Every cook knows how challenging it can be to find what they need in a disorganized silverware drawer. With utensils interlocking and hiding behind one another, a messy drawer can bring your cooking to a screeching halt. Fortunately, a flatware caddy can help you stay organized and get your cooking back on track.
Lightweight, adaptable and available in multiple colors and finishes, the Royal Craft Luxury Bamboo Kitchen Drawer Organizer is the best flatware caddy for keeping your kitchen drawers tidy in style.
What to know before you buy a flatware caddy
Material
Flatware organizers keep kitchen drawers neat and utensils easily at hand. They are available in a wide variety of materials, including metal (like steel or aluminum), bamboo, plastic, wood, powder-coated metal and painted wood.
Some of these materials are more durable than others. Metal, for example, especially powder-coated metal, may outlast the drawer that it’s in. Which you choose depends on your own personal preference.
What utensils you’ll store
If you are looking for a flatware caddy that can simply store forks, knives and spoons, you’ll want a different organizer than if you’d also like to store serving utensils or other kitchen implements.
For larger kitchen implements, you’ll need wider or deeper sections to keep everything contained neatly, but silverware does not require excessively wide slots for storage.
Size
When it comes to flatware caddies, size matters. This is because they will be nestled inside a kitchen drawer, and it is important to make sure the caddy you choose will actually fit in the drawer.
Measure the length, width and height of the drawer that will hold the caddy and then add half an inch to each measurement. This gives your caddy a little wiggle room without allowing it to slide in the drawer.
And speaking of sliding, consider the weight of your flatware caddy as well. Lightweight caddies are good for drawers that are not substantial, but they tend to move around more.
Flatware caddy features
Adjustable
Because flatware isn’t always a standard size, the best flatware caddy will have adjustable sections. These adjustable sections can also help accommodate serving pieces that might not fit in a fixed-size flatware caddy.
Adjustable sections are also key if you plan to use your flatware caddy in more than one home. This flexible sizing means you can take it with you wherever you go — one less thing to worry about when you move.
Deep wells
Look for substantial, deep wells for flatware and kitchen utensils. This is the difference between an organizer that holds a service for six and one for 12. Not everyone needs 12 full place settings of silverware, but if you do, make sure you choose a flatware organizer that can handle it.
Easy to maintain
Unless you are storing precious heirloom silverware, your flatware organizer should be easy to maintain. Some of them can be popped in the dishwasher, while others wipe clean with a damp rag. They should not require an afternoon of polishing or scrubbing to maintain.
Sturdy construction
Consider this: There are few things in your home that every family member will use every single day. Your flatware caddy is one of those things.
Every day, multiple family members will reach in and out of drawers, sliding the caddy around the drawer and reaching in for silverware (and hopefully putting it back when they empty the dishwasher). The best flatware caddy is one that is made from high-quality materials that can stand up to daily rough use.
Flatware caddy cost
Getting organized on a budget? You can pick up a flatware caddy for less than $10. If you prefer something more substantial, expect to spend between $20 and $30.
Flatware caddy FAQ
Are flatware caddies dishwasher safe?
A. Some are. Check with the manufacturer for care instructions and to see if yours is dishwasher safe. If it’s not, most flatware organizers can be washed in warm water with mild detergent. Be sure to allow the caddy to dry completely before returning it to the drawer and refilling it.
Which material is best for flatware?
A. While many people with fine silver store their flatware in felt-lined wooden caddies, you don’t need to go that far for everyday use. Bamboo is a lightweight, durable, good-looking material that stands up to years of use. It’s easy to maintain and a good choice for everyday utensils and flatware.
Which flatware caddy should I get?
Best of the best flatware caddy
Royal Craft Luxury Bamboo Kitchen Drawer Organizer: available at Amazon
Our take: This adjustable flatware caddy expands and contracts to fit whatever you need to put in it.
What we like: It has nine slots for a variety of utensils. Adjustable sections mean that this caddy fits a variety of drawer sizes. The construction is sturdy, and it’s available in five colors or finishes.
What we dislike: Even adjusted to the largest size, some users found that large knives or utensils still did not fit.
Best bang for your buck flatware caddy
Rubbermaid No-Slip Silverware Tray Organizer: available at Amazon
Our take: When you need to get organized on a budget, this is a great option.
What we like: Made of durable, dark gray plastic, this caddy has five slots with two adjustable trays for a better fit. The bottom has a no-slip finish, and it works well in deep drawers. It’s easy to clean.
What we dislike: The sections are fairly shallow, and it’s not available in multiple colors.
Honorable mention flatware caddy
Honey-Can-Do Steel Mesh Expandable Drawer Organizer: available at Amazon
Our take: If your style tends to be more industrial, this is the best flatware caddy for you.
What we like: Steel mesh is the most durable material and can outlast many other flatware caddies. It expands to 20 inches and works best for small kitchens or those with less silverware to organize.
What we dislike: It is smaller than other flatware caddies, and it slides around in the drawer.
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Suzannah Kolbeck is a writer for BestReviews. BestReviews is a product review company with a singular mission: to help simplify your purchasing decisions and save you time and money.
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