Thanks to the huge selection offered by manufacturers today, there are almost as many spice racks as there are spices to fill them. Spice shakers are a great addition to any kitchen and make the perfect gift for any cook. If you don’t already have one of these handy devices, you’ll find that once you purchase one, it will become the most used item in your kitchen. The different configurations and styles available mean there’s one to suit any kitchen and because of their practicality, you’ll find they save space rather than clutter.

Start by looking around your kitchen and determine where you have room in the kitchen to put a spice rack. Many cooks say that you shouldn’t place yours too close to the stove or oven, as exposure to high temperatures will reduce the potency of your spices. However, there are models designed to fit almost anywhere in your kitchen. There are models designed to be mounted on your walls if you don’t have a lot of counter space. If you have a spot on the counter that is hard to reach, you can make it more useful by adding a carousel style that allows you to easily reach spices on all sides of the rack.

If you’re the type of cook who wants to be able to quickly see all of your spices, you can use a tilted spice rack or one that looks like a set of three (or more) ladders and fits inside a cabinet. For those folks who have an underutilized “junk drawer,” consider emptying out the trash and replacing it with a spice rack drawer liner. You can also find models that are designed to mount under your cabinets; These offer you the ability to hide your spices when not in use. Another place you can mount one is on the inside of a cabinet or pantry door, creating plenty of vertical storage space. For those who have the luxury of lots of counter space, the options are nearly endless, including freestanding racks that hold an almost limitless amount of spices.

When considering what type of spice rack to buy, think about how much spice you actually use on a regular basis. If you’re a cook who relies on a few key spices, a small wall-mounted rack can easily keep your favorites within reach in your food prep area. However, for those who like to experiment with a wide variety of spices, a large rack can help prevent bottles from being knocked over or lost. If you’re buying one as a gift for someone else, think about how much space you have in your kitchen and what you know about their cooking habits before you make a purchase.

Spice racks are a convenient and practical addition to almost any kitchen. Spending a little time selecting the one that works best for you will help ensure you get the most out of your new addition.