There’s nothing worse than a cluttered countertop. Not only is it an eyesore, but it can also make it difficult to find utensils or ingredients. One way to help you declutter your kitchen is by using kitchen organizers. Whether you’re trying to organize your utensils or create additional space, these products make it possible to have an organized kitchen.

But, if you’re not careful, buying the wrong type of organizer can lead to additional clutter. Holly Blakey, interior designer and owner of Breathing Room Organization & Styling, says, “If you pick a large organizer, you'll end up filling it with more than you actually need. A smaller-sized one—just for the essentials—will provide the physical boundaries so that things don't get out of control.”

To help you find the best kitchen counter organizer, we curated a list evaluated based on material, size, and use. We also reached out to Blakey for her expert insight about different ways to keep your kitchen organized.

Joseph Joseph CounterStore Stainless-Steel Worktop Organizer

View On Amazon View On Jcpenney.com View On Bloomingdales What’s Great About It Non-scratch knife slots prevent knives from falling out

Wooden cutting board included

Side compartments for additional storage space

Parts are dishwasher safe

What Could Be Better Side compartments are small

Since we use knives every day, it’s important to have a place where you can conveniently store them. With the Counter Store Stainless Steel Kitchen Worktop Organizer from Joseph Joseph, you’ll never misplace your knives ever again. 

At 9 inches, this worktop organizer features three compartments and a wooden cutting board. The best part about this organizer is that it has non-scratch slots on the middle compartment that offer a secure grip on your 8-inch knives. And thanks to the side compartments, you have additional storage space for your other utensils. Once you’re done using your knives and cutting board, simply place the board on the back, and slide the knives into the middle slot.

If we were to change anything about this organizer, we would make the side compartments larger so that we could store more utensils in them. Even though the steel compartments are resistant to wear and tear, we still recommend placing them in the dishwasher every so often. 

Material: Stainless steel, oak | Size: 12.25 x 9 x 5 inches

Yamazaki Home Tower Expandable Countertop Shelf

View On Amazon View On Wayfair View On Myshopify.com What’s Great About It Expands for additional storage space

Supports up to 22 pounds

Plastic hooks for hanging towels and supplies

What Could Be Better Lacks adhesive strips

There’s nothing better than an expandable kitchen counter organizer. While regular organizers provide you with limited space, expandable ones give you the additional space needed to keep your kitchen counters clutter-free.

Made of alloy steel, this organizer is water resistant and can support up to 22 pounds. With five plastic hooks, you can hang towels, brushes, and other cleaning supplies. If you need additional space to dry your dishes, simply pull out the additional shelf.

Although the organizer is made out of steel, it doesn’t have adhesive strips on the bottom to keep it secure, so it may fall over. However, this also makes it easier to move to different areas within your home. Just be careful not to overload it with too many objects

Material: Alloy steel | Size: 21.3 x 9.8 x 8.9 inches

Axtee Lazy Susan Turntable Organizer

View On Amazon What’s Great About It Rotating design allows you to easily access your ingredients

Non-slip base

Built-in handles

Raised edges prevent things from falling over

What Could Be Better Can take up a lot of counter space

If your spice cabinet has gotten out of control, use this Lazy Susan Turntable Organizer to help you organize your spices. As you’re cooking Sunday supper, simply rotate the organizer to find the spices that you need. With the raised edges, spices, condiments, and seasonings will always stay inside of the organizer.

Whether you choose to keep it on your countertop or inside your cabinet, it won’t fall over easily thanks to the non-slip base. When it’s time to clean your countertops, use the built-in handles to move the organizer to a different spot. 

While this organizer has a lot of great features, it does take up a fair amount of counter space, depending on the size of your purchase. When it’s time to clean the organizer, take a damp cloth and wipe it off. Choose from four different colors.

Material: Wood, iron | Size: 9–13 x 1.6 inches

Ollieroo 2-Tier Kitchen Counter Storage Shelf

View On Amazon View On Walmart What’s Great About It Easy set-up

Two tiers

Multiple configurations

Non-slip feet

What Could Be Better Limited storage space

If you’re looking for an organizer that you can easily set up, this Kitchen Counter Storage Shelf from Ollieroo is the perfect choice. Made out of bamboo and stainless steel, you have the option of using one shelf or two. You can either use both shelves to store small kitchen items or divide them up, and use them in different areas of your home.

Whether you choose to place your cosmetics, toiletries, or kitchen items on it, you’ll always be able to access whatever you need quickly. With the material and non-slip feet, this is a durable organizer that won’t easily fall over.

Even though this is the perfect organizer to store small items, the limited space does not make it suitable for larger appliances. To preserve the wooden base, we recommend applying mineral oil to it every so often.

Material: Bamboo, stainless steel | Size: 16.9 x 15  x 7.1 inches

Threshold 2-Tier Wire Spice Rack

View On Target What’s Great About It Top handle makes it easy to move

Farmhouse look

Can be used for spices, coffee containers, jars, and more

What Could Be Better Not suitable for large containers

Besides preventing the buildup of clutter on your countertops, organizers also help you to quickly access your ingredients or utensils. And, this two-tier spice rack from Threshold is no different.

With two wooden shelves, you can keep your spices and seasonings within arm’s reach. On the sides of each shelf, there are black bars that prevent items from falling out of the rack. Plus, using the top handle, you can easily move the rack to different areas within your kitchen. 

The mango wood and iron make this organizer more durable and makes it a perfect addition to any farmhouse-style kitchen. Just note that at 4.3 inches deep, this organizer is not going to fit larger containers.

Material: Mango wood, iron | Size: 10 x 12.2 x 4.3 inches

Zunto Paper Towel Holder

View On Amazon What’s Great About It Fits most size rolls

Adheres to wall with adhesive strip

Durable stainless steel

What Could Be Better Cannot be easily relocated

This paper towel holder comes with an adhesive strip on the back to adhere next to the sink or under a cabinet. Once you have placed the holder in its designated spot, it’s recommended that you wait at least 24 hours before adding the paper towel roll.

With its large size, this paper towel holder is suitable for most size rolls. Thanks to the stainless steel material, this holder is much more sturdy and will last longer than other options.  

The downside to using the adhesive strip is that it prevents you from moving the holder to different areas in your kitchen. On the bright side, this paper towel holder is easy to install and is the perfect product for someone who is looking for an organizer without all the bells and whistles.

Material: Stainless steel | Size: 11.2 x 1.2 inches

Le Creuset Stoneware Utensil Crock

View On Nordstrom View On Wayfair View On Neiman Marcus What’s Great About It Dishwasher safe

Looks sleek on any countertop

Numerous colors available

Capacious

What Could Be Better Stoneware is susceptible to chips and cracks

If you’re looking for an organizer that’s easy to clean, this LeCreuset Stoneware Utensil Crock is a great pick. Not only is it dishwasher safe, but it’s resistant to wear and tear. Thanks to its small size, the crock can easily fit into any space on your countertop. Even after multiple cleanings, the glazed coating prevents the crock from losing its stylish color.

The larger 4-quart option is quite capacious, while the smaller size is a bit more limiting on how much you can store. While the durable coating helps to preserve the crock, the stoneware material does make it more susceptible to chips and cracks.

Material: Stoneware | Size: 6.25 x 6.4 inches

Urhomey Expandable Cabinet Shelf Organizer

View On Amazon What’s Great About It Expandable and adjustable

Durable carbon steel

Easy to assemble

What Could Be Better Carbon steel makes it more susceptible to rust

Similar to the Yazamaki Home Tower Expandable Support Rack, this expandable organizer is equipped to hold a large amount of items. Even if you run out of space on the main shelf, simply pull out the other one for additional storage. Regardless of the number of items that you keep on the shelves, the carbon steel makes them strong enough to support them.

Another great feature of this organizer is that it’s easy to assemble. To set it up, simply take the four screws and add them to the designated spots. If you need extra storage space, purchase two shelves and place one on top of the other.

Even though the carbon steel makes the organizer durable, it also makes it susceptible to rust. Therefore, we recommend keeping the organizer away from your kitchen sink. When it’s time for a deep clean, simply remove the dishes or appliances, and wipe the shelves down. 

Material: Carbon steel | Size: 26 x 8.5 x 7.9 inches

Lavish Home 3-Tier Spice Step Shelf

View On Amazon What’s Great About It Can be used for a variety of needs

Small enough to fit in your kitchen cabinet

No assembly needed

What Could Be Better Plastic construction is less durable

While large organizers provide you with extra space for storage, they can also lead to you keeping additional clutter on your countertops. If you’ve run into this problem before, then you might need to purchase a smaller organizer, such as this one.

With its small size, you can easily store this organizer in your cabinet or pantry. Thanks to the rubber and plastic material, this organizer is easy to keep clean. And, with the simple design, this organizer will blend in perfectly with the color scheme of your kitchen.

Besides keeping spices and seasonings on it, you can also use it to organize your toiletries or cosmetics. This organizer is not dishwasher safe, so you will have to wipe the top and bottom of the shelves from time to time.

Material: Plastic | Size: 14.5 x 3.5 x 9.5 inches

Maifan Kitchen Sink Caddy Sink Organizer

View On Amazon What’s Great About It Space-saving

Keeps sink items organized

Detachable drip tray

What Could Be Better You will have to frequently drain the drip tray

Similar to a shower caddy, this sink caddy organizer from Maifan is a great way to keep your kitchen cleaning supplies organized. Instead of having to search for your sponge or brush, this organizer will keep all your supplies within arm’s reach. And since it’s made out of stainless steel, it will last for a long time.

Even as you’re washing dishes, the anti-slip feature will prevent it from falling over. In addition to the kitchen, it can also be used in your bathroom as a storage device for your toiletries.

While the white plate on the bottom is an important feature, you will have to frequently remove it to get rid of excess water. For a deeper clean, we suggest washing it off with warm water and soap.

Material: Stainless steel | Size: 8.2 x 3.5 x 3.7 inches

Modern Innovations Magnetic Knife Bar

View On Amazon View On Walmart What’s Great About It Saves on counter space

Easy to clean

Easy to mount

What Could Be Better Knives and other sharp utensils remain exposed which poses a safety risk

This stainless steel magnetic knife bar from Modern Innovations will help you to keep your knives and tools organized. Unlike other magnetic bars, this one gives you more space to store extra knives or tools.

To install the magnetic bar, simply use the mounting hardware to hang it up in the desired spot. Besides the easy setup, this magnetic bar is also easy to keep clean. Every so often, remove the knives and tools, and wipe the magnetic bar off.

Since it’s easy for anyone to access knives or other sharp utensils—be mindful of where you place the bar. If you’re not careful, younger family members will be able to easily access knives and other sharp utensils.

Material: Stainless steel | Size: 10–24 inches wide

Mind Reader Countertop Organizer

View On Amazon View On Target View On Staples What’s Great About It Three vertical storage compartments

Great for coffee bars

Non-skid pads

What Could Be Better Not the most durable option

If you always have trouble keeping track of your coffee creamers or sugar packets, then this Condiment Station from Mind Reader is a great pick. At 16 inches, this organizer features three compartments that are perfect for storing all your coffee add-ins.

Thanks to its sleek design, this organizer won’t take up too much space on your countertop. And, since it weighs less than other organizers, you can easily move it to any part of your kitchen. Just be mindful that it’s not going to be as durable and long-lasting as metal options.

Material: Acrylic | Size: 6 x 15.6 x 7.25 inches

Yamazaki Tosca Stackable Countertop Shelf

View On Amazon View On Wayfair View On Williams-Sonoma What’s Great About It Compact

White steel with wooden accents

Can stack up to two units

What Could Be Better No screws or adhesives

Can only support up to 8 pounds

If you have limited counter space, this is a great option. Even though it’s smaller than other organizers, you can still use it to keep certain spices or ingredients within arm’s reach. It’s important to note that this shelf can only support up to 8 pounds.

With its unique design, this shelf organizer will pair perfectly with any color scheme. Unlike other options listed in this roundup, this organizer doesn’t have any adhesive strips or screws. If you need additional space, we suggest ordering two shelf organizers and stacking them or placing them side by side.

Material: Steel, wood | Size: 12 x 5.5 x 5.4 inches or 12 x 5.5 x 8.6 inches

Neat Method Grid Storage Baskets

View On Food52 View On Bloomingdales View On Crate & Barrel What’s Great About It Acacia insert keeps small items from falling out

Includes foam pads for applying to the bottom

Multiple size and color options

What Could Be Better Lids not available

If you’re the type of person who likes to keep things simple, then we highly recommend purchasing this grid storage basket from Neat Method. With the large compartment, you have more than enough room to store a wide variety of items. Plus, with acacia wood insert, none of your smaller items will fall out. Whether you choose to keep it on your countertop or in your pantry, this basket provides you with additional storage space for your ingredients.

Material: Acacia wood, steel | Size: Small: 16 x 6 x 6 inches; Medium: 14 x 7 x 10 inches; Large: 18 x 7 x 12 inches; Square: 10 x 7 x 10 inches

　　 Tips For Choosing The Right Kitchen Counter Organizer 

Material  According to Blakey, metal organizers are much tougher than plastic ones and are easier to clean than wood. However, metal organizers that have iron in them are prone to rust, which can cause them to break down quicker than other types.

While wood is a durable material, it does require more maintenance and care. And, while plastic organizers are lightweight and easier to move, they are not as durable as wood or steel.  

Size As a general rule, the use of the kitchen counter organizer will determine how large or small it should be. Specifically, utensil organizers will be smaller than organizers that are used to hold plates, appliances, and other large objects.

It’s also important to note that you shouldn’t select an organizer just because it matches the size of your kitchen. Sometimes, it’s better to purchase a different-sized one because it will prevent you from keeping additional clutter on it.

　　 Questions and Answers

How do I save space on my kitchen counters? “I use adhesive cork strips on the inside of cabinets to pin up papers so that they're off the counter. This particular method also helps me to not lose important documents,” says Blakey. Other ways to save space on your kitchen counter are hanging your utensils up, putting appliances away, and using your kitchen cabinets to store spices or ingredients.

What should not be placed on kitchen counters? Blakey says to avoid placing items like documents, bookbags, and keys on your kitchen counters. She also says that it’s important for different items to have their own designated spot. Instead of placing your important documents on your counters, store them in a drawer. For car keys, bags, and bookbags, purchase hooks so you hang them up each time you walk into your home.

　　 Why Trust Southern Living 

This article was written by Moriah Mason, a commerce writer for Southern Living with over a year of experience writing lifestyle content. To discover the best kitchen counter organizers, she thoroughly researched and evaluated them based on material, size, and use. She also contacted professional organizer Holly Blakey for tips on how to keep your kitchen countertops free of clutter.