When a Walk In Pantry Makes Sense
A walk in pantry suits kitchens with spare floor area nearby, households that buy in bulk and cooks who want small appliances off the counter. In smaller homes, the same space often works harder as cabinets. The walk in pantry trades floor area for open, visible shelving.
Before cutting into a closet or hallway, compare it with cabinet pantries.
Space Needed for a Walk In Pantry
A pantry needs room to stand inside with shelves on at least one wall. Narrow pantries with shelves on one side work. Deeper rooms allow shelves on two or three walls. Measure the area and sketch it at scale before deciding.
Because a door takes wall space too, consider a pocket or barn style door.
Cabinet Pantries as an Alternative
Tall pullout cabinets can hold a surprising amount of food. They keep everything within reach of the work area. The article on kitchen storage design covers cabinet options.
- Cabinet pantries fit tight kitchens
- Walk in rooms suit bulk storage
- Butler pantries add counter space too
Shelving and Layout
Shallow shelves keep items visible. Deep shelves let cans hide behind each other. Many designers use deeper shelves low for bulk items and shallower shelves at eye level.
Also plan a landing counter for groceries if space allows.
Lighting and Power
A pantry without light becomes a dark closet. Add a fixture or motion sensor light. If small appliances will live there, add outlets so a coffee maker or mixer can run in place. New circuits usually need an electrical permit.
Ventilation and Heat
Pantries near garages or exterior walls can get hot in summer. Since heat affects some foods, consider insulation and airflow. The article on west facing rooms discusses heat gain on sunny walls.
Permits for Walk In Pantry Projects
Shelving alone is often exempt finish work in the City of Sacramento. However, moving or adding walls and new wiring can require permits.
Walk In Pantry Versus Bigger Cabinets
Space spent on a pantry room comes from somewhere else, often a closet, hall or corner of a garage. So compare the storage gained with the space lost. Because shelves in a room can line every wall, a small pantry may hold more than a run of cabinets.
However, cabinets keep items closer to the stove and sink. Then the decision depends on how often you reach for stored food while cooking.
Making the Call
Compare how much storage each option adds and what you lose in floor space. Then decide whether a walk in pantry serves your cooking habits. The article on small kitchen remodeling helps when space is tight.