What Fits In A 12 Inch Deep Kitchen Cabinet

Every inch counts when designing and organizing your cooking space. 12 inch deep cabinets provide versatile storage while conserving area, making them a popular option. But what actually fits inside these shallow cabinets? Let's explore the storage possibilities of 12 inch deep kitchen cabinets.

While measuring only a foot deep, well-designed 12 inch cabinets maximize every bit of available room. You can store a variety of kitchen equipment and consumables in them conveniently. Understanding standard interior dimensions helps tailor storage solutions to your needs.

Standard Interior Dimensions of 12 Inch Deep Cabinets

Width and Height Measurements

Most 12 inch deep kitchen cabinets measure between 30 to 36 inches wide. Standard kitchen cabinet height falls between 30 to 84 inches depending on intended use as base, wall, or full-height pantry storage. While width dimensions vary, 12 inch deep units share the same footprint depth.

For example, a typical 36 inch wide 12 inch deep base cabinet offers three usable depth tiers. The bottom 12 inch tier fits larger cookware like stock pots. Raise interior shelves to create mid and top storage tiers around 5 to 6 inches deep for shorter items. Wall and full-height pantry cabinets also allow adjustable shelving to customize storage.

Depth and Shelving Capacity

When organized using various storage accessories, the 12 inch cavity fittingly accommodates many essential kitchen items. For instance, half-depth shelves double capacity allowing storage of twice as many dinner plates, cups, or saucers than full-depth shelves. Likewise, tilt-out trays effectively arrange spice jars.

However, the 12 inch depth does impose some size limitations. Oversized platter plates may not fit flush against the cabinet back. Deep pots or food storage containers also need to sit towards the front third of the shelf. Despite minor restrictions, the slim shape makes up for lost front-to-back space with practical width dimensions.

Storage Solutions for 12 Inch Deep Cabinets

Drawers

Drawer storage helps maximize interior capacity in shallow cabinets. Multiple stacked drawers efficiently stow cooking utensils, bakeware, or table linens. Full-extension drawer glides allow the contents of deep drawers to pull completely out for easy access to items at the very back of 12 inch cabinets.

Pull-Out Shelving

Similar to shallow pantry pull-outs, cabinet-width pull-out shelves allow full use of the 12-inch space. Dish organizing racks slide out so plates, bowls, cups, and glassware sit neatly arranged at your fingertips rather than stacked haphazardly behind cabinet doors.

Tiered Storage

A combination drawer and adjustable shelf configuration enables convenient three-tier storage. Reserve the bottom 12-inch section for bulky cookware. Next, mid-level drawers provide home to utensils, gadgets, or small appliances. Top shelves neatly align tall drinking glasses, fine china, or medium mixing bowls in easy reach.

Organizing 12 Inch Deep Cabinet Interiors

Use Vertical Space

Besides dividing the twelve-inch space into horizontal tiers, utilize the vertical dimension. Floor-to-ceiling walls allow fitting cereals, snacks, or extra paper towel packs upright along the deep cabinet's sidewalls. Vertical dividers also neatly file baking sheets and cutting boards in standing positions.

Install Storage Accessories

Specialized space-saving accessories like rack shelves, hanging bins, or drawer inserts optimize storage volume. Rack shelves allow cooking oils and canned goods to stand upright. Hanging basket bins mount onto walls to provide overhead storage perfect for holding small jars, bottles, or even a drawer for cutlery and utensils.

Consider utilizing blind corner organizers too. They conveniently mount onto interior sidewalls to effectively use hard-to-reach dead space prevalent in 12 inch cabinet corners.

Arranging Appliances and Cookware

Small Appliance Storage

The shallow 12-inch depth sufficiently fits countertop kitchen appliances like blenders, food processors, or stand mixers. Dedicate one lower 12 inch deep cabinet exclusively to small appliances by outfitting with a transformer to plug them directly into. Not only does this free up precious countertop real estate, but appliances remain conveniently located yet out of sight.

Pots, Pans, and Bakeware

At a foot deep,12 inch cabinets handily store an array of pots, pans, casserole dishes, and bakeware. Cabinet depth wire organizers allow air circulation to prevent condensation buildup. Or, install pan dividers that neatly separate and automatically bring them within easy reach like kitchen drawer organizers.

For transparency, the 12 inches cannot fit the very largest stockpots. But 2 to 4 quart saucepans, 8 to 9 inch cake or pie pans, half and quarter sheet pans, and most casserole dishes readily fit.

Creative Uses for 12 Inch Deep Cabinets

Wine Storage

The shallow depth suits storing a variety of wine bottles horizontally. Standard 750 ml wine and champagne bottles easily stack two rows deep. Even larger format magnum or boxed wines lie on their sides. Wine bottle rack inserts conveniently cradle and separate varietals.

Spice Organization

The slim shape helps wrangle those unending spice collections. Designate a 12 inch spice cabinet to neatly align jars either on angled rack shelves or in divided drawer tier trays. This allows quick identification compared to the usual rummaging through a crowded cupboard to find paprika or cumin.

Display Curio Items

Allow prized dishware or collectibles to shine prominently on open shelving backed by glass cabinet inserts. Position above eye-level to provide visual interest against backsplashes. The glimpse of fine china or ceramic pieces makes upper cabinets appear less boring.

Getting the Most Function from 12 Inch Cabinets

Lazy Susans

These circular trays conveniently rotate food items for easy access without having to reach deep into the rear of 12 inch cabinets. Perfect for corner units, they also work exceptionally well pulling out shorter shelves in base cabinet interiors bringing contents forward.

Pull-Out Pantry

customizable pull-out racks allow full use of every inch and corner of the 12 inch space. Design your own combination of adjustable shelves, secure drawers, or slide out baskets to store dry goods. These cabinets integrate seamlessly with handle-less cabinetry designs.

Take advantage of cabinet door backs to hang handy items like paper towel rolls, foil or cling wrap boxes. Sturdy over-the-door bins mount onto crossbars to take advantage of vertical storage real estate. These door racks conveniently accommodate canned goods, small boxes, or condiment bottles clearing interior shelf space.

The 12 inch deep cabinets have innovative solutions. Tweak configurations to accommodate your typical kitchen gear. Soon, you'll discover everything needed close at hand neatly stowed in shallow streamlined spaces.