Whether you’re upgrading a shaker kitchen in a character home or planning a contemporary kitchen with an island bench, organising pots, pans and pot utensils early in the design makes every meal easier. As a Perth-based team, Joyce Kitchens designs custom cabinetry in WA that integrates cookware storage, benchtops, and workflows that suit how you cook.
Why plan for “pot utensils” from day one
From stockpots to wok spatulas, the right home for your pots, pans and utensils reduces visual clutter, shortens cooking time and protects your kitchen cookware. Even if you’ve been searching “cooking pans near me” or “buy a pan near me”, smart storage outlasts any single purchase and makes cheap cookware or premium sets equally easy to use.
- Protects delicate non-stick and enamel cookware from scratches
- Keeps heat-safe tools near the cooktop and baking tools near the oven
- Supports safer workflows for families and entertainers
Core insights: storing pots, pans and utensils the smart way
1) Deep, full-extension drawers beat cupboards for heavy cookware
We typically specify 600–900 mm wide, 220–300 mm high drawers on premium soft-close runners for pots and pans. Add pegboard dividers or adjustable organisers to stop sliding and to protect lids.
2) Put “pot utensils” at the point of use
- Keep ladles, spatulas and tongs in slim utensil drawers either side of the cooktop.
- Use a pull-out rail or narrow pull-out pantry for oils and tall utensils.
- Consider a scullery or walk-in pantry for bulk pots kitchenware you don’t use daily.
3) Induction or gas? Match your cookware
Induction cooktops need ferrous bases; check your existing pots with a magnet before you buy cookware. For gas, use heat-resistant handles and avoid thin, easily warped cheap pans.
A secondary prep and clean-up zone (often behind the kitchen) for small appliances, bulk storage and oversize cookware, keeping the main kitchen clutter-free.
4) WA-specific practicalities
- Typical benchtop height in Australia is ~900 mm; taller home chefs may prefer 920 mm.
- Rangehood clearance: follow the appliance manual and AS/NZS 5601 for gas; many specify 600 mm minimum for electric and 650–750 mm for gas.
- Standard appliances in Australia are often 600 mm wide; entertainers may step up to 900 mm cooktops and ovens. Plan drawer widths to suit.
Drawer systems with damped runners (e.g., premium European hardware) that close quietly and protect heavy cookware from impact.
5) Buying cookware vs designing storage
Whether you’re eyeing a cooking ware sale for cheap cookware or investing in heirloom stainless, storage should measure the largest items you own. Note the diameter and height of stockpots and Dutch ovens, plus lid and handle clearances.
Quick checklist: plan your pots and utensil storage
- Count pieces: pots, pans, lids, roasting trays, steamer inserts, pot utensils.
- Measure biggest items (diameter, height, handle reach) and note induction compatibility.
- Decide on drawer vs cupboard: drawers for daily use, cupboards with pull-outs for bulky or occasional items.
- Add dividers: lid organisers, peg systems, knife/utensil inserts, pot racks.
- Place by zone: cooktop tools near heat; baking trays near oven; cleaning near sink.
- Scullery options for entertaining sets and seasonal cookware.
- Cull “cooking wear” you never use; replace worn non-stick during the next cooking ware sale.
Two local case examples
Claremont Hamptons refresh: A family with a 900 mm range wanted fast access to heavy pans. We fitted three 900 mm pot drawers with peg dividers, a 300 mm pull-out for tall utensils, and a shaker kitchen look with classic cup handles.
Fremantle apartment galley kitchen: Space was tight. We used 600 mm drawers with under-mount sink to reclaim space, a magnetic rail for daily utensils, and a slim pull-out for lids. The result: a streamlined contemporary kitchen with zero bench clutter.
Our renovation and design process
- Consultation and measure-up: We review cooking habits, cookware counts and appliance sizes.
- Concept design: Layout options (L-shape, U-shaped kitchen, galley, island bench) with storage mapped to zones.
- Selections: Cabinet finishes (melamine, 2pac polyurethane, vinyl wrap doors), benchtops, splashback, hardware.
- Technical review: Clearances, electrical and plumbing notes, and AS/NZS guidance for compliance.
- Custom cabinetry WA manufacture: Built to size; soft-close drawers, durable edging and hardware.
- Installation and handover: Scheduling, protection of adjoining rooms, final adjustments and care guide.
We recommend referring to industry bodies such as the HIA and Master Builders WA for general renovation guidance. For contracts and consumer advice, see WA Consumer Protection’s guide to home building.
Materials and finishes for busy WA kitchens
Cabinetry
- Carcases: Moisture-resistant board for longevity.
- Doors: Melamine for value, vinyl wrap doors for detailed profiles, or 2pac polyurethane for premium durability and colour depth.
- Hardware: Soft-close drawers and quality hinges keep heavy kitchen cookware moving smoothly.
Benchtops and splashbacks
Benchtop choice influences heat tolerance near your cooktop and pot stands.
High-heat, UV and scratch-resistant slab made by compacting minerals. A popular, safe alternative to legacy engineered stone for new projects in Australia.
Engineered Stone vs Laminate (Perth context)
Note: New fabrication and installation of engineered stone has been banned across Australia from 1 July 2024. The information below addresses existing installations and general comparison only. For new work, consider sintered/porcelain or high-pressure laminate.
| Feature | Engineered Stone (legacy) | Laminate Benchtops |
|---|---|---|
| Legal status | Banned for new fabrication/installations; legacy repairs only | Fully permitted |
| Heat resistance | Good, but use trivets for hot pots | Fair; always use trivets and boards |
| Indicative cost (Perth) | Legacy only; replacement options often porcelain | $ |
| Durability | Hard-wearing; avoid harsh impacts | Durable for cost; edge protection important |
| Look and feel | Stone-like patterns, polished or matte | Huge range, including realistic stone looks |
| Maintenance | Low; non-porous | Low; avoid abrasive cleaners |
| Lead times | Not applicable for new installs | Typically fast |
Ask us about porcelain/sintered stone or solid surface if you need a heat-hardy bench for heavy cookware and pot stands.
Layouts and styles that love cookware
Layouts
- Galley kitchen: Ideal for linear workflows; add deep drawers and a slim pull-out for spices and pot utensils.
- U-shaped kitchen: Corner solutions like LeMans trays make large pots accessible.
- Island bench: Great for prep; fit double-sided storage for trays and Dutch ovens.
- Scullery/walk-in pantry: Hide bulk home cookware and appliances while entertaining.
Styles
- Hamptons/shaker kitchen: Profiled doors, classic cup pulls and organised pot drawers.
- Contemporary kitchen: Minimalist lines, handleless options, under-mount sink and sleek splashback.
- Family-friendly: Soft-close everything, rounded edges, and zones to keep kids clear of hot pans.
Joyce Kitchens delivers custom cabinetry WA-wide, from Perth metro to coastal suburbs, integrating kitchen cookware storage into the design from the outset.
What it costs in Perth
- Deep pot drawers (set of 3, 900 mm wide): Typically $1,800–$3,500 depending on finish and hardware.
- Corner pull-outs or LeMans trays: $550–$1,200 per unit.
- Drawer dividers and lid organisers: $250–$600 per bank.
- Scullery cabinetry upgrades: $4,000–$10,000+ depending on size and fit-out.
- Full kitchen renovations Perth (mid-range): Commonly $25,000–$60,000+ excluding premium appliances and specialty benchtops.
Final pricing depends on scope, finishes and site conditions. We design to budget and can value-engineer with laminate benchtops or melamine doors while keeping storage performance high.
Bringing it together
From “cookware Australia” choices to the exact drawer height for your tallest stockpot, we map everything so your new kitchen simply works. If you’ve been comparing “kitchen cookware Australia” or hunting “cheap pans” online, good news: a clever layout will make any set easier to use and store.
Ready to plan? Talk to Joyce Kitchens about kitchen renovations Perth homeowners trust, and let’s tailor storage that suits how you cook.
FAQ
What is the best way to store pot utensils in a small kitchen?
Use slim utensil drawers beside the cooktop for daily tools, add a magnetic or rail system for frequently used items, and move bulk or occasional utensils to a scullery or top cabinets. Full-extension drawers keep everything visible and reduce bench clutter.
How deep should drawers be for pots and pans?
We commonly specify 220–300 mm high drawers for cookware. A 600–900 mm width with quality soft-close runners carries heavy pots safely, and peg or divider systems stop items from moving.
Are my current pots compatible with induction cooktops?
If a magnet sticks to the base, the pot should work on induction. Stainless steel with magnetic bases and cast iron are usually fine; some aluminium and copper pans need a bonded magnetic layer.
What does it cost to add pot and utensil storage to a Perth kitchen?
As a guide, expect $1,800–$3,500 for a bank of deep pot drawers, $550–$1,200 for corner pull-outs, and $250–$600 for dividers. Full renovation budgets vary widely by size and finish.
Can Joyce Kitchens design a scullery for bulky cookware?
Yes. We design scullery and walk-in pantry solutions with open shelving, pull-outs and appliance stations so oversized pots and trays are easy to reach yet hidden from the main kitchen.