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Maximizing Flatware Storage

By , About.com Guide

Tiered Flatware Storage

Tiered Flatware Storage

Photo: © Mifflin
If you have limited kitchen storage space and only one drawer for flatware storage, you can maximize that drawer's capacity with double or two-tiered flatware or cutlery trays.

Layered cutlery trays can enable you to conveniently store an adequate quantity of flatware servings while keeping it efficiently organized. These plastic tray systems are readily available in most department stores in various configurations and are an economical way to increase drawer storage capacity.

While there are some other models, my favorite is a full cutlery tray with a smaller top insert that can slide from side to side, to allow you to access what's stored in the bottom tray, while keeping the common utensils easily retrievable. To fully maximize the space, instead of storing a different variety in the bottom section, place a small amount of your common flatware spread out across the two visible sides, with the remaining amount in the section below the sliding tray. This way, everything you usually use is readily accessible and you can slide the top section when you need more of the same, from the bottom tier.

By placing the top tray to the right and matching the flatware storage in the bottom tray directly underneath, you can easily reach the other utensils such as knives and serving pieces to complete your regular table settings, without sliding the top tray. This way, you'll only need to occasionally slide the tray over when you've exhausted this top amount of flatware and need additional servings.

Update: Jan 2010
I've had several requests to know the make of the particular tray featured. It's a Sterilite Model 1577 and was purchased in a hardware retailer in Canada. This model of cutlery tray is not shown on Sterilite's web site and I will update this when I hear back from them as to whether they still make this tray and where it can be purchased.

There are other tiered cutlery trays that you can check out. Newell Rubbermaid makes one with a sliding tier, but it slides up and down, rather than from side to side. This tray would still help you to organize your drawer by having a place for short utensils. Before ordering a cutlery tray, be sure to measure your drawer to ensure a good fit.

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