Magnetic Spice Rack

Looking for spice storage can be extremely frustrating. (Too big! Not enough jars! Don’t even think of taking up my counter space!) So I schemed up my own more flexible storage system. And it’s sooooo simple: just tins, glue and magnets. Ample (and attractive) spice storage can be found on your wall or fridge, leaving your cupboards and counter blessedly free of those pesky little spice tubs. And did I mention that storing your spices in tins will help them keep their flavor longer than in glass or plastic jars?

The full writeup is also available at my blog, kitchen table scraps along with lots of other foodie nonsense including how to store spices to maintain their quality.

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Step 1: Decide where to locate your spice rack.

First, pick a location for your spices. Mine works great on large, exposed side of my fridge, but that may not work for your kitchen. If you buy a cheap metal shelf support, your spices could be organized in a line almost anywhere in your kitchen. You absolutely need to think about accessibility and appearance when deciding where to put your spices, but also think about heat. Opaque tins will keep your spices safe from light damage, but exposure to heat can be equally damaging. So avoid placing your spices near your oven or on a wall that gets hours of direct sunlight.

vbishop1 says: Dec 30, 2012. 9:42 AM

I love this spice rack. Can you tell me how to make the exact labels that you made?? This is brilliant!

MigraineMommy says: Dec 27, 2012. 12:29 PM

Seems to me you can just insert a magnet into the inside of the can and avoid the gluing all together. I don't think it would harm the spices to have it inside and it's strong enough to make the tin stick to whatever you are using to put it up.

asdfzxc says: Dec 21, 2012. 1:19 PM

what font did you use for your labels?(:

katiebegood says: Jul 13, 2012. 11:12 PM

I love your labels. It solves the problem of not having clear front tins (to protect the spices from the light) and ending up with plain old tin tops to look at. Your labels solve the "unattractive" problem.

Also, why does everyone glue magnets to the tins? I just used magnetic tape where I cut a square of tape, peeled off the back, then affixed to the back of the tin. The glue on the tape holds firmly and it's much easier to apply.

taria says: May 24, 2012. 1:22 PM

I did this and it worked, but the problem was for some reason they kept falling off the strip. so I had to line them up along the back of my stove. might try a different magnet or something or even add an extra one.

but those little party favor tin cans with the see threw lids worked great.

I still love this idea.

Geli12 says: Nov 26, 2011. 4:14 AM

IT IS AWESOMLY NICE!

kregan1 says: Nov 14, 2011. 8:05 PM

Where did you get your magnets and tins from?

pennyf24 says: Jun 12, 2011. 9:10 PM

I do believe that this is a fantastic idea to organize all those spices once may get.. I will have to get some tins and some pictures... Though I am thinking of getting pictures that are of the actual spice though this is very lovely as well. I have yet to know just yet. Will have to look for the supplies and see what I decide :D Thanks for the lovely idea. This looks way better than a bunch of metal tins sitting on the fridge or on the wall above the counter :D

taria says: Jun 10, 2011. 8:55 PM

you know I have a bunch of those see threw tins that were on sale at wally world for 5 bucks that they use for party favors, I wonder if they would work as well...I got like 20 of them in a box.

stuffedbears says: May 1, 2011. 8:50 AM

may i ask where you got your labels? or did you make them yourself? they look absolutely stunning!

kitchentablescraps (author) in reply to stuffedbearsMay 1, 2011. 5:01 PM

I did make the labels, and thanks!

A couple of other people had asked about where I got the botanical illustrations. In the comments section after the original blog post, I replied with a few tips for hunting down good botanical illustrations if you're interested. :)

stuffedbears in reply to kitchentablescrapsMay 4, 2011. 7:20 AM

oh! wow! you almost had me fooled. i was so convinced that they were professionally done!

taria in reply to stuffedbearsJun 10, 2011. 8:53 PM

they were professionally done, by her...lol just teasing.