Get Organized with Pull Down Racks Hidden Inside Your Cabinets
Tired of cluttered countertops and constantly rummaging through disorganized cabinets for ingredients and tools when you're trying to cook? Installing pull down racks inside your kitchen cabinets can provide the extra storage space and organization you need.
Under cabinet pull down rack hinges allow you to mount foldable racks or shelves that tuck away out of sight when not in use. Just swing them down when you need that extra space for appliances, cookbooks, dishes and more. Read on to learn all about how these clever hidden storage solutions can revamp your kitchen.
How Do Under Cabinet Pull Down Racks Work?
These specialty hinges are mounted to the inside of your wall-mounted kitchen cabinets, usually along the bottom. Shelves or metal racks are attached to the hinges so they fold down when you pull them.
When folded up against the cabinet, a pull down rack is hidden from view and out of the way. It sits flush, leaving you all your normal cabinet space. You can then pull it down to access the storage when needed. The hinges allow the shelf to extend out and down from the cabinet interior.
Most models have spring-loaded hinges for easy opening and closing. Simply pull the shelf down gently and it will hold in place. When you're done, lift it back up into the folded position. The springs ensure it closes smoothly without slamming.
Key Brands of Under Cabinet Hinges
There are a few major brands for under cabinet pull down rack hinges to consider:
- Knape & Vogt - This popular choice offers hinges designed specifically for pull down racks. Their product is called "Under Cabinet Pull Down Rack Hinges".
- Rev-A-Shelf - Known for their innovative cabinet organizational products, Rev-A-Shelf has a "Flipper Door Lift Out" hinge for pull down racks.
- Kamas - Kamas provides an affordable "cabinet hinge shelf" option for pull down storage.
- Blum - The Blum "Folding Shelf Bracket" boasts super smooth motion and top-tier quality.
When choosing hinges, consider factors like weight ratings, quality of motion, ease of installation, and price. Higher end models from brands like Knape & Vogt and Blum glide with ease but come at a higher cost.
What to Consider When Choosing Hinges
Here are some important considerations when shopping for the right under cabinet hinges:
Available Mounting Space
Measure the usable interior space under your cabinet to ensure the hinges will fit. Look for the maximum depth that can accommodate the folded hinge and shelf.
Desired Shelf Size/Placement
Decide the ideal placement and size for your fold down shelf. Lower heights are great for storing bulky appliances. Higher shelves can hold items you access frequently like tablets for cooking help.
Weight Rating
Check the weight capacity of the hinge to make sure it can handle the items you want to store. More robust models can hold up to 40 pounds.
Function
How will you use the extra space? Storing dishes and glassware? Cookbooks? Appliances? Make sure the hinge design and strength match your storage needs.
Measure Twice for Perfect Cabinet Hinge Installation
Accurate measurements are crucial for properly installing under cabinet hinges and ensuring your fold down shelf racks work perfectly. Here are the key measurements to take:
- Inside cabinet width - Determine max width for shelf.
- Cabinet bottom to face frame - Ensures proper hinge placement.
- Desired shelf clearance - How far down from cabinet you want shelf to extend.
Use a tape measure and laser level to take measurements at least twice to be sure. Refer to the manufacturer's instructions for how to translate your measurements into proper hinge and shelf placement.
Step-by-Step Under Cabinet Hinge Installation
Once you have the right hinges and measurements, follow these steps for smooth installation:
- Prep the cabinet interior by removing shelves and cleaning surfaces.
- Use a measuring tape and level to mark the precise hinge placement per your measurements.
- Drill pilot holes at the marked locations to accommodate the screw mounts.
- Attach one hinge piece to the cabinet interior and the other piece to the shelf/rack using provided screws.
- For spring-loaded models, carefully bend and insert the spring as shown in manufacturer instructions.
- Mount the shelf/rack fully into the cabinet to check for alignment and range of motion.
- Adjust shelf placement or hinge positions as needed until the mechanism operates smoothly.
Tips for Safe Under Cabinet Rack Usage
Using your fancy new pull down racks safely and effectively requires some care. Follow these tips:
- Open and close the shelf slowly and gently to avoid separation from the cabinet interior.
- Pay attention to weight ratings and avoid overloading. Overburdening can cause sagging.
- Always fold up an empty shelf to prevent items from falling out.
- Consider additional supports like shelf lips and magnets to securely hold items while stored.
Creative Storage Ideas for Under Cabinet Pull Down Racks
Here are some clever ways to put that hidden space to work:
- Store kitchen appliances like mixers, blenders, and trays.
- Keep frequently used cookbooks and recipe cards handy.
- Mount tablet or phone stands for easy access to digital recipes.
- Stage extra plates, bowls, cups and glassware.
Pull down racks create a perfect home for bulky items you only occasionally need like appliances. For items you use more regularly like tablets or recipe books, mount the shelf higher for easy access while cooking.
By installing pull down racks with under cabinet hinges, you can add convenient storage space without remodeling. Gain organization and make kitchen tasks easier. Here's a recap of the benefits:
- Add usable space without eating up counter area or permanantly changing cabinets.
- Prevent clutter on your counters by stashing items out of sight.
- Keep cooking tools and ingredients within reach to cook more efficiently.
- Reduce rummaging through cabinets to find what you need.
You can choose from a wide range of hinge brands and configurations. Consider your cabinet layout, weight requirements, and intended uses when choosing the best racks. Follow the manufacturer's instructions carefully during installation. Soon you'll be cooking in a clutter-free, organized kitchen.