Should I Have a Walk-In Pantry?

Since the COVID-19 pandemic, there’s been a growing trend of walk-in pantries. These practical kitchen features are popular in many Gainesville homes due to their versatility, efficient use of floor and counter space, convenience, and more. Given this trend, many homeowners ask themselves, “Should I have a walk-in pantry in my home?”

We’ll discuss the practical benefits of pantries, the characteristics of the ideal pantry, how local storage trends influence home design decisions, and more!

Why Should I Have a Walk-In Pantry?

There are numerous benefits to walk-in pantries. These include:

1. Improved organization
2. Managed inventory
3. More space compared to cabinets
4. Aesthetics
5. Return on investment

1. Improved Organization

Walk-in pantries allow you to maintain an uncluttered and organized kitchen. They can free up counter space by providing room for small appliances like air fryers, KitchenAid mixers, crockpots, blenders, and whatever else you like to use in your kitchen. Pantries also provide a spot for awkward items like your trash or recycling containers, so that they’re out of sight and out of mind.

2. Managed Inventory

Poor inventory management makes it difficult to find what you have and what you need. This can cost you more money because you end up buying items that you don’t need because it was hidden behind another item. With more centralized storage space, walk-in pantries provide easier inventory and easier food prep because you can visually see what foods and ingredients you have on hand.

3. More Space vs. Cabinets

When you are limited to smaller storage spaces like cabinets, you likely shove the items in to make it all fit. Also, when you have to store food and appliances in your cabinets, it decreases the amount of space you have for pots and pans. This makes your items more difficult to find and keep organized. There’s nothing worse than having to take several items out of your cabinet to find the one you want and then re-organize them. Small time-savers like walk-in cabinets can really accumulate throughout your work week!

4. Aesthetics

Keeping your counters free of smaller appliances de-clutters your kitchen. It also allows you to keep your pots and pans tucked away neatly in your cabinets instead of having to share that space with your dry food items.

The walk-in pantry itself can serve as a pleasing focal point in your home. For example, custom shelving allows you to neatly organize all of your items—while ornate doors, mood lighting, and even sliding ladders may be used to enhance the pantry and make it look stylish. You can use chic storage containers or other organization bins to make the space look modernized and organized.

5. Return on Investment

The kitchen is an area of your home that generally yields the greatest return on your investment. According to the National Association of Home Builders, in 2022, walk-in pantries were considered one of the top five most important home features to all generations of prospective homeowners.

Therefore, spending money on a walk-in pantry will not only add to your quality of life, but it will also boost your home’s market value when you decide to sell it.

Local Trends Should Influence Home Design Decisions

Local trends are an important factor when considering various home design decisions. You always want to future-proof your home. According to the most recent studies, the median duration of home ownership in the US is approximately 13 years. This will vary by city. Since Gainesville is a college town and a stepping stone for many young professionals, the median duration is likely slightly less than the national median.

In Gainesville, the general sentiment of walk-in pantries among buyers is that they’re important. There are many family homes in Gainesville. Prospective buyers with children require more space for food storage and convenience. You should also consider the neighborhood in which you live. Speaking with a builder along with your realtor will help you make the most educated decisions around design and implementation.

The Characteristics of an Ideal Walk-In Pantry

If you decide a walk-in pantry is right for you, consider adding the following characteristics:

• Shelves, racks, and drawers
• Lazy Susans
• Hooks and pegboards
• Clear zones
• Ventilation

Shelves, Racks, & Drawers

How many shelves should you have? What types of shelves should you use? It all depends on personal preference. Shelves and racks are great options because you can set them to varying heights to fit a variety of item sizes. Slidable shelves are also an option if you want deep shelves. Drawers can serve as great places to keep like items together like spices and seasonings.

Lazy Susans

Perfect for pantry corners, Lazy Susans allow you to make the most of awkward spaces while maximizing inventory management and accessibility. A Lazy Susan is a rotating tray/turntable that allows you to reach items without having to move or rearrange the surrounding items. They are usually made of plastic or wood and are multi-tiered. Lazy Susans are another great option for your smaller items like spices, but they can also serve as a solution for large items like cooking oils.

Hooks & Pegboards

Hook and pegboard set-ups are helpful if you want more flexibility in your storage space. You can arrange racks and items based on your current needs. Sometimes, our storage needs change throughout the year. For example, if you enjoy canning fruits and vegetables in the early fall, a flexible space is helpful!

Clear Zones

Clear zones serve as designated areas in your pantry for different categories (e.g., food and non-food items). This keeps the pantry well-organized and allows for small appliances and pots/pans storage space.

Ventilation

Ensuring proper ventilation will keep your pantry dry and prevent moisture build-up. Excess moisture can spoil food and cause spices to clump together. This is especially important here in Gainesville’s humid climate. Installing a small vent or fan in the ceiling to keep air circulating is a simple solution.

McFall Will Help You Design Your Custom Walk-In Pantry

Work with a design-build contractor like McFall Builders to maximize your kitchen space! We will help you come up with the best design and serve as your guide by consulting with you through every step of the project from concept to completion. If you’re ready to enjoy your new dream pantry, McFall Builder’s custom home-building services can make it happen!

• Kitchen Remodeling
• Residential