This Heavy-Duty Organizer Is the Best Way to Store Your Beloved Cast Iron Pans

One of cast iron's most celebrated traits is its durability. It can handle the direct flame of a campfire, scrapes, and scuffs from spatulas and spoons, and, yes, even soap. But if you want to ensure your cast iron collection will truly last a lifetime, you need to store it properly.

Rather than stacking skillets and Dutch ovens on top of each other and risk damaging your cookware, consider this sturdy organizer that Amazon shoppers can't stop raving about. It's specially designed to hold hefty cast iron, supporting up to 50 pounds.

To buy: Cuisinel Heavy Duty Pan Organizer; $28 (originally $30) at amazon.com

The Cuisinel Heavy Duty Pan Organizer has more than 6,600 five-star Amazon ratings, with users saying it's "impressive" and a "must-have" for cast iron owners. Made of durable steel, it features varying sized shelves to accommodate up to five pans vertically or four horizontally. You can store skillets and griddles in one of the three 2.5-inch slots, and a bigger pot or Duch oven in the 3.5-inch space.

"I have owned multilevel pan storage racks in the past, however, this is by far the most solid and well made one I have ever seen," one Amazon shopper wrote. "Most are just wire hardly thicker than a coat hanger, but this one is over a quarter-inch of solid steel with an enameled coating to protect your pans. The spacing between each level is wider than average to accommodate almost any frying pan."

A second added, "The top rack holds a 10.8-pound Staub 4-quart cast iron Dutch oven (lid inverted due to cabinet height) with no signs of bending."

While the organizer is great for putting pots and pans away, shoppers note that it also makes it easier to see and grab exactly what they need. What's more, it's excellent for small kitchens where fitting a collection of heavy cast iron can be a challenge.

"Finally! A place to store my cast iron other than the oven," an enthusiastic reviewer said. "This rack is nicely balanced and very sturdy. Can't imagine why I didn't buy this sooner."

If you're looking to move your cast iron out of the oven, too, the Cuisinel rack is a reasonable $28 at Amazon. Protect your precious cookware by adding it to your cart now.