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Food & Wine / Container Store
Spice racks are an absolute necessity for an orderly kitchen. Without one, finding a jar of even your most frequently used spices can feel as tricky as navigating a wall plug in the dark (it’s that serious). Luckily, spice racks are available in various styles that are friendly for any kitchen, including rotating countertop towers, wall-mounted shelving, and cabinet organizers.
If your spice storage is crowded, it's paramount that you have a set of spice rack organizers that maximize space and provide a clear visual of everything you have at your disposal. We recommend looking for designs that contain a reasonable number of jars while making them easily distinguishable and accessible. Below, you can shop our list of the best spice racks no matter the size of your collection or kitchen space.
Best Overall
YouCopia 24-Bottle Spice Organizer
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This smartly designed spice organizer is loaded with features, from drop-down drawers and non-slip adjustable dividers to removable labels.
The lightweight plastic makes it feel a bit flimsy.
Our favorite spice organizer does it all and more, holding 24 full-size jars (and twice as many half-size jars) while remaining compact enough to fit inside a cabinet. Available in white or granite finishes, the lightweight plastic organizer is also sleek enough to keep out on your counter, for those who prefer to have their spices within arm's reach.
Three drawers feature adjustable non-slip dividers to keep each spice in its place and allow for different jar sizes. We love that the drawers not only pull out but also drop down — great for bringing the spices to eye level if the organizer is on a shelf over your head. It even comes with 100 removable labels, which make it easier to locate and reach for the right jar when you need it.
Capacity: 24 full-size jars, 48 half-size jars | Material: Plastic | Location: Cabinet, pantry | Dimensions: 10.5 x 11 x 8.3 inches
Best Value
Copco Basics Spice Organizer
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Simple yet attractive, it’s equipped with grips that keep jars in place.
The tiers could be taller for easier viewing and deeper for larger jars.
Tiered racks are a great way to organize kitchen cabinets and make it easier to see labels. This best-selling pantry organizer boasts a simple yet effective design, with three non-skid tiers for securely containing spices. It's available in a variety of colors and 10-inch and 15-inch versions to suit different cupboard sizes. The 10-inch rack holds up to 15 spice jars (though note that the tiers may be slightly too narrow for wider jars), while the 15-inch handles larger mason jars and cans.
Capacity: 15 jars | Material: Plastic | Location: Cabinet, pantry, countertop | Dimensions: 9.01 x 10.19 x 3.37 inches
Best for Countertops
Simple Houseware Spice Rack
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This durable, compact stainless steel rack is attractive yet affordable.
It may be too tall for some cupboards.
A functional countertop spice rack doesn't have to cost a small fortune. This affordable stainless steel option organizes up to 20 spices — both regular and oversized — and keeps them within easy reach as you cook. It's compact, sturdy, and looks more expensive than it is. Rubber feet hold it steady while preventing scratched counters. It’s a great alternative for those who prefer metal racks to plastic but don't want to mount one on the wall.
Capacity: 20 jars | Material: Stainless steel | Location: Countertop | Dimensions: 12 x 6 x 10 inches
Best Wall-Mounted
X-Cosrack Spice Rack Organizer
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The sturdy iron rack hangs on the wall and holds up to 36 jars.
It requires drilling holes.
Short on cupboards? This wall-mounted spice rack allows you to free up cabinet space, making it ideal for small kitchens and pantries. Made of iron, it offers a more durable look and feel than the plastic options on this list. It's quick and easy to install, whether you hang it on a wall or inside a pantry door. The four tiers hold up to 36 spice jars, great for stocking the tiniest kitchens, and the design makes it fun to display spices and even easier to reach them.
Capacity: 36 jars | Material: Iron | Location: Wall | Dimensions: 16.8 x 2.7 x 21.8 inches
Best for Stoves
StoveShelf 30-inch Magnetic Shelf
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It allows you to keep your spices and oils within reach and takes up minimal space.
Some people might not like having their spices and oils in contact with heat and accidental splatters.
Take advantage of the space above your stove with this clever shelf. It’s an excellent choice for small kitchens and for those who like to keep countertops and cabinets as clutter-free as possible, and it allows you to put go-to seasonings and cooking oils within reach, so you don’t have to leave your cooking area.
With a magnetic design, it attaches to your stove in a snap — no assembly required. The sleek stainless steel body looks nice, is built to last, and is easy to clean. But don’t worry if your stove doesn’t have a stainless steel finish: There are six colors to choose from, including white and black, to get that seamless appearance. Plus, you can choose from three sizes, ranging from 20 to 30 inches long.
Material: Stainless steel | Location: Stove | Dimensions: 1.5 x 3.5 x 30 inches
Best for Small Spaces
Good Cooking Magnetic Spice Rack Gripper Clips
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You can choose to use all 20 holders or just a few for your most-loved spices, and place them inside a cabinet or on the side of your refrigerator.
It’s not the most aesthetically pleasing option, but it gets the job done.
If you need something for small spaces, or to store your most-used spices at the ready, these clips are the perfect solution. They come in rows of four but can be separated into individual holders, allowing you to store as many or as few as you want. While the photos show the spices hung vertically, many shoppers suggest housing them horizontally. No matter which way you choose to store them, the clips hold the spices securely in place.
With such a small footprint, these clips can go inside cabinets or on the side of your refrigerator. Each strip is pre-applied with quality adhesive, so you can simply stick it to your surface, but there are also screws if you want extra security in your cabinets. Keep in mind that the clips are suitable for containers between 1.5 and 1.7 inches in diameter.
- Capacity: 20 jars | Material: Plastic | Location: Cabinet, side of refrigerator | Dimensions: Each strip is about 2 inches long
Best Pre-Filled
Kamenstein 20-Jar Revolving Spice Tower
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Not only does this rotating rack come with 20 jars filled with spices, but you can also get five years of free refills.
The lids can be challenging to open to sprinkle or pour.
Why buy an empty spice organizer when you can get a revolving countertop rack that's filled with seasonings? This spice rack comes with 20 spice jars, including sea salt, oregano, basil, parsley, coriander, and more. As a bonus, you can even take advantage of free refills for five years if you register within 90 days of purchase.
In addition to the convenience of being pre-filled, the jars are aesthetically pleasing, with labels that make it easy to see what you need. The rack itself is also attractive, with a chrome body that spins easily. Also available in a 16-jar version, this would make a great gift for a beginner cook, a newlywed couple, or a new homeowner.
Capacity: 20 jars | Material: Stainless steel, glass | Location: Countertop, cabinet | Dimensions: 13.5 x 8.5 x 8.5 inches
Most Versatile
Caxxa Two-Tier Mesh Kitchen Wall Mount Spice Rack
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You can hang these sturdy, spacious racks on the wall or simply set them on the counter.
They can't be stacked on top of each other on the counter.
If you have limited cabinet space, these two spice racks can be hung on a wall or placed on a countertop as a smart space-saving solution. We love that they're separate so you can customize their placement to whatever works best in your home. Just note that you can't stack them unless you go the hanging route. The powder-coated metal mesh shelves fit a variety of spices and condiments including large jars, which many of the others on this list can't accommodate.
Material: Metal | Location: Wall, countertop | Dimensions: 16 x 12 x 4.4 inches
Best Magnetic
Roysili Magnetic Spice Rack
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This rack sticks on the fridge, clearing up counter and cupboard space, and the magnet is so strong it will not budge.
The options for placement are limited.
If you have crowded cabinets, this magnetic spice rack set hangs securely on the refrigerator to free up space. Each rack holds up to five pounds and has a protective railing to keep everything on the shelf — no assembly required. The entire back is a magnet so strong, you might even have trouble removing the shelf or moving it around. That’s good news for your spices, which will stay put no matter how hard the fridge doors open or close. Thankfully, the magnet is rubberized, so you can adjust it without fear of scratching your appliance.
Material: Steel | Location: Refrigerator | Dimensions: 10.2 x 4.3 x 5.3 inches
Best for Cabinets
Lynk Professional Slide-Out Spice Rack
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Sleek and sturdy, this sliding rack provides easy access to spices when you need them.
It’s not as easy to move around if you change your mind about placement.
Instead of digging through a cabinet to find onion powder, you can use this spice rack that slides out for convenience. It's made with sturdy steel and chrome to hold heavier items, and it only requires two screws for installation. A slide-out rack like this gives any kitchen a custom, luxury feel, and it helps to keep spices visible and accessible. However, this is a less temporary option, should you need to move it after installation.
Capacity: 10 jars | Material: Alloy steel | Location: Cabinet | Dimensions: 10.3 x 4.2 x 2.5 inches
Best for Drawers
Lynk Professional Spice Rack Tray Insert
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Store spices inside a drawer with this tiered rack which expands for the best fit.
The tray may slide around inside the drawer if there's still a gap when expanded.
This tray organizer is ideal for organizing packed spice drawers. The 13.25-inch-wide steel tray insert features multiple tiers and adjusts to the size of your drawer, up to 26.5 inches wide — large enough to fit up to an impressive 64 jars. Just remember to measure your drawer to make sure it will fit the minimum clearances. In addition to this expandable version, it comes in two other sizes: medium (10.25-inch) and large (13.25-inch).
Capacity: 64 jars | Material: Alloy steel | Location: Drawer, countertop | Dimensions: 16.5 x 13.2 x 1.5 inches
Best Over-the-Door
Home-Complete Over-the-Door Spice Rack
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This durable rack makes use of vertical storage inside your pantry door for spices, canned goods, and more.
It’s not a good option for glass bottles, as they can break easily if accidents occur.
Add a few extra shelves to your walk-in pantry with this over-the-door organizer rack. The eight-tier design is large enough for not only stowing spices but also pantry essentials like cereal, cans, snacks, and even cleaning tools. Installation is simple: Slip the hook over the top of your door frame and secure it with adhesive strips or screw it into the wall. However, since doors swing open and shut, this may not be the best option for taller bottles, which can wobble, or glass bottles, which could fall and break.
Material: Metal | Location: Pantry door, wall | Dimensions: 5.1 x 17.5 x 74.25 inches
Best Rotating
Copco Pantry Cabinet Lazy Susan Turntable
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The lazy susan design allows cooks to turn and access spices, no matter which side of the rack they’re on.
It can be a bit wobbly.
Avoid sifting through the back of your cabinets with this easy-to-use lazy Susan that makes each item visible and accessible. Similar to the step-style rack from the same brand, this two-tier design features a non-skid surface to prevent your spices from sliding. There’s even a raised edge so nothing falls off in the rotation — a great feature since the construction can feel slightly wobbly. It’s available in multiple colors and is incredibly easy to clean.
Material: Plastic | Location: Cabinet, countertop, pantry | Dimensions: 12 x 12 x 7.5 inches
Our Favorite Spice Rack
While the right spice rack depends on your space and needs, the YouCopia SpiceStack Adjustable Organizer is an effective solution for most households. Not only does it maximize cupboard or counter space with three drop-down drawers, but it's also designed to make spices visible from every angle.
Factors to Consider
Capacity
Since most spice racks have a finite number of containers they can accommodate, choosing one that works well with your cooking style is essential. If you stick to a small number of the standard spices, a small countertop rack may be all you need. If you have a large number of spices or often buy new ones, a storage system that allows for flexibility and expansion may be a better choice.
Design
Some racks are freestanding, some are mounted, and some are designed for in-drawer use. Choosing the design that works best for you might have more to do with your kitchen layout and design than the spices themselves. Most important will be whether the design includes the spice containers or accommodates standard spice jars. If you want to be able to purchase new spices from any purveyor, a version that includes containers can be a good choice, as long as you can easily acquire extra containers as your collection expands.
Material
Spice racks can be made from wood, plastic, metal, and steel. Since one material isn’t better than the other for spice organization, we recommend choosing one based on your kitchen’s style and budget. Like with all kitchen organizers, you’ll also want to make sure it’s well-made and easy to clean. And you'll want to make sure it's a material that your kitchen cabinets can accommodate.
Storage
Storing in a dark, cool space is always preferable for long-term storage. While it can be nice to place your spice rack where spices will be easy to access, it will be important to avoid storing near an oven or range top because of the heat, which can affect the lifespan of your spices.
Visibility
While intended to organize your cabinet or countertop, a spice rack’s true value can be defined by whether or not it’s easier to find the spice you need. If you’re accustomed to cooking with various seasonings, consider a rack that accommodates just one row of spices per tier so every jar is equally visible. Or, if you have some spices that are only used occasionally, two-row shelving or a turntable might be your best bet.
Frequently Asked Questions
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How should you organize a spice rack?
"Your most frequently used spices should be those closest at hand," says Luke White, co-founder of Evermill. "No matter what your organizational method is — alphabetical, cuisine, or most used — having a system in place will save prep time. Additionally, seeing your spices displayed prominently will help make sure you always have enough of the spices you need for every dish. Prioritize what you use most on your top row and make sure it's not expired. Refresh after a year."
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How long do spices last?
"Freshness depends on the spice, the quality, and the source, but regulations are too lax in our eyes. You'll see expiration dates from suppliers, especially brick-and-mortar, allowing two to four years of shelf life on their back label, which doesn't include time spent in the supply chain. We truly believe that the majority of spices should be consumed in their first year, and then lovingly replaced," says White.
"If you really want your dishes to shine, it's time to stop using expired spice dust on your beautiful farmer's market produce and proteins. The best rule is to buy in small quantities from reputable sources and replace them after a year. Your tastebuds and guests will thank you," he says.
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How do professional kitchens store spices?
When it comes to storing spices, pro kitchens face more challenges, according to White. But since they also tend to go through volume much quicker than a home kitchen, the optimal storage conditions are less important. "Most bulk spice suppliers of professional kitchens sell big containers with large, easy-to-read labels, allowing them to be quickly recognized from the line," he says.
"Commercial kitchens also love plastic as a function of durability for these intense environments. You're going to need larger quantities of spices to achieve your flavor if they're not freshly ground or have been sitting on a hot shelf for a while. The longer they sit, the more volatile oils dissipate," he says.
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What is the best container to store spices in?
You can use any container to store spices: the manufacturer’s plastic and glass jars or your own set of airtight containers. You’ll want to be careful to limit the sunlight and heat you expose those spices to. White says, “This is why we designed reusable amber glass jars that elongate the potency of your spices.”
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What are the essentials for a spice rack?
We have some recommendations to help you deck out your new spice rack: black peppercorns, crushed red pepper, and ground garlic for starters. Ultimately, your seasonings selection should reflect the cuisine you like to eat. Try out the ground, granulated, and whole versions of different spices and blends that interest you, and you’ll eventually narrow your grocery lists down to the essentials.
Our Expertise
- Lily Gray is a commerce writer who has written several articles related to storage and organization. For this piece, she and her editors scoured the market to find solutions that would work for various kitchen sizes and layouts.
- This piece was also updated by Stacey Ballis, a freelance writer, recipe developer, and product reviewer. Stacey has been published on Food & Wine, Eating Well, Allrecipes, MyRecipes, Delish, and more.
- Food enthusiast Dillon Evans also contributed to this article. He is an Updates Writer for Food & Wine and a lifelong home baker who thrives in a clean and organized kitchen. His writing and recipe development have been featured in EatingWell, and he spends his free time using fall spices in summer desserts.
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