Reviews of Free Standing Kitchen Pantry Cabinets
Do you dream of extra storage space in your kitchen? Are you tired of cramming pots, pans, and food boxes into overstuffed cabinets? Then it may be time to consider a free standing kitchen pantry cabinet.
Free standing pantries provide the additional capacity you need without expensive remodeling. Keep reading our reviews to discover the versatile storage and style options these units offer.
Benefits of Free Standing Kitchen Pantry Cabinets
A free standing pantry cabinet offers key advantages over your regular kitchen cabinets:
- Increased Storage: Gain cubic feet of space for organizing kitchen essentials.
- Flexible Placement: Position the pantry anywhere with access to an outlet.
- Affordability: Purchasing a unit is cheaper than remodeling your kitchen.
- Mobility: Free standing pantries are easy to move to different areas.
With their spacious interiors and adjustable shelves, these pantries provide the additional capacity busy kitchens need. Their mobility also allows you to reposition them as your storage needs change.
Types of Free Standing Kitchen Pantry Cabinets
Today's models feature a range of sizes, designs, and features. Consider what will best suit your space constraints and organizational needs.
Wooden Pantry Cabinets
All-wood pantries consisting of varieties like oak or maple offer a warm, traditional look. Their solid construction and quality joinery ensure durability for years. Interior fittings like drawers, racks, and shelves maximize storage flexibility.
Metal Pantry Cabinets
Sleek stainless steel or powder-coated steel pantries provide a streamlined, modern aesthetic. Their tough exteriors resist dings, dents, and rust. Customize the interiors with adjustable shelving and storage accessories suited to handle everything from spices to small appliances.
Custom Built Pantry Cabinets
For the ultimate customization, consider contracting a carpenter to construct a pantry to your specifications. Specify interior shelves, racks, and compartments tailored to your storage needs. Choose a size, wood species, and finish matching your existing cabinetry for a seamless look.
Factors to Consider When Buying a Free Standing Kitchen Pantry Cabinet
Keep the following factors in mind when selecting a free standing pantry cabinet right for your kitchen:
Storage Capacity
Consider how much storage space you require. Measure your kitchen's available floor space for the pantry to determine the maximum dimensions. Prioritize the items you intend to organize within the unit.
Adjustable Shelving
Look for open, adjustable shelves allowing versatile storage. Closed cabinets with doors keep contents tidy and hidden but minimize flexibility. Drawers are excellent for organizing utensils and small gadgets.
Door Styles
Choose a model with doors suiting your decor. Options include solid wood panels, glass panes, wire mesh, or mix-and-match combinations. Doors should open smoothly without sticking. Check for soft-close hinges preventing loud slamming.
Size and Dimensions
Consider the pantry's height. Lower units around 60-inches suit shorter users. Taller models allow efficient storage of large stock pots and baking sheets vertically. Measure ceiling heights to ensure adequate clearance space.
Easy Assembly
Opt for pantries with simple assembly requiring no special tools or skills. This allows home installation without professional assistance. Units should include clear instructions and necessary hardware.
Top Free Standing Kitchen Pantry Cabinet Brands
We compared specifications and reviews of best-selling models across the top manufacturers. Here are our top pantry cabinet recommendations by brand:
Rev-A-Shelf
Rev-A-Shelf leads in quality kitchen organizational products. Their wide range incorporates useful innovations like lazy susans, tilt-out bins, and pull-out baskets. Durable metal frames and high-end finishes ensure longevity.
ClosetMaid
The popular ClosetMaid pantries feature affordability without sacrificing storage capacity. Adjustable shelving and optional add-ons like drawers allow flexible customization. Choice of multiple size options to maximize available space.
Rubbermaid
Known for their storied history of durable household products, Rubbermaid's lean, functional pantries provide versatile utility. Models like the Easy Find Jumbo Food Cabinet excel at organizing kitchen essentials conveniently.
Seville Classics
Seville Classics specialty lies in commercial-grade stainless steel offerings with an ultra-modern edge. Units include conveniences like easy-access doors, built-in paper towel holders, and storage customization kits.
Features to Look for in a Quality Free Standing Kitchen Pantry Cabinet
Investing in a thoughtfully designed pantry cabinet yields benefits for years. Look for these hallmarks of enduring quality and functionality:
Durable Construction
Select thick panels with premium finishes that resist scratches, scuffs, and dents. Sturdy frames should feel rigid without wobbling. Joinery should tightly secure all components.
Adjustable Interior Storage
Customizable shelves, racks, compartments, and bins permit organizing everything from mixer attachments to cereal boxes conveniently. Optimal storage flexibility simplifies access and visibility.
Spacious and Deep Storage
Depth and width are as essential as height. Ample cubic footage fitting large stock pots or baking pans minimizes the need to constantly rearrange contents. Accommodate small countertop appliances easily.
Easy-Close Doors and Drawers
Smooth-operating drawers prevent noisy slamming and potential breakage of contents. Soft-close hinges safely ease swinging doors shut without your intervention.
Where to Place Your Free Standing Kitchen Pantry Cabinet
Position your new pantry in a convenient area maximizing its practicality. Recommended placements include:
Corner of the Kitchen
Install in a vacant corner to efficiently employ unused space while staying out of high-traffic zones. Ensure adequate clearance so doors fully swing open.
Near Food Prep Areas
Place near prep, sink, and stove areas minimizing steps when cooking. Keep often-used ingredients and utensils within arm's reach to simplify meal preparation.
Adjacent to Existing Cabinets
Match new pantry height to existing cabinetry for a streamlined look. If clearance allows, position directly adjoining cabinets for a seamlessly integrated appearance.
Costs of Free Standing Kitchen Pantry Cabinets
Prices vary based on size, materials, features, and quality. Expect to budget:
Economy Models Under $300
Inexpensive pantries like Rubbermaid's Easy Find range offer entry-level functionality. Leaner builds limit weight capacities and interior customization but provide basic storage affordably.
Mid-Range Models $300 to $700
Well-rated pantries by ClosetMaid and Rev-A-Shelf occupy the mid-price tier with greater durability and more premium finishes. Modular components permit storage customization flexibility.
High-End Models Over $700
Commercial stainless steel pantries or custom-built solid wood cabinets represent the top pricing tier. These specialized units provide maximum capacity and customization for the most demanding kitchens.