Types of cutlery trays and rules for their selection

The correct organization of the kitchen involves the neat placement of all kitchen utensils on drawers and shelves. This not only saves room space, but also turns ordinary cooking into a fun process. Therefore, each housewife seeks to provide for the presence of special trays in the kitchen for various tableware. Such devices are available in different types, differ in functionality, design and price.

The cutlery tray is a small drawer, the design of which consists of separate sections designed to store a specific type of cutlery. Typically, these accessories have from 4 to 6 sections and differ in size, which allows them to be easily matched to the size of the kitchen drawer. The width of these devices can be from 30 to 90 cm, the height - from 15 to 30 cm, and the depth - from 40 to 60 cm.

For spacious kitchens equipped with spacious modules, usually purchased bunk trays.

Such an organizer for kitchen utensils has many advantages, the main one of which is ergonomics. Thanks to such a simple device, each hostess has the opportunity to reliably hide forks, spoons and other utensils from prying eyes, and when setting the table, you do not need to look for them, since they are always at hand.

In addition to storing and packaging kitchen "small things", these trays can cope with another important task - serve as a place for drying appliances... As for the minuses, there are none, with the exception of the high prices for certain models made of high quality materials.

Today, trays for kitchen appliances are presented on the market in a huge assortment and differ among themselves in many ways. So, depending on the design features, containers are divided into the following types.

• Direct... This is a traditional version, when a container for storing devices is placed in rectangular compartments of floor modules (cases and cabinets). To get a fork or a spoon, it is enough to open the sliding drawer "towards you".

• Corner. Such models are installed in a drawer located in trapezoidal or L-shaped cabinets - the inner corner compartment allows you to actively use the unused space of the kitchen. Often these trays have a special distributor for a specific type of cutlery and a knife holder. If the kitchen does not provide a separate place for the dryer, then it is recommended to put the trays in the drawers under the sink. In this case, a tray is installed under them to collect water.

• Carousel system... They can be installed in modules of various designs, but the best option is angular. The insert for the tray is attached to the side walls of the cabinet and slides out when you open it.

Since a drawer designed to accommodate a tray with cutlery usually consists of a body (without an upper wall), a front and a system of guides, it is important to pay attention to the type of furniture guides before buying a tray. There are lockers with telescopic (ball) and roller mechanisms.

As for telescopic mechanism, then it allows the drawer to be fully opened to accommodate large trays.

Containers for cutlery, depending on the purpose, are divided into the following types.

• Narrow and long. They are used to store spatulas, ladles and knives.
• Large... They are used to accommodate forks and spoons. There is also a double tray on sale, in which the compartments are placed in 2 tiers.
• Small. They are a compact insert in the drawer for placing dessert forks and teaspoons.

In addition, such trays differ from each other and the material of manufacture.

• Metal. Stainless steel products are characterized by a long service life. They are resistant to cleaning with detergents, they are not afraid of the negative effects of water. The only drawback of these devices is that the metal insert makes noise when unfolding or removing kitchen appliances.
• Wood... Natural solid wood accessories look chic and expensive. They are usually purchased for long-term storage of devices. A wooden tray is not suitable for daily use, since the array quickly absorbs moisture, deforms and undergoes the formation of fungus.
• Plastic. These accessories are in greatest demand among housewives. This is due to their low price, lightness of construction and high strength. Plastic containers are resistant to detergents, grease and moisture. They are most often produced with a lower plastic grate equipped with a drip tray.

In addition to the above options, you can also find on sale extravagant models of trays with original finishes in the form of velvet and velveteen. But they are not practical and are usually purchased for storing collectible items.

Also, trays can be solid (without ventilation holes) and lattice.

Despite the fact that the market is represented by a huge selection of trays for storing cutlery, housewives prefer only reliable manufacturers, whose products have received many positive reviews. The most popular models include the following.

• Telescopic box-tray made of wood from the German manufacturer Kesper. The product is made in an original style, its design provides for the possibility of increasing the width from 35 to 58 cm. For this, an additional compartment is installed. The kitchen appliance is made of beige painted wood. The weight of the tray is small and is 1.8 kg. The main advantage of the model is considered to be a convenient and spacious design, the disadvantage is that it is not suitable for storing wet devices.

• Telescopic pull-out tray with adjustable width - "Variety". The product is an original stand for appliances, which, if necessary, can be expanded and increased in width from 33 to 58 cm. The structure consists of 5 compartments, in expanded form - from 7. The accessory is made of natural material (bamboo), therefore it has a light appearance and chic design. The disadvantage of such a tray is a short service life.

• Multifunctional tray with folding tray Idea. Designed for compact placement of cutlery. The main design feature is that it is possible to remove an additional nozzle if necessary, making the tray more compact. The standard dimensions of the accessory are 31 cm in width, 7 cm in height and 40 cm in length. The plus of the model is low weight, minus is fragility, since it is made of plastic.

• Folding container from the domestic manufacturer "Mixi". This model has proven itself well due to the average price and high quality. The structure is made of high-quality plastic, its dimensions are: length - 40 cm, width - 30 cm and height - 7 cm. The advantages include the presence of additional cells, the disadvantages include a limited period of use.

• Blum modular tray. Unlike previous models, such an accessory can be assembled at personal discretion, depending on the type of cutlery. The design is equipped with convenient dividers and can be easily installed in boxes of any size. The product is made of transparent plastic, its width is 800 mm, height is 500 mm. The modular system is assembled from 4 parts of various lengths; for its stability, the manufacturer has provided rubber feet and a ribbed bottom. The disadvantage of this model is the small number of containers.

• DrawerStore modular organizer. It is assembled from separate parts, which allows you to change containers in places depending on the placement of certain devices. The structure consists of 4 spacious boxes, each of which has a height of 5 cm, the width and length can vary. The stability of the tray is given by rubber nozzles on the legs. Despite the convenient design, when buying such a model, you need to additionally purchase sections to accommodate large dining accessories.

• Classic wooden tray Ergobox. Allows you to ideally place all the necessary cutlery in a certain order. The product looks expensive and is durable, although it is not suitable for daily use. The frame of the structure is represented by solid ash, its thickness is 8 mm, the bottom is sheathed with MDF and additionally decorated with ash veneer on both sides. The tray has a width of 30 cm and a length of 45 cm. Due to the presence of a large number of compartments, the model is considered universal, but it is not resistant to the negative effects of detergents and is afraid of moisture, therefore it is best used for storing collection cutlery.

• Barredo wooden tray stand. The kitchen attribute is made of high quality wood (beech) and not only looks presentable, but also has excellent performance characteristics.The design consists of 8 compartments, which, if desired, can be equipped with special cells. In addition, the container can be easily supplemented with a holder insert for convenient sorting of kitchen utensils. The disadvantage of the product is its high cost.

• Robust metal organizer from Hettich... It is produced from a steel alloy, which makes the product "eternal". Austrian manufacturers also guarantee that this tray is corrosion resistant. In this container, not only the body is metal, but also all the boxes. The width of the structure does not exceed 47 cm, its length is 28 cm. The positive qualities of the model are a long service life and the ability to rearrange or remove the internal parts. Negative characteristics - high cost.

• Volpato metal tray. Provides an easy overview and quick access to the contents of kitchen drawers, allows you to keep the perfect order. Since the accessory is made of steel alloy, it has excellent performance characteristics. The container combines 12 different boxes, which are also made of metal. Their sizes can be set at personal discretion, most often housewives combine several boxes at the same time for forks and spoons. This product is easy to assemble and disassemble, which allows it to be transported and installed without any problems. The downside of the model is the high price.

• Comfortable plastic multifunctional Linus tray. Despite the fact that the product is made of transparent plastic, it is of high quality and stability due to the perforated bottom. In such a container, cutlery dries quickly and is conveniently placed. The structure can be installed both in modules (drawers) and on the countertop, since it looks aesthetically pleasing and original, emphasizes the design of the room. The structure has 5 sections, its dimensions are 27 cm wide and 34 cm long.

• Organizers made of plastic from the Italian manufacturer Volpato. They are in great demand among housewives, as they allow you to conveniently store kitchen utensils and look good in the interior of modern kitchens. The design of the trays is made in a restrained style. The structure is assembled from 6 gray trays, their width is 38 cm, length - 49 cm. Anyone can afford to purchase such a model, since it is inexpensive. The only negative is that the manufacturer didn't bother choosing a color palette.

• Perforated container Idea, providing quick drying and subsequent ventilation of devices. Thanks to the ventilation holes in the tray, the bottom receives good air circulation, and moisture does not stagnate in it. The construction weighs only 300 g, it consists of 5 small compartments and has the following dimensions: width - 4 cm, length - 45 cm. The minus of the model is low strength.

Blum Tandembox trays with compartment for large items. This device is made of durable plastic and is characterized by high German quality. The structure can be placed anywhere, it is especially well suited for installation in pull-out modules up to 50 cm deep. In addition to compartments for standard appliances, the tray has sections for larger kitchen utensils.

In addition to all of the above products, there are also designs of little-known manufacturers on sale, they are distinguished by their chic design, a huge choice of color palette, but they are often inferior in quality.

Before you buy such an important kitchen accessory as a cutlery tray, there are some indicators to consider.Since spoons, forks and other devices must be constantly kept sterile, clean and close at hand, you need to pay attention to the size of the structure, the number of sections and the presence of ventilation holes.

To avoid mistakes when buying a tray, experts recommend paying attention to the following criteria:

• conformity of the material from which the product is made to the interior of the kitchen;
• the container must be selected for the standard sizes of kitchen drawers, for this they must first be measured along the edges;
• the capacity of the product, the sections of the organizer should allow placing various types of devices (not only forks and spoons);
• material of manufacture - the period of use of the tray will depend on it (it is best to give preference to metal models).

To learn how to make a simple and convenient cutlery organizer yourself, see the video below.