10 Best Kitchen Utensil Holders in 2022 (Chef-Reviewed)
In this guide, which was reviewed by a professional chef, we’ll go over different types of kitchen utensil holders and their various aspects so that you can find your perfect match. If you find yourself still a little lost, we’ve also got a best 10 list for your inspiration. Our favorite is Cooler Kitchen's rotating utensil holder because it has a removable divider and spins to give you easy access. You're bound to find the perfect utensil holder for you after reading this article.
Quick List - Top Kitchen Utensil Holders
Bellemain
Best In-Drawer Holder With an Expandable Feature
Jim Quast (JQ) is a lifelong professional restaurant and corporate R&D chef who loves everything food-related and the tools, both big and small, to make those great food memories. He's a super huge BBQ, grill, and kitchen gadget fanatic. JQ has spent the last 30+ years trying to figure out what works to make your kitchen life easier and fun. If you can use it to slice it, dice it, cook it, smoke it, or store it, he's been there checking it out. Food = Life!
mybest US' editing team consists of experienced members who have backgrounds in writing, editing, translation, and more. We are dedicated to researching what makes a product or service the best to users in the US in order to create top-quality articles. From skincare, to kitchen appliances, and to DIY supplies, our mission is to find the best ones for you.
The expert oversees the Buying Guide only, and does not determine the products and services featured.
How to Choose Kitchen Utensil Holders
There's a lot to consider when choosing a utensil holder that will keep things organized and accessible. You need to think about the type you want, the size, and what materials it's made of, for starters.
Decide Between Countertop, Mounted, or Drawer Holders
Because each type of kitchen utensil holder comes with its own set of pros and cons, we've organized this section in such a way that you'll be able to consider what each one offers.
Countertop Holders for Easy Access
A countertop holder is ideal for cooking utensils that you use regularly or find yourself reaching for in the middle of your intense cooking sessions. It keeps tools on hand and easily visible, saving you the hassle of having to dig through a drawer. Because it's kept out in the open, a countertop holder also makes a great addition to the decor of your kitchen.
While many countertop utensil holders look almost the same, there are a few design considerations that make one more or less suited to your kitchen. A round holder, for example, makes sifting through utensils easier, but will also take up more room.
A square holder, on the other hand, can stand in a corner or flush against a wall, which will save you precious counter space. In either case, you want to make sure that your holder has a weighted bottom to prevent it from tipping over under the weight of multiple top-heavy utensils.
Ceramic is elegant yet functional because of its heat-resistance, so you won't have to worry about keeping it near your stove burners. Thick, heavy metal may be heavier than your plastic or wooden utensils, and so less likely to tip over than a plastic holder.
If you’re going for a clean minimalist look, an opaque holder won't make your kitchen look cluttered since only the tops of your utensils will be seen. However, a utensil holder made of see-through material will showcase your utensils as a whole, and it's easier to grab what you need quickly.
Mounted Holders Save Space
A mounted holder is a great option for kitchens with limited space since it optimizes surfaces other than our kitchen counter, saving that for actual cooking preparation. While some can be installed directly on your kitchen wall, others can be attached to surfaces such as the bottom of a kitchen cabinet or the edge of a counter.
Wall-mounted holders are often attached to the wall with screws and bolts. This type of holder has a strong hold that can store weighty utensils and is less likely to fall off your kitchen wall. If your kitchen wall is tiled, then one that uses suction cups will work nicely, though it may not be able to hold as much weight. For renters, suction cups or adhesive strips may be the only choice.
Pegboard-type holders with movable hooks give you a lot of freedom to design whatever layout you prefer. But, pay attention to the type of hanging hook used. Utensils that are hung on straight pegs may be easier to knock off place, especially if the pegs are short.
Hooks provide more security for utensils you want to hang since they curve upwards. While you’re at it, when it comes to a holder with hooks, you want to make sure there are enough hooks for the number of utensils you want to hang!
Some holders come with a magnetic strip that holds your utensils by their metal ends. If you plan on getting a magnetic holder, make sure the magnet is strong enough, and that your utensils can stick to it. You could also use a metal cup with the magnet, to hold smaller utensils or wooden spoons.
Many wall-mount utensil holders stretch out horizontally, lining your utensils up in an organized way. Others are organized into tiers, which means they won’t take up a big stretch of your kitchen wall but instead will fill one part up.
Mounted holders with built-in baskets help to limit clutter since they give your utensils more coverage than hooks. Multiple baskets or one with partitions will allow you to group certain kitchen tools together, making things more organized.
Some even come with special compartments designed for specific utensils such as your kitchen knives. Other mounted kitchen utensil holders can be attached to the bottom surface of your cupboards with adhesives or even plastic prongs. Some even come with a lazy Susan feature that allows you to rotate the holder and reach for specific utensils easily.
Drawer Holders Keep Tools Out of Sight
In-drawer holders are a great option if you want to save counter space and don't want to install anything on your kitchen walls. In-drawer utensil holders are divided into sections, helping to keep things tucked away in an organized manner. You want to get one with compartments that match the size of your utensils.
Slimmer compartments can hold more straight-shaped utensils like spatulas and spoons, while larger ones can hold utensils with more curves and dips, like scissors and ladles.
Another factor to consider is the number of sections in an in-drawer holder. This largely depends on your individual needs and preferences, so when trying to decide how many sections you need, think about how many utensils you want to put in it and how well you want to separate them.
If an in-drawer holder comes in a set shape, it can be limiting, as kitchen utensils come in a wide range of shapes and sizes. Also, laying utensils flat takes up more space than storing them upright. However, if you have the space for it, and prefer keeping them completely stowed away, then you can opt for one with the right dimensions.
The easiest thing to do would be to find one that's adjustable by looking for expandable features. This will allow you to make all your utensils fit as perfectly as possible.
While some holders come with sections you can adjust the length of, others fit together like puzzle pieces, allowing you to add or remove as many partitions as you like. Such a utensil holder will optimize storage space, since you could also create horizontal sections to hold more utensils.
Pick a Size Based on Your Kitchen Utensils
When it comes to size, bigger isn’t necessarily better, especially if you don’t have many utensils that you use regularly. So for the sake of counter space and aesthetic, look for one that only holds what you need it to. As a general rule of thumb, if you have a lot of utensils, look for a holder six inches in diameter or more.
Something else to consider is height. If your holder is too low, your utensils run the risk of tipping out. If it’s too high, you might not be able to see some of your shorter utensils. Again, six inches is the safe measurement. A holder around that height will work for most people.
For in-drawer holders, you’ll want to consider the fact that drawers have absolute dimensions. The most important thing when choosing an in-drawer utensil holder is making sure it fits! Before you even start looking, make sure to measure the inside dimensions of your drawer: its width, depth and height.
You’ll also want to measure your utensils and compare that to the size of the sections. The last thing you want is a holder that fits your drawer but not the utensils you want to put in it. However, this dilemma can easily be avoided by getting one with adjustable features.
Look for Durable, Easy-to-Clean Materials
One of the things that makes countertop utensil holders stand out from other kitchen storage items is the fact that they’re also part of your kitchen decor. Therefore, when deciding what material you’d like your holder to be made from, you should keep both practicality and aesthetic in mind.
Naturally, stainless steel will be easy to clean, as you can simply toss it in the dishwasher when it gets dusty or greasy. If you’re more concerned with design, you might want to look into materials like wood, ceramic, or even marble. All of these will add a unique touch to your kitchen and be a joy to look at.
Keep in mind that heat resistance is an important factor to consider if you’ll be putting your utensil holder near your stove. The heat from the burner or even hot oil splatters could pose as a safety hazard if your holder is made of material like plastic or wood.
For in-drawer utensil holders, look for something that’s easy to clean and lightweight so that it doesn’t weigh down your drawers. Some materials to consider are plastic, stainless steel, and bamboo. See if it's easy to remove and wash as needed, to clean out crumbs and other messes.
Consider Useful Design Features
If you want a little more functionality from your typical utensil holder, there are a couple more features you might want to consider. For example, if you have a lot of utensils or utensils of varying heights, then a lazy Susan rotating holder might make things easier to find.
Drainage Holes for Efficiency
If you’re all about efficiency, then you should look into a holder equipped with holes that will drain water from your utensils right after they're washed. However, make sure that the holes are the right size.
Large holes will drain water out quickly, though utensils with narrow handles may slip through. On the other hand, your utensils aren't likely to fall through net-like drainage holes, but dishwater may get trapped in them.
Additional Storage for Knives, Towels, and More
Additional storage compartments are always a plus. Keep an eye out for specialized compartments made for specific tools, such as knife blocks to protect your blades and keep them sharp. Some even have special holes designed to hold a pair of kitchen scissor blades.
Others have a hook to hold a kitchen towel, which can come in especially handy near the sink. Some are even equipped with a built-in rod designed for holding paper towel rolls.
Multiple Compartments for Sorting Utensils
Holders can be designed to be more convenient in other ways, too, by adding various compartments or a raised bottom, so make sure to check the extra features when purchasing one.
Multiple tiers allow you to maximize storage space while offering you more organization. Keep in mind though that if tiers are situated above each other, you'll have to consider the length of the utensils that will be stored in the middle sections, as not all of them might fit.
Non-Slip Surfaces or Bottoms to Keep Tools Tidy
If an in-drawer insert doesn’t fit snugly, it might be good for it to have a grippy bottom so that it’s not sliding around when you open and close the drawer. Some in-drawer inserts have rubberized interior compartments, as well. These help prevent the tools from moving and can protect them from scratches.
If you're planning to get a countertop utensil holder that isn't securely attached to anything, especially if your counter is made of smooth material. it might be worth looking into whether or not the holder has a rubberized bottom to prevent slippage. Grabbing one of your utensils won’t jostle the rest with this handy extra feature.
10 Best Kitchen Utensil Holders Ranking
Products | Image | Click to purchase | Key features | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
1 | Cooler Kitchen | | Best Countertop Holder With Removable Divider and 360-Degree Rotation | |
2 | Greenco GRC30756 | | Best Wall-Mounted Holder for Utensils and More | |
3 | Bellemain Bellemain Bamboo Expandable Utensil Drawer Organizer | | Best In-Drawer Holder With an Expandable Feature | |
4 | RedCall | | Best Countertop Utensil and Knife Holder | |
5 | Ikea Jagurds Stainless Steel Utensil Holder | | Best for Drying and Storing Your Utensils | |
6 | Misc Home Misc Home Rotating Cooking Utensil Holder | | Best Rotating Holder for Long and Short Utensils | |
7 | Eco Kitchen | | Best Magnetic Holder for Knives and Utensils | |
8 | Sweese Sweese Porcelain Utensil Holder ｜801.104 | | Best Porcelain Utensil Holder to Match Any Decor | |
9 | Yizhi OXO Good Grips Expandable Utensil Organizer | | Best Adhesive-Mounted Utensil Holder | |
10 | Kagura Bamboo KAGURA BAMBOO Expandable Utensil Holder | | Best Space-Maximizing Expandable Countertop Holder |
Best Countertop Holder With Removable Divider and 360-Degree Rotation
Pros:
- Won't tip over thanks to its weighted base
- Has a spacious seven-inch diameter
- Comes with a removable divider
- Equipped with anti-slip grips and rubberized feet
- 360-degree rotation
- Dishwasher-safe
Cons:
- Some reviewers wished it was a bit taller
- Can still tip over with longer or top-heavy utensils
Whether you're a newbie or a veteran home chef, this utensil holder is bound to level up your kitchen, because it's sturdy, spacious, and versatile. The rotating feature, in particular, makes it easy to grab whatever you need in an instant. Also, its simple, minimalist design will help keep your kitchen looking tidy.
Reviewers mention that the holder isn't tall enough to hold long utensils, and some say that it's prone to tipping over when storing heavier items. However, many love the holder's spacious base as well as the handy insert which divides the main compartment into three parts. A lot of users also say that it rotates smoothly.
Best Wall-Mounted Holder for Utensils and More
Pros:
- Utilizes wall space, leaving kitchen counter free
- Can also mount under a cabinet
- Hooks space out utensils
- Iron material is strong enough to hold pans, too; up to 22 pounds
- Comes with all necessary mounting tools and instructions
Cons:
- Needs to be mounted
- Can only hang utensils that have a hanging hole
This utensil holder is designed to be mounted to your kitchen wall, making it perfect for anyone trying to save counter space. It comes with 15 hooks that can hold almost anything, and you could even hang a towel over it. Some reviewers mounted it on the underside of a cabinet, too.
Some reviewers said that the S hooks hang loosely on the rod, which causes them to come off easily. Many people, however, said that the iron holder is sturdy and use it to hang a variety of items, from utensils to pans. Reviewers also said that it's easy to install.
BellemainBellemain Bamboo Expandable Utensil Drawer Organizer
Best In-Drawer Holder With an Expandable Feature
- Convenient shape and size make it fit easily into a kitchen drawer
- Comes with six compartments, but can expand to have eight
- Made of sustainably farmed bamboo
Cons:
- No nonslip material on the bottom means it may slide in an oversized drawer
- Reviewers say the bottom is not bamboo, but laminated board
If you prefer keeping your kitchen utensils tucked away instead of out in the open, then this in-drawer bamboo tray is the perfect fit for you. Its expandable sides allow you to maximize your drawer space. The material can also be easily cleaned off with soap and water.
Some reviewers said that the tray isn't 100 percent bamboo, as the bottom is made of some type of laminate material. However, many reviewers were happy with the organization this holder offers and really liked the expandable feature. Others liked the aesthetic look of the bamboo material.
Best Countertop Utensil and Knife Holder
Pro:
- Comes with an insert with 12 different slots for blades up to eight inches long, as well as scissors
- Base can be detached when cleaning
- Drainage hole helps prevent rust
- Weighted bottom and anti-skid feature limit unwanted movement
Cons:
- None
This countertop piece can store knives and shears, as well as your other kitchen utensils. The knife insert will allow you to safely store 12 blades, or take it out and use both sides for utensils. It features drainage holes and a nonslip base, too.
Many reviewers liked that it can hold a lot of different things without taking up much space. Others said that they really liked the sleek finish of the steel. They said that it's sturdy and that the knife insert is a great feature that really comes in handy.
IkeaJagurds Stainless Steel Utensil Holder
Best for Drying and Storing Your Utensils
- Dual-purpose, serving as storage that also drains water from utensils that have just been washed
- Dishwasher-safe
- Material isn't prone to rusting
Cons:
- Doesn't have a raised bottom for drainage
- Holder may best be placed near the sink
If you're looking for something that can hold your kitchen utensils right after you wash them, this is perfect for you. It's equipped with drainage holes that help speed up the drying process while it serves as storage space for your kitchen staples. It comes in other sizes, so you can even have a matching set.
A few reviewers mentioned that the holes aren't small enough to keep in utensils on the thinner side, like chopsticks. However, many home cooks left great reviews about this product, saying it's sturdy and durable. People also liked that its material is sleek and elegant, while its design is compact yet offers a good amount of storage space.
Misc HomeMisc Home Rotating Cooking Utensil Holder
Best Rotating Holder for Long and Short Utensils
- Rotates
- Three different compartments
- Adjustable insert raises bottom of desired compartment, keeping even short utensils visible
- Equipped with drainage holes
Cons:
- Compartment divisions are not adjustable
This utensil holder has quite a combination of features that make it multi-functional and user-friendly. It rotates, has drainage holes for when you put wet utensils in it, and one compartment has a removable riser, so short items will be easily reachable.
Some reviewers said that the diameter is on the small side, so if you plan on storing a lot of kitchen utensils, then you may want to do a little more searching. However, reviewers looking to save space said they really liked the compact size. Many said that the bottom insert is a really great feature that helps to keep smaller utensils from getting trapped.
Best Magnetic Holder for Knives and Utensils
Pros:
- Comes with mounting hardware
- Can be placed strategically over sink for drying
- Hooks included for hanging utensils
- Neodymium magnets in both bars
Cons:
- Magnetic bars can only hold utensils with flat metal parts
- Hook space is limited
This wall-mounted rack has two bars with magnets, so all you need to do is stick the metal part of any utensil on it. It can hold knives, too. Any utensil with a hanging hole can go on the included hooks, and it comes with screws to attach it to your wall.
Some reviewers said that the magnets weren't powerful enough, while a few others said they found the holder came loose since only two screws hold it up. However, many reviewers loved how much space this kitchen piece saves. Other home cooks said that the holder was really easy to install.
SweeseSweese Porcelain Utensil Holder ｜ 801.104
Best Porcelain Utensil Holder to Match Any Decor
- Comes in white, red, mint green, turquoise, or yellow
- Porcelain material and tapered design is aesthetically pleasing
- Wide base and narrow top mean that the holder is stable
- Takes up minimal space
Cons:
- Won't hold as many utensils as it potentially could because of narrow top
If you're looking for something that go with your kitchen's color scheme, then this porcelain utensil holder is a great one for you. It has a clean finish and a simple yet elegant design. It comes in bright, neutral or retro colors, so you're sure to find a match.
Some reviewers found the top opening too narrow and said it affected how many utensils it could hold. However, minimalist reviewers loved the elegant design. People also said it's really sturdy and liked that it's easy to clean.
YizhiOXO Good Grips Expandable Utensil Organizer
Best Adhesive-Mounted Utensil Holder
- No holes in kitchen wall are required
- Easy installation via adhesive
- Come in a set of two
- Six hooks on each
Cons:
- Not for use on wallpaper, cement or textured surfaces like deep wood grain
- Hooks are fixed in place
If you're planning to save storage space while also trying to avoid having to make holes in your kitchen walls, then you're going to want to consider this set. It comes with adhesive that will stick to a smooth surface like tile, glass or metal. It's available in black or white.
Reviewers mention that the adhesive is not easily removable, so make sure you know where you want it to hang. However, many liked the hooks and the easy installation. When hung correctly and on the right type of surface, they found it could hold the weight of their utensils securely.
Kagura BambooKAGURA BAMBOO Expandable Utensil Holder
Best Space-Maximizing Expandable Countertop Holder
Pros:
- Horizontally expandable; allows you to convert two compartments into three
- Shape allows holder to sit right up against a wall
- Bamboo material is naturally mold-resistant
Cons:
- Needs to be washed by hand
- No locking mechanism for expansion feature
This space-saving countertop utensil holder's shape allows you to position it right by the wall, so it won't take up the unnecessary space that a round holder would. You can expand it to fit your space and what you need to store inside it, making it either two compartments or three.
Though some reviewers said they found it flimsy, many said that this holder really optimizes kitchen counter space and holds all their utensils without tipping over. Customers also liked the design of the wooden holder.
Organize Your Kitchen With These Tools
Everyone loves a clean and organized kitchen, but sometimes we could all use a little help. If you're looking for any other handy organizers or kitchen tools and want some help figuring out how to choose the best one for you, check out the links below.
In Collaboration With Executive R&D Chef Jim Quast
This expert reviewed the contents of the buying guide for accuracy and provided factual corrections when necessary. They did not participate in the product selection process, nor are they affiliated with any of our choices unless explicitly stated so.
Top 5 Kitchen Utensil Holders
No. 1: Cooler Kitchen｜
No. 2: Greenco｜GRC30756
No. 3: Bellemain｜Bellemain Bamboo Expandable Utensil Drawer Organizer
No. 4: RedCall｜
No. 5: Ikea｜Jagurds Stainless Steel Utensil Holder
View Full RankingThe descriptions of each product are referenced from content available on manufacturer, brand, and e-commerce sites.
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