How to Organize Kitchen Utensils

Experienced chefs make it look easy, but organizing a kitchen is a complex job. Part of making cooking easy and efficient is getting all of your utensils in order, knowing where to find flatware, spatulas, or larger items like blenders, at a moment's notice.

Difficulty: Moderately Easy

Instructions

1. Dedicate drawers. Designate a drawer for flatware, a drawer for larger utensils, and a drawer for "miscellaneous" objects. This first step is a common way to start keeping kitchen utensils in order.

2. Get "flatware trays." These plastic (or metal) trays fit neatly inside of a drawer and have separate troughs shaped for forks, knives and spoons. These helpful containers keep flatware from shifting around in the drawer.

3. Keep knives near the cooking area. Methods for storing knives include a magnet rack, a block with slots for each knife, or a set of hooks for hanging knives. Make sure your kitchen knives are out of the reach of children to ensure safety.

4. Get baskets for ladles, oversized spoons, spatulas, and other long utensils. Larger items may not fit in drawers and can be kept neatly in a basket on the counter top. Another alternative is to hang them from hooks on the inside of a cabinet or on wall space.

5. Put electrical appliances in places for easy use and connection to outlets. Find a space where food processors or coffee makers can be easily plugged in. This may require running an extension cord into the kitchen; find a way to do this efficiently and safely.

Tips & Warnings

• Use cabinet space creatively. Some cooks like to keep food processors or blenders in cabinet spaces that swing up onto the counter top; others use revolving racks inside cabinets for a variety of utensils. Brainstorm ways to maximize your cabinet space and keep utensils close to you for easy use.

Resources

• Storage tips from Lester Fong
• Mrs. Clean: Kitchen organization