Kitchen Guides
Pros and Cons of 5 Different Pantry Types
Here is the essential pantry guide! A storage expert inspects and assesses the most common options so you don't have to.
Whether you’re about to embark on a kitchen renovation or are looking to revamp an existing pantry, the choices might seem endless. Here is a guide to help you navigate the pros and cons of common pantry storage systems.
2. Internal drawers
Pros: These have flexible sizing, a high weight capacity and are generally high quality.
Cons: This system has limited depth options, can be pricey and are generally not DIY-friendly if you’re converting an existing pantry. In addition, if your budget is limited and you only install a few internal drawers, you might fall short of the functionality you require. Pantry drawers may also require ‘packing’ to clear the hinges, resulting in reduced storage. If your pantry is narrow, internal drawers may leave you with limited storage as the sidewalls are generally quite thick in order to conceal the drawer mechanism.
Tip: There is a wide range of dividers/organisers if your budget can stretch a bit further. Most drawers are limited to 600-680 millimetres depth so if you have a pantry that is very deep, (for example, beneath the stairs) you may need to consider other options and sliding tracks.
Pros: These have flexible sizing, a high weight capacity and are generally high quality.
Cons: This system has limited depth options, can be pricey and are generally not DIY-friendly if you’re converting an existing pantry. In addition, if your budget is limited and you only install a few internal drawers, you might fall short of the functionality you require. Pantry drawers may also require ‘packing’ to clear the hinges, resulting in reduced storage. If your pantry is narrow, internal drawers may leave you with limited storage as the sidewalls are generally quite thick in order to conceal the drawer mechanism.
Tip: There is a wide range of dividers/organisers if your budget can stretch a bit further. Most drawers are limited to 600-680 millimetres depth so if you have a pantry that is very deep, (for example, beneath the stairs) you may need to consider other options and sliding tracks.
3. Pull-out baskets
Pros: These require minimal cleaning, they allow maximum visibility, are cost-effective and DIY-friendly for converting existing pantries.
Cons: The quality and features are wide ranging. Some baskets have angled sides, which leads to reduced storage capacity.
Tip: If you want your baskets to last, choose quality materials. Wire baskets are available in a range of materials, such as stainless steel, coated mild steel and plastic. Stainless steel is the best long-term choice, especially if you are in a coastal or humid area. The quality of sliding tracks can also vary, with warranties ranging from 12 months to a lifetime, so check the fine print if you are looking for a long-term solution. Some baskets are designed with angled sides, but it’s worth looking for square sides to maximise storage space. Some suppliers also offer non-slip bases, soft-close slides, dividers and a wide range of sizes (with depths up to 900 millimetres), which will give you similar features to internal drawers.
Pros: These require minimal cleaning, they allow maximum visibility, are cost-effective and DIY-friendly for converting existing pantries.
Cons: The quality and features are wide ranging. Some baskets have angled sides, which leads to reduced storage capacity.
Tip: If you want your baskets to last, choose quality materials. Wire baskets are available in a range of materials, such as stainless steel, coated mild steel and plastic. Stainless steel is the best long-term choice, especially if you are in a coastal or humid area. The quality of sliding tracks can also vary, with warranties ranging from 12 months to a lifetime, so check the fine print if you are looking for a long-term solution. Some baskets are designed with angled sides, but it’s worth looking for square sides to maximise storage space. Some suppliers also offer non-slip bases, soft-close slides, dividers and a wide range of sizes (with depths up to 900 millimetres), which will give you similar features to internal drawers.
4. Pull-out pantries
Pros: These are perfect for very narrow spaces.
Cons: These pantries generally come with limited warranties and have a low weight capacity.
Tip: A pantry any wider than 400 millimetres can become problematic in the long run. One of the main problems is knowing when you’re over the weight capacity. If the mechanism is damaged, repair can be expensive or a whole new system may be required. In addition, check the materials of the adjustable baskets, which are generally chrome-plated mild steel and only occasionally stainless steel.
Pros: These are perfect for very narrow spaces.
Cons: These pantries generally come with limited warranties and have a low weight capacity.
Tip: A pantry any wider than 400 millimetres can become problematic in the long run. One of the main problems is knowing when you’re over the weight capacity. If the mechanism is damaged, repair can be expensive or a whole new system may be required. In addition, check the materials of the adjustable baskets, which are generally chrome-plated mild steel and only occasionally stainless steel.
5. Other pantry mechanisms
Pros: High marks for visibility and access.
Cons: They generally come with limited warranties and have a low weight capacity.
Tip: There are many pantry mechanisms that look amazing and do all sorts of amazing things. Do your homework and check the fine print, including weight capacity, to ensure you have good service should something go wrong. Make sure the mechanisms are installed professionally as most are not suitable for DIY installation. As noted earlier, check the materials of the adjustable baskets, which are generally chrome-plated mild steel and are therefore prone to rust if you live in coastal or humid areas.
Learn how to pack a punch in the kitchen
Pros: High marks for visibility and access.
Cons: They generally come with limited warranties and have a low weight capacity.
Tip: There are many pantry mechanisms that look amazing and do all sorts of amazing things. Do your homework and check the fine print, including weight capacity, to ensure you have good service should something go wrong. Make sure the mechanisms are installed professionally as most are not suitable for DIY installation. As noted earlier, check the materials of the adjustable baskets, which are generally chrome-plated mild steel and are therefore prone to rust if you live in coastal or humid areas.
Learn how to pack a punch in the kitchen
Final points to consider
Sometimes the products offered in showrooms look amazing but please do check the warranties, weight capacities and materials. Even the expensive mechanisms may fall short of expectations once you delve into the details. DIY installation can be a good way to save money and still give you a quality product if a kitchen renovation is not on the cards any time soon.
Read more:
How to Bring a Pantry Into Your Kitchen
Tell us:
What type of a pantry have you installed at home? Tell us why in the Comments below.
Sometimes the products offered in showrooms look amazing but please do check the warranties, weight capacities and materials. Even the expensive mechanisms may fall short of expectations once you delve into the details. DIY installation can be a good way to save money and still give you a quality product if a kitchen renovation is not on the cards any time soon.
Read more:
How to Bring a Pantry Into Your Kitchen
Tell us:
What type of a pantry have you installed at home? Tell us why in the Comments below.
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Pros: These are easy, inexpensive and commonly used.
Cons: It’s hard to reach till the back of shelves and the necessarily wide spacing reduces storage space.
Tip: A cut-out or U-shaped shelf will greatly improve visibility and access. If you group similar-height products together you might fit in more shelves and gain more storage. If your kitchen is large or you don’t have much to store, a cut-out shelf will do the trick. A combination of shelves and drawers is also a great solution.
Browse through images of smart pantries