What Items to Store in The Cabinet Above Your Stove? Safey and Efficient Guide

Introduction

The cabinet located above the stove is in a prime kitchen location. Many individuals ignore this valuable storage area or store the wrong items, resulting in damage to their property.

So, What Items to Store in The Cabinet Above Your Stove?

We will outline exactly what belongs in this unique spot and how to store it safely. Thoughtful storage choices can transform this challenging space into your most useful kitchen cabinet space.

Safety First: What NOT to Store

The Heat Factor

Heat and steam rise off your stove and become trapped in the cupboard above. While cooking, the temperature in the cupboard can reach 80 to 100 degrees Fahrenheit. Being constantly exposed to such high temperatures can be harmful to many common kitchen items. Additionally, the shelf above your stove stays warmer than the rest of your kitchen cabinets, even when you aren’t cooking. The shallow kitchen cupboards above stoves can have challenges because the hot air is build up in a small, confined area.

Never Store

When heated, plastic containers and melamine dishes can warp and retire harmful chemicals as they degrade. Plastic measuring cups can become unreliable when they lose their shape. Even solid plastic storage containers crack and fail to function.

Cooking oils–and extra virgin olive oil–spoil quickly in warm temperatures. Heat makes oils taste rancid and smell funky. Extra virgin olive oil spoils and loses its health benefits when stored above the stove; keep it in a cool pantry.

Spices and herbs lose their potency when they are stored in warm locations. Your pricey saffron and vanilla extract will lose potency quickly being stored above the stove.

Cleaning products and flammable items pose serious safety hazards. Heat may build pressure in aerosol cans or flammable spray. Do not store anything that states “keep in cool, dry place” above the stove.

Chocolate, medicine, batteries, and candles will all be damaged by heat. Chocolate will develop white spots and will lose that smooth texture. Medicine will not be as strong, and batteries leak at high temperatures.

Best Items for Above the Stove

Immediate Meal Prep Essentials

Above the stove, salt and pepper grinders are a great option when choosing glass or ceramic. You are seasoning food while working by the stove, so have these accessible. Store bulk spices elsewhere so they stay fresh, but it’s fine for small amounts of the daily seasonings to be close. Also, make sure the containers have tight lids to keep steam out.

Baking soda in a metal container will have a double purpose. You will have it available to grab a pinch to put into recipes, and it is also for putting out grease fires when there is no other option to fully extinguish the fire. Have your baking soda in a small metal tin with a tight lid. Never use plastic containers for baking soda in this hot space.

Metal measuring cups and spoons take the heat without warping or melting. The stainless steel versions will endure forever and remain accurate. Since you use these constantly while cooking, it will all make sense to store them above the stove. They also clean up easily, and do not retain smells like plastic measuring cups do.

Heat-Tolerant Utensils and Gadgets

Spatulas and tongs made of stainless steel deserve their place alongside the stove– you will grab them every time you cook. Metal handles won’t warp or melt in a warm cabinet. Search for all-metal spatulas without plastic parts that are less reliable. They are usually designed with a loop for a hook inside the cabinet.

Silicone spatulas and whisks are heat resistant to 500 degrees! Silicone won’t melt in the warm cabinet and will remain flexible for years! High quality silicone isolated odors that may accumulate in the steamy cabinet environment.

Small metal strainers and sieves are used frequently to dust flour, drain pasta, and strain sauces. Stainless steel mesh tolerates both heat and steam without damage. Fine-mesh models work especially well for dusting powdered sugar and cocoa powder. Store them nested in the kitchen work triangle to save on space.

Lighters and long matches should be safely stored in a container, such as a metal tin or ceramic container, that is at least one shelf above the stove to minimize potential for accidents. Using long-reach lighters is even safer than short ones, for gas burners. Replace them regularly, as regular use and/or heat can affect performance over time.

Glass and Metal Containers

Unused mason jars and glass canisters are great storage for dry ingredients that get a lot of use, like flour, sugar, nuts, etc. Glass doesn’t decompose or release chemicals when it heats. Go with a wide mouth jar so it’s easy to scoop. Label containers clearly to be clear of contents need too much steam when it is opened.

Small ceramic bowls and dishes are excellent for holding utensils while cooking and for portioning small amounts of ingredients. Ceramic stays cool to the touch even when stored in warm cabinets. White or light-colored ceramics show contents clearly. And be sure to stack dishes carefully in order to prevent them from chipping due to the vibrations of the cabinet doors.

Containers made of stainless steel with airtight lids can hold dry items without damage from steam or heat. If they are dropped, they won’t break and can be used for decades. Opt for square and rectangular shapes when possible to best maximize space in a cabinet. Avoid any containers with a plastic gasket that may fail due to heat exposure.

Organization and Efficiency Tips

Maximize the Shallow Space

Tiered racks and expandable shelves increase storage space in shallow cabinetry by doubling the storage space available for items. Stacking goods on metal racks is safer than creating a stacked fall-over pile for storage. Racks should fit the cabined’s depth perfectly. Adjustable, spring-loaded racks fit any width cabinetry perfectly.

Small turntables, or lazy susans, make reaching items in the back easy. An 8-inch lazy susan fits most above stove cabinets just right. Place the heavier items firther inside to offset the weight. Lazy susan cabinet solutions are good options in this awkward space.

You can attach magnetic strips or hooks to the back of cabinet doors or the underside of shelves. The strong magnets will hold metal measuring spoons, tools, and lids to help you stay organized. Place them somewhere they won’t hinder closing your cabinet door. These magnetic strips are made of stainless steel and are less likely to rust from steam exposure.

Wire racks that match your cabinet depth create extra shelf space. Look for racks with rubber feet that won’t slide around. Powder-coated finishes resist rust from steam. Some racks hook over existing shelves without requiring installation.

Height Strategy

Common-use items are placed on the front of the shelf and at comfortable reach heights. For example, salt, pepper, oil sprays, and daily utensils should be easy to access. Any item that is used often should not be placed above shoulder height. Be mindful of other family members who cook in your kitchen when choosing where to place objects on the shelf heights.

Items that you rarely use can go in the back and on the top shelf of your tall cabinets and cupboards. Holiday cookie cutters, specialty baking tools, extra muffin tins, and additives are a good fit for these out-of-reach areas.

The most important safety concerns pertain to location and height. As a rule, do not store anything that is heavy/breakable above eye level. Glass containers should remain at a level that is easily reachable to help avoid breakage. Label everything stored on a high shelf so you know what is there without having to go up and look. 

Organizing your kitchen around heat resistance and frequency of use is the secret to ideal above-stove storage. Put similar items together, and store the most-used items at the most accessible heights. Frequent cleaning prevents grease buildup that makes your items difficult to grasp.

Conclusion

The cabinet space above your stove is best suited for heat-resistant kitchenware you use for cooking: metal utensils, glass containers, and ceramic items will survive this warm location. Reserve plastic, heat-sensitive items, and oil containers for cooler cabinets. Create an optimal cabinet design above the stove with smart organization plans such as racks and lazy susans to allow you to utilize this tricky space.

When you’re finally ready to explore custom solutions for a better above-stove design system, AJ Flying can design creative heat-resistant wall cabinets for the kitchen that are suitable just in that place.