The spices you use every day, the comino, Mexican oregano, ground chile, garlic powder and a jar of canela sticks, should not live at the back of a cabinet. A countertop spice rack puts them within arm’s reach of the cutting board, where you can see every label and grab a jar with one hand while the other stirs. The catch is counter space, which is the scarcest thing in most kitchens, so the rack has to hold a lot in a small footprint.
This guide is narrower than our main spice rack guide, which covers every kind of rack. Here we look only at racks that stand on the counter: tiered shelves, spinning carousels and stands that come with their own jars. None of the racks from the main guide, or from our cabinet, drawer, spice jar and lazy Susan guides, is repeated, and we left out racks sold pre-filled with spices whose listings do not give full ingredients.
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Quick verdict: which countertop spice rack to buy
The best spice rack countertop pick for most kitchens is the SpaceAid 20-Jar Spice Rack: a slim four-tier steel stand that comes with 20 glass jars, sift-and-pour lids, labels and a funnel, and can go on the wall later. If you would rather spin than step, the Simple Houseware 2-Tier Lazy Susan, 10-Inch; to measure as you pour, the KitchenArt Select-A-Spice Carousel; for oils and tall bottles as well, the Yamazaki Tower 2-Tier Rack with Drawer; and on a tight budget, the Spectrum 3-Tier Wire Spice Rack.
The table compares those five. All eight racks are reviewed in full below it.
Five countertop racks side by side
Type, size and what comes in the box, for our five standout picks.
| Spice rack | Best for | Type | Jars included | Buy on Amazon |
|---|---|---|---|---|
SpaceAid 20-Jar Spice RackBest overall
|
A full matching set in one box | Four-tier steel stand | 20 glass jars, labels, funnel | View on Amazon |
Simple Houseware 2-Tier Lazy Susan, 10-InchBest rotating
|
Jars of every size in a corner | Two spinning trays | No | View on Amazon |
KitchenArt Select-A-Spice CarouselMeasures as it pours
|
Bakers and recipe followers | Rotating carousel | 12 dispensers, 55 labels | View on Amazon |
Yamazaki Tower 2-Tier Rack with DrawerOils and tall bottles
|
Spices, oils and sauces by the stove | Slim steel rack, pull-out drawer | No | View on Amazon |
Spectrum 3-Tier Wire Spice RackBudget pick
|
A narrow strip of counter or wall | Three-tier wire stand | No | View on Amazon |
Product images from Amazon. Sizes and contents are each maker’s or listing’s own figures.
Our picks for the best spice rack countertop
Eight racks from SpaceAid, Simple Houseware, KitchenArt, Yamazaki, Spectrum, Totally Bamboo and Amazon Basics: stepped shelves, two spinning designs, a slim steel tower and two stands that come with their own jars. There are dozens of lookalike bamboo and wire racks sold under names we could not trace to a maker; we left them out and stopped at eight.
1. SpaceAid 20-Jar Spice Rack – Rack, Jars and Labels in One Box
SpaceAid’s set is the simplest way to go from a jumble of mismatched bags and bottles to a tidy row on the counter. In the box is a four-tier steel rack, 20 square glass jars, 386 labels, a collapsible silicone funnel and a chalk marker. The shelves are inclined, so the front of each jar tips toward you and the labels are easy to read.
The rack is 9.8 inches wide, 10.8 inches high and 4.4 inches deep, according to SpaceAid, which is a small footprint for 20 jars. It is powder-coated steel. The listing says it can sit on a counter or in a pantry or cupboard, or be mounted on a wall or door, so you can move it off the counter later if you need the space.
The jars are lead-free glass with sift-and-pour lids under metal caps that SpaceAid describes as airtight. Of the labels, 340 are preprinted with common and less common spices, and 46 are blank for your own; they are waterproof and can be moved. The listing does not give the volume of each jar or say whether wall-mounting hardware is included.
Why we like it
- 20 glass jars, labels, funnel and marker included
- Four inclined tiers in under 10 inches of width
- Sift-and-pour lids with metal caps
- Works on the counter, wall or door, per SpaceAid
Key specifications
| Model | 0208004 |
|---|---|
| Type | Four-tier inclined stand |
| Holds | 20 jars (as supplied) |
| Jars included | 20 square glass jars; jar volume not stated |
| Material | Powder-coated steel |
| Dimensions | 9.8 x 10.8 x 4.4 in (W x H x D) |
| Wall mount | Yes, per listing; hardware not stated |
| Care | Not stated |
Why we recommend it
It suits a cook starting fresh, or moving spices out of their store bags, who wants a matching set of jars and a rack that takes little counter width.
Skip it if you already own a collection of jars in different sizes; the rack is sized for its own square jars.
Pros and cons
Pros
- Complete kit
- Small footprint
- Can move to the wall
Cons
- Jar volume not given
- Sized for its own jars
- Mounting hardware not mentioned
2. Simple Houseware 2-Tier Lazy Susan, 10-Inch – Spins Any Jar to the Front
A turntable is the easiest spice rack to live with when your jars are all different: a tall bottle of Mexican vanilla, a squat tin of achiote, store jars of comino and oregano. Simple Houseware’s two-tier version stacks a smaller tray over a larger one and spins on stainless steel ball bearings, so whatever is at the back comes round with a push.
The bottom tray is 10 inches across and the top tray about 8 to 8.75 inches (the listing gives both figures), with a total height of 7.75 inches. Both trays have a textured, non-slip surface and a one-inch rim to keep jars on while it turns. You can split it and use the trays as two single turntables, and it goes together without tools.
The listing does not name the tray material, only that it resists water, stains and spills and wipes clean. This is a different turntable from the Copco and Lipper two-tier models in our lazy Susan guide; we chose it for spices because of the smaller 10-inch size, which fits a counter corner.
Why we like it
- Two tiers on stainless steel ball bearings
- Non-slip trays with a one-inch rim
- Splits into two single turntables
- No tools to assemble
Key specifications
| Model | CO-26A-W (white/gray) |
|---|---|
| Type | Two-tier turntable |
| Holds | Not stated; round jars and bottles of any size |
| Jars included | No |
| Material | Not stated; stainless steel bearings |
| Dimensions | 10 in base, 8 to 8.75 in top, 7.75 in high |
| Wall mount | No |
| Care | Wipe clean |
Why we recommend it
It suits a cook with a mixed collection of store jars and bottles who wants them in a corner and reachable with one spin.
Skip it if counter depth is short; a round 10-inch tray needs 10 inches front to back.
Pros and cons
Pros
- Takes jars of any shape
- Smooth bearing spin
- Two uses in one
Cons
- Material not named
- Labels face outward only at the front
- Round shape wastes corner space
3. KitchenArt Select-A-Spice Carousel – A Quarter Teaspoon With Each Twist
KitchenArt’s carousel solves a different problem: measuring. It holds 12 spice dispensers on a rotating base, and each dispenser has what KitchenArt calls a patented Auto-Measure dial. Twist it and it releases a quarter teaspoon, so you can measure straight into the pot without a measuring spoon. The dispensers also shake and pour in the ordinary way.
It is 9.5 by 9.5 by 6.75 inches and weighs three pounds, according to the listing, and comes with 55 spice labels. You can stack carousels to hold up to 48 spices, and a mounting base lets you hang it under a cabinet or shelf if the counter gets crowded. The listing says it is dishwasher safe.
It is made of plastic, and the warranty is listed only as “Limited, Parts.” The quarter-teaspoon dial is most useful for ground spices that flow; coarse oregano leaves or whole cumin seed may not meter as neatly, and the listing does not address that. The listing mentions dispensers, not spices, so plan to fill them yourself.
Why we like it
- Dial dispenses a quarter teaspoon per twist
- 12 dispensers on a rotating base
- Stacks to hold up to 48 spices
- Can mount under a cabinet; dishwasher safe
Key specifications
| Model | 25000 (white); Pro 25004 in black |
|---|---|
| Type | Rotating carousel with measuring dispensers |
| Holds | 12 spices; up to 48 stacked |
| Jars included | 12 dispensers and 55 labels |
| Material | Plastic |
| Dimensions | 9.5 x 9.5 x 6.75 in; 3 lb |
| Wall mount | Under-cabinet mounting base |
| Care | Dishwasher safe, per listing |
Why we recommend it
It suits bakers and anyone who cooks from recipes and is tired of digging for the measuring spoons, especially for ground spices used in small amounts.
Skip it if you cook by eye with whole spices and coarse herbs; an open rack of jars is simpler.
Pros and cons
Pros
- Built-in measuring
- Expandable by stacking
- Dishwasher safe
Cons
- All plastic
- Vague warranty
- Only 12 spices per carousel
4. Yamazaki Tower 2-Tier Rack with Drawer – Room for Oils and Sauces Too
Most spice racks stop at spice jars. Yamazaki’s Tower rack is built for everything that crowds the counter next to the stove: oil, vinegar, bottles of hot sauce, and the spices. It is a slim, upright steel unit with a pull-out drawer at the bottom that Yamazaki says has an inner height of 11.8 inches and a depth of 18.5 inches, tall enough for big bottles. Spices go in the upper drawer and on top of the rack.
The listing gives its size as 19.69 by 4.92 by 20.67 inches (length, width, height): just under five inches wide, about 20 inches deep and 20 inches tall. That narrow profile is what makes it work: it fits in the gap between the stove and the wall or next to the fridge, where nothing else goes. It is heavy, at almost 20 pounds, so it stays put when you open the drawer.
The steel is powder-coated with a glossy finish that Yamazaki says wipes clean of oil and splashes, and it is magnetic, so magnetic spice tins or hooks can go on the sides. Yamazaki warns not to put it directly against heat, and to keep a hand on the drawer when opening it.
Why we like it
- Bottom drawer fits tall bottles, 11.8 inches inside
- Under five inches wide for a narrow gap
- Magnetic, wipe-clean powder-coated steel
- Heavy and stable, per the listing
Key specifications
| Model | 4334 (white) |
|---|---|
| Type | Two-tier rack with sliding drawers |
| Holds | Spices, oils and condiments; count not stated |
| Jars included | No |
| Material | Powder-coated steel |
| Dimensions | 19.69 x 4.92 x 20.67 in (L x W x H); 19.85 lb |
| Wall mount | No |
| Care | Wipe clean; keep away from direct heat |
Why we recommend it
It suits a cook with a narrow gap by the stove who wants oils, sauces and spices in one tidy, closed unit rather than loose on the counter.
Skip it if you only need a few spice jars; it is large and heavy for that job.
Pros and cons
Pros
- Holds tall bottles
- Very narrow
- Magnetic sides
Cons
- Nearly 20 pounds
- Spice capacity not stated
- Must stay clear of direct heat
5. Spectrum 3-Tier Wire Spice Rack – Stands Up or Hangs Up
Spectrum’s three-tier wire rack is the plain, inexpensive answer. It is 13 inches long, 13.25 inches high and only 2.75 inches deep according to the listing, so it holds a single row of jars on each of its three shelves along the back of the counter, where it takes almost no working space.
Rubberized feet keep it from sliding when it stands on the counter. It also has built-in brackets and comes with mounting hardware, so you can hang it on the wall or a backsplash if the counter fills up. The open wire lets you see every jar at a glance and lets crumbs fall through rather than collect.
It is wire with a black finish, and Spectrum says to wipe it with a damp cloth and towel it dry. The shallow shelves are the trade-off: they suit standard spice jars and small bottles, not wide containers.
Why we like it
- Only 2.75 inches deep, per the listing
- Freestanding on rubber feet or wall mounted
- Mounting brackets and hardware included
- Open wire shows every jar
Key specifications
| Model | 28810 |
|---|---|
| Type | Three-tier wire stand |
| Holds | One row of jars per shelf; count not stated |
| Jars included | No |
| Material | Steel wire, black finish |
| Dimensions | 13 x 2.75 x 13.25 in (L x W x H) |
| Wall mount | Yes, hardware included |
| Care | Wipe with a damp cloth, towel dry |
Why we recommend it
It suits a small kitchen with a narrow strip of counter against the wall, or a renter who might want to hang it later.
Skip it if your spices come in wide tubs or bags; the shelves are shallow.
Pros and cons
Pros
- Very shallow
- Two ways to use it
- Easy to clean
Cons
- Single row per shelf
- Not for wide containers
6. Totally Bamboo 2-Shelf Spice Caddy – Two Rows on Each Shelf
For a warmer look than steel or plastic, Totally Bamboo’s caddy is a simple two-shelf stand in bamboo. Each shelf is deep enough for two rows of spice jars, according to the maker, so it holds more than its 10-inch width suggests. Assembled, it measures 10 by 6-1/8 by 9-5/16 inches.
Totally Bamboo says it is sized for the counter, a cupboard or the pantry, and suggests it for baking supplies as well as spices. Bamboo is hard-wearing and, as the maker points out, grows back quickly after harvest. It is a good match for a kitchen with wooden boards and utensils already on display.
The listing is short. It does not give a model number, a weight, a finish or care instructions, and there is no mention of wall mounting. With a wooden rack, keep it away from the sink and wipe up spills promptly.
Why we like it
- Two rows of jars on each shelf
- Compact, at 10 inches wide
- Bamboo, from a maker that specializes in it
- Also suits baking supplies
Key specifications
| Model | Not stated |
|---|---|
| Type | Two-shelf caddy |
| Holds | Two rows per shelf; count not stated |
| Jars included | No |
| Material | Bamboo |
| Dimensions | 10 x 6-1/8 x 9-5/16 in, assembled |
| Wall mount | Not stated |
| Care | Not stated |
Why we recommend it
It suits a kitchen where wood is already on show and the cook wants a small, quiet rack for 15 or 20 everyday jars.
Skip it if you want detailed specifications before you buy; the listing gives very few.
Pros and cons
Pros
- Warm wood look
- Double-depth shelves
- Small footprint
Cons
- Thin listing
- Only two shelves
- No care guidance
7. Amazon Basics 20-Jar Spice Rack – A Jar Tower With a Carry Handle
Amazon Basics’ rack is an upright chrome stand with 20 slots, and it comes with 20 clear glass jars with silver screw-on tops. The vertical layout keeps the footprint small, and a handle on top lets you lift the whole thing and carry it to the stove or the table, then put it back in a cabinet if you want the counter clear.
The frame is metal with a polished chrome finish, on what the listing calls a sturdy base. Clear jars show you how much is left of each spice at a glance. Compared with the SpaceAid set, you get the same number of jars but no labels or funnel, and the listing does not say whether the lids are sifter tops.
The listing gives no dimensions, jar volume or care instructions, which makes it hard to plan the space. Amazon Basics is Amazon’s own brand, so support and returns go through Amazon.
Why we like it
- 20 glass jars included
- Top handle to carry the whole rack
- Vertical design saves counter space
- Metal frame, chrome finish
Key specifications
| Model | 1102 |
|---|---|
| Type | Upright jar stand with handle |
| Holds | 20 jars |
| Jars included | 20 glass jars, screw-on tops; volume not stated |
| Material | Metal, polished chrome finish |
| Dimensions | Not stated |
| Wall mount | No |
| Care | Not stated |
Why we recommend it
It suits someone who wants a full set of matching jars and likes to carry the spices to where the cooking happens.
Skip it if you need exact measurements before you buy; the listing does not give them.
Pros and cons
Pros
- Jars included
- Portable
- Small footprint
Cons
- No dimensions listed
- No labels included
8. Simple Houseware 2-Tier Countertop Shelf – Wide Shelves for Tall Jars
Simple Houseware’s two-tier shelf is the opposite of the slim Spectrum. At 16.2 inches wide and 6.75 inches deep, with 10.25 inches of total height, it has room for big store jars, a grinder, a bottle of oil and a canister of salt as well as spice jars. The listing describes the shelves as wider and taller than usual so that most spice jars and cans fit.
It is stainless steel in a chrome finish, which the maker says resists rust, and it stands on rubber feet that keep it from sliding or scratching the counter. It goes together without tools. Like the turntable above, this Simple Houseware piece is not one of the picks in our main guide; the wall-mounted Simple Houseware rack there is a different product.
The listing does not mention a raised edge or rail at the front of the shelves, so it is best with flat-bottomed jars that stand steady. It is also two tiers only, so it holds fewer small jars than the SpaceAid in a similar width.
Why we like it
- 16.2 inches wide, with tall clearance
- Rust-resistant stainless steel, per the listing
- Rubber feet protect the counter
- No tools to assemble
Key specifications
| Model | CO-025-1 (chrome) |
|---|---|
| Type | Two-tier freestanding shelf |
| Holds | Jars, cans and grinders; count not stated |
| Jars included | No |
| Material | Stainless steel, chrome finish |
| Dimensions | 16.2 x 6.75 x 10.25 in (W x D x H) |
| Wall mount | No |
| Care | Not stated |
Why we recommend it
It suits a cook who buys spices in large jars and wants grinders, oils and salt on the same shelf.
Skip it if counter width is tight; the SpaceAid or Spectrum holds more small jars in less space.
Pros and cons
Pros
- Fits big jars and bottles
- Stainless steel
- Non-slip feet
Cons
- Takes 16 inches of counter
- Only two tiers
How to choose a countertop spice rack
A spice rack on the counter earns its place only if it holds the spices you use most in the space you can spare. These are the points that decide it.
1. Measure the spot first
Decide where the rack will go and measure width, depth and the height under any upper cabinets. The racks here run from the Spectrum’s 2.75 inches of depth to the Simple Houseware shelf’s 16.2 inches of width, and from the Yamazaki’s five-inch width to the turntable’s 10-inch circle. A slim, deep unit fits beside the stove; a shallow, wide one fits along the backsplash.
2. Tiers, turntable or tower
Stepped tiers keep every label in view and suit a row of matching jars. A turntable suits mixed shapes and corners, because it brings the back to the front. A tower like the Yamazaki, or the upright Amazon Basics stand, uses height instead of counter area. Choose by how your jars look now, not how you hope they will look.
3. Jars included, or bring your own
If your spices are in a mix of bags, store jars and tins, a set with jars (the SpaceAid or Amazon Basics) gives you a clean start. If you already have good jars, an empty rack costs less and fits what you own; our spice jar guide covers jars on their own. We left out racks sold full of spices when their listings did not give full ingredients for the blends.
4. Keep it away from the heat
The best spot for convenience, right beside the burners, is also the hottest and steamiest, and heat, light and moisture all dull spices faster. Put the rack within reach of the stove but not against it, out of direct sun, and away from the kettle’s steam. Yamazaki specifically warns against putting its rack directly against heat.
5. Materials and cleaning
Counter racks near the stove pick up grease. Steel and wire (Spectrum, Yamazaki, Simple Houseware’s shelf) wipe clean; the KitchenArt carousel is dishwasher safe; bamboo looks warm but should be wiped, not soaked. Glass jars show what is left and do not hold smells.
How we chose these eight counter racks
We looked for spice racks designed to stand on a counter, from makers we could identify, and compared what a working kitchen cares about: footprint, how easily you can see and reach each jar, whether jars come in the box, materials and cleaning. Specifications come from each Amazon listing, which we cite in our notes; every pick was in stock on Amazon when we checked. We searched the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission’s recall list for each brand: the Amazon Basics recalls on record cover dumbbells, pocket knives, a mattress and desk chairs, not spice racks, and we found none for SpaceAid, Simple Houseware, KitchenArt, Yamazaki, Spectrum or Totally Bamboo.
We did not repeat any rack from the main spice rack guide, including its Kamenstein revolving tower and Copco tiered shelf, or from our cabinet spice rack and drawer spice rack guides. We skipped the Cole & Mason and Kamenstein carousels sold pre-filled with spices, because their listings name blends such as seasoning salt and pizza seasoning without giving their full ingredients and say the spices may vary, and many lookalike carousels from sellers we could not trace. We have not stocked these racks for this guide; descriptions of how they work come from their makers.
What goes on a Mexican spice rack
A countertop rack should hold what you reach for several times a week. In a Mexican kitchen that usually means ground cumin, Mexican oregano, ground chiles such as ancho and chile de árbol, garlic and onion powder, black pepper, and whole canela sticks. Achiote paste, whole cloves and allspice for moles and adobos can sit on the rack too, or in the cabinet if you use them less often. Our guide to Mexican spices goes through the list, and our Mexican oregano guide explains why it is not the same as the Mediterranean kind.
Whole dried chiles are bulky and keep better in a sealed bag or jar in the pantry than on an open rack. If you toast and grind your own spices, a molcajete or a small grinder beside the rack keeps the whole job in one spot.
Countertop spice rack questions, answered
What is the best countertop spice rack?
For most kitchens, the SpaceAid 20-Jar Spice Rack, because it comes with matching glass jars and labels and holds 20 jars in under 10 inches of width. If your jars are all different shapes, a two-tier turntable like the Simple Houseware is easier.
Is a rotating or tiered spice rack better for the counter?
Tiered racks show every label at once and suit matching jars in a straight line along the wall. Rotating racks suit corners and mixed jar sizes. Both work; the right one depends on where the rack goes and what your jars look like.
Where should a spice rack go on the counter?
Close to where you cook, but not right against the stove or under a window in direct sun. Heat, light and steam shorten the life of ground spices.
Are spice racks with spices included worth it?
They are a quick start, but you pay for spices you may not use, and many listings do not give the full ingredients of the blends. A rack with empty jars, filled with the spices you actually cook with, is usually the better buy.
How many spices does a countertop rack need to hold?
Count the spices you reach for in a normal week and add a few. The racks here hold from 12 (the KitchenArt carousel) to 20 jars (the SpaceAid and Amazon Basics sets); keep the rest in a drawer or cabinet.
Our final pick for the counter
Buy the SpaceAid 20-Jar Spice Rack for a complete, compact set, the Simple Houseware turntable for mixed jars in a corner, the KitchenArt carousel if you measure everything, and the Yamazaki Tower if oils and sauces need a home too. On a budget, the Spectrum wire rack. For racks that go in cabinets, drawers or on doors, see our main spice rack guide; for a turntable for the rest of the pantry, our lazy Susan guide.
If you would rather someone else did the seasoning, see the menu or call to order.