Smart Solutions for Shallow but Deep Cabinets

Running a kitchen with shallow but deep cabinets can create a storage challenge. If your cabinets are so deep that you must reach past or over items in front to access those further back, it can be frustrating to find the cookware you need. Fortunately, there are several creative solutions to streamline your kitchen storage and make accessing your cookware easier. This article explores various options, including sliding shelves, hanging cookware on doors, adding pockets to cabinet doors, attaching sliding shelves to cabinet doors, and even converting your cabinets into rolling carts.

Sliding Shelves for Easy Access

The simplest and most effective solution for shallow but deep cabinets is to install sliding shelves or shallow drawers in place of existing shelving. This approach allows you to access your cookware without disturbing the items in front or risking scratches on cabinet doors. Here’s how you can do it:

Measure the width and depth of your cabinet to determine the appropriate size of the sliding shelves. Choose between standard drawer slides or custom-made slides depending on your needs. Remove the existing shelving and install the sliding shelves or drawers, ensuring they are secure and level. Test the shelves or drawers to ensure they move smoothly.

This method is easy to implement and provides quick accessibility to your cookware. However, it may require some basic woodworking skills or the assistance of a professional.

Hanging Cookware on the Cabinet Door

For a more functional but slightly more complex solution, consider hanging your cookware directly on the door. This method can save valuable cabinet space and make your cookware easily accessible. Here’s what you need to do:

Ensure your cabinet door is solid and can support the weight of your cookware. Measure the height and width of your cabinet door to determine the appropriate placement of cup hooks or coat hooks. Attach the hooks to the door, spacing them evenly to avoid overcrowding. Hang your cookware, making sure it is secure and easily accessible.

This method requires some cabinetmaking skills, but it can be a stylish and space-saving alternative.

Adding Pockets to Cabinet Doors

If you prefer a more versatile storage solution, consider adding “pockets” to the inside of your cabinet doors. These pockets can accommodate smaller items and can be designed to fit more than just a few pieces of cookware:

Determine the size and spacing of the pockets based on the dimensions of your cabinet doors. Attach the pockets to the inside of the door using hardware such as snaps or magnets. Organize your smaller cookware and accessories in the pockets for easy access.

Pocket systems can be customized to meet your specific needs and can help keep your smaller items organized and within easy reach.

Attaching Cabinet Doors to Sliding Shelves

For a highly functional but more advanced solution, you can attach your cabinet door directly to sliding shelves or shallow drawers. This method requires cabinetmaking skills and can significantly improve the accessibility of your cookware:

Remove the hinges and backing of the cabinet door. Install drawer slides or custom-made slides at the bottom of the cabinet. Attach the cabinet door to the top of the drawer, creating a false front. Ensure the drawer movements are smooth and the door is flush with the cabinet.

This solution provides excellent accessibility and can be aesthetically pleasing. However, it requires a higher level of woodworking expertise.

Converting Cabinets into Rolling Carts

If none of the above solutions appeal to you, you might consider gutting the cabinet and converting it into a rolling cart. This method offers a fully functional storage solution while maintaining a seamless look:

Remove all existing shelves, base, and kickplate from the cabinet. Measure and construct a rolling cart to fit the opening left by the removed cabinet components. Add storage configuration appropriate to your cookware, such as adjustable shelves and drawers. Mount the cabinet door to the front of the cart for aesthetic consistency. Add wheels to your cart for easy mobility.

This method requires advanced cabinetmaking and carpentry skills, but it offers a comprehensive storage solution.

Whichever solution you choose, the key is to make your cookware easily accessible while maximizing your cabinet space. By implementing one of these creative storage solutions, you can streamline your kitchen and make meal preparation a breeze.