I have far too many cutting boards. Paring them down would be one way to go, but I find that I actually use most of them — everything from the flexible plastic ones that are perfect for chopping veggies to the wooden cutting boards that double as platters. I keep all of them stacked on their sides neatly in the corner of my counter — or, rather, I try to keep them stacked neatly.
I had resorted to using my stand mixer as a sort of bookend to keep all of my cutting boards upright until my mother saved the day and bought me this clever little cutting board organizing gadget. I thought it looked more like a desk file organizer, but I assure you it now holds a coveted spot on my kitchen counter. Mine is black, but it comes in silver and white, too.
This $14.99 organizer may be small, but it’s made from sturdy steel that keeps all my boards standing at attention until I need them. The dividers vary in width, so you can put larger or wider items in some slots or you can even double up as needed. One five-star review on Amazon noted a perk that I hadn’t even noticed about why it’s so great for storing cutting boards: “There is also enough space for them to breathe and dry in between them.” Win-win!
Other Smart Ways to Use This Clever Countertop Organizer
I’m completely satisfied using this product just for my cutting boards, but that’s not the only way you can use it. Here’s a short list of other kitchen items that it’s good for keeping tidy.
- Cooling racks
- Trays
- Plates
- Lids
- Baking sheets
- Muffin tins
- Recipe books/magazines
- Ladles and spoons
That last one stumped me at first, until I realized that the little house cutout in the middle of the organizer is not just for show — it’s meant to be a ladle rest! I could see this gem living by the stove to hold a hot pot lid or a spoon when cooking. It’s also good for propping up a tablet for an easy glance at a recipe — or, if you’re old-school like me and still use physical cookbooks, you could wedge an open book in one of the dividers, too.
The organizer is compact enough for the counter, but you could use it for kitchen cabinet storage, too. I might actually get another one to keep all my food storage container lids stacked neatly (instead of in a teetering tower that’s probably falling over as I write this). I might even relegate my cutting boards to the awkwardly deep lower cabinet that’s not great for holding much else; at least this organizer might make it easier to reach into the abyss to grab what I need.