Two ways to read “must haves”
People searching for kitchen cupboard must haves usually mean one of two things. Some want the cabinet features that make storage work well, such as pull-outs and dividers. Others want to know what to keep in the cupboards: the staple foods, tools and dishes. This guide covers both, then shows a simple way to decide what goes where. For the wider picture, start with our overview of why kitchen storage matters and how to maximize it.
Cabinet features worth having
Cabinet makers and kitchen designers frequently recommend the same group of features. None is mandatory, and which ones suit you depends on your budget and how you cook.
- Pull-out trash and recycling. Bins tucked inside a base cabinet keep waste out of sight and free up floor space.
- Deep drawers for pots and pans. Wide, deep drawers are often easier than low shelves for heavy cookware, because you can see everything from above.
- Full-extension drawer slides. These let a drawer open fully, so items at the back are within reach. Check the weight rating on any slide you buy.
- Vertical dividers. Narrow upright slots keep baking sheets, cutting boards and trays easy to pull out one at a time.
- Spice and oil pull-outs. A slim pull-out beside the stove keeps frequently used ingredients close to where you cook.
- Corner solutions. Rotating shelves or swing-out units make awkward corners more usable. See lazy Susan cabinet sizes and how to use them.
- Soft-close hinges and slides. These slow doors and drawers at the end of their travel, which is quieter and gentler on the cabinets.
- Under-sink organizers. Pull-out trays or caddies make the space around plumbing more usable.
- Utensil caddies or drawer organizers. Keeping tools sorted near the cooking area saves time.
- Appliance garages or a mixer lift. These can keep bulky small appliances off the counter, though they take up cabinet space and cost more.
If you rent or are not remodeling, many of these can be approximated with freestanding inserts, tension rods, shelf risers and stick-on or over-the-door racks.
What to put where
There is no single correct layout, but this general scheme works for many kitchens:
- Cupboard nearest the stove: cooking oils, spices, salt and frequently used pots and pans, plus a drawer for spatulas and spoons.
- Cupboard or drawer near the prep area: mixing bowls, cutting boards, knives (in a block, strip or drawer insert) and measuring tools.
- Near the dishwasher or table: plates, bowls, glasses and cutlery, so unloading takes fewer steps.
- Near the sink: cleaning supplies, sponges, dish soap and trash.
- Pantry cupboard or shelves: dry food, cans and snacks.
- High or hard-to-reach cupboards: items used rarely, such as party platters or seasonal cookware.
- Low cupboards: heavier items such as stand mixers, cast iron or large pots.
A helpful principle is to put the things you use daily at easy reach and the things you use a few times a year somewhere less convenient.
Pantry cupboard staples
If you want to know what to keep stocked, food writers commonly list the same basics for a storecupboard. These generally have a long shelf life and make it easier to put together a meal:
- Dried pasta, rice, noodles and couscous
- Oats and breakfast cereals
- Canned tomatoes, beans and other pulses
- Canned fish
- Flour, sugar, baking powder and similar basics
- Cooking oil, vinegar and condiments
- Dried herbs and spices, stock cubes
Store these somewhere cool, dry and out of direct sunlight, and check use-by dates regularly. Our article on dry storage rooms and food storage rules explains the conditions that help dry goods last.
Items most kitchens share
When people ask for “20 things commonly found in a kitchen,” the answer varies, but most kitchens include:
- Pots and saucepans
- Frying pan
- Baking sheets
- Mixing bowls
- Cutting boards
- Chef’s knife and a few other knives
- Wooden spoons, spatula and ladle
- Colander
- Measuring cups and spoons
- Can opener and peeler
- Plates and bowls
- Glasses and mugs
- Cutlery
- Food storage containers
- Kettle or coffee maker
- Toaster or microwave
- Dish rack and dish towels
- Trash and recycling bins
- Cleaning supplies
- Pantry staples and spices
Treat this as a starting point, not a requirement. A tool you never use is a candidate for donating. For the whole house, see things you need in a home.
Decorating kitchen cupboards
Some readers ask how to decorate their cupboards. If you mean the outside, paint or new hardware is the usual route, and color choice affects how big the room feels; see light or dark cabinets for a small kitchen. If you mean the inside, shelf liners and matching containers can make cupboards look tidier, as long as they do not trap moisture or crowd the shelf. Clear or glass-fronted doors work best when what is behind them is already neat.
Frequently asked questions
What should I put in each kitchen cupboard?
Group items by task and place them near where they are used. Cookware near the stove, dishes near the dishwasher, food in a pantry cupboard and cleaning products near the sink is a common pattern.
Which cabinet features are most worth paying for?
Many designers point to deep drawers, pull-out trash and recycling, and good corner solutions. Think about what frustrates you most in your current kitchen and start there.
What is the “3x4 kitchen rule”?
Definitions of it vary, so we do not rely on it here. Layout rules vary by designer, so measure your own space and work backwards from how you cook.
How do I keep cupboards organized once they are sorted?
Give every category a fixed spot, avoid overfilling shelves and do a quick review every few months to remove expired food and unused items.