The Best Pantry Shelves for Every Kitchen

Opened the pantry door and can’t find what you’re looking for? Sounds like you could benefit from some well-organized pantry shelves. Pantry shelves are an essential component of any kitchen and come in various styles and materials. If you’re looking for the best pantry shelves, you’ve come to the right place. 

Top 8 Best Pantry Shelves

I picked this selection of options based on their function, quality, and ease of use.

Benefits to Pantry Shelves

Organizing your kitchen pantry can be a daunting task, but it’s worth the effort! Having shelves dedicated to pantry items helps you keep track of what you have and makes it easier to find what you need. Plus, it helps to prevent your pantry from becoming a cluttered mess. Here are just a few benefits of having shelves in your pantry.

Easy to See What You Have

When everything is out in the open, it’s easy to see what you need to restock. 

Easier to Find What You’re Looking For

Not only can you quickly scan the shelves for what you need, but having everything organized by type (canned goods, spices, etc.) makes it even easier to find what you’re looking for. 

Prevents Food from Getting Misplaced

Ever have that moment where you know you bought something but have no idea where it is? Having shelves helps prevent that by giving every item a designated space. 

Makes Your Pantry Look Neater and More Inviting

Let’s be honest; a cluttered pantry is not very appealing. Organizing your pantry with shelves makes it look tidy and well-kept – and who doesn’t love that? 

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Types of Pantry Shelves

If you’re thinking of organizing your pantry, one of the first things you’ll need to do is choose the right shelves. There are a variety of pantry shelves on the market, so it’s important to select the ones that best suit your needs. 

Fixed

A fixed pantry shelf is a storage solution that can be used in a kitchen or any other room in the home. It’s often made of wood or metal and is mounted on the wall. Fixed shelves are a great way to add extra storage without taking up too much space. 

You can store food, cookware, or any other items that need to be kept out of the way. Fixed shelves are also very easy to install and can be customized to fit any space. Whether you need a new way to organize your kitchen or simply need more storage, fixed shelves are an ideal solution.

Pull-Outs

Pull-out pantry shelves are usually mounted on rails, making them easy to slide in and out. Most shelves also have drawers or doors, which can be used to keep items organized. A pull-out pantry shelf is a great way to save space in your kitchen and make it more organized.

Adjustable

An adjustable pantry shelf is a great way to make the most of your storage space. It can be installed in any pantry or cupboard, allowing you to customize each shelf’s height to fit your needs. 

For example, if you have taller items that you want to keep stored on the top shelf, you can simply adjust the height of the shelf to accommodate them. 

Additionally, adjustable shelves are perfect for accommodating different-sized items. If you have a mixture of large and small items that you need to store in your pantry, an adjustable shelf can allow you to create separate storage spaces for each size. 

They’re easy to install, so you can add an adjustable pantry shelf to your home without hiring a professional.

Free Standing

A free-standing pantry shelf is a great way to add extra storage space to your pantry. These shelves are typically made of wood or metal and come in various sizes and styles. They can be placed anywhere in the pantry and don’t have to be attached to the wall. 

You can find them with open shelves, doors, or drawers, so you can easily find the right option for your needs. Free-standing pantry shelves are a great way to keep your kitchen organized and help you save space. If you have a small kitchen, these shelves can provide extra storage without taking up too much room. 

Racking

A racking pantry shelf is a type of shelving specifically designed for use in a pantry. The shelves are usually made of wire or metal, with a series of evenly spaced crossbars running from front to back. This design supports stored items and allows air to circulate freely around the shelves, helping keep food fresh. 

Racking pantry shelves are often used in commercial kitchens but can also be a great addition to any home kitchen. They are an especially good choice for storing heavier items, such as canned goods or jars of sauce.

Best Materials for Pantry Shelves 

When choosing materials for your pantry shelves, there are a few things to consider. 

First, think about what you’ll be storing on the shelves. If you are storing heavy cans or glass jars, you’ll need sturdy shelves that can support the weight. 

Second, consider the finish of the shelving material. Choose a material like stainless steel or plastic if you want a durable finish that’s easy to clean. Finally, think about the look of the shelving material. 

Choose materials like wood or laminate if you want your pantry to have a more polished look. Whatever materials you choose, make sure they’re strong and stylish enough to stand up to years of use.

MDF

MDF, or medium-density fiberboard, is a popular choice for pantry shelves for several reasons. It’s affordable, easy to work with, and paintable, so it can be customized to match your kitchen’s style. MDF is also fairly durable and resistant to warping, making it a good option for humid or hot kitchens. But it’s a porous material when unfinished so it can absorb heavy moisture from things like leaks.

But MDF isn’t as strong as some other materials, such as plywood, so it’s important to use thicker boards or support the shelves properly to prevent sagging. Overall, MDF is a good choice for budget-friendly pantry shelves that are both attractive and functional.

Pros:

• Budget-friendly.
• Paintable.
• Easy to work with.

Cons:

• Not very durable.

Melamine

It’s a popular material for pantry shelves because it is strong and durable. It is made of layers of paper bonded together with resin and is available in various colors and finishes. Melamine is also easy to clean, and it resists staining and fading. 

However, there are a few drawbacks to using melamine shelves. First, the edges can be sharp, so they may not be the best choice if you have young children in the home. In addition, melamine can chip or crack if it is subject to too much wear and tear. 

Melamine is a good choice for pantry shelves because it is strong, easy to clean, and affordable.

Pros:

• Easy to clean.
• Affordable.
• Relatively strong.

Cons:

• Prone to cracking and chipping.

Plywood

This material comprises a series of thin wood veneer layers glued together.

On the plus side, plywood is a strong and sturdy material that can support a lot of weight. It’s also relatively inexpensive, so it’s a great option if you’re on a tight budget. And if you’re handy with tools, you can easily cut and shape plywood to fit your pantry.

On the downside, plywood can be difficult to clean and is susceptible to water damage. Plus, it doesn’t have the same finished look as other materials, like wood or laminate. So, if the aesthetic appeal is important to you, you might want to consider another option for your pantry shelves.

Ultimately, choosing whether to use plywood for your pantry shelves comes down to personal preference. If you’re looking for a cheap option, plywood may be the way to go. But if you’re concerned about durability or appearance, you may want to consider another material.

Pros:

• High weight capacity.
• Affordable. 

Cons:

• Susceptible to water damage.
• Can be difficult to clean.

Solid Wood

When it comes to choosing pantry shelves, solid wood is a popular material for several reasons. First of all, it is a very strong and durable material, so it can easily support the weight of things like canned goods and other pantry items. 

Additionally, wood is a natural material that can add a warm and inviting feeling to your kitchen. And if you’re worried about pantry pests, solid wood shelves can also be sealed to help keep insects out. 

However, one downside of solid wood shelves is that they can be more expensive than other materials. But solid wood pantry shelves are definitely worth considering if you’re looking for a classic and timeless look for your kitchen.

Pros:

• Keeps insects out.
• High weight capacity.

Cons:

• Can be expensive.

Plastic

Plastic may be a good option if you’re looking for an affordable and durable material for your pantry shelves. Plastic is super easy to clean and won’t absorb spills like wood or particleboard. 

But there are a few things to remember when choosing plastic shelves. First, make sure the plastic is thick and sturdy enough to support the weight of your pantry items. 

Second, consider the color of the plastic carefully – some shades of plastic can warp or fade after a while when exposed to sunlight or heat. Plastic is a versatile and low-maintenance material that can be a great choice for pantry shelves.

Pros:

• Low-maintenance.
• Easy to clean.
• Affordable.

Cons:

• Can bend or warp in time.

Metal

If you’re considering metal shelves for your pantry, there are a few things to remember. One is that metal is an excellent choice for durability; it won’t warp or sag over time like wood can and is also resistant to moisture. Metal shelves can also be easier to clean than wood; crumbs and spills wipe up easily, so no need to worry about water stains. 

However, metal shelves can sometimes be more expensive than other options, and they can also conduct heat, which means hot items can cause them to warp. Metal is great for pantry shelves if you want durability and easy maintenance.

Pros:

• High durability.
• Doesn’t warp or sag.
• Moisture-resistant. 

Cons:

• Will warp when exposed to high heat.

Hardwood

Most hardwood is sturdy and durable and can withstand a lot of wear and tear. However, it is also more expensive than other options, such as particle board or laminate. Hardwood also requires more maintenance than other materials – it needs to be sealed and sanded regularly to prevent water damage. 

Overall, hardwood is a good choice for pantry shelves if you’re looking for a durable and stylish material.

Pros:

• Resistant to wear and tear.
• Highly durable.
• Stylish. 

Cons:

• More expensive.

What to Look for in Pantry Shelves

To spruce up your kitchen, one of the quickest and easiest ways is to invest in new pantry shelves. But with all the different styles and materials on the market, it can be tough to know where to start. Remember these tips as you shop for pantry shelves.

Size

Regarding pantry shelves, one size does not necessarily fit all. The best way to determine the ideal shelf size for your needs is to note the items you typically store in your pantry. For example, suppose you often find yourself with excess canned goods. So, consider installing deep shelves to accommodate multiple rows of cans.

Alternatively, suppose you regularly bake large batches of cookies or muffins. In that case, you may opt for wider shelves that accommodate baking sheets. In short, the best way to ensure that your pantry shelves are able to meet your needs is to take the time to assess your storage needs before making any decisions.

Type

Free-standing shelves are not a good idea if you have a small pantry. On the other hand, fixed shelves are a much better option for tight spaces. Adjustable shelves are helpful for those who store items of different sizes and heights in the pantry. Consider what you store in the pantry and how it’s designed. 

Personal Taste

Finally, take into account your personal taste. Do you like a more traditional look, or do you prefer something more modern? What kind of finish do you want? Hundreds of different shelf options are available, so take your time and find the perfect ones for your home.

Warranty

When deciding whether to purchase a warranty for your new pantry shelves, there are a few things to consider. First, think about how long you expect the shelves to last. If you think they’ll stand up to heavy use for many years, then a warranty may not be necessary. 

However, if you’re not sure how well they’ll hold up over time, or if you have kids who are likely to be hard on them, a warranty could give you peace of mind. 

Additionally, it’s worth considering how much it would cost to replace the shelves if they did break. A warranty may not be worth the extra expense if the cost is relatively low. However, a warranty could save you money in the long run if the replacement cost is high. 

Material

You’ll find a ton of options for pantry shelves these days. One option is to use wire shelving. This type of shelving is very sturdy and can hold a lot of weight. It’s also easy to clean and keep organized. 

Another popular option is to use laminate shelves. Laminate shelves come in various colors and styles, so you can easily find a look that matches your kitchen. They’re also easy to clean and resistant to stains. 

Lastly, wood shelves are a classic choice for pantries. They have a warm and natural look that can be stained or painted to match your kitchen cabinets. Wood shelves are also very strong and can hold a lot of weight. No matter what type of shelving you choose, make sure it’s made from high-quality materials so it will last for years to come.

Ease of Install

If your pantry shelves are poorly designed or difficult to install, it can make the task more cumbersome than it has to be. That’s why many homeowners opt for easy-to-install pantry shelves that can be assembled in just a few minutes. 

These shelves often come with detailed instructions and all the necessary hardware, so even if you’re not particularly handy, you’ll be able to get the job done quickly and easily. Plus, easy-to-install pantry shelves can be moved or reconfigured as needed, so you can always have the perfect storage solution for your changing needs. 

Easy-to-install pantry shelves are worth considering whether you’re looking for a permanent update to your kitchen or a temporary solution for a small space.

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Final Thoughts

Deciding whether or not to buy pantry shelves is a personal decision that depends on several factors. For instance, if you have a lot of extra space in your pantry, you may not need them. But, if your kitchen is cramped and storage is at a premium, pantry shelves can be a lifesaver. 

They’re an easy way to organize and store dry goods, freeing up valuable cabinet space. And because they’re typically made of sturdy materials like wood or metal, they can support heavier items like bulky boxes of cereal or bottles of cooking oil. So, if you’re struggling to keep your kitchen organized, pantry shelves may be worth considering. But also check out things like storage jars and drawer organizers to really maximize your space!

Frequently Asked Questions