Drawers
Having at least one stack of drawers is vital in creating a kitchen to those functions efficiently when choosing the configuration of your drawers there are a lot of options depending on your needs.
Pan drawers are typically 2 deep drawers that are useful in storing large items for example pans as the name suggests but can also be used to store appliances within easy reach that are not used daily for example mixers and food processors. If you are limited on space a stack of pan drawers with an internal cutlery draw can give you storage for larger items as well as your cooking utensils.
A 3 stack provides essentially the same function as 2 pan drawers with an internal cutlery drawer however, the top drawer is independently accessible meaning that you don’t need to open the top pan drawer to access it.
With a 4 stack, you typically get 3 shallow drawers at the top allowing for 1 deep pan drawer at the bottom. This set up gives you more room for smaller utensils and cooking equipment, which is useful if you are limited in worktop space.
A 5 stack provides no deep pan draw instead only allowing for shallow drawers however often comes in narrower widths so are good for making use of space that would otherwise not be filled.
Base units
Base units with internal drawers can also come in a range of configurations, these combinations allow for a seamless unbroken look to your cabinets. Starting with the standard base unit with an internal cutlery drawer, this option has the least amount of drawer space. It is similar to a standard drawer line base unit with a drawer on the top, however it is hidden by the cabinet door. It is most common to find either 2 internal drawers or 2 internal pan drawers with an internal cutlery drawer above.
Most of these drawer configurations come in a drawer line cabinet style with the exception of the internal cutlery trays as these units already have a cutlery drawer. Using drawer line base units, provides a greater amount of drawer space within smaller kitchens. These units can provide more drawers without taking up cupboard space with a drawer pack and can even be added to corner base units.
Plinth drawers are located underneath your cabinets and are approximately the same depth as a cutlery tray, these drawers can come in a variety of widths to suit any size base unit. These drawers can give much needed storage space in smaller kitchens and can be useful for storing things like dishtowels or cooking trays.
Integrated bins can come in several styles depending on the style and size of your cabinet, they can be mounted to the front door of your cabinet opening like a drawer. They often have a small shelf above for extra storage or mounted within your cabinet meaning you can pull it out when needed, functioning more like an internal drawer. Integrated bins can also be mounted to come out with the door when opened. Depending on the size they usually come with 2-4 compartments
Corners
Corner cabinets, especially in smaller kitchens, can give you a lot of storage however are not always the most accessible. In this case it may be beneficial to add internal storage systems for example a magic corner, carousel, or La Mans.
Internal wire pull-outs can also be used in narrow base units for organisation of small condiments, spices, baking trays and cutting boards, and even some cooking utensils.
Larder and Pantry units
Internal drawers, corner carousels and wire pull-outs are not exclusive to your base units and adding them to a larder unit can be a great way to maximise your storage. Larder units come in all shapes and sizes and can even fit into the corners of your kitchen. Larder units ranging from euro height (about eye level) all the way to extra tall (almost as tall as the average UK ceiling height).
Larder units can also house all your appliances from your oven and microwave to even a coffee machine creating extra storage above and below, freeing up your countertop workspace.
Pantry units are usually wider and sometimes deeper than a standard larder unit. A larder unit is intended for food storage only whereas a pantry is multi-function used to store food, beverages, crockery, and cutlery. Typically, a pantry will have 2 doors opening to reveal a variety of storage e.g., Spice racks, drawers, plate racks, wine racks and sometimes a piece of worktop.
Pantry units can also come in ‘L’ shape designs to fit into corners with either 1 or 2 doors, these units are similar to a walk-in cupboard and can be fitted with lights on the inside.
Open units
Plate Racks can be located anywhere in your kitchen however, in a small space with limited worktops, it may be useful to place them above your sink. This allows you to be able to store freshly washed dishes above your worktop giving you more room for food preparation. They can also be used in combination with glass front cabinets to create a feature display unit for your crockery and glassware. By using a combination of cabinets, it is possible for us to create bespoke kitchen units, from open shelving drinks stations to a dedicated home for all your countertop appliances, which can be closed at the end of a busy day of cooking, ready for hosting guests.