously high-priced items here!
Then, we’ll touch on each of the individual top contenders (with brief reviews), explore the 4 key factors to consider when choosing the perfect one for your needs, and we’ll even sprinkle in some tips on further organizing your spices inside your drawer.
So, grab your apron and get ready to spice up your kitchen drawers!
Note: This article will focus specifically on drawer organizers; NOT cabinet organizers.
These are 2 different types of organizers.
And most other articles just lump them all together; But I want to change that!
I covered the best spice racks for cabinets in its own separate article you can check out
The 3 Main Types of Spice Drawer Organizers
From my research, most (or all) of these organizers will fall into 1 of 3 different types:
- Fixed-Size
- Expandable/Stackable
- Liner
Each style is slightly unique, but ultimately they’ll serve the same purpose.
They’ll come in a variety of materials, mainly: plastic, wood, or metal; Plus, they come tiered which helps identify each spice quickly and easily. (These 2 similarities do NOT apply to the Liner style organizers though.)
Now, let’s quickly go over the differences in each type.
1.) Fixed-Sized Drawer Trays
A fixed-sized drawer tray is a great option if you just have a specific number of spices to store, and don’t need to eventually buy more.
They offer compartments designed for common spice container sizes, allowing you to keep your spices neatly organized and easily accessible. And these compartments are in a fixed layout meant to hold only a certain number of spices.
So, keep in mind that if your spice collection grows, you may need to purchase a new tray to accommodate more spices.
2.) Expandable/Stackable Trays
For those with a varying number of spices or non-standard drawer sizes, an expandable/stackable drawer organizer can be a more flexible option.
The expandable & stackable design allows you to adjust the size (width) for a slightly more snug fit in your drawer.
With this type of organizer, you can add more to your spice collection as you see fit.
Some of these will have grooves or notches where each tray will slide along each other (like the one in the picture); While others will just fit stacked on top of one another. But both technically 'expand' outwards.
However, one drawback is that they can't be locked in place, which means the trays can potentially shift and slide around when you open or close your drawer.
3.) Spice Drawer Liner
If you're looking for a more minimalist approach, spice drawer liners might be the perfect fit for you.
These liners are made from materials like foam or rubber, providing a non-slip surface to keep your spices in place.
The liners are also indented to accommodate the width of the spice containers when they’re laid down.
You can easily cut the liner to fit the exact dimensions of your drawer, and arrange the containers however you'd like. And, they grip pretty well to the bottom which helps prevent the liner from moving around.
This type of organizer gives you more control over the layout and spacing of your spices, but it may not look as neat or offer as much ridged structure as the other 2 options above.
The Best Spice Drawer Organizers
This adjustable drawer organizer is a versatile solution for keeping your spices in order.
It's expandable and adjustable, ranging from 8" to 24" inches wide, allowing you to customize the size to fit your needs. The organizer is made of lightweight aluminum with a black lacquer coated finish, ensuring durability and resistance to cracking, staining, warping, rusting, yellowing, or splintering.
With a tiered design, it makes it easy to locate and read labels on spice bottles. It can hold up to 45 regular spice jars, helping you neatly arrange and identify your spices. This functional shelf organizer can create more space in your cluttered kitchen cabinets, pantries, shelves, or countertops.
Additionally, it comes with a risk-free commitment, offering a 1-year warranty.
Pros
Cons
Achieve both organization and aesthetic appeal in your kitchen drawer with this adjustable bamboo spice drawer organizer!
With dimensions of 17"L x (12 to 23") W x 1.4"H, this expandable organizer can fit into various drawer sizes, provided the drawer is at least 3" high.
The 4-tier design offers a large capacity, accommodating up to 48 spice containers, while allowing you to easily identify every spice.
Constructed from solid bamboo, this drawer organizer will look great every time you open up your drawer. Which also blends in nicely with many other kitchen colors.
There's no assembly is required, and it's ready to use out of the box.
Pros
Cons
With its large capacity and solid bamboo construction, this Mulush spice organizer is designed to meet your storage needs.
It has an expandable width of up to 26'' inches which can fit even some pretty wide kitchen drawers, and it can hold up to 64 4oz spice containers.
Made from smooth, thick, and polished natural bamboo material, this organizer is built to last and adds an eye-catching touch to your home kitchen decor.
This organizer will come in 8 individual pieces which can then be easily assembled to fit your specific desired layout; So, you can arrange them to be 2-tiered, 3-tiered, 4-tiered (like in the picture), etc.
Pros
Cons
This SpaceAid complete drawer spice organizer set includes the drawer organizer, 32 square empty glass spice jars, 386 spice labels, and a chalk marker.
The large capacity 4-tier tray allows for locating individual spices quickly and easily, plus the sturdy steel construction design ensures durability and also makes it pretty easy to clean.
The 32 spice jars are made from good quality glass and feature pour or sift tops for easy seasoning, with metal airtight caps to keep spices fresh.
The set also includes 386 spice labels, including preprinted labels and blank ones for customization, along with a chalk marker for labeling convenience.
Pros
Cons
The YouCopia 10ft. SpiceLiner (in gray color) offers a convenient solution for keeping all your spices neat inside your drawers.
The soft, non-slip foam spice drawer liner holds bottles of (mostly) any size, preventing them from sliding around.
With a 10' roll of liner, you can easily customize the length to fit your specific drawer size by using the included measuring tape and cutting it with scissors.
This organizer is not limited to spices alone; it can also be used to organize cans, jars, baking utensils, and other kitchen goodies. And, with its ample length, the SpiceLiner can hold over 30 spices in a single drawer, allowing you to declutter and efficiently organize your spice collection.
Pros
Cons
Best for Small & Compact Drawers
(Each Organizer is under 13.5” inches wide)
If you're dealing with small and compact drawers in your kitchen, finding the perfect spice drawer organizer becomes essential for keeping things neat and accessible.
But don't worry! I've got you covered.
In this section, I'll show you some fantastic spice drawer organizers specifically designed to fit snugly into those smaller spaces. These organizers are the ultimate solution for decluttering your spice collection and optimizing every inch of your limited drawer space.
Best Budget Drawer Organizers
All Under *$12!
(*At the time of this writing)
If you're on the lookout for spice drawer organizers that won't break the bank, you're at the right place.
In this section, I'll introduce you to some fantastic options that are not only functional but also budget-friendly, all priced under $12.00. These affordable gems will get you a lot of bang for your buck!
BONUS - Alternative Mention: Adjustable Drawer Dividers
If you're looking for a versatile option to organize your spice drawer, adjustable drawer dividers could be the perfect solution for you. These dividers allow you to create custom-sized compartments to fit your unique collection of spices and seasonings.
One of the great advantages of adjustable drawer dividers is their flexibility. You can easily rearrange and resize the compartments as your spice collection grows or changes. This can save you from having to buy a new organizer when you add new spices to your drawer.
The 2 main styles of adjustable drawer dividers available in the market are:
1.) Spring-loaded Dividers: These types of dividers are easy to install and adjust. They usually have a non-slip rubber grip on the ends to keep your spices in place, and you’re able to extend/shorten their length using the internal spring mechanism.
NOTE: One downside about these dividers is that they will constantly be pushing up against the walls of the drawer.
This isn’t necessarily a bad thing if your drawers are sturdy; However, this becomes a problem if your drawers are flimsy with thin walls because the insides can be damaged or loosened due to the constant pressure of the spring.
2.) Locking-tab Dividers: These dividers are similar to the spring-loaded ones, except these allow you to lock in your desired length using a push-lock button. Simply unlock the adjuster and slide it in/out accordingly to get the best fit for your drawer.
NOTE: Before you purchase adjustable drawer dividers, make sure to measure your drawer's dimensions to choose the right size. Sometimes these drawer dividers are too tall for certain drawers.
Factors to Consider When Buying a Drawer Spice Rack
There are 4 key things to consider that will help you get the perfect drawer organizer. These factors can help with further narrowing down the options you’re most interested in:
1. Drawer Space & Organizer Size
Drawer organizers come in various sizes and can hold different amounts of spice containers, so the first thing is to make sure to measure your drawer’s dimensions. Know your space limits!
Then compare those dimensions with the dimensions of the chosen organizer; This way you’ll know that the item you choose will fit comfortably inside your drawer.
2. Material & Durability
2nd is to pay attention to the material used in the organizer. Common materials include:
- Wood: Provides a natural and warm feel, but may not be as durable as metal or plastic.
- Metal: Sturdy and long-lasting, but may not be as visually appealing as wood.
- Plastic: Affordable and lightweight, but less durable than wood or metal.
Go with a material that suits your preference the best. In general, all these materials are plenty suitable for a drawer.
3. Ease of Use & Installation
Next, consider how easy it is to install and use the spice drawer organizer. Mostly, they’re all designed for quick installation without the need for special equipment, screws, etc.
However, if you’d rather go with the most minimalistic install then perhaps, you’d prefer the drawer liner instead of a fixed or extendable drawer tray.
Just something to think about
4. Design & Aesthetic Appeal
Lastly, think about the design and aesthetic appeal of the drawer organizer.
Depending on your kitchen's style, you might prefer a brighter-colored design made of plastic/metal material.
Or, maybe something more traditional-looking that’s made out of wood.
Go with one that best complements your kitchen décor!
How to Organize Spices in a Drawer – Ideas & Suggestions
Organizing your spices in a drawer is a great way to keep your kitchen neat and functional.
By implementing a few simple strategies, you can create an efficient spice storage system that looks great every time you open your drawer.
Labeling and Dating
Proper labeling and dating (name of spice and date of purchase) of your spices are essential for easy identification and usage.
You can use a label maker, pre-made spice labels, or simply write on a piece of tape.
Stick these labels onto the spices wherever they're most visible when placed inside the drawer.
Grouping by Usage or Cuisine
To make it easy for you to find and use your spices, group them by how you use them in your cooking.
For example, if you cook specific cuisines regularly, you may want to group spices commonly used in those dishes together, such as Italian or Indian spices.
Another option is to group spices based on their usage, like sweet, savory, or spicy.
Frequently Used Spices Placement
Place the spices you use most often at the front of the drawer or in a separate section to make them easily accessible.
By keeping your frequently used spices in a prominent location, you can save time and effort when preparing meals.
Keep it Old-School: Alphabetical Order
If you prefer a more systematic approach, you can organize your spices alphabetically.
This method works well for those who prefer a structured layout and have a large spice collection.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: "Is a spice drawer organizer worth it??"
A: Yes! Not only does it keep your spices neat and tidy, but it also makes it easier to find the spice you need when you're cooking.
No more digging through a jumbled mess of spice containers! Plus, a good spice drawer organizer can help you save space in your kitchen and make your cooking area look more organized and professional.
Q: "Is there a specific brand that I should buy?"
A: Not really!
This is a category of products where the brand name isn’t really important because they’re pretty much all made similarly- So paying a premium price just for a brand name wouldn’t make sense here.
Q: "Out of all of these, which one is the best?"
A: This depends on your taste and specific situation. It wouldn’t be fair to say there’s only 1 option that’s considered the best.
Every item listed here is great in its own way and has a slightly different look, size, etc.
I did this on purpose though, so you have a lot of excellent options to choose from and you won't go wrong with whichever organizer you choose!
However, if I had to choose a couple, I would say my favorites are these:
- SpaceAid Expandable Drawer Organizer
- Royal Craft Wood Organizer
- OXO Compact Organizer
- 1Easylife Organizer
(Keep in mind that I have a small kitchen, so I was biased towards the smaller drawer organizers
Q: "How do professionals keep their spices organized?"
A: The pros use a variety of methods.
The first one is obviously to use a spice drawer organizer that allows them to easily see and access all of their spices.
They also label their spices clearly to avoid confusion and keep them fresh by storing them in a cool, dry place away from direct sunlight.
Another method (as mentioned in the section before) is to organize spices alphabetically or by cuisine, making it easier to find what they need when they need it.
Some professionals even use a digital inventory system to keep track of their spices and ensure that they always have what they need on hand (but this may be overkill for most of us
Ultimately, the key to keeping spices organized like a pro is to find a system that works for you and stick to it.
Q: "What are the advantages of having a dedicated spice drawer?"
A: We’ve touched on multiple advantages throughout the article, but to summarize:
- Allows you to keep all of your spices in one place, making it easy to find what you need quickly and efficiently.
- Can help you save space in your kitchen, as it eliminates the need for bulky spice racks or additional shelves.
- Can help you keep your spices fresh since they’re inside a cool and dark pace.
Q: "How long can spices be stored in a drawer?"
A: This depends on the type of spice.
Generally, though, here are some rough guidelines for different types of seasonings:
- Whole spices: 3-5 years
- A whole spice is a spice that is used in its natural form, meaning it has not been ground or processed in any way. Here are some examples: peppercorns, cinnamon sticks, cardamom pods, and whole cloves.
- Ground spices: 2-4 years
- A ground spice is a spice that has been processed by grinding it into a fine powder. Here are some examples: ground cinnamon, ground cumin, ground ginger, and ground nutmeg.
- Whole leafy herbs: 1-2 years
- Whole leafy herbs are herbs that are used in their natural form, meaning they have not been dried or processed in any way. Some examples are basil, cilantro, mint, and parsley.
Conclusion & Final Thoughts (TL;DR)
So, in conclusion, a spice drawer organizer can be a game changer for any home cook looking to streamline their kitchen drawers and elevate their cooking game.
By keeping your spices organized and easily accessible, you’ll save time, save space, and keep your spices fresh and flavorful for longer.
When choosing a spice drawer organizer, consider your storage needs, the amount of space you have available, and your personal style preferences. Whether you opt for a fixed spice tray or an expandable drawer organizer, investing in one of these is sure to make a big difference in your cooking routine.
Which one is your favorite?
Do you have any recommendations that weren’t listed here?
Let me know in the comments below!
Otherwise, see you in the next flavorful article
Take care!