I keep a big crock next to the range for quick reach utensils. The ones I don't use frequently are kept in a drawer on the other side of the cabinet run (no bigger drawers closer to range). I tried to go without the crock and keep everything in the drawer to keep clutter minimal but found it more convenient to have spatulas, etc. right there at all times.

I go through the drawer every 1.5 years to get rid of things I don't use. This is one drawer that can get full quick.

My new wall rack just arrived from Lee Valley. They have the best price of any company that makes them and it is very heavy duty stainless steel. Now I have to get DH to help install it behind the cooktop. I am so excited to get all the stuff out of the crocks that they are currently occupying. Since my hood vent works so well I don't anticipate the clean up of the utensils to be bad at all. I will post pics and reports as I use this new toy. c

This thread might help

Here is a link that might be useful: Countertop utensil storage thread

I have a crock next to the range, but I need to whittle it down because they keep scratching the wall and once I have a backsplash (well, a tile one) that will be an issue. The crock I have is plain white and pretty large. It has a bunch of All Clad tools plus numerous wood spoons and spatulas. I have a set of the All Clad rails, but I don't want to put holes in the wall.

Thanks for the link. I did a search but for some reason it seems I never put in the right words or something. I was wondering about the hanging systems. I think they look nice but hubby could never pare down his tools to just five or six. The whisk and wooden spoon issue is a running joke in our family. He claims he uses them all.

My Mom is trying for less clutter so she went with 2 of these, 1 in the top drawer by the stove and another by her baking area. She thinks she might need another one.

I love the idea of having a rack behind the cooktop with utensils on it and I think they look terrific and would be convenient, but what keeps it from getting spattered with grease, etc?

Mine are in an old cookie jar. Every little while I cull the utensils I don't use. Hopefully, a rack behind the cooktop will work if the number of utensils gets down to a reasonable amount. Keeping only the ones used frequently will keep them clean, too.

C-congrats on the new rack. Do post pics once it's up.

Judy

We keep our cooking utensils in a drawer by the range. I was thinking of getting a crock for the most used ones, though. We had lived without countertops for several months because I was gripped by indecision and DH had gotten used to reaching into the drawer from the top and has been grumbling about having to pull on the drawer to access a spatula.

OT, did you end up selling the white kitchen house?

In the drawer below my gas cooktop. My cabinet guy told me this was possible, luckily, as I'd never have thought to ask on my own. This drawer is perfect for holding my cooking utensils right where I need them.

Drawer closed:
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Drawer open:
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Anita

I have stuff in drawers too...beneath cooktop as well as in baking center. The Lee Valley rod is 3 ft long and I got 20 hooks ! Nope no 5-6 utensils for me. I am going to get them all up there and then see how it does and cull them after that LOL ! Keep you posted. c

ncamy - I have trouble with the searches too, but I remembered I had posted so I was able look it up searching on my name.

your DH sounds like one of my sisters (altho i have quite a few utensils myself). she uses multiple crocks: one for the wooden spoons, one for the spatulas (bottle scraper kind, not pancake flippers), and one for 'other' (pancake flippers, ladles, and assorted tongs). sorting items like that does make it easier to get what you want and is more aesthetically pleasing too--all wood, light colors, and all black and 'silver' in the respective crocks.

noMoreBlueKitchen: what kind of countertop is that?

timberframe,

My counter is Minas soapstone. It is very dark grey/black in tone with white veining. It pleases me :)

Anita

We've got a big utensil rack (8 hooks) and a ss crock. We did 2 utensil racks and use one for pans, but you could do 2 and use both for utensils. I love having mine right by the stove and not having to open a drawer to get them.

Anita, the counter is bee-u-tee-ful! I like the way you made use of the space under the cooktop too. (I looked more carefully now that I'm on the monitor that's more than twice as big as the little laptop and can see better what was done--cool.)

Sarah