• Home
  • Blog
  • Plate Rack Inserts - The Secret To Doubling Kitchen Cabinet Space

Plate Rack Inserts - The Secret To Doubling Kitchen Cabinet Space

Does your kitchen consist of cabinets packed with disorganized stacks of plates that are a hassle to dig through? Plate rack inserts could be the simple storage solution you've been looking for.

Plate rack inserts are ingenious devices that mount inside your kitchen cabinets to utilize vertical space. By storing plates upright rather than stacked, they can double or even triple the storage capacity of your cabinets.

plate rack inserts for kitchen cabinets

Benefits of Plate Rack Inserts

Installing plate racks inserts offers several advantages for your kitchen storage and organization.

Maximize Vertical Storage Space

Plate rack inserts take advantage of the vertical space in your cabinets rather than just the shelf surface area. Storing plates flat in a stack severely limits the number you can fit on a shelf. However, organizing them vertically in a rack utilizes cubic space and gets far more plates neatly tucked away.

Plate racks often triple or quadruple the number of plates you can store compared to conventional stacking. Even shallow cabinets can hold dozens of plates when racks are installed.

Organized Plates Are Easily Accessible

Trying to locate a specific plate buried in a cluttered stack can be incredibly frustrating. Plate racks keep your dishware visible and neatly organized so you can grab what you need quickly.

Models with sliding tracks make plates even more accessible. Simply pull out the rack like a drawer to view your entire selection at once.

Create Order In Chaotic Cabinets

Messy cabinets full of stacks of various plates, bowls and other items is a common kitchen organization struggle. It can be hard to even know everything that's stored away.

Plate rack inserts instantly create order from that chaos. Everything has a place so your cabinets no longer look like a disaster zone.

Types of Plate Rack Inserts

There are several designs of plate racks to suit different kitchen cabinet configurations.

Fixed Mounted Racks

The most basic plate racks permanently mount directly to the back wall of a cabinet. Screws affix them securely in place once installed.

Sturdy fixed racks are ideal for holding the weight of many plates. However, accessing plates in the back can be difficult since the rack doesn't move.

Sliding Racks

Sliding plate racks mount to tracks along the cabinet sides or bottom to smoothly pull out like drawers. This provides full access to plates in the back.

While more expensive, sliding racks offer the ultimate convenience. Just give a light tug to view your entire collection.

Removable Organizer Inserts

Removable organizer inserts don't require installation. They simply sit neatly inside a cabinet on the existing shelves.

Inserts instantly convert any shelf into organized plate storage. It's an affordable and non-permanent way to add space.

Corner Cabinet Rotating Racks

Wedge-shaped rotating racks specifically designed for corner cabinets are fantastic for maximizing tricky angled spaces.

Plates load from the side and smoothly rotate into view at the front. This keeps every plate accessible.

Choosing the Right Plate Rack

Keep these tips in mind when selecting a plate rack insert for your kitchen:

Measure Your Cabinets

Always take detailed measurements of the target cabinet's internal dimensions before buying. Pay close attention to depth, height, and any unique shapes.

Having these measurements ensures you get a rack that properly fits the available space.

Plate Capacity

Take stock of the number and size of plates you want to store in the rack. Plate racks have different capacities and plate size allowances.

Buy a rack with shelves wide and deep enough for your plates. Also ensure the rack has sufficient tiers to meet your capacity needs.

Ease of Installation

Look for racks that come with the necessary mounting hardware and clear installation instructions for a headache-free experience.

Sliding racks require more steps than fixed models. However, most DIYers can handle either with basic tools.

Durability and Materials

Racks made from thick, sturdy metal with reinforced shelves and tracks can safely bear heavy plate loads.

Avoid flimsy materials that could bend or break under weight. Quality materials also offer smooth sliding operation.

Installing Plate Rack Inserts

Installing most plate racks only requires simple household tools and a few easy steps.

Gather Tools and Materials

For installation, you'll typically need a drill, drill bits, stud finder, screws, measured template, and pencil. Sliding racks add side tracks and drawer glides to the materials list.

Carefully review all instructions before starting. Improperly installed racks won't function properly.

Mount Fixed Racks

Fixed racks attach directly to the back cabinet wall. Use a stud finder to mark locations. Drill pilot holes at studs for maximum strength.

Carefully level and secure the rack using provided screws. Double check alignment before tightening.

Install Sliding Mechanisms

Sliding racks first require installing drawer glides or tracks level on the cabinet sides or floor. Measure precisely.

Test the sliding action before mounting the rack to ensure smooth operation. A rubber mallet can help fine tune alignment.

With minimal effort, plate rack inserts can utterly transform your kitchen cabinets from chaotic clutter to an organized storage wonderland. Your plates will be neatly arranged for quick access and maximized vertical storage capacity.

Revamp your kitchen and say goodbye to messy cabinets and stacked plates with these space-saving organizational must-haves. Browse the many rack options online and find the perfect fit for your kitchen today.