Best spice rack
Which spice rack is best?
Spices are the staple ingredients of recipes, so it’s no surprise that spice racks are an important component in any kitchen. Next time you reach for your secret ingredient, make sure it comes from the perfect spice rack that suits your culinary needs.
More than anything, spice racks organize and display your spices while keeping them easily accessible. Spice racks come in a variety of designs and can be installed in drawers, in cabinets or on countertops. Some spin, stack or expand, so no matter the size of your space, there’s a rack that will fit it.
To help you find just the right spice rack, take a look at our buying guide. We’ve included our favorite, Spicy Shelf’s Stackable Spice Organizer, which features a design that wraps around the interior of a cabinet to optimize space.
What to know before you buy a spice rack
Design styles
With such an assortment of spice racks from which to choose, narrow your choices by first deciding on a location in your kitchen and then selecting a design style.
- Spice racks for cabinets are ideal for cooks who enjoy having spices at eye level but still tucked away. Shelving racks add a staircase or series of platforms to stack spices in an otherwise tall, untapped cabinet space. Door-mounted racks are ideal, either on their own or to complement shelving racks. These require some installation prowess to avoid causing permanent damage to cabinet doors.
- Countertop or freestanding spice racks are ideal for cooks who like to have spices visible and within easy reach. Countertop shelving systems are similar to those in cabinets and may come with their own dedicated bottles for a coordinated fit. Spinner racks optimize space vertically and often have larger capacities than other rack styles. For these, determine whether they’re truly convenient or will end up consuming crucial counter space.
- Drawer spice racks are less popular since drawer space is typically limited. However, they’re useful for freeing up cabinet space for other items. These racks are designed to organize spices at an angle to facilitate visibility. They’re ideal for 12 to 20 spices, but if you need to hold more, perhaps consider a different design.
- Magnetic spice racks are sets that come with a magnetic board or have magnets to affix to your current spices that can be placed on the fridge. They’re ideal for those with limited space, or people who want to save space by putting the essentials on a fridge. Bottles could accidentally fall, so be cautious if they happen to be made of glass.
What to look for in a spice rack
Capacity
When choosing a spice rack, consider whether it’s large enough to hold all your spices. Some racks only hold around a dozen bottles, whereas deluxe designs can house as many as 70. Count all bottles, including herbs, spices and any other jars of seasonings.
Size
Once you know the spice rack capacity you need, it’s time to take some measurements. Note the length, width, and height of the spice rack to determine if it fits in the intended space. If you’re stuck between sizes, opt for an adjustable rack that can be sized to fit in the cabinet or counter space adequately.
Material
Spice racks come in metal, wood, bamboo, and plastic. Some are easier to clean and maintain than others, with plastic being at the top of the list. Metal racks are durable, but if they’re not properly coated, they could rust. Wood and bamboo can be wiped clean in seconds, but if they remain damp, they attract mold and mildew.
How much you can expect to spend on a spice rack
Spice racks cost between $10 and $200, depending on their style and construction. For the most part, $30 will get you a quality spice rack with unique design features. Once you hit the $100 and over range, expect professional-grade organization and construction.
Spice rack FAQ
My child likes to cook, but can’t reach the cabinets on their own. Which spice rack should I get for them?
A. A countertop or drawer design is probably the best choice. That way, all spices are within reach at hip level — a safer option than climbing up a counter to grab them.
I want to change the style of spice bottles, so do I need to upgrade my spice rack as well?
A. Maybe. It depends on the shape and width of the bottles, as some racks have narrow shelves. If you’re choosing taller bottles, you may not have enough space vertically in your cabinet to fit them on the rack.
What is the best spice rack to buy?
Top spice rack
Spicy Shelf Stackable Spice Organizer
What you need to know: Optimize your spice cabinet space with this shelving system that utilizes every inch smartly.
What you’ll love: The adjustability allows it to fit a variety of cabinet sizes. Installation is simple, and there are multiple ways to set it up.
What you should consider: If you’re expanding to the rack’s full size, the middle may sag under the weight of spice bottles.
Top spice rack for the money
Jonyj 4-Tier Stackable Spice Rack Organizer
What you need to know: This waterproof and rustproof stable spice rack organizer is ideal for putting in cabinets.
What you’ll love: It’s detachable and has four layers, so you can store lots of spices. It fits well inside most cabinets.
What you should consider: It does not fit in all cupboards, and the angled shelves are not very functional.
Worth checking out
Seville Classics 3-Tier Expandable Bamboo Spice Rack
What you need to know: This simple, handcrafted bamboo spice rack expands to suit your spice collection.
What you’ll love: You can utilize the exact space you need, leaving room for other items in the cabinet. It’s also easy to clean and maintain.
What you should consider: The shelves may not be wide enough for certain styles of spice bottles.
Prices listed reflect time and date of publication and are subject to change.
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