The 12 Best Spice Racks for Your Oregano, Basil, and More

If you’re someone who enjoys spending a lot of time cooking, you know how important it is to keep all your favorite ingredients stocked. Being able to find all your spices and seasonings when you need them can make creating a new recipe more streamlined and easier. That’s precisely why having an excellent spice rack in your kitchen is a must-have.

Quick Comparison: Top 12 Spice Racks

Things to Be Aware of Before Purchasing a Spice Rack

There are tons of different types of spice racks on the market to choose from, and selecting one often comes down to space and personal preference. Some of the most common types of spice racks you will encounter include:

• Wall-Mounted – This type of rack is best for those who have a limited amount of space in the kitchen. The design makes it possible to attach it to the wall so you can reach for it. This has the added bonus of not taking up any of your counter space so it can be used for other things.
• Drawer Insert – With this spice rack, it’s designed to fit inside of a drawer. It works well for those who prefer not to mount a spice rack or leave it lying on the counter to take up space. It also works well to keep your spices out of view, if that’s your preference.
• Magnetic Board – These spice racks come in countertop and wall-mounted versions. Each jar pairs with a base, and both are magnetic to stick together. In theory, the jars can be attached to any magnetic surface, not just the board that comes with them.
• Pull-Down – This kind of spice rack appeals to many because it places your spices out of view but allows quick and easy access. In most cases, these models make it easy to label your spice so you can identify them at a glance.
• Standalone – These are another common type of spice racks, which can be seen in both professional kitchens and homes. There are many different designs available, but more have a set of feet at the bottom for added stability. The feet also help protect the countertop from any damage due to the weight of the rack and its spices.

The Space Available in Your Kitchen

When deciding on the perfect spice rack, the first thing you want to do is figure out what types are the most suitable for your space. With all the options listed above, some may make a better fit than others. Some have extendable space, which offers additional room for extra spices, while free-standing racks can also work well in a kitchen to show off your spices.

Take a look at the dimensions of the spice racks before you decide on one that works for you. This lets you measure the space you might place it in to determine whether it will fit, be too large, or be a bit too small.

The Level of Capacity Needed for Spices

Some people use barely any spices regularly, while other people might use an assortment at breakfast, lunch, and dinner. This is another thing to think about when choosing the best spice rack. How much capacity do you need to ensure all your spices have a place?

On our list above, there are racks that are very minimalist and others that come with spice jars included. If you go with a simple rack, be aware that it can be challenging to ensure the jars you choose fit the rack perfectly. This is just one reason to look at the capacity and be sure it meets your specific needs.

Personal Purpose for Using Space Racks

If you are the kind of person that buys large bottles of spaces, a spice rack with shelves might be the most convenient choice. Most have large shelves that can accommodate larger jars and bottles of spices. Also, the size is large enough for other condiments, so they are more versatile than other racks.

The Design and Size of the Spice Rack

Size and design might not seem as important as other factors, but they should still be on your own. You want a rack that fits the space easily, but you also want to ensure it fits all the spices, so it solves the problem you have.

Also, many people care significantly about the aesthetic of their kitchen décor. This might make it more important to choose a rack that is designed to match your kitchen, so everything ties together well. In our selections above, several different designs might meet your needs.

Considerations Over the Spice Rack Jars

If you are looking to build up an extensive spice collection, a rack that comes with its own jars may be the right choice for you. The great thing about choosing this type of rack is that it will be designed to fit the jars that come with it. In most cases, the jars will be labeled for spices when you get them, or you will get a set of labels that you can place on the jars on your own.

It’s still essential to ensure the jars that come with the rack are durable and made of high-quality materials. You want to choose jars with well-fitting lids; it can also be useful if the jars include perforated inserts.

Level of Durability of the Spice Racks

While all racks may need maintenance once in a while, most of them are relatively durable and can handle the job they have. However, those who want the most durable options may want to choose one of the steel or wood spice racks available.

The least durable spice racks will be made of plastic, as they are not as strong as other options. However, steel can also experience corrosion or rusting if it is not stainless steel or hardened, which will lead to additional maintenance.

Choosing Racks That Include Initial Spices and Seasonings

In some cases, the spice racks you see will come with bottles that are filled with spices when you buy them. This can save money and time since you won’t have to go out and purchase all the spices you will need. The perk is that most of the time, the included spices are going to be those most commonly used in the home.

Since these jars are already labeled, you can quickly determine what you need when a jar becomes empty. On top of this, some spice rack brands also provide you with free refills (or a series of refills), which can add on even more savings to your shopping.

Getting the Most Out of Your Spices and Seasonings

Even knowing which spice rack might be best for your kitchen, you should also be aware of how to store them, so you get the most use out of them. While some people simply use spices until they are gone, regardless of the purchase date, this isn’t a good idea. We’ve brought together some tips below for keeping your spices and the recipes you use them in at their best:

• Replace based on expiration data – Spices do need to be replaced, although how often that should happen depends on the spice. In most cases, the date falls somewhere between six months and three years after the purchase. However, some are going to have a shorter period recommended, and others will have a longer one. Keeping track of the expiration dates on your spice bottles is a good idea, as is being  aware of where you tend to purchase them. It’s also important to be mindful that whole spices (such as peppercorns) will typically last longer than spices that have already been ground.

• Keep spices out of light and in a cool area – If you want to keep your spices tasting at their best, remember to store them somewhere cool that is free of excess light. Keep them away from any of your windows, and do not store them too close to the stove or oven.
• Choose bulk spices depending on your need – Those who rarely cook or who need a special seasoning for only one or two recipes should choose a bulk spice since you can select the exact amount you require. However, if you use large amounts of certain spices for your recipes, consider buying large quantities and filling your spice jars just enough to meet your current needs. Buying bulk quantities of spices is a fantastic way to save money.

• Use less salt with other seasonings – If you need to use less sodium for a dietary reason, adding in additional seasonings will add flavor and make the lack of salt less visible. You also should be conscious about reading the ingredient list when you choose herb blends since some of them add salt with the other seasonings.
• Include turmeric for colors and additional nutrients – Turmeric is a spice that can enhance yellows in your recipes, while also increasing the amount of nutrients you consume. Even if you only add in a small amount to your dishes, it can add up when it comes to staying healthy and happy. Annatto and saffron can be used in the same way to add the red color of recipes.
• Know what spices add heat to dishes – If you are working with a meal and it’s turning out to be a bit bland, there are a few different ways to kick things up a notch. If you want to add a spiciness and touch of warmth to a recipe, you can add a bit of red chili flakes, cayenne pepper, or ginger to ramp things up.
• Cut down on sugar using tasty seasonings – Instead of using tons of sugar in a recipe, consider adding in some vanilla or cinnamon. Both of these spices are going to add a touch of sweetness to any dish you make.
• Remember the 1:3 rule for dried spices and seasonings – If you use both dried herbs and fresh herbs, there’s a simple rule you can use to ensure you put the right amounts in your dish. Just remember that one teaspoon of a dried spice is the equivalent of three teaspoons of the fresh version.
• Experiment with combining spices – There’s nothing wrong with experimenting by adding different spices together to try a new combination. For instance, without giving it a shot, you might not realize that paprika, garlic powder, chili powder, and basil mix well on roasted root vegetables.

Conclusion

As someone who enjoys cooking, having a spice rack in your home can make life simpler and more convenient. There are different varieties of racks to choose from in terms of design, size, and capacity, so you can find one that fits your kitchen. The 12 racks on this list are an excellent place to start when choosing the perfect one for your needs.