On a Mexican cook’s line, the spice shelf is small and works hard. Comino, Mexican oregano, achiote, a few sticks of canela, ground chiles and a shaker of Tajín get reached for in the middle of a cook, often with one hand while the other stirs. A good spice rack keeps those jars in one place, labels facing out, so you can grab the right one without moving six others first.
The best spice rack for you depends less on looks than on where it goes: on the counter, inside a cabinet, in a drawer, on a wall or on the back of a door. This guide covers eight racks across all of those spots, with what each maker or listing says about capacity, material and fit, and where to keep spices so they stay fresh, according to university extension guidance.
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Quick verdict: which spice rack to buy
For most kitchens, the pick is the YouCopia SpiceStack 18-Bottle Spice Rack: it sits inside a cabinet, holds 18 bottles in pull-down drawers that bring the back row to eye level, and needs no tools. If you would rather keep spices on the counter, the Kamenstein 20-Jar Revolving Countertop Spice Rack spins and comes with 20 filled jars. For a drawer next to the stove, choose the OXO Good Grips Compact Spice Drawer Organizer.
Below, five standouts side by side, then all eight racks reviewed in full.
Five spice racks compared
One pick for each place a spice rack can go, with the capacity and material each maker or listing states. All eight racks are reviewed below.
| Rack | Where it goes | Capacity (per listing) | Material | Buy on Amazon |
|---|---|---|---|---|
YouCopia SpiceStack 18-Bottle Spice RackBest overall
|
Inside a cabinet or pantry | 18 bottles | Plastic | View on Amazon |
Kamenstein 20-Jar Revolving Countertop Spice RackBest countertop rack
|
Countertop (or cabinet) | 20 jars | Polished stainless steel | View on Amazon |
LYNK PROFESSIONAL Pull Out Spice Rack, 4-3/8 InchBest slide-out rack
|
Inside an upper cabinet | Not stated | Chrome-finish steel | View on Amazon |
OXO Good Grips Compact Spice Drawer OrganizerBest in-drawer rack
|
In a kitchen drawer | Up to 9 jars | Plastic | View on Amazon |
Spicy Shelf 3.0 Expandable Spice RackBest expandable rack
|
Inside a cabinet or pantry | Up to 64 spices | Not stated | View on Amazon |
Product images from Amazon. Capacities and materials are as stated by each maker or listing; check the listing before you buy.
Our picks for the best spice rack
These eight racks cover the places a spice collection usually lives: inside a cabinet, on the counter, in a drawer, on the wall and on a door. For each one we give the jar count the maker states, or say plainly when it does not state one. Measure first: the inside width of the cabinet or drawer, its depth, and the height of your tallest bottle.
1. YouCopia SpiceStack 18-Bottle Spice Rack – The Back Row Comes to You
The SpiceStack solves the oldest problem in a spice cabinet: the jars at the back. It is a stack of three drawers that sits on a cabinet 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 labels, take the jar and push the drawer back up.
It holds 18 bottles, according to YouCopia, and three adjustable dividers let you fit round, square, short and tall bottles without moving spices into new jars. That matters if your shelf is a mix of store jars, a bag of comino you decanted and a tall bottle of chile powder. The set comes with 104 removable drawer labels, 52 printed and 52 blank, so you can mark a drawer for chiles and another for herbs.
The listing gives the size as 11 inches deep, 8.1 inches wide and 8.3 inches high, so check that your cabinet has the height. There is nothing to install: YouCopia says no tools, mounting or installation are needed.
Why we like it
- Pull-down drawers bring back jars forward
- Holds 18 bottles, per YouCopia
- Three adjustable dividers
- 104 drawer labels included
Key specifications
| Rack | YouCopia SpiceStack, model 50940 |
|---|---|
| Type/where it goes | In cabinet or pantry; pull-down drawers |
| Jar capacity | 18 bottles |
| Jars included | None (dividers and labels included) |
| Material | Plastic |
| Adjustable/expandable | Adjustable dividers; fixed width |
Why we recommend it
It suits anyone whose spices live in an upper cabinet and who keeps losing jars behind other jars. A narrow 8-inch footprint leaves room on the shelf for oils or bags of dried chiles.
Skip it if you own far more than 18 spices; you would need a second unit or a larger rack.
Pros and cons
Pros
- Nothing to install
- Fits mixed bottle shapes
- Labels make each drawer easy to find
Cons
- 18-bottle limit
- Needs about 8.3 inches of shelf height
2. Kamenstein 20-Jar Revolving Countertop Spice Rack – A Spinning Tower With Filled Jars
Kamenstein’s revolving tower is the classic countertop spice rack: a polished stainless steel carousel that turns so every jar comes round to the front. It comes with 20 glass jars already filled, each with a removable sifter and a labeled black cap. The listing says the rack works on a countertop or in a cabinet and measures 8.5 by 8.5 inches at the base and 13.5 inches tall.
The included spices lean European: the listing names basil, bay leaves, celery salt, chives, cilantro, coriander, crushed mint, dill weed, fennel seed, herbes de provence, Italian seasoning, marjoram, oregano, parsley, pizza seasoning, rosemary and sea salt, among others. A Mexican kitchen will want comino, ground chiles and Mexican oregano in some of those jars. The listing says the rack is eligible for five years of free spice refills of your choice, with details on the packaging.
The sifter caps are there to dispense evenly. One caution for a countertop rack: University of California Cooperative Extension advises keeping spices away from the heat of the stove, so give the tower a spot away from the burners.
Why we like it
- 20 filled glass jars included
- Rotates for easy reach
- Stainless steel tower
- Removable sifter caps
Key specifications
| Rack | Kamenstein Classic, model 30020 |
|---|---|
| Type/where it goes | Countertop or cabinet; revolving |
| Jar capacity | 20 jars |
| Jars included | 20 filled glass jars |
| Material | Polished stainless steel |
| Adjustable/expandable | No |
Why we recommend it
It suits a cook setting up a kitchen from scratch who wants jars, labels and a rack in one box, and has a counter spot away from the stove.
Skip it if you already own your spices; you would be paying for jars of herbs you may not use.
Pros and cons
Pros
- Complete set out of the box
- Spins to show every label
- Refill offer per the listing
Cons
- Included spices are mostly European herbs
- Uses counter space
- Jar size not stated
3. LYNK PROFESSIONAL Pull Out Spice Rack, 4-3/8 Inch – Slides Out of a Narrow Cabinet
Lynk’s pull-out rack turns a narrow gap in an upper cabinet into a single slide-out row of spices. It is 4.3 inches wide, 2.4 inches tall and 10.3 inches deep, according to the listing, and runs on Lynk’s ProGlide Plus 2 slide, which the maker says adjusts to the depth of different upper cabinets. You pull the row toward you and every jar is in reach.
Lynk describes the frame as commercial-grade steel with a chrome finish and the trays as thick, rigid polymer that locks in place to catch spills. It installs with two screws in the back of the cabinet, and Lynk backs it with a lifetime limited warranty. The same rack is sold in 6-3/8 and 8-3/8 inch widths for wider cabinets.
Lynk does not state how many jars the rack holds, so measure your jars against the 10.3-inch depth before you buy.
Why we like it
- Pulls a full row into reach
- Slide adjusts to cabinet depth
- Steel frame, chrome finish
- Lifetime limited warranty
Key specifications
| Rack | LYNK PROFESSIONAL, model 430421 |
|---|---|
| Type/where it goes | Inside an upper cabinet; pull-out |
| Jar capacity | Not stated |
| Jars included | None |
| Material | Steel with chrome finish; polymer tray |
| Adjustable/expandable | Slide adjusts to cabinet depth |
Why we recommend it
It suits a cabinet with a narrow strip of unused space beside the plates or glasses, and a cook who wants spices close but out of sight.
Skip it if you cannot put screws into your cabinet, such as in a rental.
Pros and cons
Pros
- Uses narrow, wasted space
- Smooth slide, per Lynk
- Other widths available
Cons
- Needs screws to install
- Jar capacity not stated
4. OXO Good Grips Compact Spice Drawer Organizer – Labels Up in a Shallow Drawer
A drawer next to the stove is one of the best places for spices: it keeps them dark, close and out of the steam. OXO’s compact organizer is a tiered insert that holds jars lying down at an angle, so every label faces up when you open the drawer. OXO says the tiers stop round and square jars from rolling, and non-slip feet keep the insert in place as the drawer opens and closes.
It holds up to nine regular spice containers, according to the listing, and measures 16.34 inches wide, 6.54 inches deep and 2.36 inches high. It does not expand, but its square corners are designed to sit flush in a drawer, and the tray lifts out for cleaning.
Nine jars is a working set rather than a whole collection: comino, Mexican oregano, ground chiles, canela, garlic powder and a few more. Buy two side by side for a larger drawer.
Why we like it
- Tiers keep labels visible
- Non-slip feet
- Removable tray for cleaning
- Fits round and square jars
Key specifications
| Rack | OXO Good Grips, model 13322500 |
|---|---|
| Type/where it goes | In a drawer; tiered insert |
| Jar capacity | Up to 9 regular jars |
| Jars included | None |
| Material | Plastic |
| Adjustable/expandable | No; fixed size |
Why we recommend it
It suits a cook who wants the most-used spices in the drawer beside the stove, and who is happy to keep extras elsewhere.
Skip it if your drawer is shallower than about 2.5 inches or you want to fit a whole collection in one insert.
Pros and cons
Pros
- Labels readable at a glance
- Stays put in the drawer
- Easy to clean
Cons
- Only nine jars
- Does not expand
5. Spicy Shelf 3.0 Expandable Spice Rack – Stretches to Fit the Cabinet
The Spicy Shelf is a tiered riser that sits in a cabinet and stands jars in stepped rows, so the back row is higher than the front and every label shows. Its selling point is that it expands: each shelf adjusts from 9.75 to 16.76 inches wide, with a depth of 10.25 inches, according to the listing.
The maker says it organizes up to 64 spices and that the current version is ten times stronger than the original, with a grey rubber non-slip surface so bottles do not slide. The listing gives a weight capacity of 35 pounds. It does not name the material beyond high-grade material with a plastic-like finish, so we list it as not stated.
Because it expands, it is a good fit for a cabinet you have measured but cannot change, and it suits a collection that mixes small jars with taller bottles.
Why we like it
- Adjusts from 9.75 to 16.76 inches
- Non-slip rubber surface
- Holds up to 64 spices, per the maker
- 35-pound capacity, per the listing
Key specifications
| Rack | Spicy Shelf 3.0 (Spicy Shelf Deluxe), SSD001 |
|---|---|
| Type/where it goes | Inside a cabinet or pantry; tiered riser |
| Jar capacity | Up to 64 spices, per the maker |
| Jars included | None |
| Material | Not stated |
| Adjustable/expandable | Expands 9.75 to 16.76 in |
Why we recommend it
It suits a large spice collection in a standard upper cabinet where you want to see every label at once.
Skip it if your jars are taller than the gap above the top tier; measure the cabinet height first.
Pros and cons
Pros
- Fits many cabinet widths
- Grippy shelf surface
- High stated capacity
Cons
- Material not stated
- Back jars still need a reach
6. Copco 3-Tier 15-Inch Spice Rack Organizer – Simple Steps, Non-Skid Shelves
Copco’s step shelf is the simplest way to stop a cabinet of spices from becoming a single row of hidden jars. It has three staggered tiers that lift each row above the one in front, and each tier has a built-in non-slip surface to keep jars and cans in place.
The listing gives the size as 15 inches wide, 9 inches deep and 3 inches high, with each shelf about 2.75 inches deep, enough for a standard spice jar. It is plastic, needs no assembly and wipes clean with a damp cloth. Copco sells the same design in 9, 12 and 18 inch sizes.
Copco does not state a jar count. At 15 inches wide, it holds three short rows of standard jars, with room for a can of chipotles or a jar of salsa on the bottom step.
Why we like it
- Three staggered tiers
- Built-in non-skid surface
- No assembly
- Other sizes available
Key specifications
| Rack | Copco, model 2555-0188 |
|---|---|
| Type/where it goes | Cabinet, pantry or countertop; step shelf |
| Jar capacity | Not stated |
| Jars included | None |
| Material | Plastic |
| Adjustable/expandable | No; fixed 15 in (other sizes sold) |
Why we recommend it
It suits a cook on a budget who wants a quick, no-tools fix for a crowded cabinet.
Skip it if your cabinet is a size the fixed 15-inch width does not suit; an expandable rack fits more spaces.
Pros and cons
Pros
- Low-cost fix
- Non-skid tiers
- Works for cans too
Cons
- Fixed width
- Shallow 2.75-inch shelves
7. Simple Houseware Wall Mounted Spice Rack, Set of 2 – Open Shelves Within Arm’s Reach
Two steel shelves that screw to the wall give a spice collection the same open, grab-and-go layout a restaurant line uses. Each shelf measures 15.75 inches long, 4.2 inches high and 4.2 inches deep, according to the listing, which says the depth holds objects up to 3.55 inches across: spice jars, jelly jars, cups or cans.
The listing describes sturdy steel with a thick perforated surface, and mounting hardware is included. A horizontal bar along the front can take hooks for cups or small tools, though hooks are not included.
Where you hang it matters. University of California Cooperative Extension advises against storing spices above the stove, dishwasher, microwave or refrigerator, and says an open rack should be in a spot away from heat, light and moisture. A wall beside the prep counter, rather than over the range, keeps spices close without cooking them.
Why we like it
- Two shelves in the set
- Deep enough for 3.55-inch jars
- Steel, perforated shelves
- Hardware included
Key specifications
| Rack | Simple Houseware, CO-009-1 |
|---|---|
| Type/where it goes | Wall mount; open shelves |
| Jar capacity | Not stated |
| Jars included | None |
| Material | Steel |
| Adjustable/expandable | No; two separate shelves |
Why we recommend it
It suits a small kitchen with little cabinet space and a stretch of wall near the prep area.
Skip it if your only free wall is over the stove; heat and steam shorten spice life.
Pros and cons
Pros
- Every jar in view
- Fits wider jars and cans
- Two shelves to place as you like
Cons
- Needs drilling
- Open shelves collect dust and light
- Jar count not stated
8. SpaceAid Cabinet Door Spice Rack, 4 Pack – Uses the Back of a Door
The inside of a cabinet or pantry door is space most kitchens never use. SpaceAid’s set is four single-tier racks that screw to a door or wall, each 2.5 by 3.15 by 11.5 inches, according to the listing. Together they hold up to 24 spice jars up to 2 inches across, and you can hang them as a stack or spread them out.
The racks are solid paulownia wood with powder-coated metal brackets. SpaceAid includes two screw sizes: half-inch screws for a cabinet door and one-inch screws for a wall. The listing title also mentions 415 spice labels.
Before you mount them on a cabinet door, check that the jars will clear the shelves when the door closes; 2.5 inches of depth plus the jars needs a gap behind the door.
Why we like it
- Four racks, placed as you like
- Up to 24 jars, per SpaceAid
- Screws for door or wall
- Spice labels included
Key specifications
| Rack | SpaceAid, model MBGB-04M |
|---|---|
| Type/where it goes | Cabinet door, pantry door or wall |
| Jar capacity | Up to 24 jars (up to 2 in wide) |
| Jars included | None (labels included) |
| Material | Paulownia wood, powder-coated metal brackets |
| Adjustable/expandable | Racks mount separately |
Why we recommend it
It suits a kitchen where every shelf is full but the cabinet and pantry doors are bare.
Skip it if your jars are wider than 2 inches, like some bulk chile powder jars.
Pros and cons
Pros
- Turns door space into storage
- Flexible layout
- Wood looks warm
Cons
- Needs screws
- Jar width limited to 2 inches
- Check door clearance
How to choose a spice rack for a cook’s kitchen
Where it goes. Decide this first, because it rules out most racks. Inside a cabinet or drawer is the best place for flavor: University of California Cooperative Extension says air, light, moisture and heat speed flavor and color loss, and recommends a cupboard or drawer. Countertop and wall racks are the fastest to reach, but put them away from the stove, sink and dishwasher.
Capacity. Count your jars, then add a few. A working Mexican spice shelf runs from comino, Mexican oregano, ground chiles, canela, achiote, cloves, allspice and bay leaves to garlic powder and Tajín. Racks here range from nine jars (OXO) to 64 spices (Spicy Shelf, per the maker).
Jar size and height. Measure your tallest bottle and widest jar. Door racks often limit jars to about 2 inches across. Big shakers and bulk jars need a tiered shelf or a wall rack.
Visibility. In the middle of a cook, the label has to face you. Tiered shelves, drawer inserts and pull-down drawers all solve this in different ways; a single deep row in a cabinet does not.
Installation. Lynk, Simple Houseware and SpaceAid need screws; YouCopia, OXO, Spicy Shelf, Copco and Kamenstein just sit in place. Renters should start with the no-tools racks.
How we chose these eight spice racks
We started from what a working kitchen asks of a spice station: jars you can see and grab with one hand, a spot away from heat, and enough room for the spices you actually cook with. We then looked at spice racks sold on Amazon in the United States by identifiable makers, checked that each was in stock when we wrote this, and took every specification from the maker’s listing, writing “not stated” where a maker gives no figure. We covered every type of rack, rather than many near-identical tiered shelves. Storage advice comes from University of California Cooperative Extension and Texas A&M AgriLife Extension. We have not used these products ourselves.
Spice rack questions, answered
What is the best type of spice rack?
The one that fits the space you have and keeps spices away from heat and light. For flavor, a rack inside a cabinet or drawer, like the YouCopia SpiceStack or the OXO drawer insert, is the better choice; a countertop or wall rack is faster to reach but needs a spot away from the stove.
What is the best spice rack with spices included?
The Kamenstein 20-Jar Revolving Countertop Spice Rack comes with 20 filled glass jars and, according to the listing, is eligible for five years of free spice refills. The included spices are mostly herbs, so plan to fill some jars with your own comino and chiles.
Is it bad to keep a spice rack next to the stove?
University of California Cooperative Extension advises against storing spices above the stove, dishwasher, microwave or refrigerator, or near a sink or heating vent. It also suggests not shaking spices straight from the jar over a steaming pot, so steam does not get into the container.
How long do spices last on a rack?
University of California Cooperative Extension gives a rule of thumb of one year for ground spices and herbs and two years for whole spices. Texas A&M AgriLife Extension gives longer ranges: three to four years for whole spices, two to four years for ground spices and one to three years for leafy herbs such as oregano. Both say to trust your nose: if a spice smells strong, it is probably still good.
Should chile powder go in the fridge?
University of California Cooperative Extension suggests refrigerating paprika, chili powder and red pepper for the best color, especially in summer or hot climates. In a hot Houston summer, that is worth considering for a bulk bag, while a small jar on the rack gets used up quickly.
The rack we would set up first
Start with the YouCopia SpiceStack if your spices live in a cabinet, the OXO drawer insert if you have a drawer by the stove, or the Kamenstein tower if you want a full set on the counter. Then stock it: our guide to the best Mexican spices covers what to put in the jars, our Mexican oregano and Tajín guides cover two staples, and Mexican chiles explained shows which dried chiles to keep on hand. For the rest of the pantry, see Mexican pantry staples.
More kitchen organizing guides: lazy Susans, pantry organizers, drawer organizers, cabinet organizers, fridge organizers, under-sink organizers, kitchen carts.
Storing spices somewhere else? See our guides to the best in-drawer spice racks and the best countertop spice racks.
Want spices off the counter? See the best cabinet spice racks.
Related guide: Best spice book.
Related guide: Best wall mounted spice rack.
When you would rather someone else did the cooking, see our menu and call to order.