Key takeaways
- Group spices alphabetically or by cuisine and label the tops for drawers.
- Keep jars away from the stove, since heat and light reduce flavor.
- Buy whole spices for longer shelf life and grind as needed.
- Date jars when you open them.
The best spice rack for most kitchens is the YouCopia SpiceStack, which holds up to 30 full-size jars and works in a cabinet or on a counter. For countertop display, the Kamenstein 20-jar rotating rack is a classic, and for drawers, the OXO Good Grips organizer is a budget fit. The right choice depends mainly on where your spices live and how many jars you own.
Our top picks
As an Amazon Associate we earn from qualifying purchases at no extra cost to you.
Quick Comparison of the Best Spice Racks
| Pick | Best for | Type | Capacity | Price range |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| YouCopia SpiceStack | Best overall | Tiered stack, cabinet or counter | 30 full-size jars (60 half-size) | Mid-range |
| Lynk Professional Pull Out | Best for deep cabinets | Slide-out cabinet rack | About 10 standard jars per rack | Mid-range |
| Kamenstein 20-Jar Rotating Rack | Best countertop carousel | 360 degree rotating | 20 jars, prefilled | Mid-range |
| SimpleHouseware 2-Tier Lazy Susan | Best value | Turntable | 30 or more jars | Budget |
| OXO Good Grips drawer organizer | Best budget drawer | Drawer insert | Varies by drawer size | Budget |
| SpaceAid Bamboo 4-Tier | Best bamboo drawer | Tiered drawer insert | Up to 48 jars | Mid-range |
Best Overall: YouCopia SpiceStack
The SpiceStack is a tiered system that can hold 30 full-size or 60 half-size jars, with a stepped design that lets you see every label. It works inside a cabinet or on a counter, and you can add or remove tiers. The trade-off is that it needs cabinet depth, so measure before buying. Food Network and other roundups favor it for its flexibility.
Best for Deep Cabinets: Lynk Professional Pull Out
A slide-out rack brings jars from the back of a cabinet to the front. A single rack holds about ten standard jars, so many people install two. It takes more effort to install than a simple tray, but it makes deep cabinets usable.
Best Countertop Carousel: Kamenstein 20-Jar Rotating Rack
This chrome-plated steel carousel spins 360 degrees and comes with 20 jars prefilled. It is a classic choice for people who want a ready-made set near the stove. If you already own spice jars from other brands, check that they fit.
Best Value: SimpleHouseware 2-Tier Lazy Susan
A two-tier turntable that holds 30 or more jars at a low cost. It suits cabinets or pantry shelves where you can spin the tray to find what you need. Plastic or metal build quality is basic, but it gets the job done.
Best Budget Drawer: OXO Good Grips
The OXO drawer organizer sits on non-slip feet and keeps jars angled so you can read the tops. It is simple and affordable for shallow drawers.
Best Bamboo Drawer Insert: SpaceAid 4-Tier
This tiered bamboo insert can hold up to 48 jars, making it the highest capacity drawer option here. Check your drawer depth, since some bamboo inserts need around 3 inches of clearance.
How to Choose a Spice Rack
Count your jars first
Gather every jar and count them, then add 20 percent for growth. A kitchen with 24 jars should look for a rack that holds about 30. Most people use only 10 to 20 spices regularly, so keep those within easy reach and put the rest in a pantry.
Match the type to your space
Countertop racks are fast but use work surface. Cabinet and pull-out racks hide the clutter. Drawer inserts keep jars flat and labeled on top. Wall-mounted racks free surfaces but need studs or strong anchors.
A quick measuring example
Standard 4-ounce jars are about 2 inches wide and 4 inches tall. A shelf 12 inches wide holds six jars across, and a two-tier rack with three rows holds about 36. Measure width, depth and height, and subtract an inch for fingers.
Material and durability
Metal racks last longest and wipe clean. Bamboo looks warm but needs dry cleaning. Plastic and acrylic are lightweight and good for seeing contents.
Jar compatibility
Some racks fit specific jars. Look for adjustable shelves if your jars come in mixed sizes.
Organizing Tips
- Group spices alphabetically or by cuisine and label the tops for drawers.
- Keep jars away from the stove, since heat and light reduce flavor.
- Buy whole spices for longer shelf life and grind as needed.
- Date jars when you open them.
Rack Types Compared
| Type | Best location | Typical capacity | Main trade-off |
|---|---|---|---|
| Tiered stack | Cabinet shelf or counter | 20 to 30 jars | Needs enough shelf height |
| Lazy Susan | Corner cabinet or pantry | 20 to 30 jars | Back jars are harder to read |
| Pull-out | Deep cabinet | About 10 per rack | Needs installation |
| Drawer insert | Shallow drawer | 24 to 48 jars | Labels must be on lids |
| Wall-mounted | Open wall space | 12 to 24 jars | Mounting hardware needed |
Capacities depend on jar size; check each product’s description.
Standard Jar Sizes
Most grocery store spices come in jars between 1 and 4 ounces. Racks sized for standard 4-ounce jars may leave gaps with smaller ones, while tall grinders may not fit at all. Using matching jars from the same set gives a cleaner look and uses space more efficiently. If you refill from bulk bags, uniform square or round jars are a convenient upgrade.
Labeling That Works
- Label lids for drawers and sides for cabinets or racks.
- Include the purchase date so older spices get used first.
- Use waterproof labels or a label maker for jars near the stove.
- Alphabetize if you rely on speed, or group by cuisine if you cook that way.
Common Mistakes
The most common error is placing spices over the stove, where heat and steam degrade them. Another is buying a rack before counting jars. Overfilled turntables also tip or jam. Finally, buying a sealed set of spices you never use wastes money, so focus on the ones you actually cook with.
Which Rack Fits Which Kitchen
Small apartment kitchens with limited cabinet space do best with a wall-mounted or counter tiered rack, since these use vertical space. Larger kitchens with deep cabinets benefit from pull-out racks that make the back accessible. If you have a drawer next to the stove, an angled insert usually offers the best visibility, because you look down on every label at once. For renters who cannot drill, a freestanding tiered stack or a turntable needs no installation and moves with you.
For serious cooks with more than 40 jars, consider combining two systems: a countertop carousel for the ten spices used daily, and a drawer or cabinet insert for the rest. This keeps counters clear while keeping the favorites at hand. Pair it with a few matching jars for bulk refills, and you will rarely have to search for the cumin again.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the best way to store spices?
In airtight containers in a cool, dark place away from heat and sunlight. Drawers and cabinets away from the stove are ideal.
How many spices do most kitchens need?
Most home cooks use 10 to 20 spices regularly. Racks with 20 to 30 slots usually leave room for extras.
Are drawer spice organizers worth it?
Yes, if you have a shallow drawer near the stove. They keep labels visible, though you must measure drawer depth first.
How long do ground spices last?
Ground spices generally keep their best flavor for about two to three years, while whole spices last longer. Check by smell.
Do rotating spice racks work well?
They are convenient on counters or in corner cabinets, but they take more space than flat racks and can tip if overfilled.
More from Amazon
Programs that pair well with the guide above. Offers and eligibility are set by Amazon and may change.
Set up recurring deliveries of everyday items on eligible products. Terms and savings are set by Amazon.
Explore Subscribe & SaveCollect the home and kitchen items you want in one registry that guests can shop from.
Create a wedding registryFree shipping on eligible items, Prime Video and more. Eligible new members can start with a free trial.
Start a Prime free trialAudiobooks and podcasts to listen to on the go. Eligible new members can start with a free trial.
Try Audible freeAs an Amazon Associate we earn from qualifying purchases.





Write Your Review
No reviews yet. Be the first to share your experience!