Keeping your pantry organized can feel like a constant battle, especially when dealing with a collection of canned goods. Cans have a habit of rolling around, getting lost in the back, and making it difficult to see what you actually have on hand. This disarray often leads to forgotten items and unnecessary duplicate purchases, wasting both space and money.
A dedicated can organizer is the simple solution to this common kitchen problem. These clever storage systems are designed to bring order to the chaos, utilizing vertical space and implementing a first-in, first-out system. By keeping your cans neatly arranged and easily visible, you can streamline your cooking process, simplify grocery shopping, and finally achieve a tidy, functional pantry space.
Our Top Picks for Can Organizers
- Utopia Kitchen Storage Can Rack Organizer, Stackable (Chrome)
- Simple Houseware Stackable Can Organizer Rack for Pantry – Bronze
- Simple Houseware 2 Tier Can Rack, Black – 2 Pack
- mDesign Plastic Expandable 3-Tier Storage Cabinet Shelf Organizer
- JKsmart 2-Tier Stackable Can Rack Organizer for Pantry, Black, 2 Pack
- YOUKOYI Can Rack Organizer 2 Tier Stackable Dispenser for Pantry
- Copco Non-Skid Pantry Cabinet Organizer, 2-Tier Revolving Turntable
- mDesign Plastic Kitchen Pantry Cabinet Can Storage Rack Organizer Tray
Utopia Kitchen Storage Can Rack Organizer, Stackable (Chrome)
This chrome-finished rack from Utopia Kitchen offers a classic, durable solution for pantry organization. Its sturdy metal construction is built to hold a substantial amount of weight, with a capacity for up to 36 cans. The design promotes a first-in, first-out system, ensuring your oldest cans are used first and reducing food waste.
Before purchasing, it is important to measure your available space. The product itself measures 17.9L x 11D x 14.3H inches, but it requires a minimum clearance of 20L x 12D x 16H inches for optimal use. This rack helps create a tidy and better-organized kitchen or pantry cabinet with quick access to easily viewable products.
Simple Houseware Stackable Can Organizer Rack for Pantry – Bronze
Simple Houseware provides a practical and spacious storage option with this three-tier rack. It can hold up to 36 cans, making it perfect for organizing a variety of canned goods, soda cans, or even mason jars in one compact unit. The bronze finish adds a subtle touch of style to your pantry’s functionality.
This is a large-sized product, so be sure to check your space dimensions. The rack measures 11.5″ D x 17″ W x 13.75″ H and requires at least 12″ D x 17.5″ W x 16″ H for the best fit. Its stackable and freestanding design, secured with durable plastic clips, offers flexibility for use in pantries, on cabinets, shelves, countertops, or floors.
Simple Houseware 2 Tier Can Rack, Black – 2 Pack
This two-pack from Simple Houseware offers excellent value and flexibility for your organizing needs. The stackable design allows you to connect multiple units together in seconds, creating a custom storage solution that grows with your pantry requirements. Together, the two racks can store up to 48 cans or a variety of sized jars.
Each rack features eight adjustable plastic dividers that help keep different size cans, jars, and beverage cans aligned and organized. The high distance between layers accommodates items with a diameter of up to 4 inches, providing versatility for a wide range of your pantry items beyond just standard cans.
mDesign Plastic Expandable 3-Tier Storage Cabinet Shelf Organizer
The mDesign expandable organizer takes a different approach with its stadium-style tiered design. This configuration ensures that the contents on every level remain visible and within easy reach, eliminating the need to dig through a deep cabinet. The clear plastic construction helps you quickly identify items at a glance.
A key feature of this organizer is its expandable design. You can slide the unit out to create more space, allowing it to fit a wider range of cabinet and shelf sizes. This adaptability makes it a great choice for not only cans but also for organizing spices, medicine bottles, or toiletries.
JKsmart 2-Tier Stackable Can Rack Organizer for Pantry, Black, 2 Pack
For those with a large stock of varying can sizes, the JKsmart organizer offers impressive versatility. You can adjust the interval and angle of this can dispenser to perfectly accommodate different size cans and soda bottles. This two-pack set boasts a high total capacity, holding up to 62 cans.
The unit is constructed from heavy gauge steel, resulting in a stronger, more stable structure that is not easily deformed. It includes two metal connectors for secure stacking to maximize vertical storage space. When not in use, the rack can be folded down for sleek, space-saving storage on a shelf.
YOUKOYI Can Rack Organizer 2 Tier Stackable Dispenser for Pantry
The YOUKOYI Can Rack is a two-tier, stackable dispenser designed to bring order to your pantry shelves. Its straightforward design focuses on functionality, providing a clear and accessible home for your canned goods. The stackable nature means you can start with one and add more as your storage needs increase.
This type of organizer typically employs a gravity-fed design, which automatically brings the next can forward as you remove the front one. This ensures you always have easy access to your items and helps maintain a first-in, first-out rotation system for your food supplies.
Copco Non-Skid Pantry Cabinet Organizer, 2-Tier Revolving Turntable
For corner cabinets or hard-to-reach spaces, the Copco revolving turntable offers a brilliant solution. This two-tier lazy Susan design allows you to spin the contents of your cabinet, bringing every item to the front with a simple turn. The non-skid surface helps prevent cans and jars from sliding around as the turntable rotates.
This organizer is not just for cans; it’s versatile enough for spices, oils, condiments, and cleaning supplies. By utilizing a revolving mechanism, it effectively eliminates dead space in corner cabinets, making every inch of your storage easily accessible.
mDesign Plastic Kitchen Pantry Cabinet Can Storage Rack Organizer Tray
If you prefer a simpler, more contained system, the mDesign storage tray is an excellent choice. This single-tier organizer acts like a sleek tray with raised edges, keeping your cans neatly grouped together and preventing them from rolling away on a shelf. Its low-profile design makes it easy to slide in and out of cabinets.
Made from durable plastic, this tray is easy to clean and maintain. It’s ideal for creating dedicated zones within a larger pantry, allowing you to group similar items—like soups, vegetables, or fruits—together. This approach brings a basic but effective level of organization to any shelf.
Buying Guide: How to Choose the Best Can Organizers for Canned Goods
I have tried a lot of can organizers over the years, and let me tell you, not all of them are created equal. A good system can completely change how you use your pantry, saving you from the dreaded avalanche of cans every time you need something from the back. When you are looking for the best can organizers for canned goods, there are a few key things I always check for.
First, consider the material. Most organizers are made from wire, plastic, or wood. Wire racks are super common because they are affordable and you can see through them, which is helpful. But they can sometimes snag on things or feel a bit flimsy. Plastic organizers are great for a smoother feel and are usually easy to wipe clean. Wood looks the most polished and is very sturdy, but it is often the heaviest and most expensive option. Think about what will hold up best in your space and match your style.
Next, you need to think about capacity and size. How many cans do you actually need to store? I made the mistake once of buying a huge organizer that was way too deep for my pantry shelf. Measure your shelf space—height, width, and depth—before you buy anything. Pay close attention to the organizer’s footprint and how many cans it claims to hold. Some are designed for a single row, while others are wider for bulk storage. Also, check the weight capacity. A unit filled with cans of beans is one thing, but a unit filled with jars of pickles or big cans of tomatoes is much heavier.
The mechanism of the organizer is probably the most important feature. The main goal is to get first-in, first-out (FIFO) rotation working for you. Gravity-fed dispensers are the most popular. You load cans in the top, and they roll or slide to the front as you take one from the bottom. These are fantastic for efficiency. Then there are simple stepped shelves that tier your cans so you can see all the labels. These are less about automatic rotation and more about visibility. Slide-out shelves are another option, pulling out like a drawer to give you access to everything at once. I find these best for shorter shelves or cabinets.
Finally, look at the build quality and stability. A wobbly can organizer is a disaster waiting to happen. Check that the feet are non-slip, especially for wire models. For tiered shelves, ensure the steps are secure and won’t collapse under weight. If you are looking at a multi-unit system, see if the pieces can be connected for extra stability. A little bit of research here saves you from a big mess later on.
FAQ
What is the best type of can organizer for a deep pantry?
For deep pantries, I highly recommend a gravity-fed dispenser style. These are designed to use the depth of your shelf to your advantage. You load cans in from the back or top, and they roll forward to the front as you remove the first can. This system ensures you are always using the oldest can first, and it prevents you from having to dig around in the back. Slide-out shelf organizers can also work well here, as they allow you to pull the entire contents forward to see everything you have.
Can these organizers hold different sizes of cans?
Most organizers are built to accommodate standard-sized cans, like those for soup or vegetables. However, many are adjustable. Look for models with removable dividers or adjustable tracks that can be widened or narrowed. This flexibility is key if your pantry stock includes anything from small tuna cans to large cans of broth or coffee. Some of the best can organizers for canned goods are specifically designed with this versatility in mind, so always check the product specifications for the range of can sizes it can handle.
Are wire or plastic can organizers better?
This really comes down to personal preference and your specific needs. I have used both. Wire organizers are generally more breathable, so you can see dust or spills, and they are very lightweight. Plastic organizers offer a smoother surface, which means cans slide more easily and they are a breeze to clean with a damp cloth. Plastic also won’t rust, which can be a concern in humid environments. If you prioritize easy cleaning and a smooth operation, go for plastic. If you prefer visibility and a lighter weight option, wire is a solid choice.
How do I install a can organizer?
The vast majority of can organizers require zero installation. They are freestanding units that you simply place on your pantry shelf. You just need to make sure the shelf is level and clean. The only time you might need tools is if you purchase a multi-tier system that needs to be assembled, which usually involves clicking or screwing a few pieces together. It is always a good idea to read the product description to see if assembly is required, but most are ready to use right out of the box.
Can I use these for jars or boxed goods?
While they are designed for cans, many organizers can be repurposed. Tiered shelf organizers are excellent for jars of pasta sauce, salsa, or baby food, as they elevate the back rows for better visibility. Gravity-fed racks might not work as well for jars unless they have a special track design. For boxed goods like broth cartons or pasta boxes, a simple tiered shelf is your best bet. The key is to check the dimensions and weight limits to ensure whatever you are storing will fit and be supported safely.