• Islands
  • Pantry cabinets
  • Walls
  • Corner cabinets
  • Appliance panels

Sometimes these spaces are simply necessary because of the way cabinets and appliances fit together.

But instead of covering the gap with a stationary filler panel, a pull-out can turn it into useful storage.

That means the cabinet isn't really wasting space.

It's reclaiming space that would otherwise be difficult or impossible to use.

What Do You Actually Put in a Skinny Pull-Out Cabinet?

This is where these little cabinets become surprisingly useful.

Because they're narrow and often tall, they're perfect for items that don't need a lot of horizontal space.

Spices and Seasonings

This is probably one of the most popular uses.

A narrow pull-out can keep your spice jars arranged in rows where they're easy to see.

Instead of digging through a cabinet looking for paprika while something is bubbling on the stove, you simply pull the unit out.

There it is.

Everything in sight.

Cooking Oils and Vinegars

Tall bottles of olive oil, vegetable oil, vinegar, and specialty cooking oils can take up awkward amounts of room in regular cabinets.

A narrow pull-out gives them a dedicated home.

And because the shelves move toward you, you don't have to reach all the way into the back of a deep cabinet.

Cutting Boards

This is another excellent use.

Many narrow pull-outs can be fitted with vertical dividers that allow you to store:

  • Cutting boards
  • Baking sheets
  • Serving trays
  • Cooling racks
  • Pizza pans

Instead of stacking everything horizontally and pulling out five items just to reach the one underneath, you can keep them upright.

Much easier!

Baking Supplies

Depending on the width and configuration, a pull-out can also hold smaller baking essentials such as:

  • Rolling pins
  • Measuring cups
  • Measuring spoons
  • Decorating tools
  • Piping bags
  • Small baking accessories

It turns a previously forgotten gap into a little baking station.

What About Kitchen Towels?

Yes!

Some filler pull-outs can be customized with hooks or rails for towels.

That can be especially handy if the cabinet is positioned near the sink or dishwasher.

Instead of hanging towels from an appliance handle or leaving them on the counter, you can keep them tucked neatly away.

And when you need one?

Pull.

Grab.

Close.

Done.

Can You Store Cleaning Supplies in It?

You can, depending on the location and design.

A narrow pull-out near the sink can sometimes be useful for storing:

  • Dish towels
  • Sponges
  • Brushes
  • Cleaning cloths
  • Small cleaning tools

However, I'd be more cautious about storing cleaning chemicals in a narrow cabinet if it is easily accessible to children or pets.

As always, household cleaners should remain properly secured and stored according to their labels.

Why Pull-Out Storage Is Better Than a Regular Narrow Cabinet

Here's the problem with a traditional narrow cabinet:

Depth.

Imagine reaching into a cabinet that's only a few inches wide but several feet deep.

You could put things inside.

But finding them?

That's another story.

You might end up with a strange little black hole where bottles disappear into the back.

A pull-out solves that problem by bringing the contents toward you.

Instead of reaching into the cabinet…

the cabinet comes to you.

That's the whole genius of it.

Full-Extension Slides Make a Big Difference

Many quality pull-out cabinets use full-extension drawer slides.

That means the unit can extend far enough that you can see and reach most or all of the storage area.

This is especially useful in tall, narrow cabinets because otherwise the back portion can be difficult to access.

And if you've ever owned a deep kitchen cabinet, you already know the frustration.

You put something in the back.

You forget about it.

Six months later, you discover it hiding behind three other things.

A full-extension pull-out makes that much less likely.

The Best Part? You Don't Lose the Clean Look

One reason these cabinets are so popular is that they're surprisingly discreet.

When closed, the pull-out can look almost identical to the surrounding cabinetry.

The cabinet door matches the other doors.

The hardware matches.

The finish matches.

From across the kitchen, you might not even notice that it's there.

And then someone walks over, gives it a tug, and suddenly there's an entire storage system hiding inside.

It's one of those little design tricks that makes a kitchen feel much more thoughtfully planned.

Narrow Doesn't Mean Useless

I think that's the biggest lesson here.

We tend to think of storage in terms of big cabinets.

Large drawers.

Huge pantry shelves.

But some of the most useful storage can come from those tiny spaces we normally ignore.

A few inches here.

A few inches there.

And suddenly you've gained an entire dedicated storage area.

That can make a noticeable difference in a busy kitchen.

What Shouldn't You Store in One?

As useful as these cabinets are, they're not designed for everything.

Because they're narrow, you generally don't want to overload them with heavy or bulky objects.

Avoid cramming in:

  • Large pots
  • Heavy appliances
  • Oversized mixing bowls
  • Very tall containers that could tip
  • Anything that prevents the cabinet from closing properly

Always pay attention to the cabinet's weight capacity and the manufacturer's recommendations.

A pull-out works best when it's organized rather than overloaded.

Where Is the Best Place for a Filler Pull-Out?

The ideal location depends on what you want to store.

Beside the Stove

Perfect for spices, oils, and cooking ingredients.

Everything you need while cooking is close at hand.

Beside the Refrigerator

Great for condiments, bottles, snacks, or pantry items.

Near the Sink

Useful for towels, sponges, brushes, and other small kitchen necessities.

In a Kitchen Island

A narrow pull-out incorporated into an island can provide surprisingly convenient storage without taking up much visible space.

Is a Filler Pull-Out Worth the Cost?

If you're remodeling or designing a new kitchen, it can be.

The cost depends heavily on the cabinet construction, hardware, dimensions, and customization.

But the real question isn't simply:

“How much does the cabinet cost?”

It's:

“What would that space otherwise be worth?”

If the alternative is a completely unused gap covered by a fixed filler panel, converting it into functional storage can be a smart way to get more value from the same footprint.

It won't replace a pantry.

It won't magically create a giant storage area.

But it can give you a dedicated place for things that otherwise tend to clutter countertops and drawers.

What If My Kitchen Doesn't Have One?

Don't worry!

You don't necessarily need a custom kitchen remodel to create narrow storage.

Depending on your layout, there are standalone rolling carts, slim organizers, and other narrow storage solutions that can fit into small spaces.

Just be careful about placing anything between appliances where heat, ventilation, electrical connections, or manufacturer-required clearances could be affected.

Never block required appliance clearances just to squeeze in extra storage.

Why These Cabinets Are So Popular in Small Kitchens

Small kitchens have to work harder.

When you're short on cabinet space, every little area matters.

A narrow pull-out can provide storage without requiring a major change to the floor plan.

That's especially valuable in compact kitchens where adding another full-size cabinet simply isn't possible.

And because the storage is vertical, you're taking advantage of height rather than floor space.

That's smart design.

A Tiny Cabinet With a Surprisingly Big Job

So, is that skinny pull-out cabinet a waste of space?

Not at all.

It's actually designed to do the exact opposite.

It takes a narrow gap that might otherwise be unusable and turns it into dedicated storage.

Spices.

Oil bottles.

Cutting boards.

Baking trays.

Kitchen towels.

Small utensils.

Cleaning accessories.

The possibilities depend on the width and configuration, but the principle is the same:

Don't waste the gap. Use it.

And honestly, I love kitchen features like this.

They're not flashy.

They don't necessarily make a kitchen look dramatically different.

But they make everyday life just a little easier.

And isn't that what good kitchen design is supposed to do?

Frequently Asked Questions

What is a narrow kitchen pull-out cabinet called?

It's commonly called a filler pull-out, pull-out filler cabinet, narrow pull-out cabinet, or spice pull-out, depending on its size and intended use.

How narrow can a pull-out cabinet be?

The minimum practical width depends on the cabinet system and hardware. Very narrow units can be only a few inches wide, but the exact usable width depends on the construction and slide hardware.

What is the best use for a skinny pull-out cabinet?

Spices, oils, vinegars, cutting boards, baking sheets, trays, towels, and other narrow items are excellent choices.

Can I put pots and pans in a narrow pull-out?

You can if the cabinet is specifically designed and rated to support the weight, but bulky or heavy cookware usually isn't the best use of this type of storage.

Are pull-out cabinets expensive?

They can cost more than a simple stationary filler because they require specialized hardware and installation. However, they can add valuable storage to an otherwise unused space.

Can I add a pull-out to an existing kitchen?

Sometimes. It depends on the available space, cabinet construction, surrounding appliances, plumbing, electrical components, and how the existing cabinetry is built.

Are narrow pull-outs good for spices?

Absolutely.

A narrow pull-out located near the cooking area can be an excellent way to keep spices organized and easy to see.

Can a pull-out cabinet be installed beside a stove?

Potentially, but the exact placement must respect the stove manufacturer's required clearances and safety requirements.

The Little Kitchen Feature You May Have Been Ignoring

The next time you see one of these skinny cabinets, don't look at it and think:

“What a waste of space.”

Look at it and think:

“That's a tiny hidden pantry!”

Because that's essentially what it is.

It's proof that good kitchen design isn't always about making everything bigger.

Sometimes it's about making better use of what you already have.

A narrow gap that once served no purpose can become the perfect home for your spices.

A forgotten space beside the refrigerator can hold your oils.

A little sliver beside the sink can organize towels and cleaning tools.

And when everything is tucked away?

The kitchen still looks clean and uncluttered.

That's a pretty good use of a few inches.

Did You Have One of These in Your Kitchen?

Now I'm curious!

What do you use your narrow pull-out cabinet for?

Spices?

Oil and vinegar?

Cutting boards?

Something completely unexpected?

Leave a comment and share your best kitchen-storage idea.

And if you have one of these clever little cabinets in your own kitchen, share a photo on Pinterest. I'd love to see how other homeowners are making those tiny spaces work!

Because if there's one thing I've learned about kitchens, it's this:

There is almost always more storage hiding somewhere than you think.

Sometimes you just have to pull it out