Did you feel like no matter how much you clean, the kitchen always seems to need more cleaning? You are not alone! Most households struggle with this due to the high traffic and constant use of the space. Good organization and thoughtful item selection can significantly help manage the endless cleaning cycle in the kitchen. Understanding these problem areas, pro organizers here are 15 things essential for maintaining functionality, efficiency, and an aesthetically pleasing kitchen space that pro organizers would never get rid of.
Contents
- 1 Quality Kitchen Knives
- 2 Cutting Boards
- 3 Clear Storage Containers
- 4 Paper Towel Holder
- 5 Pot Lid Organizer
- 6 Drawer Dividers
- 7 Spice Rack
- 8 Lazy Susan
- 9 Measuring Cups and Spoons
- 10 Mixing Bowls
- 11 Trash and Recycling Bins
- 12 Baking Sheets and Cooling Racks
- 13 Food Processor and Blender
- 14 Pantry Baskets
- 15 Tiered Shelving
- 16 More From RetailShout
- 17 10 How to Grow a Garden That’s Friendly to Wildlife
- 18 15 Iconic Holiday Treats You Can Bake Year-Round
Quality Kitchen Knives
A set of high-quality kitchen knives is indispensable. Pro organizers know that good knives are essential for food preparation, offering precision and safety. Efficient and versatile, good knives streamline cooking tasks, from slicing vegetables to trimming meat, enhancing overall kitchen efficiency. Importantly, their sharpness enhances safety by reducing the risk of slips and cuts associated with using dull knives. Ensure knives are stored properly, preferably in a knife block or on a magnetic strip, to keep them sharp and accessible.
Cutting Boards
Cutting boards are a must-have in any kitchen. Choosing the right material, such as wood or plastic, ensures durability and ease of maintenance. A good cutting board prevents cross-contamination by allowing for easy cleaning and disinfection between uses. Having multiple cutting boards designated for different food types further enhances kitchen hygiene. Ultimately, investing in quality cutting boards contributes to a safer, more organized kitchen environment conducive to efficient meal preparation.
Clear Storage Containers
By allowing you to see the contents at a glance, clear storage containers streamline meal prep and pantry management, keeping ingredients fresh and visible. Pro organizers prefer containers with airtight seals to prolong the shelf life of pantry items which also prevents food waste. Their stackable design also maximizes storage space, reducing clutter in cabinets and refrigerator shelves. Investing in clear containers enhances kitchen organization, efficiency, and food preservation.
Paper Towel Holder
Paper towels are one of the most common household items. In fact, according to statistics, an adult uses about 145 rolls per year. Sometimes, paper towels get wasted when not stored properly as they can easily unravel. That is why pro organizers think that a paper towel holder is something that every kitchen must have. It keeps paper towels easily accessible for quick cleanups, helping maintain a tidy and hygienic. Wall-mounted or countertop designs free up valuable counter space, while ensuring that paper towels stay in place and don’t unravel.
Pot Lid Organizer
It can get really frustrating when you’re in the middle of cooking and you can’t find the right lid for your pot. This is why a pot lid organizer is an absolute game-changer. A pot lid organizer prevents the common problem of cluttered and hard-to-find lids by providing a designated space for each one, making it easy to locate the right lid when you need it. Organizers come in various designs, such as rack or tray styles, which can fit inside cabinets or drawers, maximizing space and keeping lids upright and accessible.
Drawer Dividers
Drawer dividers are essential for maintaining order in utensil drawers. They help in categorizing and keeping utensils in place and from becoming jumbled, making it easier to find and store items. Adjustable dividers accommodate various drawer sizes and can be customized to fit specific utensils, maximizing drawer space and improving overall kitchen efficiency. Having them in your kitchen drawers will transform chaotic drawers into neatly organized spaces, enhancing both functionality and ease of use in the kitchen.
Spice Rack
Spice racks keep spices neatly arranged and easily accessible, eliminating the frustration of rummaging through cabinets or drawers. By displaying spices in a tiered or wall-mounted rack, you can maximize counter or wall space, making efficient use of kitchen real estate. Choosing a rack with adjustable shelves or slots ensures it can accommodate different container sizes and types of spices, from jars to bags. A well-organized spice rack ultimately enhances cooking efficiency by allowing you to quickly locate and use spices.
Lazy Susan
Lazy Susan is a versatile and practical addition to any kitchen, particularly for organizing and accessing items in cabinets or on countertops. This rotating platform allows you to easily spin it to access items stored on it, making it ideal for corner cabinets or deep shelves where items might otherwise be hard to reach. Lazy Susans come in various sizes and designs, accommodating different storage needs from spices and condiments to pantry staples and kitchen utensils. By maximizing storage space and improving accessibility, a lazy Susan helps keep your kitchen organized and efficient, ensuring that everything is within reach without the hassle of digging through cluttered cabinets.
Measuring Cups and Spoons
Having this equipment ensures recipes turn out correctly, whether you’re following a new recipe or perfecting a favorite dish. High-quality sets, often made of durable materials like stainless steel or BPA-free plastic, provide longevity and easy maintenance. Nesting designs save space and keep your kitchen organized, while marked measurements prevent guesswork and mistakes.
Mixing Bowls
You can use mixing bowls for just about anything: mixing ingredients, tossing salads, marinating meat, or even serving dishes. Having a good set of mixing bowls makes meal prep so much easier, giving you a reliable and multi-purpose tool for cooking. High-quality bowls made from stainless steel, glass, or durable plastic last longer and are super easy to clean. It would also be easy to save space and make storage as you can just pile them up.
Trash and Recycling Bins
Having designated bins for waste and recyclables helps manage kitchen waste efficiently and supports eco-friendly habits. Choose bins with features like foot pedals or touchless lids for convenience and hygiene. Compact designs can save space while still holding a decent capacity, fitting seamlessly into your kitchen layout. A quality trash and recycling bin not only keeps your kitchen tidy but also makes waste disposal quick and hassle-free.
Baking Sheets and Cooling Racks
Baking sheets offer a sturdy, flat surface for baking cookies, roasting veggies, and making sheet pan meals, ensuring even heat distribution for perfectly cooked food. High-quality sheets usually come with non-stick surfaces which makes cleaning easier. Racks are essential for letting baked goods cool properly, allowing air to circulate and preventing them from becoming soggy. They also come in handy for tasks like glazing and decorating.
Food Processor and Blender
Food processors can chop, slice, shred, and knead dough, while blenders are ideal for making smoothies, purees, and soups. Their powerful motors and sharp blades ensure consistent and uniform results, which are crucial for the quality of dishes. These appliances help save significant time and effort by quickly processing large quantities of ingredients, streamlining meal preparation.
Pantry Baskets
Another must-have for a functional and organized kitchen is pantry baskets. They help categorize and contain various pantry items, from snacks and spices to canned goods and baking supplies, preventing clutter and making everything easy to find. By grouping similar items together, baskets make it simple to access what you need, reducing time spent searching through shelves. They can also be stacked so it helps save space, making more room for other items.
Tiered Shelving
Tiered shelving is perfect for maximizing vertical space in cabinets and pantries. These shelves are ideal for stacking items like canned goods, spices, and dishes, making it easier to see and access everything without creating a mess. Tiered shelving can fit into cabinets, on countertops, or inside pantry spaces, perfect for different kitchen layouts and for maximizing spaces neatly. Maintaining a spotless kitchen might seem tough, but these items will significantly improve efficiency, functionality, and organization even with high traffic and constant use of the space.
This article originally appeared on RetailShout.
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