Buying guide for Best magnetic spice racks
Regardless of whether you’re an avid foodie or an amateur cook, your kitchen needs to be home to essential and conveniently located spices. A magnetic spice rack can make the most important parts of every meal easily accessible while also efficiently using your kitchen space.
A magnetic spice rack is a collection of jars or tins with individual magnets that adhere to metal surfaces. Most often, these racks are used on the refrigerator, but in some cases, a steel plate can be affixed to a wall or cupboard to attract magnets to that surface. In any case, spice jars are meant to be placed in such a way that they are accessible and efficiently stored.
Magnetic spice rack jars are offered in various shapes, sizes, and materials. You can buy them in different quantities, too. Assessing your culinary needs and examining your kitchen space are important factors when figuring out the right magnetic spice rack for you. We’re here to help answer your questions and guide you to the best product.
Key considerations
Spice usage
How many spices do you use, and how often do you use them? Buying a rack that is too small or that holds too few jars is inconvenient for cooking. Purchasing something too large is equally inconvenient and costs money you don’t need to spend. Moreover, not every spice needs to be stored in an easy-access rack. If garlic powder flows out of your kitchen quickly and regularly, it’s a good candidate for your spice rack. Fennel seeds that rarely get used, however, may be better off in a pantry.
Buying more jars
Perhaps, over time, those fennel seeds you rarely use will enjoy a surge in popularity. In that case, you may want to buy a jar for the seeds so they can be stored on your magnetic spice rack. You will need another jar.
It’s worthwhile to look ahead and predict how easy it would be to buy a single jar to match your collection. Some companies may not sell them individually, in which case you should determine the minimum number of jars you can purchase at a time. The answer may vary depending on whether you want a uniform set.
Expert Tip
When choosing a magnetic spice rack, be sure to purchase one with enough room to fit all of the spices you regularly use.
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Location
Determine how much space is available for your magnetic spice rack. You need a spot that is convenient but won’t be overwhelmed, especially if you decide to add more jars. If you end up with a space that is too small, you’re creating clutter in your kitchen. However, if you don’t find a space that is located close enough to where the cooking takes place, using spices will be just as tedious as it was before your magnetic spice rack arrived.
Size
Not all jars hold the same volume, and not every spice has the same density. Cayenne and onion powder may be closely packed, and a small jar will hold a decent amount. Coriander or cloves are larger, and the same jar size wouldn’t hold as much.
Also, keep in mind that not every spice has the same potency and frequency of use. Cumin and pepper are common, and you would likely be happy with a large jar. Mustard seeds may be less common in your cooking; in this case, you would probably want a smaller jar.
Fortunately, many companies offer the same type of jars in two or three sizes.
Aesthetics
If your magnetic spice rack is going to be out in the open, you’ll want to make sure it’s not an eyesore. Consider how the jars match or complement your kitchen aesthetic. If the rack is located behind a cabinet door or on the side of the fridge, however, this will matter much less.
Expert Tip
Cleaning a magnetic spice rack is a breeze. Simply rinse them with hot water and let them dry.
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Features
Labels
Some magnetic spice racks come with labels to keep everything in order. There are premade labels for popular and suggested spices as well as blank labels to add your own. Some companies offer both, while others do not include them at all.
Starter spices
For a higher price, some sets include a collection of starter spices. If you’re not sure where to start when it comes to cooking with spices, getting a helping hand may be the best way to go. If you already have your spices, though, it’s better to save money with an empty spice rack.
Wall plate
A wall plate, also called a wall mount, is essentially a large metal sheet that you can install in your kitchen, so your magnetic jars have something to cling to. These wall mounts are typically thin and can be a simple strip or a larger square or rectangle. Some have simple designs while others are more aesthetically pleasing. They may hold as few as four or five jars or as many as 24 jars.
Specialty lids
Whether or not you have the option to sprinkle or pour your spice directly from the jar may be a key factor. Some lids are designed so you can sprinkle your spices using one edge and shake them out using the other. Some jars have small holes on the side that open when the lid is turned. Meanwhile, some jars only allow spices to be poured after the lid has been removed.
Expert Tip
After cleaning, always completely dry your spice rack with a paper towel or kitchen towel.
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Magnetic spice rack prices
Most magnetic spice racks are similarly priced and follow the same rule: the more jars you buy at once, the less each jar costs. Big differences in price are mainly due to durability and longevity.
Inexpensive
Under $25, can get you a simple magnetic spice rack collection that has six to 12 jars. Some companies throw in a plate as well as labels to get you started.
Mid-range
For $25 to $50, you are likely getting similar jars, only more of them. In this middle range, you will likely get around 24 jars as well as a wall mount and labels.
Expensive
For magnetic spice racks that are aesthetically pleasing and designed for longevity, you could spend between $50 and $200. These racks may come with spices for your convenience. Glass jars are more expensive than tin, as they are more durable and help your spices last longer.
Tips
Analyze the spice space. Look at your refrigerator or the cabinets on your wall. Measure how far out the jars would come if they were mounted there. Keep in mind that opening and closing the doors could affect the jars. Would they get knocked off easily?
Make a spice matrix. List the spices you frequently use as well as any spices you would like to incorporate into your cooking. That’s a good indicator of how many jars should be in your magnetic spice rack to start.
Decide how well you will want the jars to seal. Airtight jars will help your spices last longer, but if you cook a lot, it’s unlikely you will get to the point where the spices in the jars go bad. Glass jars are more likely to be airtight than aluminum jars.
Mind spice size and shape. Not all spices are the same. Seeds, for example, may not work well with sprinkle lids; they may need to be poured. A spice like cayenne powder, however, can really destroy a meal if you accidentally pour instead of sprinkle.
FAQ
Q. Is it easy to clean spice jars?
A. Metal jars will not be airtight, so water will get in if you are trying to clean the outside while the spices are still on the inside. They will also need to be fully dried before replacing the spices to protect both the spice and the tin. Glass jars will be easier to clean, and they last longer through repeated cleanings.
Q. What are some essential starter spices?
A. Garlic powder, onion powder, and of course salt and pepper are key foundational spices that pretty much go (or can go) in everything. Cumin, oregano, cayenne, and turmeric are common and useful in significantly improving and diversifying most dishes.
Q. What are spice jars made of?
A. Aluminum and glass are common options, with the latter being more expensive. Glass is more airtight than aluminum. Aluminum is lighter than glass, and the magnet will likely be less powerful, as it doesn’t require as much strength to adhere.
