Walford Home Padded Base Enameled Steel Utensil Holder

The kitchen can feel cluttered pretty easily. There are so many gadgets, pots and pans, and other accessories to organize. Plus, don’t forget about the utensils. From spatulas to spoons, those little (and sometimes big) implements can tend to take up more space than you think they will. Having a utensil holder is a good idea to keep things neat and tidy, free up drawer space and make them easily accessible.

When choosing a utensil holder, first consider which type of utensils you want to store. For example, are you looking for something to organize your cooking utensils, such as large wooden spoons, tongs and spatulas? Or do you want something for your eating utensils, such as knives, forks and spoons? Also consider where you will be keeping the utensil holder, such as at the dinner table or on the kitchen counter by the stove. This will help you determine what size of utensil holder you need.

Drainage is a factor for some people, especially if the utensil holder is one where you’ll be putting wet utensils in right after they’ve been washed. If this is the case, opt for a utensil holder that has a drainage system underneath or has open sides for the water to drain out. Drainage features ensure that you don’t end up with mold or mildew at the bottom of the container.

Some people like one big opening in their utensil holder, so that all of the utensils are together. Others prefer utensil holders that have divided compartments, so they can separate utensils and make them easier to find. Consider which style you prefer and whether it will help you better organize your utensils.

• When it comes to cooking utensils, your utensil holder can become full very quickly. After all, you likely have several wooden spoons, tongs, whisks, plastic spatulas, metal spatulas and more. If you put in too many large utensils into the container, it will be difficult for your to take one out at a time as they will get tangled together. Instead of placing all of your cooking utensils in one container, consider splitting them up into two utensil holders, one placed on either side of the stove. Another option is to keep some lesser-used utensils in a drawer and only keep the day-to-day cooking utensils in the container on the counter. A divided utensil holder can also make organization a little easier, and keep utensils separated so they are easier to find and take out.
• Remember that utensil holders need to frequently be emptied and cleaned. The inside can often be covered with dust, grease, grime, mold and food, and having any of that stuck to the bottom of your utensils isn’t a good idea. Opt for a utensil holder that is easy to clean and can be placed in the dishwasher. Many can also be easily washed in the sink with soap and water. Just be sure to let it dry out fully before filling it with utensils.
• Don’t place wet utensils in the holder, especially if it doesn’t have a drainage compartment. Doing so can lead to a buildup of mold and mildew inside the container.