The Surprisingly Useful Storage Solutions That Kitchn Readers Loved in 2021

Anyone with a tiny kitchen knows that tapping into unused space is necessary. These wire baskets fit under your cabinet shelves — or they could be used under the cabinet as well! Either way, they’re the perfect size for storing foil, sandwich bags, or parchment paper, as well as snacks or coffee and tea. One of our contributors is hooked, using them for pot holders and oddly-sized Ninja attachments.

This versatile lazy Susan is one of our favorite kitchen organizers because it’s an easy way to see all your spices or supplies without missing out on hidden items. This turntable in particular has a non-skid bottom, so it’s great for storing jars and bottles that won’t move when you spin it. It also fits perfectly in standard kitchen cabinets or in smaller, oddly shaped corner cabinets that are notoriously hard to keep tidy. We even like these lazy Susans as freezer organizers!

Another way to utilize empty space is by moving your spices from your cabinet to the wall with this handy organizer. I personally tested these shelves and love that they are easy to put up wherever I need them. The best way to store your spices is out of direct sunlight and away from a heat source, so keep that in mind when deciding what goes where.

The best storage solutions are the unexpected ones — like this internet-famous Entryway Rack that our commerce intern totally repurposed as a super-stylish shelving unit for the kitchen. The top shelf is a bar cart, the middle shelf holds cookware and a fruit bowl, and the bottom shelf shows off cookbooks and a few assorted items using Open Spaces’ storage bins. It’s such a creative way to keep your kitchen tidy!

For under $25, you can actually double your pantry space or cabinet space with this compact dual-shelf organizer. While the organizer is great for storing dry goods and pantry items, the perforated, breathable design of the plastic bins is ideal for keeping produce like onions, garlic, potatoes, or citrus fresh, whether in the fridge or on countertops. One of our contributors now owns four sets, utilizing them under the kitchen sink, on the counter, and even in the bathroom.

Our executive lifestyle director loves this OXO drawer organizer that she uses to tidy up her super-narrow utensil drawer. Because it’s expandable, it’s a great option for both small and large drawers. It also features a removable storage cup and removable utensil sorter for an even more versatile solution.

Sometimes the smallest item can make the biggest difference. Case in point? These silicone stove gaps will instantly make your kitchen feel cleaner, just like they did for our best list writer this year. You won’t have to pull your oven out to clean again because these handy covers will prevent any food from sliding down the gap between the stove and the counter.

Readers were obsessed with these magnetic racks that create storage out of unused space on your fridge. They’re the perfect find for a small kitchen since they store spices without taking up valuable cabinet, counter, or wall space. Plus, unlike the wall-mounted spice racks mentioned previously, these require no installation, an especially appealing feature for renters.