Spices are a staple in cooking throughout the world. Without all of those fabulous flavors of herbs and spices from around the world, food would be bland and lifeless. However, keeping all of those jars organized and within reach can be difficult. This is especially true if you are an avid cook or someone who loves to entertain. This guide is meant to help you pick out the perfect item that will serve to keep those spices organized and ready to be used at a moment’s notice. We’ll start by taking a look at some of the factors you should consider before buying a spice rack.
Take an Inventory of your Spices
Before beginning to shop for a spice rack, take an inventory of your current spice collection, from allspice and basil to vanilla and zatar, as well as spice blends, such as barbecue dry rubs and curry powders. Pay careful attention to what spices you use the most often and which ones you hardly use at all. This will give you an idea of what size of spice rack you are looking to purchase. The spice rack should ideally hold the spices that you use most often. This way, the spices you need are right at your finger tips when cooking, making meal times easier and quicker.
All about Spice Jars
When shopping for a spice rack, pay careful attention to the size of the jars on the rack. In many cases, the jars may be too small or too large depending on what spice you plan on putting in the containers. In many cases, these jars already come marked with spice names or even filled with spices. Some people find this convenient, while others may prefer to customize their spice racks using the spices that are their favorites and spice labels, which come pre-printed. Also, be wary of spices that are included with spice racks. These could have been sitting on a shelf for a long period of time and may not be fresh. Your best bet may be to purchase empty jars that you like and fill them with spices from a reputable vendor. Many spice fans recommend the Penzey’s company.
Where will you put the spice rack?
Consider where the spice rack will go before making a decision. The spice rack should be located in a place that is easily accessible from the stove and kitchen work areas generally used for meal preparation. Also, the spice rack should be in a place with as little temperature variation as possible, i.e. not right next to the cooktop.
Counter Spice Racks
Spice racks designed to be placed on a counter are probably the most popular spice racks. This type of spice rack is great because the spices are easily accessible. They are also portable and can be moved to a different location without much trouble. Spice racks for counters come in all price ranges. Also, these spice racks are usually more decorative than other racks because they are meant to be displayed. Be careful to match the rack to your home decor.
Wall Spice Racks
Spice racks that are designed to be hung on a wall are not as popular as they used to be, but still can be found through many retailers. If you are planning on buying a spice rack that will be hung on a wall in your home, you will need to measure the area to make sure the rack fits properly in the space. Like those for counters, spice racks that hang on walls will generally be decorative as well.
Cabinet Spice Racks
Spice racks designed for use in a cabinet are often the most practically made. These spice racks are usually manufactured in a Lazy Susan style. This way, the chef is able to fit more spices into a smaller area. The turning motion of this kind of spice rack also makes it easy to see what spices you have and if you need to restock a certain herb. These spice racks are not decorative because they are not generally designed to be seen by anyone but the residents of the home. However, you will definitely need to measure your cabinet’s height and width before making your purchase to make sure the spice rack will fit properly.
Drawer Spice Racks
Perhaps the most sought after spice racks today are those designed to fit in a kitchen drawer. Often considered standard in new construction, kitchen spice drawers are all the rage in modern kitchen design. In most cases, these spice racks are basically dividers that help turn your standard drawer into a spice rack. This helps to make your kitchen look less cluttered and more modern. In addition, this type of spice organizer is very practical and can be used in a drawer near the stove for the smartest design.
Spice racks for the Refrigerator
Many home chefs today have taken a cue from the professionals and started to use fresh herbs and spices more often than the dried varieties. If this is true in your case, you can still find a way to organize these fresh herbs in the refrigerator. Some companies now make fresh herb organizers for the refrigerator which will help to make meal times easier and quicker.
Where do you buy spice racks?
Spice racks are available in many price ranges at many retailers. Big box stores, such as Target, Kmart, and Wal-Mart, offer a variety of spice rack options in numerous styles. Department stores like Macy’s and Kohl’s also have an excellent selection of spice racks that would suit many budgets and styles. If you are looking for something that has a more custom look, try shopping at restaurant supply stores or hardware stores. While many want a decorative spice rack that enjoys a place of honor on their counter or wall, others would definitely prefer to keep those jars hidden in a drawer or cabinet.
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