Pantry Options: Walk-Ins vs. Cabinet

Any time kitchen remodel companies work on a project, the pantry is usually a topic of discussion. While both walk-in pantries and cabinet-style pantries have unique benefits, your choice ultimately comes down to personal preference.

Of course, the space you have and the design of your kitchen might present some limitations. But the top kitchen remodeling contractors can help you make the best decision for your space and layout. Here, we explore walk-in pantries and cabinet-style pantries, so you have all the information you need to make the right choice for your home.

Pros & Cons of Walk-In Pantries

A walk-in pantry is usually a closet or small room in or near the kitchen area. A pantry is designated for kitchen storage, most commonly for dry or canned goods, appliances, baking supplies, and anything else you need to keep near your kitchen.

Walk-in pantries are one of the most sought-after design elements in kitchen remodeling, since they provide an abundance of space that reduces clutter in and around the kitchen. It’s easy to organize items in a walk-in pantry, and there are endless ways to get creative and organized so you can make the most of your space.

Large items like mixers, slow cookers, or fryers that you don’t use regularly are perfect for pantry storage, and abundant storage space means less clutter on your kitchen counters.

An experienced kitchen remodeler like Fiderio & Sons can create designs for your kitchen renovation, giving you and the design team the opportunity to determine if a walk-in pantry is recommended based on the layout and use of space. Since a walk-in pantry is usually the size of a large refrigerator or even comparable to a walk-in closet, it could make your kitchen seem smaller. And while having plenty of storage space is convenient, in some cases, it may cut into the space you need.

Another important consideration is the proximity of your walk-in pantry. Our designers always suggest you consider how adding a walk-in pantry may spread out your kitchen storage, making things slightly less accessible. In some cases, this can be inconvenient, as items you may need during regular meal prep might be stored slightly out of easy reach.

Depending on the size of your walk-in pantry and how well it’s organized, you may need to spend some extra time searching for what you need. Here are a few tips for making a beautiful and organized pantry for easy access to all pantry items:

• Lazy Susans
• Wood shelving
• Clear bins or containers
• Labels
• Spice racks
• Baskets and crates

Advantages & Disadvantages of Cabinet Pantries

Most remodeling contractors will recommend cabinet pantries for smaller homes. An advantage of cabinet-style pantries is your items aren’t spread out as much, so they’ll be easier to find. You don’t have to spend time searching through several walls of shelves to find what you need. And most of the time, cabinet pantries are next to your major appliances, so items are easier to access.

Having cabinet pantry storage will put your stored items within arm’s reach and cut down on the time you spend walking to and from your walk-in pantry. Inside features like pullout drawers, spice racks, and more will reduce the amount of time you’ll spend rummaging.

It’s no secret that cabinet pantries have less storage capacity than walk-in pantries, but less storage space potentially means more room for your appliances and more countertop space. If you’re designating multiple cabinets as pantry storage, be prepared to give up a significant amount of prep space.

It’s important to navigate the delicate balance of storage and counter space with due diligence. Consider the size of your kitchen and the way you cook when deciding.

Work With Experienced Remodeling Contractors for the Best Results

A cabinet pantry is usually sufficient for two people, but you might consider a walk-in pantry if you plan on having kids, hosting gatherings frequently, or if you collect a lot of items you need to store out of sight. The best kitchen remodeling companies can help you make the right decision for your personal situation.

Whether you’re sold on a walk-in pantry or prefer a cabinet pantry, the kitchen remodeler you work with will make a huge difference. One of the biggest differences between using Fiderio & Sons and other local contractors is that the process of design and construction is under one roof. By being responsible for a project from concept to completion, we can streamline communication and find solutions to any obstacles that may arise.

There will also be continuity through the design and construction process, and our team will design your space to function for your lifestyle today and into the future.

Whichever way you go, there are many details to consider when designing and building a kitchen. Fiderio & Sons provides top-notch kitchen remodeling throughout Connecticut, and we’re here to help you with your next project.

It starts with a consultation to learn about your wants and needs, so contact us today to begin the process.