No matter the size of your kitchen, small storage cabinets can keep it organized and tidy
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When it comes to kitchen storage space, there’s no such thing as too much. Even large kitchens can benefit from kitchen storage cabinets, which can be use to conceal small appliances, stash pantry items, hold infrequently used cooking devices (looking at you, pasta maker!) or add more counter space to help keep clutter under control.
“Freestanding kitchen storage cabinets have emerged as a versatile solution for homeowners seeking to optimize space and functionality without the limitations of built-in cabinetry,” says Di Ter Avest, a professional home and lifestyle organizer in Baltimore, MD. “A good reason to consider purchasing a freestanding kitchen storage cabinet is its ability to offer flexible storage solutions. You can use them as a pantry with adjustable shelves or islands with built-in storage drawers on wheels.”
Ready to add one of these smart storage solutions to your home? We found the best options on the market for every style and budget.
Ebern Designs Kalauni Kitchen Pantry
One of the best organizing tricks for small spaces is to think vertically instead of horizontally. That’s exactly what you’ll get with this tall, 71-inch slim cabinet. As one of the best kitchen storage cabinets, This small kitchen pantry cabinet boasts adjustable shelves, one large drawer and four cupboard cabinets. The real kicker? It doubles as a microwave stand or bakers rack.
One five-star reviewer says this small kitchen pantry cabinet is perfect for her space. “Excellent pantry cabinet. [It] holds a ton of stuff and fits microwave great,” she writes.
Pros
- Two drawers
- Lower cabinet
- Open space for small appliances
- Available in two colors
Cons
- Assembly is complicated, per reviews
Dimensions: 71 H X 31.5 W X 15.7 D inches | Product weight: 95 pounds | Weight capacity: 300 pounds | Material: Manufactured wood
Winston Porter Wide Kitchen Pantry
Good things really do come in small packages, as evidenced by this space-saving cabinet. It has a little bit of everything: a drawer, a microwave shelf, two cupboards (one with a pretty glass door) and a countertop that can be used as a workspace. Bonus: This kitchen unit with shelves has a water-resistant surface, so cleaning up spills is a breeze. You can maximize the cupboard storage with pantry organization bins.
“After searching online for a days [sic], I came across this cart and thought it would be just perfect for the space in my kitchen near the back door,” raves 5-star reviewer Victoria. “Oh was I right! It was simple to assemble and took no more than an hour. I decided to buy fancier knobs but I am so pleased with my purchase! Definitely recommend purchasing!”
Pros
- Value priced
- Easy to clean
- Water-resistant microwave cabinet
- Rounded corners to prevent painful accidental bumps
Cons
- Small size means limited room for storage
- Short stature keeps microwave below waist height
Dimensions: 32.2 H X 35.4 W X 15.7 D inches | Product weight: 60 pounds | Weight capacity: 275 pounds | Material: Manufactured wood
Beachcrest Home Swanscombe Kitchen Pantry
With a classy paneled design, this extra-tall freestanding pantry is a welcome addition to any kitchen. It has two large cabinets—each with adjustable shelves—along with a drawer for holding placemats, silverware and the like. Hundreds of shoppers rate it five stars, with many saying it looks even better in person. Pro tip: Keep one of these kitchen step stools nearby for reaching the top shelf.
Five-star reviewer Donna raves: “This is exactly what we were looking for to hide away some of the appliances and pots and pans from our kitchen. It fits perfectly in the space and was fairly easy to assemble with two people.”
Pros
- Heavy and durable
- Available in two colorways
- Adjustable shelving
- Attractive antique brushed nickel hardware
- Easy to assemble
Cons
- Pricey
Dimensions: 71.5 H X 30 W X 16 D inches | Product weight: 146 pounds | Weight capacity: 270 pounds | Material: Manufactured wood
Homestyles Mobile Kitchen Island
Aesthetically pleasing spice storage ideas are all the rage right now, which is one reason this island cart is so popular among Amazon shoppers. The kitchen island has a spice rack on one side and a towel rack on the other, along with plenty of cupboard and drawer space. Plus, it boasts a drop-leaf top for extra dining space. Just add these chic kitchen island bar stools!
Amazon customer Christina raves: “I love this kitchen island. The quality is great, and equally important to me is the fact that it had the best assembly instructions I have ever used! It made putting it together easy, and I was able to do it alone. Also, I love that it comes partially assembled, with hinges and brackets already attached… all in all, I’m so happy with it, and I’d recommend it to anyone looking for a nice island in this size!”
Pros
- Three drawers
- Adjustable shelving
- Durable hardwood countertop
- Lockable swivel casters make it simple to move
- Drop-down leaf
- Small racks on either side for towels and spices
Cons
- Some customers complain assembly is difficult
Dimensions: 18 D x 53 W x 36 H inches | Product weight: 118 pounds | Material: Engineered wood (frame) and solid wood (countertop)
Latitude Run Farmhouse Coffee Bar Cabinet with Storage
Tired of having your coffee setup take up so much space on your kitchen counter? Make more room for meal prep and create a home café with this coffee bar. The lower cabinet doors open up to a large adjustable shelf, so you can store cookware and small appliances or coffee and tea supplies (go ahead and sign up for a coffee subscription—you’ve got room for extra bags now!). There’s a narrow top shelf for small items and décor a row of hooks to hang your coffee mugs. The spacious surface provides ample room for small appliances, like an automatic espresso maker or coffee maker. Made from solid and manufactured wood with vintage metal handles, this kitchen cabinet also has a built-in charging station with two AC outlets and two USB ports, so you can power up everything from your espresso maker to your coffee bean grinder.
Jessica, a verified Wayfair customer, said this in her five-star review: “Super cute and really easy to put together! We love it. Great value for the price!”
Pros
- Sturdy construction
- Adjustable shelf
- Hooks to hang mugs
- Charging station
Cons
- Some reviewers say it took them a long time to put together
Dimensions: 50 H x 31.5 W x 15.7 D inches | Product weight: 52 pounds | Weight capacity: 100 pounds | Material: Solid and manufactured wood
Aeloxis Havant Double Tilt Out Trash Cabinet
Even though kitchen trash cans (especially these touchless ones) have gotten more aesthetically pleasing over the years, there’s something to be said for hiding them completely, especially when you’re tight on space. And you can do just that with this attractive kitchen cabinet that’s made from MDF wood with a moisture-resistant finish that comes in five colors. It features two tilt-out drawers that each hold 10-gallon bins (not included), along with two drawers for storing spare garbage bags or other odds and ends.
Daniel, a verified Wayfair customer, says this in a five-star review: “Wonderful for separating recycling and trash, with the extra space for my coffee station.” Another happy customer, Lisette, says “It is so compact and no one knows it’s a dual garbage can.”
Pros
- Tilt-out cabinets make waste disposal easy
- Comes in five attractive colors
- Moisture-resistant finish
- Features two drawers for additional storage
- Odors are kept within the cabinet
Cons
- Trash bins are sold separately
- Some reviews mention assembly takes a long time
Dimensions: 35.8 H x 39.3 W x 13 D inches | Product weight: Not listed | Weight capacity: 35 pounds; 20 gallons trash | Material: Manufactured wood and solid wood
What to Look for When Buying Kitchen Storage Cabinets
Before purchasing kitchen storage cabinets, decide what problem you’re trying to solve. “Assess your storage needs and choose a freestanding cabinet with a configuration that accommodates your specific requirements,” says Di. “Whether you need adjustable shelves, deep drawers or specialized compartments for organizing kitchen essentials, prioritize functionality and efficiency in your storage solution.”
Once you know what functions your kitchen storage cabinet will serve, figure out where you can fit an additional piece of furniture in your kitchen. If you don’t have a ton of floor space to work with, look for taller kitchen storage cabinets, which can maximize your storage space. You can also consider putting kitchen storage cabinets in your pantry, mudroom, hallway or dining room. As long as they’re easily accessible when you’re cooking, they’ll serve their purpose spectacularly.
Features to Look For in Kitchen Storage Cabinets
After function comes form. “Select a freestanding cabinet that complements the aesthetic of your kitchen and reflects your personal style preferences,” says Di. “Whether you prefer a modern minimalist design, a rustic farmhouse-inspired look or a classic traditional vibe, choose a cabinet that enhances the visual appeal of your kitchen.”
You should also consider price and quality when finding the best kitchen storage cabinet for your needs. Cheap models are made of cheap materials, but if you’re not planning on staying where you live for long, you don’t necessarily need to invest in something expensive. Alternatively, if you’re looking for something that will last for years to come, it’s worth it to spend a bit more money for something made of solid wood or other durable materials.
Most kitchen storage cabinets you can buy online will arrive flat-packed and require assembly. If you’re not handy or if you’re ordering a rather large piece of furniture, you’ll likely need to call a friend or family member for assistance, or pay a service to put it together for you.
How We Found the Best Kitchen Storage Cabinets
To find the best kitchen storage cabinets, we combed through the offerings of the most popular internet retailers to discover which models impress real-world customers the most. Next, we did a deep dive into their reviews, comparing and cross-referencing their insider intel on the kitchen storage cabinets in different configurations and scenarios. We also took into account how easy they were to put together and the quality of construction, disqualifying models that had repeated complaints about manufacturers’ defects or difficult assembly. After analyzing reviews and comparing product specs, we selected the highest-performing models across multiple categories.
FAQ
Are portable kitchen islands a good idea?
Kitchen storage carts—many of which are portable thanks to wheels at the bottom—are a great option for renters or folks with small kitchens. They offer an easy, impermanent way to add more storage and prep space to your kitchen without a major project.
What are the downsides of kitchen storage carts?
Customers should be mindful that these solutions may not be as sturdy as built-in kitchen cabinets and may therefore not be able to bear as much weight. Be sure to read the manual’s instructions for proper guidance.
Is it cheaper to buy or build a kitchen island?
If you prefer ultimate customization when it comes to materials and features in your kitchen island—and you already have the DIY skills to get started—it can be cheaper to build your own from scratch. However, keep in mind that minimizing labor costs means you’ll be doing all the work yourself—including the time it takes to learn any building skills you’re not already familiar with.
Why You Should Trust Us
As a lifelong city dweller, I’ve always cooked in small kitchens. I know how to maximize the paltry amount of storage that comes with them. In fact, I’ve added a kitchen storage cabinet to every apartment kitchen I’ve ever lived in! They’re essential for keeping clutter at bay, giving me a place to store small appliances when they’re not in use and keeping my counters clean.
Di Ter Avest is a professional home and lifestyle organizer and the owner of Di is Organized, in Baltimore, MD. Her accountability program and digital book Organize Yourself Healthy help women across the globe get their lives and homes organized. Her expertise has been featured in several media outlets, and she has also given workshops at IKEA, West Elm and Williams Sonoma.
