The pantry may not be the first feature you think of when planning your kitchen, but it is definitely one of the most important! A pantry’s size, location, shelf layout and relationship to other kitchen features can make all the difference in managing food storage and prepping meals. Here’s how you can ensure your pantry reflects the way you cook and store food.
Start With What You Need to Store
When planning your pantry’s layout, focus on your actual daily habits. If you regularly buy food in bulk, you may need a walk-in pantry with space for large packages of food. On the other hand, if you cook frequently but don’t store a lot, a smaller cabinet pantry with convenient shelving for spices, baking supplies and other ingredients may be better.
You’ll also want to consider other non-food items you might store in the pantry, such as paper products, small appliances, and serving trays. Focus on what you need to store so your pantry isn’t too small or filled with empty shelves that you don’t actually need.
Put Everyday Items Within Easy Reach
Shelf depth and spacing can also affect the usability of your pantry. While shallow shelves work well for canned goods and smaller boxes, appliances, baskets and bulk goods usually require deeper shelving. Because of this, mixed shelf sizes and depths can go a long way in improving storage capacity. Place the items you use most often in areas that are easy to see and reach, with less-used items stored farther from the entrance.
Think About the Route From Car to Kitchen
Your pantry’s placement doesn’t just support meal prep. It should also be convenient for how groceries enter the home. A pantry located between the garage entry and kitchen can make it easier to unload after shopping. However, placement near food prep areas can make daily cooking more efficient.
When planning the pantry’s exact location, you’ll want to consider other attributes that affect how it fits in the route, such as door swings and nearby counter space. Considering the route as part of pantry placement will help it become a convenient part of your daily routines.
A useful pantry offers more than plenty of storage space. Capstone can help you determine the right shelf designs and location to match your real routines, making everyday tasks a breeze. To learn more about how we can help plan your ideal kitchen for your custom home, contact us today.