Pots and pans…how many do you have? How many do you need?
Well, I need a lot of them. I cook almost everyday and I enjoy it. I enjoy it even more when I have the right tools.
In this cabinet (albeit small) I have:
– 8 Skillets
– 4 Small Pots
– 2 Stock Pots
– 2 Medium Pots
– 1 Steamer Pot
That’s a total of 17 pots and pans! Not including, 3 enamel dutch ovens (probably my favorite), that I store inside my oven. One of the enamel pots sits on the stove at all times, since I use it often. I also have cast iron pans which are my husband’s favorite, since they can go directly on the grill.
I am not a fan of purchasing full sets of pots and pans sold in a box, although it is a good way to figure out what you use most. The box is usually a better value, but I end up giving away the pots that I don’t use…this negates the whole “better” value concept. I prefer selecting quality pieces that I will use often and will last for many years.
This also means that I haven’t been able to buy all these pieces at once. I purchase maybe one piece a year or my husband will give me one for my birthday or mother’s day. I am one of those women that is REALLY excited to receive a stockpot as a gift. Truly, it’s what I like. Why should I ask for pearls when I really want something for the kitchen?
Not all of my cookware is expensive or that high of a quality. I have yet to splurge on really good non-stick, so I have pans that do the job but won’t last for many years. A good non-stick 12-14 inch pan is on my list though (honey, I know you don’t read all my posts, but I really hope you are reading this one!). I get points for subtlety.
Back to how I organize the pans. I get points for segues too.
I found a metal rack that could be used to store files or bakeware, and I placed it on its side. It fit perfectly snug inside my cabinet, so each skillet rests safely in separate slots.
Next to the skillets, I have smaller sauce pots since the skillets take up a lot of room. Behind the sauce pots, I have a large stockpot and a steamer pot.
Items that are rarely used are always towards the back. The most used items get the best real estate.
In the top shelf, I place medium-sized pots. I stack the ones that are alike. Towards the back, I keep larger, less used deep skillets and pots.
This is the largest cabinet in my kitchen and that’s why I chose it for this purpose. In some of the smaller corner cabinets, I keep specialty pots like pressure cookers, rice cookers and slow cookers. I label the shelf to remind me of the item behind the front pot, since it’s not visible.
The labeled shelf…
I do suggest that before organizing all your pots, you take them out of your cabinets and make sure they deserve the space that they are taking up. Obviously, I am not a minimalist when it comes to the kitchen, but I don’t keep things that I don’t use.
At this point, if I did get another non-stick skillet, I would have to get rid of a skillet. Otherwise, this cabinet would turn into stainless steel mess. It already does when I don’t put things back where they go. And by “I”, I totally mean my husband. Sorry Babe.
Do you enjoy cooking too? Do you also get excited when kitchen catalogs arrive in the email? Tell me that I’m not alone!
sedrate organizes says
I like the idea of organized pots and labeled shelves but I know we’d never keep it up.
Erin Branscom says
I just found your blog and love it. Can’t wait to read more! 🙂
http://www.erinbrans.com
Maria says
Thank you Erin!
Kangelia says
I love cooking and baking. I feel better now knowing that I am not alone when I get excited about meal planning or a new recipe/cookbook. Thank you so much for sharing