There are two different types of pot racks: wall-mounted and ceiling-mounted. One isn’t necessarily superior to the other. The most important thing is that your pot rack fits properly in your kitchen. So, it’s essential to measure the space before buying. Capacity is another factor to consider. If you have a lot of larger or heavyweight pots and pans, you want to make sure the rack is very secure before adding cookware. Once you know what size your space can handle and how much the rack will be holding, you’ll definitely be able to find a stylish rack to make your cooking life so much easier. To help you organize your pots and pans, here are the best pot racks to consider for your kitchen. What We Don’t Love: Industrial looking If you have lots of cookware to store but very limited cabinet space, you can’t go wrong with the KES 30-Inch 2-Tier Kitchen Pot Rack. While this piece might not be the most stylish choice, it is certainly the most functional. The two 29.5 x 10.2-inch shelves alone are probably more than adequate to hold the extra pots, pans, and lids for most people. Still, there are 12 hooks perfect for hanging kitchen tools like spatulas, spoons, serving pieces, or your favorite pair of kitchen shears. Whether you install this from above or below, this iron rack can handle up to 55 pounds. It comes with everything needed for mounting including two anchors that work for both drywall and solid walls, along with heavy-duty stainless steel screws. So, installation is fast and easy. Reviewers note that even after a few years of use, the shelves are as good as new with no rust or metal fatigue. Price at time of publish: $57 Dimensions (LxWxH): 29.5 x 10.2 x 20.3 inches | Material: Iron | Number of Hooks: 12 What We Don’t Love: Only has 12 hooks included Ceiling-mounted pot racks are great for kitchens with limited wall space. Ideal for installing over a kitchen island or a stove without a hood, the Ebern Designs Pot Rack will not disappoint. With 12 hooks, it can store plenty of things that have a hard time fitting in drawers, like OXO’s locking tongs. This is in addition to the shelf, which is useful for storing infrequently used cookware or a spot for your hanging plants. The 38.5 x 19.9-inch steel shelf hangs about a foot from the anchors. It can hold up to 60 pounds, so you can definitely use it for your cast iron and carbon steel cookware. It also wins points for design. With a sophisticated aesthetic and industrial-chic chains, it is available in six different finishes including copper, oiled bronze, and satin nickel. So this rack is can easily complement any style kitchen from contemporary to traditional and modern. Price at time of publish: $111 Dimensions (LxWxH): 18 x 36 x 3.25 inches | Material: Steel | Number of Hooks: 12 What We Don’t Love: Low weight capacity The Rebrilliant Garvin Wall Mounted Pot Rack is the perfect pot rack for anyone on a budget or just with a very limited amount of kitchen space. All you need is 16 inches of empty wall space, which is perfect if you just want to easily mount something over an oven. Made of black metal, it has a versatile, contemporary design that easily compliments most style kitchens.  Being only one bar, this has a 25-pound capacity, so it isn’t the best choice for anyone who needs to store heavy pots. Still, you can its 10 hooks for lighter cookware and larger kitchen tools such as whisks and ladles. The only thing to keep in mind is that this rack doesn’t have an upper shelf, but it will look nice to double-up the rack on one wall. It comes with steel screws plus metal and plastic anchors. Price at time of publish: $37 Dimensions (LxWxH): 16 x 2 x 2 inches | Material: Metal | Number of Hooks: 10 What We Don’t Love: Easy for things to fall off the shelf If you have a modern farmhouse or industrial-style kitchen, you’ll love the Enclume Hammered Steel & Tigerwood Bookshelf Rack. Handcrafted in the United States, this 24-inch-wide rack comes with 12 hooks and can hold a full set of cookware, making this an ideal option for just about every home. Made of hot-rolled, high carbon steel, this quality product even has a protective clear coating on the metal accents to protect against wear (and grease). The wood detail, meanwhile, gives this pot rack an attractive look. The package does include all the necessary hardware for safe and secure mounting to studs or drywall. With a 5-year warranty, you know you are buying a quality product that’s worth the price.  Price at time of publish: $200 Dimensions (LxWxH): 24 x 3 x 4.5 inches | Material: Hammered steel | Number of Hooks: 12 What We Don’t Love: No shelf  The Eldridge 4-Light Bronze Pot Rack Chandelier does more than just hold pots, it’s also a great source of overhead lighting making this an ideal choice for kitchens that need a little more illumination. With a generous 50-pound capacity, there’s no need to worry about hanging heavy pots and pans. Its 10 movable hooks will help keep your kitchen looking clean and uncluttered, plus it’s a great way to show off your fanciest cookware. The 36.5-inch-wide pot rack comes with 12 feet of chain and can be hung into sloped ceilings. It does come with an installation guide for you to do it yourself rather than call an electrician. With a modern farmhouse aesthetic and bronze finish, it should fit into any decor style and all of the features make it worth the extra money. Price at time of publish: $500 Dimensions (LxWxH): 36.5 x 19 x 20.75 inches | Material: Metal, faux wood, and glass | Number of Hooks: 10

What to Look for When Buying a Pot Rack

Material

Jennifer Hill Booker, a chef and author of two cookbooks, recommends choosing metal pot racks for several reasons. “Metal is the best material for pot racks,” she says. “It’s easy to clean, looks great in every kitchen, and even comes in different colored finishes.” Pot racks can come in multiple types of metal. Steel is incredibly popular due to its durability and strength, as well as its universal appeal. If you’re nervous about hanging such a heavy object, aluminum is also a great choice. For those who want a more stylish metal, there’s copper and cast iron. Whatever you choose, make sure that it’s coated for rust resistance and ease of cleaning.

Placement 

When it comes to placement, convenience should be your top priority. “The best place to put your pot rack is over your workstation—be that your butcher’s block or countertop,” says Booker. “That location makes the right-sized pot easy to find.” Take care when placing a pot rack directly above your cooktop. There will inevitably be splashes and grease build-up, necessitating frequent cleaning of the rack and the cookware it’s holding.

Installation

First, many pot racks are easy to install with common house tools. Many pot racks do require studs, so it’s important to see how far apart yours are before ordering. If you’re unsure or don’t want to drill into your studs, opt for a lighter wall rack bar, like our budget pick. Drywall can handle up to approximately 20 pounds of weight. If you do go that route, be sure to use wall anchors. When it comes to installing a ceiling-mounted rack with lights, you’ll need to place it where there’s already a light fixture. You might need to pick up some extra hardware prior to installing. If you’re nervous about DIY electrical work, it’s best to hire a professional.

Can you hang a pot rack without studs? 

Lighter wall-mounted pot racks can be hung without studs, but every product varies. It’s a smart idea to read the description and check your wall before installing. Every wall will have studs and it might be safer (and better long-term) to simply drill into yours. 

Can you hang other cookware from a pot rack?

Pot racks are great for cooking and storing all kinds of kitchen tools, especially oversized ones that may be too large to fit inside a drawer. Anything that can be hung on a hook will work including spatulas and whisks. If your pot rack has a shelf, you can also purchase a container for kitchen tools and store them there. 

Why Trust Simply Recipes?

Amanda Lauren is a freelance writer who has written hundreds of articles about home and lifestyle. She believes that a pot rack is a great excuse to buy yourself a new set of matching cookware. Read Next: The Best Stainless Steel Cookware Sets