Staying organized in the kitchen can be tricky, and depending on your kitchen layout, a solution for you may not work for someone else. Here are a few ways to use magnets in the kitchen that may help you (and your cabinets) keep things in order.
Magnetic Knife Racks
Everyone talks about how these can change your life. In my last kitchen, we had plenty of available counter space, but no easy-access wall space, so we happily used a knife block. In my current kitchen, however, we love our magnetic knife racks. Mounted high enough to stay out of the hands of the kiddos, it is a great way to save space and keep our pointy instruments organized yet easily accessible.
Spice Jars
This is another use of magnets that many people talk about, mainly because it can be such a game-changer. We had our spices in a cabinet for a long time, but the hubby never wanted to dig through the bottles to see what we had while he was cooking. Our spices are now happily stuck to the side of our fridge, alphabetized and ready to use.
Key Holder
We’ve had a magnetic key rack hanging in our kitchen since the day we moved in, and we were just marveling the other day at how well it has worked. A key holder honestly only works if it becomes part of your daily routine, though having something you can just throw your keys at and they stick makes it much easier!
Meat Thermometer
A meat thermometer is an item you may not use every day, but when you do need it, it’s often hard to find buried in whichever drawer you put it in a couple weeks ago. We purchased the DOT by ThermoWorks when we hosted Thanksgiving last year, and it has been stuck to the side of our oven ever since. Throw the probe in the meat, close the door, and the alarm will sound when the meat hits your ideal temp. This could be a nice grill accessory too!
Measuring Cups and Spoons
This won’t necessarily save you much space, but it will save you the anguish of digging through two different drawers looking for the tiny 1/2 tsp. measuring spoon. Simply wash, stack, and throw them in the drawer, and the cups and spoons will always be found together.
Magnetic Towels or Hook
We hang our kitchen towels on the handle of our oven, but if that doesn’t work in your kitchen, consider purchasing a kitchen towel with a built-in magnet. Hang it anywhere (magnetic) within reach! Alternatively, just get a magnetic hook for towels, potholders, or anything else you want to hang.
Pencil Holder and Notepad
I am constantly searching for writing utensils when I’m in the kitchen. For a household that uses a lot of technology, I hand-write a surprising number of things: notes to send to school with the kids, grocery lists, to-do lists, etc. Pair a pencil holder with a magnetic notepad and you’re good to go.
As with anything, you generally get what you pay for, and magnetic items are no exception. Read the reviews and make sure any magnetic item you buy has a strong enough magnet to do the job you want it to do.
