Open the upper cabinet next to most stoves and you find the same thing: a front row of the spices you bought last month and a back row of jars nobody has seen in a year. In a Mexican kitchen that back row is where the achiote, the whole cloves and the second jar of comino end up, and they get bought again because nobody can find them. A spice rack built for the inside of a cabinet fixes that by bringing the back row forward, down or out.
This guide is the cabinet half of our spice rack guide. That page covers every spot a rack can go, from the counter to the wall. Here we stay inside the cabinet: pull-down drawers, racks that drop from an upper shelf, slide-out pullouts, a spinning tray for deep shelves, an under-shelf drawer and a rack for the back of the door. For each one we give what the maker or listing says about size, capacity and installation, and what you should measure first.
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Quick verdict: which cabinet spice rack to buy
For most upper cabinets, the pick is the YouCopia SpiceStack 24-Bottle Spice Rack: it sits on the shelf with no tools, holds 24 or more bottles according to YouCopia, and its drawers pull out and tip down so the back jars come to eye level. If you can drill and want the spices to come down to you, the Hardware Resources 3-Tier Pull Down Spice Rack mounts in a 15-inch wall cabinet and drops down when you pull it. For a narrow cabinet next to the range, the Rev-A-Shelf 8-Inch Wall Cabinet Pullout turns the whole space into a slide-out pantry.
Below, five standouts side by side, then all nine cabinet racks reviewed in full.
Five cabinet spice racks compared
One pick for each way a cabinet can hold spices, with the size and capacity each maker or listing states. All nine racks are reviewed below.
| Rack | How it works | Capacity (per listing) | Install | Buy on Amazon |
|---|---|---|---|---|
YouCopia SpiceStack 24-Bottle Spice RackBest overall
|
Drawers pull out and tip down | 24+ bottles | No tools | View on Amazon |
Hardware Resources 3-Tier Pull Down Spice RackBest pull-down rack
|
Three shelves drop down from the cabinet | Not stated (3 shelves) | Screws, 15-inch wall cabinet | View on Amazon |
Rev-A-Shelf 8-Inch Wall Cabinet PulloutBest full-height pullout
|
Whole unit slides out on ball bearings | Not stated (3 adjustable shelves) | Screws, door-mount brackets | View on Amazon |
Rev-A-Shelf Door-Mounted Maple Spice RackBest door-mounted rack
|
Three shelves on the inside of the door | Not stated (standard 2.25-inch bottles) | Screws to the door | View on Amazon |
| Stadium steps that stretch to fit | Not stated (16.5 to 30 inches wide) | No hardware | View on Amazon |
Product images from Amazon. Sizes, capacities and installation are as stated by each maker or listing; check the listing and measure your cabinet before you buy.
Our picks for the best spice rack cabinet setup
These nine racks all live inside a cabinet, but they solve different problems. Some sit on the shelf and need no tools; some screw in and change how the cabinet works. Three of the brands also appear on our main spice rack page: the YouCopia rack here is the larger 24-bottle version, the Lynk rack is the wider two-tier model, and Joseph Joseph is represented by its larger under-shelf drawer. Before you choose, measure the inside width of the cabinet, its depth, the height between shelves and the height of your tallest bottle.
1. YouCopia SpiceStack 24-Bottle Spice Rack – Back-Row Jars at Eye Level
The SpiceStack is the simplest way to fix a deep upper cabinet. It is a stack of three drawers that sits on the shelf. Each drawer glides out and tips down to a resting position, which YouCopia says brings spices from the back of the cabinet out to you at eye level. You read the caps and labels from the front, take the jar and push the drawer back up.
This is the 24-bottle model, the wider sibling of the 18-bottle SpiceStack on our main spice rack page. The listing gives it as 11 inches deep, 10.5 inches wide and 8.3 inches high, and the product description says it organizes 24 or more bottles. Three adjustable dividers let round, square, short and tall bottles share a drawer, so a store jar of ground ancho, a tall bottle of chile powder and a small jar of whole cumin can sit together without being moved into matching jars.
There is nothing to install: YouCopia says no tools, mounting or installation are needed, and the rack stands on non-slip feet. It also comes with 104 removable drawer labels, 52 printed and 52 blank, so you can mark one drawer for chiles and another for herbs and baking spices. The main thing to check is height: you need a little more than 8.3 inches between shelves.
Why we like it
- Drawers pull out and tip down to eye level
- Holds 24 or more bottles, per YouCopia
- Three adjustable dividers for mixed bottle shapes
- No tools or mounting needed
Key specifications
| Model | YouCopia SpiceStack 24-Bottle, part 50166 |
|---|---|
| Type | Pull-down drawer stack |
| Where it goes | On a cabinet or pantry shelf |
| Jar capacity | 24+ bottles |
| Size (listing) | 11 in deep x 10.5 in wide x 8.3 in high |
| Material | Plastic, non-slip feet |
| Installation | None |
Why we recommend it
It suits renters and anyone who wants the back row of a deep upper cabinet solved without drilling. The 10.5-inch width still leaves room on a standard shelf for oils or a bag of dried chiles.
Skip it if your shelves are less than about 8.5 inches apart; the rack will not fit under the shelf above.
Pros and cons
Pros
- Nothing to install or remove later
- Labels make each drawer easy to find
- Fits store bottles without decanting
Cons
- Needs about 8.3 inches of shelf height
- Plastic, not steel or wood
2. Hardware Resources 3-Tier Pull Down Spice Rack – Drops Down From a High Shelf
If your spices live in a cabinet above the counter and the top shelf is a stretch, a pull-down rack brings the jars down to you. The Hardware Resources rack is a three-shelf chrome steel unit that mounts to the bottom of a wall cabinet. The listing describes it as a retractable organizer that “drops down for easier access”: you pull it forward and down, take what you need and push it back up into the cabinet.
It is sized for a specific cabinet. The listing says it is designed for a 15-inch opening wall cabinet, and the description also mentions 14-inch-wide upper cabinets, so measure the inside of yours before ordering. The maker’s specifications give it as 14 inches wide, 9-5/8 inches high and 10-9/16 inches deep; the Amazon details table lists 14.56 by 8.6 by 10.56 inches. Either way, it needs a cabinet at least that deep and a shelf free of hinges and face-frame lips that would block the swing.
Installation is four screws into the cabinet bottom, according to the description, and the mounting hardware is included. The listing does not give a jar count or a weight limit, so do not load it with heavy bulk jars; small jars of oregano, comino, cloves and ground chiles are what a rack like this is for. The description says it is covered by a limited lifetime manufacturer warranty.
Why we like it
- Pulls down from the cabinet toward you
- Three shelves of chrome-finished steel
- Mounting screws included
- Limited lifetime warranty, per the description
Key specifications
| Model | Hardware Resources HRC-TTSPD-R |
|---|---|
| Type | Pull-down rack, 3 shelves |
| Where it goes | Mounted to the bottom of a wall cabinet |
| Jar capacity | Not stated |
| Size (listing) | 14 in wide x 9-5/8 in high x 10-9/16 in deep |
| Material | Steel, polished chrome finish |
| Installation | Four screws; fits a 15-inch opening |
Why we recommend it
It suits shorter cooks and anyone with high upper cabinets who is happy to drive four screws. Spices come down to counter height instead of you climbing up to them.
Skip it if your cabinet is not close to 15 inches wide; this rack is made for one size.
Pros and cons
Pros
- Brings a high shelf down to reach
- Steel frame
- Hardware included
Cons
- Fixed size for one cabinet width
- No stated jar count or weight limit
- Listing dimensions vary slightly
3. Rev-A-Shelf 8-Inch Wall Cabinet Pullout – A Narrow Cabinet Becomes a Spice Pantry
Many kitchens have one narrow upper cabinet, often next to the range hood, that never holds anything useful. Rev-A-Shelf’s 448 pullout turns it into a slide-out spice pantry. It is a maple frame with three adjustable shelves and chrome rails that rides on a zinc-plated, full-extension ball-bearing slide, so the whole unit comes out of the cabinet and you see every shelf from the side.
According to the listing, it measures 8 inches wide, 10.75 inches deep and 26.25 inches tall, needs a cabinet opening of at least 8.5 inches, and is designed for a 30-inch-tall wall cabinet while also working in 33, 36, 39 and 42-inch cabinets. Adjustable door-mount brackets are included and, per the listing, required: the cabinet door attaches to the front of the pullout, so opening the door pulls the shelves out with it.
The chrome rails keep jars from sliding off the edge as the unit moves, and because the shelves adjust, you can set one for short spice jars and another for taller bottles of vinegar or Mexican vanilla. This is a bigger job than a shelf insert, and it suits cooks who are happy to commit a whole cabinet to spices and oils. The listing gives a limited lifetime warranty.
Why we like it
- Full-extension ball-bearing slide
- Maple with chrome rails on each shelf
- Three adjustable shelves
- Fits wall cabinets from 30 to 42 inches tall
Key specifications
| Model | Rev-A-Shelf 448-WC-8C |
|---|---|
| Type | Full-height slide-out pullout |
| Where it goes | Narrow wall cabinet, 8.5-inch minimum opening |
| Jar capacity | Not stated (3 shelves) |
| Size (listing) | 8 in wide x 10.75 in deep x 26.25 in high |
| Material | Maple, clear finish, chrome rails |
| Installation | Screws; door-mount brackets included |
Why we recommend it
It suits a kitchen with a narrow, awkward upper cabinet and a cook with a big spice collection. Once installed, every jar is visible from the side with one pull.
Skip it if you rent or do not want to attach the cabinet door to the unit.
Pros and cons
Pros
- Uses the full height of the cabinet
- Rails stop jars sliding off
- Fits several wall cabinet heights
Cons
- Needs a narrow cabinet of the right size
- Door must be mounted to the pullout
4. LYNK PROFESSIONAL Pull Out Spice Rack, 6-3/8 Inch 2-Tier – Two Shelves on One Slide
Lynk’s pull-out spice racks sit on an existing cabinet shelf and slide forward like a drawer. Our main spice rack page reviews the slim one-tier, 4-3/8-inch version; this is the wider two-tier model, which suits a cabinet with more spices than a single narrow row can hold. The listing gives it as 6.3 inches wide, 8.5 inches tall and 10.3 inches deep.
The slide is the part Lynk talks about most. The listing says the ProGlide Plus 2 slide adjusts to the various depths of upper cabinets and is built to slide without sagging when fully loaded and extended. The frame is commercial-grade steel with what Lynk calls an anti-rust chrome finish, and thick polymer trays lock into each tier so spilled chile powder or a leaking bottle stays on the tray rather than on the cabinet shelf.
Installation is two screws in the back of the cabinet, according to Lynk, which is easier than reaching four corners of a high shelf. Because it is narrow, two can sit side by side in a wider cabinet, one for chiles and one for everything else. Lynk backs it with a lifetime limited warranty. The listing does not give a jar count.
Why we like it
- Two tiers slide out together
- Slide adjusts to the cabinet’s depth
- Removable polymer trays catch spills
- Lifetime limited warranty, per Lynk
Key specifications
| Model | LYNK PROFESSIONAL 430622DS |
|---|---|
| Type | Slide-out rack, 2 tiers |
| Where it goes | On an upper cabinet or pantry shelf |
| Jar capacity | Not stated |
| Size (listing) | 6.3 in wide x 8.5 in high x 10.3 in deep |
| Material | Chrome-finish steel, polymer trays |
| Installation | Two screws at the back of the cabinet |
Why we recommend it
It suits a standard upper cabinet where you want a drawer-like pull-out without replacing anything. Pair two for a wide cabinet.
Skip it if you cannot put screws into the cabinet; it is not a freestanding rack.
Pros and cons
Pros
- Steel frame and locking trays
- Only two screws to install
- Narrow enough to double up
Cons
- No stated jar count
- Needs 8.5 inches of height plus clearance
5. Rev-A-Shelf Door-Mounted Maple Spice Rack – Uses the Back of the Cabinet Door
The inside of a cabinet door is the most wasted surface in most kitchens. Rev-A-Shelf’s door-mounted rack is a maple frame with three adjustable shelves and chrome rails that screws to the inside of the door, so the spices swing out to you every time you open it. The listing gives the rack as 10.13 inches wide, 4 inches deep and 25 inches tall, and says it holds standard spice bottles measuring 2.25 inches.
Fit is the part to take seriously. Rev-A-Shelf says the cabinet opening must be at least 12 inches wide, 4.25 inches deep and 25.5 inches high, and asks you to measure width, depth, height and hinge clearance before ordering. In practice the shelves inside the cabinet must also sit far enough back for the rack to close past them; the listing notes the design is meant to keep bottles “without bumping into the fixed cabinet shelves”, which only works if you measure.
The shelves adjust, so you can space them for small jars of oregano and whole cloves on one level and taller bottles on another. The chrome rails stop jars falling when the door swings. It arrives fully assembled with mounting hardware and carries a limited lifetime warranty, per the listing.
Why we like it
- Turns the door into spice storage
- Three adjustable maple shelves
- Chrome rails hold jars in as the door swings
- Assembled, with hardware included
Key specifications
| Model | Rev-A-Shelf 4ASR-15 |
|---|---|
| Type | Door-mounted rack, 3 shelves |
| Where it goes | Inside of a cabinet door; opening 12 x 4.25 x 25.5 in minimum |
| Jar capacity | Not stated (standard 2.25-inch bottles) |
| Size (listing) | 10.13 in wide x 4 in deep x 25 in high |
| Material | Maple, clear coat, chrome rails |
| Installation | Screws to the door |
Why we recommend it
It suits a tall upper cabinet whose shelves are already full of plates or bowls. The spices go on the door and the shelves stay free.
Skip it if your cabinet shelves run right to the front edge; the door will not close.
Pros and cons
Pros
- Adds storage without using shelf space
- Wood rather than plastic
- Adjustable shelf spacing
Cons
- Strict minimum cabinet size
- Screws go into the door
6. YouCopia MagicTrack Spice Turntable – A Rectangle That Spins in a Deep Cabinet
A round lazy Susan wastes the corners of a square cabinet. YouCopia’s MagicTrack is a rectangular two-tier turntable that, according to YouCopia, rotates on stainless steel ball bearings and slides the tray forward and around, so the jars at the back come to the front as it turns. YouCopia says the rectangle has 50 percent more space than a round lazy Susan and holds up to 24 spice bottles.
Two tiers keep labels visible, and a hidden center bin holds the things that do not stand up well on a rack: YouCopia mentions spice packets, bay leaves and peppercorns. In a Mexican kitchen that bin is a good home for the cellophane bags of ground chile, achiote and canela that come from the market. The listing gives the size as 10.2 inches deep, 12.5 inches wide and only 3.6 inches high, so it fits under a low shelf where a stepped rack would not.
It stands on non-slip feet with no tools, suction cups or installation, and is made from BPA-free recycled plastic, per the maker. Wipe it clean. If you want a broader look at turntables for other shelves, see our guide to lazy Susans.
Why we like it
- Rectangular shape uses the cabinet corners
- Holds up to 24 bottles, per YouCopia
- Hidden center bin for packets
- Only 3.6 inches tall
Key specifications
| Model | YouCopia MagicTrack, part 50955 |
|---|---|
| Type | Two-tier rotating turntable |
| Where it goes | On a cabinet or pantry shelf |
| Jar capacity | Up to 24 bottles |
| Size (listing) | 10.2 in deep x 12.5 in wide x 3.6 in high |
| Material | BPA-free recycled plastic, steel ball bearings |
| Installation | None |
Why we recommend it
It suits deep, low shelves and corner cabinets where jars get lost at the back. A spin is quicker than lifting jars out of the way.
Skip it if your cabinet is shallower than about 10.5 inches; it needs that depth to turn.
Pros and cons
Pros
- No installation
- Low profile
- Extra bin for bags and whole spices
Cons
- Needs clear space around it to spin
- Plastic construction
7. Joseph Joseph CupboardStore Large Under-Shelf Spice Rack – A Hidden Drawer for 14 Jars
The gap between the top of your jars and the shelf above is space you already pay for. Joseph Joseph’s CupboardStore Large hangs beneath a cabinet shelf and holds a pull-out compartment for up to 14 spice jars, according to the maker, in a two-tier layout so you can see what is there. Our main spice rack page reviews Joseph Joseph’s smaller seven-jar under-shelf rack; this larger one doubles the capacity for a cabinet that holds the whole spice collection.
The description sets clear limits. It suits cabinets over 12.6 inches wide and 10.2 inches deep, with a maximum shelf thickness of 0.75 inches, and holds jars up to 4.3 inches tall and 1.9 inches in diameter. That rules out most big shakers and warehouse-size jars, but fits the standard small jars most people refill from bags. The listing gives the unit as 10.25 inches deep, 12.5 inches wide and 4 inches high.
Unlike the smaller model, which uses adhesive, the Large version installs with the screws provided, per Joseph Joseph. It is made with a minimum of 50 percent post-consumer recycled plastic. The pull-out compartment keeps jars out of sight and away from light, which suits the advice to store spices in a dark place.
Why we like it
- Uses empty space under a shelf
- Holds up to 14 jars, per Joseph Joseph
- Two-tier pull-out compartment
- At least 50 percent recycled plastic
Key specifications
| Model | Joseph Joseph CupboardStore Large, 8500032 |
|---|---|
| Type | Under-shelf pull-out drawer, 2 tiers |
| Where it goes | Under a shelf up to 0.75 in thick |
| Jar capacity | Up to 14 jars (max 4.3 in tall, 1.9 in wide) |
| Size (listing) | 10.25 in deep x 12.5 in wide x 4 in high |
| Material | Polypropylene |
| Installation | Screws included |
Why we recommend it
It suits cooks who decant spices into small uniform jars and want them out of sight. The shelf below stays free for everything else.
Skip it if your jars are wider than 1.9 inches; they will not fit.
Pros and cons
Pros
- Adds storage without using shelf space
- Jars stay in the dark
- Screwed in, not stuck on
Cons
- Strict jar size limits
- Jars not included
8. Simple Houseware 2-Tier Slide Out Spice Basket – Two Wire Baskets on Rails
Simple Houseware’s slide-out basket is a lower-cost route to a pull-out spice rack. It is a two-tier white-coated metal frame with wire baskets that slide out on rails. The listing gives the size as 11 inches deep, 6.2 inches wide and 9.1 inches high, and asks for 1 inch of clearance when you install it in a cabinet, so plan on a gap of at least 10 inches between shelves.
The baskets have sides, which helps in a busy cabinet: bottles of hot sauce, a squeeze bottle of crema or a pepper grinder stand up in them better than on a flat tray. The listing suggests spices, condiments, grains, canned goods and salt and pepper grinders. Wire baskets do let small jars tip if they are narrower than the gaps, so it suits standard spice bottles better than tiny tins.
It is bottom-mounted: the listing says it needs assembly and drilling into the shelf. That makes it sturdier than a freestanding basket, but it is not for renters who cannot drill. At 6.2 inches wide, two fit side by side in most upper cabinets. The listing does not state a jar count, weight limit or warranty.
Why we like it
- Two baskets slide out on rails
- Basket sides hold taller bottles
- Narrow enough to pair in one cabinet
- Lower cost than steel pullouts
Key specifications
| Model | Simple Houseware CO-25D-W |
|---|---|
| Type | Slide-out wire baskets, 2 tiers |
| Where it goes | On a cabinet shelf, bottom-mounted |
| Jar capacity | Not stated |
| Size (listing) | 11 in deep x 6.2 in wide x 9.1 in high, plus 1 in clearance |
| Material | Metal, white finish |
| Installation | Assembly and drilling |
Why we recommend it
It suits a cook who wants spices and sauces to slide out but would rather not spend steel-pullout money. Pair two for a full cabinet.
Skip it if you cannot drill into your cabinet shelf.
Pros and cons
Pros
- Inexpensive slide-out option
- Basket sides for bottles
- Compact width
Cons
- No stated weight limit or warranty
- Small jars can tip in wire baskets
9. mDesign Expandable 3-Tier Cabinet Shelf Organizer, 2 Pack – Stretches to Fit, No Tools
A stepped riser is the cheapest way to get labels facing you in a cabinet, and mDesign’s clear plastic version comes as a set of two. Each organizer has three stadium-style levels, and the listing says it measures 16.5 inches wide and 4.25 inches high and expands to 30 inches. With two in a pack, you can stretch one across the full width of a wide cabinet and put the other on a second shelf or in the pantry.
It is the opposite of a pull-down or slide-out rack: nothing moves, and you still reach in to take a jar. What it changes is visibility. The back row sits higher than the front, so every cap and label is in view, which is most of what a cabinet spice rack is for. At 4.25 inches tall it fits under low shelves, and mDesign says it needs no hardware.
The listing calls the plastic durable and break-free, and says to clean it with mild soap and water and keep it out of the dishwasher. It does not state a depth or a jar count, so check that your deepest bottles fit the steps. For broader cabinet storage beyond spices, see our guide to cabinet organizers.
Why we like it
- Two organizers in one pack
- Expands from 16.5 to 30 inches
- Low 4.25-inch profile
- No hardware needed
Key specifications
| Model | mDesign 21532MDK, Lumiere Collection |
|---|---|
| Type | Expandable stepped riser, 3 levels |
| Where it goes | On a cabinet, pantry or fridge shelf |
| Jar capacity | Not stated |
| Size (listing) | 16.5 in wide (expands to 30 in) x 4.25 in high |
| Material | Clear plastic |
| Installation | None |
Why we recommend it
It suits renters, tight budgets and anyone who only needs to see their labels. Two in a box covers two shelves.
Skip it if the problem is reach rather than visibility; nothing on it pulls out or comes down.
Pros and cons
Pros
- Two-pack value
- Fits narrow or wide cabinets
- Clear plastic shows every label
Cons
- Hand wash only
- No stated depth or jar count
How to choose a spice rack for inside a cabinet
Measure the cabinet, not the counter. Write down the inside width, the depth from the back wall to the inside of the door, and the clear height between shelves. Pull-down and pullout racks are built for set sizes (the Hardware Resources rack for a 15-inch opening, the Rev-A-Shelf pullout for an opening of 8.5 inches or more), and a rack that is half an inch too wide will not go in.
Decide whether the spices come to you, or you go to them. A stepped riser or turntable keeps labels in view but still has you reaching into the cabinet. A pull-down rack, a slide-out insert or a full pullout brings the jars out. If the cabinet is high or deep, the moving kind is worth the extra cost and the screws.
Drill or no drill. The YouCopia racks and the mDesign riser just sit on the shelf. The Lynk, Simple Houseware, Hardware Resources, Joseph Joseph and both Rev-A-Shelf units need screws. Renters should start with the freestanding options.
Jar size. Measure your tallest bottle and widest jar. Under-shelf and door racks are the strictest: Joseph Joseph limits jars to 1.9 inches across and 4.3 inches tall, and Rev-A-Shelf’s door rack is built around standard 2.25-inch bottles. Bulk jars of comino and Mexican oregano are better on a pullout or a SpiceStack drawer.
Keep the cabinet away from heat. University of California Cooperative Extension says air, light, moisture and heat speed flavor and color loss, recommends storing spices in a cupboard or drawer, and advises against storing them above the stove, dishwasher, microwave or refrigerator, or near a sink or heating vent. If the only cabinet is above the range, use it for something else and move the spices one door over.
How we chose these nine cabinet racks
We started from what a working kitchen asks of a spice cabinet: every label in view, the back row reachable with one hand, and nothing that blocks the door. We then looked at racks sold on Amazon in the United States by identifiable makers that are built to go inside a cabinet, checked that each was in stock when we wrote this, and took every size, capacity and installation detail from the maker’s listing, writing “not stated” where a maker gives no figure. We left out the countertop, wall and drawer racks covered on our main spice rack page, chose a different model where a brand already appears there, and passed over near-identical tiered shelves and listings that contradicted themselves. Storage advice comes from University of California Cooperative Extension. We have not used these products ourselves.
Cabinet spice rack questions, answered
What is the best spice rack for a kitchen cabinet?
For most upper cabinets, the YouCopia SpiceStack 24-Bottle rack: it needs no tools and its drawers bring the back row to eye level. If you can install hardware, a pull-down rack like the Hardware Resources model or a full pullout like the Rev-A-Shelf 448 makes better use of a high or narrow cabinet.
Which is better in a cabinet, a pull-down or a pull-out spice rack?
A pull-down rack brings jars down from a high shelf, so it suits tall cabinets and shorter cooks. A pull-out rack slides forward on the same level, so it suits deep cabinets where the problem is the back row. Both usually need screws.
Can I put a spice rack on the inside of a cabinet door?
Yes, if there is room for the door to close. Rev-A-Shelf asks for an opening of at least 12 inches wide, 4.25 inches deep and 25.5 inches high for its door rack, and the cabinet shelves must sit far enough back to clear it. Measure, including the hinges, before you order.
Is the cabinet above the stove a good place for spices?
University of California Cooperative Extension advises against storing spices above the stove, dishwasher, microwave or refrigerator, or near a sink or heating vent, because heat and moisture speed flavor and color loss. A cabinet a door or two away from the range is a better choice.
How long do spices last in a cabinet?
University of California Cooperative Extension gives a general rule of one year for ground spices and herbs and two years for whole spices, and suggests smelling them: if a spice smells strong and flavorful, it is probably still good. It also suggests refrigerating paprika, chili powder and red pepper for best color, especially in summer or hot climates.
Setting up the spice cabinet
Start with the YouCopia SpiceStack if you want a fix you can make today with no tools, or the Hardware Resources pull-down or Rev-A-Shelf pullout if you are ready to install something. For racks that live on the counter, wall or in a drawer, go back to our best spice rack guide, and for matching jars see our spice jars guide. Then fill the shelves: our guide to the best Mexican spices covers what to keep, and Mexican chiles explained covers the dried chiles worth a shelf of their own.
When you would rather someone else did the cooking, see our menu and call to order.