What to Buy Containers & Organization The 11 Best Kitchen Drawer Organizers for Streamlined Storage Our top picks can sort out even the messiest drawers. By Rochelle Bilow Rochelle Bilow Rochelle Bilow is a graduate of the French Culinary Institute, and the former social media manager at Bon Appétit and Cooking Light magazines. She has also worked as a cook on a small farm in Central New York and a Michelin-starred restaurant in New York City. Her first book, a food and farming memoir titled The Call of the Farm, was published in 2014. Her second book, a romance novel set in Scotland, will be published in February 2023. Food & Wine's Editorial Guidelines Updated on March 14, 2023 Share Tweet Pin Email In This Article Expand Jump to a Section Our top picks Reviews Factors to Consider FAQ Our Expertise We independently evaluate all recommended products and services. If you click on links we provide, we may receive compensation. Learn more. Food and Wine / Alli Waataja The junk drawer isn’t the only place in your kitchen that may require tidying. For most cooks, a kitchen drawer organizer for cooking tools, utensils, or flatware is the key to creating an efficient workspace. But there are so many options to choose from! Is plastic or bamboo better? Stackable or adjustable? The best kitchen drawer organizers are customizable to the drawers you already have, explains Sharon Lowenheim, a professional organizer and the owner of NYC-based Organizing Goddess. A drawer with a good ratio of long and short storage compartments is another helpful quality to look for, she explains: This allows you to store tools or flatware of all sizes in one handy place. But that’s just the beginning. With so many options for drawer organizers, there’s at least one perfectly suited for your needs. The below kitchen drawer organizers make such efficient use of your existing space, you may even want to treat yourself to a fancy new set of utensils or some of our favorite flatware. Our Top Picks Best Overall: OXO Expandable Utensil Drawer Organizer at Amazon Jump to Review Best Budget: SIMPLEMADE Kitchen Drawer Organizer Tray at Amazon Jump to Review Best Splurge: Williams Sonoma Hold Everything Flatware Organizer at Williams-Sonoma Jump to Review Best for Deep Drawers: Linus Deep Drawer Organizer Starter Kit at The Container Store Jump to Review Best Bamboo: Utopia Kitchen Expandable Drawer Organizer at Amazon Jump to Review Best for Knives: Williams Sonoma In-Drawer Knife Organizer at Williams-Sonoma Jump to Review Best for Large Utensils: Honey Can Do Utensil & Drawer Organizer at Amazon Jump to Review Best Adjustable: Joseph Joseph Blox 10-piece Drawer Organizer Set at Amazon Jump to Review Best for Spices: Lynk Professional Expandable Spice Drawer Organizer at Amazon Jump to Review Best Stackable: mDesign Bamboo Drawer Organizer at Amazon Jump to Review Best Overall OXO Expandable Utensil Drawer Organizer Amazon View On Amazon View On The Container Store View On Oxo Pros: This organizer is made from non-skid plastic that’s durable enough to take a beating and get washed when dirty. It’s inexpensive and high-quality. Cons: The slide-out insert cannot be stacked underneath when holding utensils. The flatware inserts take up valuable space and aren’t very useful. This drawer organizer comes from OXO, a trusted name in kitchen organization products. It’s cleverly designed, with four stationary units that can be customized with inserts (included in the purchase). The slide-out tray can be tucked underneath the unit to accommodate narrow drawers, or fully expanded to hold large, bulky tools. Price at time of publish: $22 Material: PlasticWeight: 2.16 poundsDimensions: 18.05 x 9.8 x 2.49 inches at maximum size Best Budget SIMPLEMADE Kitchen Drawer Organizer Tray Amazon View On Amazon Pros: This unit is great for flatware, and comes in a handful of pleasing color options. It’s non-skid. Cons: It’s not the best choice for a big collection of large and long tools, and it isn’t customizable. There’s nothing fancy to see here, but that’s okay: This unit is meant to be tucked away in your utensil drawer, after all. With six stationary compartments (you could choose five for a slightly lower price), and grippy plastic lining, this is a durable and efficient choice for your flatware. There is one larger compartment on the side, but folks with lots of long-handled cooking tools may want to buy a supplemental organizer or look in another direction altogether. Price at time of publish: $20 Material: PlasticWeight: 1.59 poundsDimensions: 13 x 16 x 1.75 inches Best Splurge Williams Sonoma Hold Everything Expandable In-Drawer Flatware Organizer 4.9 Williams Sonoma View On Williams-Sonoma Pros: Well-made and attractive, this handsome organizer has a luxurious feel and can be expanded to accommodate larger drawers. Cons: As the name implies, this unit is primarily for organizing flatware, not cooking tools and utensils. It should be occasionally treated with mineral oil. This drawer organizer is so pretty, we wouldn’t blame you for wanting to display it on your counter. Jokes aside, it’s far more useful in your drawer, where it can expand from 18 to 23.75 inches wide, tacking on an additional two storage compartments made for long-handled tools. The solid ash wood is sustainably sourced, a detail that justifies the high price tag. Price at time of publish: From $90 Material: Ash wood with matte varnishWeight: 2.07 poundsDimensions: 14 x 23.75 x 2.5 inches at maximum size Best for Deep Drawers Linus Deep Drawer Organizer Starter Kit The Container Store View On The Container Store Pros: This kit is entirely customizable, and you can buy more pieces as needed to accommodate your unique space. Cons: The price will change if you cherry-pick the items in your order. This kit is made specifically for a 16 x 20-inch drawer. You don’t need deep pockets to custom-fit deep drawers: This starter kit comes with seven compartments of varying sizes, all with a generous 3-inch depth. Use the photos as a guide for arranging it in your kitchen, or switch it up to make a design that works perfectly for you. Either way, this organizing unit is made for tall items or stacked utensils. Price at time of publish: $68 Material: PlasticDimensions: 16 x 20 x 3 inches Best Bamboo Utopia Kitchen Expandable Drawer Organizer Amazon View On Amazon Pros: This organizer expands to include two additional long utensils storage compartments. It comes in a variety of colors and is inexpensive. Cons: It can only be rinsed clean. Its large dimensions (even without expanding) won’t fit all drawers. This bamboo utensil tray can be made larger by sliding compartments on the sides, which grow to reveal two additional storage compartments for a total of eight. This XL unit can handle both flatware and cooking tools: The middle compartments are ideal for forks, knives, and spoons, while the sides and tops can handle long utensils (like spatulas) and short ones, too (like can openers and vegetable peelers). It’s hard to beat the price. Price at time of publish: $22 Material: Bamboo woodWeight: 4 poundsDimensions: 17 x 18.1 x 2.16 inches at maximum size Best for Knives Williams Sonoma In-Drawer Knife Organizer Williams Sonoma View On Williams-Sonoma Pros: It’s made from real, solid wood, and is very high quality. It’s narrow enough to fit in most drawers. Cons: This item is pricey, and it’s only available at Williams Sonoma. Cooks with mostly large knives won’t find this as useful. If your knife collection is larger than just a chef’s knife and paring knife, and countertop real estate is tight, you’ll appreciate a drawer organizer made specifically for your blades. This one from Williams Sonoma is the cream of the crop, with spots for 15 knives of varying sizes; eight small and seven large. (It can accommodate up to a 10-inch blade.) Price at time of publish: $50 to $80, depending on wood choice Material: Solid maple or walnut woodWeight: 2 pounds, 13 ouncesDimensions: 7.5 x 17 x 1.5 inches Best for Large Utensils Honey Can Do Utensil & Drawer Organizer Macy's View On Amazon View On Wayfair View On Belk.com Pros: The steel mesh is easy to keep clean, and not easily damaged. Its three compartments are right-sized for long, handled utensils. Cons: It’s not adjustable, and not a good choice for flatware or small tools. This organizer was made for the biggest, bulkiest utensils in your collection. With a generous 2-inch height, it can quickly corral tools like whisks and handheld strainers. The steel mesh can be wiped down if it gets dirty, and we particularly like the grippy feet that will keep it from slip-sliding all over your drawer. Price at time of publish: $29 Material: Steel meshWeight: 1.17 poundsDimensions: 11 x 16 x 2 inches Best Adjustable Joseph Joseph Blox 10-piece Drawer Organizer Set 4.2 Amazon View On Amazon View On Williams-Sonoma Pros: This organizer is customizable, and can be reoriented as often as needed. It’s durable and non-slip and can be combined with additional units for more space. Cons: The small trays may be too short to hold some silverware or utensils; you may have to muscle the compartments together to securely clip them in. This unique drawer organizer is entirely customizable, with individual blocks that clip together on any side, in any orientation. Choose from a 7- or 10-piece set — both available in shades of gray and charcoal — and snap it together in the best arrangement for your drawer (or drawers). It comes with non-skid feet, so the unit stays put once it’s in place. Price at time of publish: $30 Material: PlasticWeight: 1.17 poundsDimensions: 10.43 x 17.28 x 1.97 inches Best for Spices Lynk Professional Expandable Spice Drawer Organizer Amazon View On Amazon View On Target View On Home Depot Pros: This unit can grow and shrink to fit a variety of drawer sizes. It’s right-sized for most spice containers. Cons: The clearance may be too tall for some drawers; if jars are not packed in tightly, they will jostle around when you open and close the drawer. There are plenty of ways to organize your spice collection, but a unit that sits neatly in a kitchen drawer is one of the most space-efficient we’ve come across. This heavy-duty steel tray slides out to fit a variety of drawer sizes and is tiered so you can easily see every jar without rummaging around. If you don’t fancy an expandable option, this brand also sells stationary in-drawer spice organizers in small and large sizes. Price at time of publish: $49 Material: Steel with metallic epoxy finishWeight: 5 poundsDimensions: 26.5 x 16.5 x 1.5 inches at maximum size Best Stackable mDesign Stackable Bamboo Drawer Organizer Amazon View On Amazon View On Walmart View On Target Pros: These trays are made from natural materials, and are a good option for deeper drawers. Customers can choose from a variety of dimensions. Cons: Only two trays are included in each order. Reviewers have noted the construction can be flimsy. Simple, streamlined, and stackable is the name of the game here. These units from mDesign are sold in a pack of two, but you could stack ‘em as high as your drawers will allow. Each tray is just one individual compartment, but you could customize your drawers by ordering multiple sizes. There are six different options available, ensuring you’ll be able to find the right set of dimensions for your utensils, tools, and flatware. Price at time of publish: $22 Material: BambooWeight: 1.76 poundsDimensions: 15 x 6 x 2 inches; other sizes available Best for Pots and Pans Yamazaki Home 3840 Adjustable Lid & Pan Organizer 4.8 Amazon View On Amazon View On Walmart View On Crate & Barrel Pros: It’s customizable, and expandable, too. Cons: The unit could stand to have more dividers to be truly useful. Yamazaki is known for its minimalist-chic design, but this item does more than just look good: It’s an entirely customizable option for housing pots and pans, skillets, and lids. Adjust the base to find the right length for your drawer, then fit the dividers in their corresponding slots to create stables for your cookware. It works best in pull-out drawers but could be set up in a lower cabinet as another option, too. Price at time of publish: $47 Material: Powder-coated alloy steelWeight: 2.07 poundsDimensions: 7.87 x 17.7 x 6.89 inches at maximum height Factors to Consider Material When it comes to picking the right kitchen drawer organizer, “the material is — excuse the pun — immaterial,” says Lowenheim. What matters is dimensions: How well the organizer fits your drawer, and stores the utensils you own. But once you’ve found the right size, there are material pros and cons to consider. Plastic is durable and can be washed in soapy water when it gets dirty. But it’s not the most eco-friendly option, and it can sometimes emit a strong odor when first installed. On the other hand, bamboo options are more sustainable and have an attractive visual appeal. Most wood options are not adjustable, although some do come with stackable options. Function The best drawer organization inserts don’t just store your utensils; they make it easier to find and grab the right one. Shoving all your knives in one organizer may not be any more helpful than letting them knock around the drawer. Use this rule of thumb from Lowenheim for buying and organizing your drawer inserts: “If the kitchen only has one shallow drawer, that would be a good spot for silverware (in a drawer organizer, of course!). If there are two, use the second one for utensils.” Lucky enough to have three usable drawers? Lowenheim says that one is the perfect spot for plastic wrap, aluminum foil, and zip-top bags. Customization Don’t get hung up on the aesthetics of the drawer insert. The primary consideration for drawer inserts is their size relative to the dimensions of your drawer. Lowenheim encourages cooks to prioritize a snug fit, so the organizer doesn’t slide around as you open and close the drawer. Once you’ve found an insert that closely matches the size of your drawer, you may find it useful to look into customizable options. Some have removable inserts, which allow you to make smaller or larger storage troughs. Another great option? Small, individual storage inserts you can piece together according to your needs. Frequently Asked Questions How do I organize my kitchen drawers? Divide your utensils according to length, says Lowenheim. Long utensils, like spatulas and serving spoons, should be grouped. Smaller tools, like can openers or tea strainers, can then nestle together in the shorter storage trays. If you’re having a hard time finding the right drawer insert that can handle the varying sizes of your toolkit, get creative. Lowenheim warns cooks, “It may be necessary to combine two different organizing products to make that happen.” What items are best to put in kitchen drawers? Not every cooking utensil or tool should go in a drawer. Kitchen drawers, Lowenheim says, are best for items that would get lost in a cupboard, or wouldn’t use that space efficiently. This typically means long, handled tools — like wooden spoons, strainers, and spatulas — or shorter ones, like vegetable peelers. A drawer organizer is a good supplement to a utensil crock. The crock, Lowenheim explains, should only contain your most frequently used tools. However, most cooks overstuff their crocks, making them inefficient. They should also be washed regularly to get rid of dust and grease buildup. What is the best way to organize deep drawers? A deep drawer is a great alternative to a traditional cupboard, says Lowenheim. She is a fan of drawer dividers like this one from OXO that creates separate areas. You can also use traditional drawer inserts for deep drawers; a stackable option will be very helpful here. How do you organize a kitchen utensil drawer? Group similar lengths together. Long items should live in the same storage unit, and shorter ones should be kept in a separate area. If you have enough room for multiple storage units, you can consider the function of tools, too: For example, stirring items are kept together, and whisking items are kept in another. How do you organize a kitchen junk drawer? The first step is reframing your attitude! Lowenheim warns that the “junk” moniker is a recipe for disaster, and invites further disorganization. Once you’ve adopted a mentality of intentionality, Lowenheim suggests emptying the drawer and scrubbing it clean. Then go through the items one by one, asking yourself, “Do I ever use this? If so, does it belong in the kitchen?” Lowenheim bets you’ll end up moving many of the items to other areas in your house, or tossing them out. The things that remain can then be corralled in an appropriate drawer organizer insert (or two). Our Expertise Rochelle Bilow is a food writer and editor with over a decade of professional experience. Previously a senior associate editor and social media manager at Bon Appétit and Cooking Light magazines, Rochelle is also a novelist, a culinary school graduate, and a former professional baker and line cook. In researching this article, she spoke with a certified professional organizer (CPO). Was this page helpful? Thanks for your feedback! Tell us why! Other Submit