10 Better Ways to Store All Your Spices

updated Nov 8, 2021
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Credit: Sarah Crowley

While I’m endowed with plenty of kitchen storage in my suburban home, I haven’t found a savvy way to store my spice collection. At the moment, the little jars don’t have a dedicated home, which means I often scramble to find the garlic powder or smoked paprika when I’m cooking dinner (this usually results in overcooked, under-seasoned food). It’s time for an upgrade.

The great news is, even if you don’t have tons of excess space in your kitchen, you can store your spices and herbs in a tidy, accessible way. Here are 10 of the most creative (and convenient) methods to store all your spices, no matter how much cabinet space you have available.

Credit: Joe Lingeman

1. In a drawer

Storing your spices in a drawer can save cabinet space and make your go-to seasonings super easy to grab in a pinch (pun intended). If you opt for drawer storage, you may also want to grab a drawer insert to keep them in place and organized (we like this affordable option from YouCopia). If you don’t have room to lay the jars down, consider dropping them into a drawer so that they’re standing up. Just be sure to label the tops of the jars so you can see what’s what.

Credit: Emily Shwake

2. In deli containers

Have a label maker on hand? Then you’re halfway to a clever spice-storage method: stacking 8-ounce, clear deli containers in a cabinet. This is a preferred method among many chefs — not only does it help to save space, but it also means you can dunk a measuring spoon right into your spices.

Credit: Joe Lingeman

3. With tension rods

Easily increase your cabinet space by installing a tension rod, so that you can stack smaller spice containers on top of bigger ones. You can also use this trick if you have tall drawers.

4. Under cabinets

Another clever way to turn wasted space into storage space: Use the bottom of your upper cabinets! Simply adhere magnets to glass jar lids and hang a magnetic knife strip beneath the cabinet. You can easily see and grab what you need, and you won’t be using up valuable real estate inside the cabinet.

Credit: Sarah Crowley

5. On picture ledges

Instead of framed art, why not line up your spices on IKEA’s MOSSLANDA picture ledge? It’s cheap (just $10!), sturdy, and easy to install.

6. On the side of your fridge

Decant your spices into magnetic tins and stash them on the side of your fridge. You’ll always be able to see what you have (as long as you label them), they’ll all be easy to grab, and you’ll free up cabinet space.

Credit: Devon Jarvis

7. On a pegboard

If you have available wall space, consider using a pegboard as a spice rack. You can make it look nice, too, so that it’s form and function.

Credit: Joe Lingeman/Kitchn

8. On a lazy Susan

Lazy Susans make every storage situation better. Kitchn editors love this one for less than $10, but you can also DIY one with two cake pans and marbles.

Credit: Amazon

9. On the backs of cabinet doors

There are all sorts of special organizers you can buy for your spices. This one just might be the coolest one, though, because it mounts onto the back of your cabinet doors and uses an otherwise wasted space.

Buy: SimpleHouseware Spice Gripper, $10.87

Credit: Devon Jarvis

10. On a rolling utility cart

A rolling utility cart can be tucked away in a pantry or closet and wheeled over to your workstation. Kitchn editors love the IKEA RÅSKOG cart and this cute option from Target.

How do you store your spices?