Having organized and easily accessible storage space in the kitchen is essential for any home cook. Kitchen pantries provide dedicated space to store dry goods, canned items, baking supplies, and more. While many modern homes are designed with walk-in pantries, another space-saving option is a pull-out pantry installed in a kitchen cabinet.
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What is a Pull-Out Pantry?
A pull-out pantry consists of roll-out shelving on tracks that can be installed within existing kitchen cabinets. They are designed to maximize the storage potential in standard base cabinets. Pull-out pantries provide easy access to items that would otherwise be stored behind cabinet doors or on deep shelves.
Pull-out pantries feature shelves of varying heights to accommodate everything from tall cereal boxes to small spice jars. Some models have separate shelves or drawers for specialized storage of pots and pans or trays. The shelves slide smoothly in and out of the cabinet on rails or tracks.
When closed, a pull-out pantry simply looks like a standard kitchen cabinet. But when opened, it provides an organized storage solution with items neatly arranged and easily visible. This makes finding exactly what you need quick and convenient.
Benefits of a Pull-Out Pantry
Installing a pull-out pantry offers several advantages over traditional cabinet storage:
- Maximizes storage capacity – Pull-out shelves allow you to store more items in a confined space compared to static shelving.
- Easy access to contents – Everything is visible and within reach when the pantry is open.
- Adjustable organization – Shelves are removable and height-adjustable to accommodate various needs.
- Cleaner look – When closed, the pantry hides everything behind a sleek cabinet front for a clutter-free appearance.
- Saves time – Items can be found quicker, reducing rummaging around cabinets.
- Versatile installation – Pull-out pantries can be added to new or existing cabinetry.
IKEA Pull-Out Pantry Options
IKEA offers several different pull-out pantry options to choose from:
METOD Base Cabinet with MAXIMERA Drawers
One of the most popular IKEA pull-out pantry solutions is the METOD base cabinet frame fitted with MAXIMERA roll-out drawers. This customizable system allows you to configure the interior with one large MAXIMERA drawer or several smaller ones based on your storage needs.
The METOD cabinet frame is made of wood and comes in 21 inches or 24 inches width options. MAXIMERA drawers are available in a range of sizes from 5 inches up to 20 inches wide. The drawers are constructed of steel and bamboo and feature full extension slides for easy access.
SEKTION Base Cabinet with MAXIMERA
For a more budget-friendly option, the SEKTION base cabinet can also be configured with MAXIMERA drawers. Like METOD, the SEKTION cabinet comes in 21 inch and 24 inch widths and accepts the same versatile MAXIMERA drawers.
The main difference is that SEKTION cabinets have frames made of particleboard rather than solid wood. However, they offer an affordable way to add pull-out pantry storage with quality roll-out drawers.
HÄLLAN Cabinet with RATIONELL Interior
Another choice is combining the HÄLLAN base cabinet with RATIONELL interior fittings. The HÄLLAN cabinet box is made of plywood with a birch veneer finish. RATIONELL parts allow customization of the interior with adjustable wire racks, drawers, and glass shelves.
This system provides flexibility to arrange storage to suit individual needs. The wire racks are good for taller items, while the drawers can hold smaller goods securely in place.
Purchasing and Installation
One of the benefits of IKEA’s pull-out pantry options is that all the components are sold separately. This allows you to mix and match the ideal cabinet and interior fittings for your kitchen’s dimensions and layout. You can purchase online or visit your local IKEA store to see choices first-hand.
Installing a pull-out pantry from IKEA is considered a medium difficulty DIY project. The cabinet boxes assemble quickly with the included hardware. Attaching the roll-out interior parts takes a bit more time and precision. Detailed instructions are provided.
If you prefer to leave the work to professionals, IKEA offers affordable home installation services in many locations. You can also hire independent contractors experienced with assembling and mounting IKEA cabinets.
Pro Tips
Here are some helpful tips for choosing and installing an IKEA pull-out pantry successfully:
- Carefully measure your existing cabinet space to ensure the frame and drawers will fit properly.
- Read reviews of the various drawer options to decide which best suits your storage needs.
- Order extra mounting hardware in case replacements are needed during installation.
- Have an electric drill ready to assembly cabinets screws and wall anchors easily.
- Follow the detailed installation guide precisely for proper alignment and smooth drawer function.
- Start with empty drawers to test opening/closing before loading them up.
- Add drawer dividers, shelf mats, and other accessories to keep items neatly organized.
IKEA Pull-Out Pantry Options Comparison
Here is a helpful comparison chart summarizing the key components and differences between IKEA’s main pull-out pantry offerings:
| Product Line | Cabinet Frame Material | Interior Fitting | Width Options | Drawer Type |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| METOD with MAXIMERA | Solid wood | Roll-out drawers | 21″, 24″ | Steel and bamboo |
| SEKTION with MAXIMERA | Particleboard | Roll-out drawers | 21″, 24″ | Steel and bamboo |
| HÄLLAN with RATIONELL | Plywood | Shelves, racks, drawers | 24″ | N/A |
Conclusion
Pull-out pantries are a great choice for accessible kitchen storage in a small footprint. IKEA offers excellent options like METOD, SEKTION, and HÄLLAN base cabinets that can be customized with MAXIMERA roll-out drawers or RATIONELL interior fittings.
Carefully measuring your existing cabinetry and considering how you want to organize supplies are the keys to selecting the right IKEA pull-out pantry system for your needs. With a variety of cabinet frames, drawer sizes, and interior fittings to mix and match, IKEA makes it easy to maximize your kitchen’s storage potential.