Limited storage space is a frequent problem for kitchen owners. Pots and pans require a lot of space in a kitchen cabinet. With creative design and ideas, you can minimize problems with insufficient storage space and make your kitchen more functional. Another way to make the most out of your storage space is by making the right choice of cookware pieces.
Before investing in new cookware, you should keep in mind the amount of space you have. If your kitchen is not large, consider buying space-saving cookware. This cookware is designed to accommodate small counters and cabinets.
Best Cookware for Small Kitchens
1. Stackable Pots and Pans
Stackable cookware is designed to nest when stored, saving up to 55% more cabinet space compared to traditional cookware sets. Instead of being awkwardly stacked, pots and pans nest beautifully to condense the mess in your cupboards.
If you nest the pans together, use pan dividers to keep your pots and pans in good condition. Pot and pan dividers keep pans separated in storage, protecting them from breakage, scratching, and sliding. Place pan dividers in between your pans to separate them during storage or transport.
2. The Neat Nest Space-Saving System and Interlocking Handles
The Neat Nest System is a storage method that protects nonstick pan surfaces from scratching. Pots with different diameters are nested together by utilizing interlocking handles, which securely lock nested pans together to minimize surface contact. This way, cookware pieces “float” rather than touch the inside of the next. The lack of movement results in fewer opportunities to damage and scratch cookware surfaces. Some related products are Farberware Neat Nest Space-Saving 10 Piece Aluminum Nonstick Cookware Set, Farberware 22245 Neat Nest Dishwasher Safe Nonstick Cookware Pots and Pans Set, 13 Piece.
3. Pans with Removable Handles
By removing a pan’s handle, you can save a lot of space in your cupboards. You can nest pots and pans together while storing handles in a drawer until needed. The removable handle also makes cleaning pans in a small sink easier.
A pan with a detachable handle is convenient for finishing a meal in the oven. The handle usually cannot withstand high temperatures; after removing the handle, a pan can be exposed to higher oven temperatures.
4. Pan Handles with Holes
Pots with looped handles and with a handle that has a hole can be hung for storage, thus saving a lot of cabinet space. Handles with holes allow for storing pots and pans on a wall- or ceiling-mounted pot rack. In addition to saving cabinet space, the hanging storage option keeps your favorite cookware items easily accessible.
5. Space-saving Lids
Cookware lids are bulky and difficult to store as they slide off each other when stacked. Storing lids on top of the pans takes up a lot of space and can trap moisture inside the pots.
Flat lids are stackable and take up less room than the standard rounded ones. Flat lids with handles on the side are very efficient space-savers. (Calphalon Premier Hard Anodized Nonstick Space Saving cookware set 11-Piece).
The lids with a looped handle have multiple options for storage. They can be hung, while lids with nobs need to be placed in a drawer or require a special lid rack.
6. Multi-sized lids
The universal lids are designed to fit cookware with different diameters. The underside of these versatile lids has several ridges to fit a variety of pot sizes. If you have a multi-sized lid, you don’t have to buy lids for your pots and pans. This helps reduce clutter and free up your cabinet space. You also will be able to find the “right” lid easily. (Cleverona Clever Lid – Universal Pan Lid, Universal Silicone Glass Lid Covers for Pots and Pans by Teeo).
7. Stove-to-oven Cookware
Stove-to-oven cookware allows you to start your meal on the stovetop and finish it in the oven. Possible limiting factors for use in the oven are insulated handles, nonstick coating, and plastic lid knobs. Cookware with metal handles can withstand higher heat, but make sure to use oven gloves or silicone handle covers when you take the pan from the stove or out of the oven. Cookware that can go straight from stove to oven can accommodate your cooking needs with fewer cookware pieces.
8. All-Purpose Pans
An all-in-one pan is a versatile cookware piece designed to work on all types of stovetops. You can use it for a wide range of cooking tasks including broiling, frying, baking, sautéing, searing, steaming, and braising. It accommodates all your cooking needs, so you can get rid of old and less versatile pans. Since all-in-one pans have an attractive design, you can put them on your dining table for serving food. Also, if you a short on space in your kitchen cabinet, you can store an all-in-one pan on your countertop.
Cookware Sets vs Individual Cookware Items
Buying sets of cookware gives you the possibility to store all pieces neatly. Buying individual pots and pans generally results in less convenient storage. A multi-purpose pan is an exception and can help you save space in your kitchen cabinet by eliminating unnecessary cooking utensils.
