I would think the square ones are a better use of space. However they're going to be harder to pull out of the drawer since there won't be a natural finger space as there is with the round ones, huh?

I'd say the same -- square will use the space better, but may not be worth it if they are too hard to lift out. The spaces between the circles alow me to get my jars out more easily. I really liked the idea of using the tins, but the bottles were taller and narrower and allowed me to fit more in. With all that I had to fit in, that made the difference for me.

If you use the tins, make sure you will be able to label the tops so that you can see them. You'd hate to grab red pepper or cayenne when you thought it was paprika, etc.

those look pretty nice and are WAY cheaper than the SOHO brand spice tins that have been linked a few times in here.

I meant to mention that specialtybottle.com has those also. You don't have to buy in lots, so you can get just s many as you need. They usually have the best prices too, but depending on the number you need, you may have found a better deal. Check out shipping, handling charges, minimum order requirements and such too -- just to make sure. Have fun -- I think you'll love a spice drawer.

Our KD talked me out of a spice drawer but the one we were looking at had slanted partitions so bottles and jar labels would be visible. Apparently, not a good use of space. Instead we chose to put plexiglass shelving on the inside of the cabinet to the right of our stove. (We have Signature Cabinets) The interior shelves are set back to allow for the depth of the door mounted rack. This works terrific for me since I can also store frequently used bottles or cans. That's where I keep the Pam spray, packages of seasoning mixes/chicken coating, and on the top shelf are the seldom used products. On the door shelf the bottom row is devoted to my favorite cooking blends like a garlic pepper mix, southwest seasoning I like on eggs. The next shelf is frequently used spices. The third shelf which I can reach if I stretch is a jar rack on my counter that holds plain herbs and some custom blends I have made. And I also have a basket full of packaged dip mixes, taco seasoning, etc that I only pull out when I need something for entertaining. (I have too many.) The cabinet shelves also hold bottles of sauces that don't need refrigeration. I was tempted to changeover to round metal tins or plain jars but I like the original packaging and keep refilling some of the tins I bought when I was first married.

ok, glad I posted the question. I did not think of the finger issues with the square, your right, they would be hard to pull out. I have a label maker so I will be able to label them. I guess round wins! thank you everyone.

I just purchased 30 round from specialty bottle! Standard UPS shipping $12.98.(Im in nj, they are in WA so thats clear across the USA). not bad at all!
EDLAKIN i will let you know how they are.
Thanks again!

On one of the recent threads, there was a link to someone's blog talking about the Lee Valley vs Kamenstein cannisters and it was noted that the round magnetic cannisters from Kamenstein have holes on the side for sprinkling spices as well as a larger hole for spoons. It's in the thread linked below.

Here is a link that might be useful: Please post pics & ideas for spice storage

Now I know I'm over the edge and TKO. After reading this thread last night I dreamed that my electrician installed my round spice jars in the kitchen recessed light cans. I told him it was a creative solution but a bit too far away to be really practical. I woke up laughing but only because this is one issue that has been resolved already in reality. Our new kitchen will have a 36" wide, 13" deep spice/oil/vinegar cabinet in the base of the island next to the cooktop. The spices will be on two tier lazy susans (Bed, Bath and Beyond sells many types)and the bulky items on the bottom shelf. My main prep area is directly behind this cabinet so it's just a step and pivot to get what I want. The cabinet is shallow because the opposite side of the island has a space left open for storing a rolling kitchen cart. Good luck with your planning.

buehl, thanks for linking that other thread. those kamenstein containers look almost exactly like the soho brand ones, but they're about a quarter of the price. sweet!