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The 10 Best Spice Racks of 2024

Flavorful essentials at a glance.

collage of popular spice racks
Photo:

Real Simple / Kristin Kempa

When you're in the middle of making a home-cooked meal, an organized spice collection is key to ensure that all of your herbs and seasonings are easy to see (and grab). No matter how much storage space you have, a spice rack can help organize your kitchen, whether it be a tucked away shelf or countertop-friendly design.

To find the best spice racks, we thoroughly researched the various options available and considered factors like size, material, and installation process. We also spoke with Alysha Fenn, founder and CEO of professional organizing company Making Space Today, for expert advice on how to organize your spice rack and what to look for when buying one.

What Stands Out
  • The drop-down drawers allow easy access.

What Could Be Improved
  • It’s too lightweight for heavy glass jars.

Of all the spice racks we researched, this option from YouCopia made the top of our list thanks to its smart design, ease of use, and reasonable price. The unique rack features three drop-down drawers that pull out into a lowered position so you can access your spices easily, regardless of whether they’re in the front or back of the cabinet. You can fit up to 24 jars, and thanks to the rack’s adjustable dividers, the spices don’t have to be standard size.

This rack comes with 104 drawer labels—52 printed and 52 blank—ensuring you'll always know where each spice lives. It’s also compact, so you can easily stow it in a cabinet or countertop. One downside of this spice rack is that it’s lightweight, so if you have a lot of heavier glass jars, it might not be the best option. Otherwise, this is a great choice with a convenient, easy-to-use design.

Dimensions: 11 by 10.5 by 8.3 inches | Material: Plastic

What Stands Out
  • It's a colorful storage option for a low price.

What Could Be Improved
  • It can't store a vast spice collection.

You can't beat the price of this three-tier spice organizer from Copco. The budget-friendly spice rack can fit up to 24 jars (or 15 cans) while saving precious space in your pantry—not to mention space in your kitchen drawer for essential tools like measuring spoons. The three shelves are deep and sturdy, and they're made from durable plastic with a non-slip lining to prevent the jars from falling over into one another (although you may still struggle with knocking down jars when you reach into the back rows). The varying heights of the shelves allow you to see all of your spices at once and quickly find the exact one you need. It's also worth noting that this spice rack's overall small size will keep your kitchen tidy.

What makes this spice organizer stand out (other than its low price), is how many colors it comes in. Available in more than 15 pastel hues—including light pink, cream, and sky blue—the rack will add a colorful accent to your countertop. Plus, the rack's plastic material is easy to clean, just requiring a wipe with a damp cloth if there's ever a spill or crumbs.

Dimensions: 9 by 15 by 3.5 inches | Material: Plastic | Colors: 17 options

What Stands Out
  • You can adjust the size of the spice rack.

What Could Be Improved
  • It's not as sleek as other options.

If you regularly cook with many spices, you'll benefit from an expandable spice rack, like this popular option from Gongshi. The three included shelves are of various heights, and they can expand for a total width of up to 25 inches. There's no installation process or hardware needed—just pull the shelves out and they'll stay at the size you need. Alternatively, you can use this organizer as two individual tiered shelves to create even more storage space for your items.

While this rack isn't the sleekest option on our list, it certainly boasts an impressive capacity, able to hold up to 36 spice jars on its 3-inch shelves. It's made from sturdy steel, with anti-slip mesh and a protective railing on each shelf to prevent spices from falling off. Whether you tuck it away in a cabinet or display it on your countertop, it'll help you stay organized in the kitchen.

Dimensions: 9.35 by 12.5 to 25 by 4.45 inches | Material: Alloy steel | Colors: Black, chrome

What Stands Out
  • It doesn't take up any counter space.

What Could Be Improved
  • It can't be stored inside a cabinet.

If you're looking to save space, consider a magnetic spice rack like this one from Thipoten. Just attach it to the side of your fridge, stove, microwave, or anywhere else where you want quick access to spices—the strong, sturdy magnets will keep it in place, so no drilling or other assembly is required. Keep in mind that the magnetic rack can only hold up to 6 pounds, so you'll have to be selective about which items you put on the shelves.

Each shelf comes with two removable hooks, which you can use to conveniently hold other cooking essentials (like measuring cups or pot holders) that you want within reach. Overall, it's a sleek, supremely helpful organizational system that will keep your kitchen clutter-free and easy to navigate. The sleek shelf is also available in sets of two, and it comes in four color options so you can pick the one that best matches your kitchen decor.

Dimensions: 4.35 by 9.7 by 3.4 inches | Material: Metal | Colors: Black, gray, red, white

What Stands Out
  • It allows you to reach all the spices in the cabinet at once.

What Could Be Improved
  • It requires drilling holes.

This handy spice rack from Lynk Professional slides out from your cabinet, allowing you to easily reach all of your spices—even the jars in the back—without having to take everything else out of your pantry. It comes in two colors (wood and chrome) and multiple sizes (including two-tiered options), all of which are adjustable, so you can add an extra two inches of depth to fit your cabinet. The smallest option holds up to 10 standard spice jars, but other sizes could work well for things like olive oil and pasta sauce, too.

Thanks to the thick steel frame, this durable pull-out rack is sturdy and keeps your spices in place. However, it does take some time to install and requires a bit of hardware, and you’ll need to screw the bottom tray into your cabinet. As long as you’re OK with that installation process, you’ll be satisfied with this rack's convenience.

Dimensions: From 10.31 by 4.25 by 2.38 inches to 12.25 by 10.31–12.31 by 2.5 inches | Material: Alloy steel | Color: Chrome

What Stands Out
  • The rows are adjustable, so you can fit them in different drawers.

What Could Be Improved
  • The rack may move around without a drawer liner or adhesive.

No matter how large your spice collection is, it never hurts to make it organized—and that’s where the Antimbee Spice Drawer Organizer comes into play. Specifically designed to fit into drawers, this expandable pick can hold up to 56 spice jars thanks to its unique design. The rack has two sets of four tiers which you can either place side by side in larger drawers or stack to fit smaller spaces.

No hardware is required to install this drawer organizer, and because it's made from sturdy, clear acrylic, it's easy to keep clean. We also appreciate that the tiers are slanted so you can immediately read the labels on each bottle right as you open the drawer. Take note that you might want some adhesives or a drawer liner to keep the racks in place, as they tend to move around.

Dimensions: 5 by 13 by 24 inches | Material: Clear acrylic

What Stands Out
  • Each tier is wider than average, so you can fit jars of all sizes.

What Could Be Improved
  • Assembly could be easier.

If your kitchen is constantly overflowing with spices, this large mountable rack from X-cosrack will create order from chaos. The oversized organizer features five tiers you can assemble as one item or separate into two racks, making it flexible for different kitchen setups. All in all, it can fit up to 72 jars depending on the size. Additionally, the racks are wider than average and conveniently adjustable, allowing you to store jars and bottles of all sizes—whether on a wall or inside a cabinet door.

Crafted from durable carbon steel, this spice rack stays sturdy and doesn’t bend, even when filled with several spice bottles. It’s available in black or white and has five bonus hooks to hang other tools and accessories. The main downside to this pick is that installation is somewhat complicated, and the instructions could be clearer. But once you get the rack in place, the convenient organization will forgive any troubles.

Dimensions: 4.6 by 16.6 by 32.3 inches | Material: Carbon steel

What Stands Out
  • There are handles on each side to move it easily.

What Could Be Improved
  • The racks aren’t adjustable.

Anyone running low on countertop space should consider a compact organizer like the Madesmart Two Level Spice Organizer. The lightweight plastic rack is narrow and has two vertical tiers, each of which can fit around four or five jars. Thanks to its small design, the rack can fit in practically any cabinet or cupboard. 

We also appreciate the grip lining, which helps keep the spice jars from sliding around, and the comfortable handles so you can easily move the rack. This rack comes in carbon or gray and has a low price. While we wish the handles were sturdier and the racks were adjustable, there’s still a lot to love about this pint-sized rack.

Dimensions: 4.96 by 7.22 by 10.37 inches | Material: Plastic

What Stands Out
  • It comes with 16 spices.

What Could Be Improved
  • It has a lower capacity than some other options.

With a revolving spice rack, you can easily access all your seasonings and save room in your cabinets, cupboards, or countertops. This inexpensive option from Kamenstein glides smoothly on its 360-degree rotating base and has a compact design to fit any kitchen.

You can fit 16 jars in the nooks of this rack, which is made from sturdy stainless steel. Each glass bottle features a labeled cap and sifter disc for easy use. Unlike other options that require you to curate your spice collection from scratch, this one comes with included spices like parsley, Italian seasoning, coriander, and more. While the included seasonings don't include everything you might need, they offer a great starting point. Plus, you can get a free refill of the included spices for up to five years.

Dimensions: 7.19 by 7.19 by 10.81 inches | Material: Stainless steel

What Stands Out
  • The shelves can hold up to 19 pounds.

What Could Be Improved
  • It’s expensive and requires installation.

If you want your spice rack to be functional and aesthetic, this spacious four-tier organizer from Pottery Barn achieves the best of both worlds. Made with an elegant lacquered wooden base, iron detailing, and an eye-catching white and brass finish, this rack elevates the appearance of your spices while making them easy to grab. 

You can fit a few dozen small spice jars or 16 large ones on this mountable rack, and they will stay secure thanks to the thick, protective gold bars on each level. Plus, these shelves can hold up to 19 pounds, so as long as the rack is mounted securely onto the wall, you won’t have to worry about it folding under the weight of your spices.

Because of its impressive size and look, this spice rack costs more than average and requires installation since it’s mounted. But if you’re up for a splurge, this lovely organizer will undoubtedly add beauty and convenience to your kitchen.

Dimensions: 14 by 3.75 by 33.25 inches | Material: Iron, wood

Final Verdict

Our top pick is the YouCopia SpiceStack Adjustable Spice Rack Organizer, thanks to its stylish and uniquely designed tiers that make accessing jars easier than ever. For those shopping on a budget, opt for the Copco Basics Three-Tier Spice Organizer, which has ample space, a non-slip lining, and a durable make.

How to Shop for Spice Racks Like a Pro

Size

Before shopping, make sure to measure the dimensions of the cabinet, drawer, shelf, or wall where the rack will go. Many people mistakenly buy a rack without measuring their available space only to find out it's too big or too small for the cabinet or drawer.

Then, think about what you require in terms of volume—are you looking to store a handful of the most essential spices or dozens of gourmet spices that you've collected over the years? By considering your intended use, you can ensure that the bottles and spice rack fit properly into your space. You should also consider the anticipated growth of your spice collection; if you don't currently own a lot of spices but plan to stock up, keep that in mind when choosing a rack size.

Installation

If you're installing a spice rack in a cabinet, Fenn recommends opting for a standalone rack, a lazy Susan, or a three-tier shelf, all of which are great pantry organizers. For the latter option, she says to make sure you have enough available height to comfortably take the spices out and put them back.

For installation in a drawer, Fenn suggests picking up a spice drawer liner to prevent rolling or a tiered drawer rack. And on countertops, go for a revolving rack or a tray so the spices are kept in one small space. Otherwise, she says utilizing wall space with thin floating shelves can be a great option, especially for those short on cabinet space.

Material

According to Fenn, the best spice racks have flat surfaces made from wood, bamboo, steel, or acrylic. Without a sturdy flat surface, your spices are destined to topple and make a mess. That said, plastic can work too, especially if the rack has a non-slip bottom and/or protective siding to keep spices in place.

Questions You Might Ask

How should you organize your spice rack?

When organizing your spice rack, make sure your spices are accessible and visible so you know what you have at all times and you can reach them. Beyond that, how you organize your spice rack depends on factors like the available storage space in your kitchen and how often you use spices when cooking. If you only own a few spices, for instance, a lazy Susan in a cabinet might work perfectly, while someone with dozens of spices will need a much more complex rack.

Fenn recommends placing spices in the same type of jar with cohesive labels to make for a more pleasing aesthetic and organizing them alphabetically, by color, or by frequency of use depending on your individual needs.

"Spice expiration is distinct from most other food expirations in that they don't really 'go bad' or get moldy," Fenn explains. Typically, a spice's expiration date indicates when it loses most of its flavor or potency, not when it's no longer OK to use. Even if you don't want to use them for cooking, there are still plenty of ways to use old or expired spices.

How deep should a spice rack be?

There’s not one “correct” depth for a spice rack—the depth you choose depends on your organizer style, shape, and capacity. “Spices that stand vertically, whether on a single-tier rack or multiple-tier rack, require a surface with a minimum of 2 inches depth to fit the ‘standard-size’ spice jar,” Fenn says. “Larger spice bottles will require a deeper surface area depth, and ‘oversized spice racks’ are a great option for accommodating larger spice bottles.” 

Regardless of which style spice rack you like more, Fenn recommends measuring your space carefully to ensure it fits before purchasing.

What else can you use a spice rack for?

While spice racks with multiple tiers are also ideal for storing oils and vinegar, supplements, and vitamins, Fenn says wall-mounted racks and/or large regular racks with deep racks are especially great for condiments and canned goods. Outside the kitchen, you can also use a spice rack to store makeup and beauty products, office supplies, medicine, or other small items that could benefit from some organization.

Take Our Word for It

This article was written by Rachel Simon, a writer for Real Simple, Better Homes & Gardens, The New York Times, and many other publications, and updated by Jamie Fischer, a commerce writer for Real Simple. We did significant research on spice racks for this story and spoke to Alysha Fenn, founder and CEO of Making Space Today, for additional insight.

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