A well-planned kitchen is not only about beautiful benchtops and stylish cabinet doors. The real difference is often inside the cupboards. If your pantry shelves are deep, crowded or difficult to reach, a pull out pantry can make everyday kitchen storage far easier.
Pull out pantry systems bring stored items forward on runners, so you can see and reach what you need without bending, stretching or unpacking half the cupboard. Whether you are renovating, upgrading a single cabinet or planning a more practical layout, the right system helps you create a cleaner, more organised and more functional kitchen.
In this guide we cover pull out pantry cabinet sizes, pantry drawers, the different system types, how to measure, DIY installation and practical ideas for Australian homes.
Quick Answer: What Is the Best Pull Out Pantry System for Australian Kitchens?
The best pull out pantry system depends on your cabinet size, kitchen layout and storage habits. Narrow cabinets suit slim pull-out towers, while wider base cabinets often work better with pantry drawers. For most Australian kitchens the key step is the same: measure the internal cabinet width, depth and height before choosing a system, since the usable space inside is roughly 40mm narrower than the external cabinet size.
Choose a full-height pull out pantry when you want complete access to a tall or deep cabinet. Choose pantry drawers when you prefer separate sliding levels for snacks, dry goods, containers and everyday food.
Pull Out Pantry Systems at a Glance
| Storage option | Best for | Common use |
| Slim pull-out tower | Narrow cabinets (300–400mm) | Spices, oils, sauces and jars |
| Tall pull-out pantry | Full-height pantry cabinets | Dry goods, packets, bottles and bulk storage |
| Pantry drawers | Base cabinets and lower cupboards | Snacks, containers, baking items and staples |
| Powder-coated steel drawers | Existing cabinets | Cabinet upgrades without a full renovation |
| Custom drawers | Unusual cabinet spaces | Tailored, made-to-measure storage |
What Is a Pull Out Pantry?
A pull out pantry is a kitchen storage system — usually a steel frame holding several adjustable baskets — that slides out of a cabinet towards you on full-extension runners. Instead of storing food on fixed shelves, the whole unit moves forward, so you can reach items from the front and both sides. It suits standard Australian cabinets from 300mm to 600mm wide.
The advantage comes from those full-extension runners. A fixed shelf really only lets you use the front portion comfortably; anything at the back gets pushed out of sight and forgotten. Full-extension runners bring the deepest corner of the cabinet all the way out to you, so every jar, packet and bottle is visible and within reach. That is why pull out pantries work so well in both small and large kitchens — they add usable storage without adding a single piece of furniture to the room.
Why Are Pull Out Pantry Systems Useful in Australian Kitchens?
Many Australian kitchens have cabinets that are deep, narrow or awkward to use. Standard shelves look simple, but they waste space because items at the back become hard to reach and easy to lose. A pull out pantry turns that hidden depth into accessible, easy-to-see storage, and makes the whole kitchen feel more organised because everything has a clear place.
Key benefits include:
- Easier access to food and kitchen essentials, with no bending or reaching
- Better use of narrow and deep cabinets you currently can’t fully reach
- Less clutter on benchtops and a neater everyday layout
- Improved visibility — open the door, pull out, and see your entire stock at once
- Soft-close runners on quality units, so a heavy pantry glides shut silently
- Strong load capacity — selected pull out pantry units are designed to carry substantial pantry loads, but always check the product specifications for the exact weight rating
For busy households the daily convenience adds up quickly. Instead of digging through crowded shelves, you pull the unit out and find what you need in seconds.
Pull Out Pantry vs Pantry Drawers: What Is the Difference?
A pull out pantry slides out as one complete unit and is ideal for tall or narrow cabinets where you want several storage levels in a single vertical system. Pantry drawers open individually and are better suited to base cabinets, letting you dedicate each drawer to a category such as snacks, breakfast items, baking supplies or containers.
| Feature | Pull out pantry | Pantry drawers |
| Movement | Whole unit slides out together | Each drawer slides out separately |
| Best location | Tall or narrow cabinets | Base cabinets and lower storage |
| Access style | Full pantry visible at once | Individual drawer access |
| Good for | Bottles, jars, dry goods and packets | Containers, snacks, packets and smaller items |
| Ideal user | Someone wanting complete pantry visibility | Someone wanting separate storage zones |
If you have a tall pantry cabinet, a pull-out tower is usually the better option. If you’re upgrading lower cabinets, pantry drawers are often more practical and more comfortable to use.
What Size Cabinet Do You Need for a Pull Out Pantry?
The right cabinet size depends on the system, and most units are made to suit specific widths — so guessing isn’t enough. A cabinet described as 300mm, 400mm, 500mm or 600mm wide has slightly less usable space inside, typically about 40mm less, once you account for the panels and runners. Always measure the actual internal space before you buy.
Measurements that matter:
- Internal cabinet width (the number that decides which unit fits)
- Internal cabinet depth — full-height towers generally need at least 500mm
- Internal cabinet height — full-height frames are adjustable, commonly across roughly 1600mm to 2300mm
- Door opening clearance so the unit can slide out fully
- Runner clearance and any hinges, fixed shelves or internal obstructions
Common Pull Out Pantry Cabinet Sizes
Here’s a general guide to how the standard Australian cabinet widths are typically used, with examples from our range.
| Cabinet size (external) | Best use | Suitable for | Example from our range |
| 300mm | Slim pantry storage | Spices, oils, jars, sauces, small packets | Hettich Suits 300 · Pull Out Pantry 295 |
| 400mm | Everyday pantry storage | Cans, packets, breakfast items, bottles | Hettich Suits 400 · Pull Out Pantry 395 |
| 500mm | Medium to large pantry storage | Containers, dry goods, family staples | Hettich Suits 500 |
| 520mm+ (drawers) | Wide base-cabinet conversions | Mixed storage in soft-close drawers | Pull Out Pantry 520 |
| 600mm | Larger pantry organisation | Bulkier items and mixed pantry storage | Hettich Suits 600 |
For smaller kitchens, a 300mm or 400mm pull-out tower is a smart way to use a narrow cabinet gap. For larger kitchens, wider pantry drawers or a tall system help create a more complete storage zone. You can see current sizes, finishes and prices in the pull out pantry range, all sized for Australian cabinetry.
Not sure which size fits your cabinet? Measure the internal width, depth and height first, then compare your measurements with the pull out pantry product specifications before ordering.
Types of Pull Out Pantry Systems
There are several ways to build pull-out storage. The best choice depends on your cabinet layout and how you use the kitchen.
- Tall pull-out pantry units
Designed for full-height cabinets, these hold four or five adjustable baskets in one vertical frame that mounts at the base and top for stability, with the pantry fixing to the door so it moves as one. The height adjusts to suit your cupboard. They’re ideal for dry goods, jars, packets and bottles — and they solve the classic problem of deep fixed shelves where items vanish at the back. The Hettich towers in our range use chrome baskets on a powder-coated steel frame and are made in Italy.
- Base-cabinet pull-out units
Installed in lower cabinets, these keep frequently used items close at hand — oils, sauces, spices and condiments beside the cooktop or prep area. Rather than one tall frame, they convert a section of a base cabinet into accessible sliding storage.
- Pantry drawers
A practical option if you prefer separate storage levels. Instead of pulling out an entire frame, you open only the drawer you need. Our powder-coated steel drawers come in matte white and black, in small, medium and large widths, with soft-close runners and a 5-year warranty — equally at home in a pantry, a kitchen base cabinet or a bathroom cupboard.
- Powder-coated steel pull-out drawers
A straightforward way to upgrade existing cabinets with sliding access, without redesigning the whole kitchen. Ideal if you want a simple, durable improvement and easier reach to everyday items.
- Custom-made drawers
When your cabinet space is unusual or standard sizes won’t give the best result, custom drawers create a tailored setup. Especially useful in older homes, renovated kitchens or cabinets with non-standard dimensions.
How to Measure Your Cabinet Before Buying
Correct measuring is the single most important step — a unit can look perfect online and still not fit. Measure the empty cabinet from the inside, not the outer face.
- Step 1: Measure the internal width
Measure from the inside left panel to the inside right panel. Remember this will be roughly 40mm less than the external cabinet width.
- Step 2: Measure the internal depth
Measure from the front inside edge to the back panel. For a tall tower, aim for at least 500mm so the baskets sit correctly on their runners.
- Step 3: Measure the internal height
For tall systems, height is critical. Measure from the cabinet floor to the underside of the top — full-height frames typically adjust across about 1600mm to 2300mm.
- Step 4: Check the door opening
The door must open wide enough for the unit to slide out smoothly. Hinges and door angle can steal a few crucial millimetres.
- Step 5: Look for obstructions
Check for fixed shelves, pipes, hinges, power points or internal panels — any of these reduce the usable space.
- Step 6: Compare with product specifications
Match your numbers to the product details before ordering, and check the weight limit and runner type too.
Pull Out Pantry Installation Guide
Many pull out pantry systems can be installed by a confident DIYer with basic tools, though installation time depends on the cabinet condition, the product type and your experience. The frame adjusts to your cabinet height, mounts at the base and top, and fixes to the door with a supplied bracket so it travels smoothly every time. Professional installation is available if you’d rather not do it yourself.
A general installation process:
- Empty and clean the cabinet, removing existing shelves if required
- Adjust the frame height to match your internal cabinet height
- Position the frame centrally and mark your fixing points
- Secure the base and top mounts, using a spirit level — a level frame is the whole game
- Fit the runners and slide the frame in, checking it glides freely with no rubbing
- Attach the baskets or drawers and set their heights for what you store
- Fix the door bracket so the door and pantry move together
- Test the full slide-out movement, adjust if needed, then load items evenly
The most important part is accuracy. If the runners aren’t level or the frame isn’t aligned, the pantry won’t glide as it should. Distribute heavier items across baskets rather than piling them in one to keep everything balanced.
What Can You Store in a Pull Out Pantry?
A pull out pantry suits a huge range of everyday items. The trick is to group similar products together so the space stays easy to manage.
Common items include:
- Pasta, rice and noodles
- Flour, sugar and baking ingredients
- Cereal and breakfast items
- Oils, sauces and vinegar
- Spices and herbs
- Cans and jars
- Snacks and lunchbox items
- Tea, coffee and drink supplies
- Food storage containers
Place heavier items on lower baskets and lighter items higher up — it’s easier to use and keeps the unit balanced. Keep household chemicals and cleaning products in a separate cabinet away from food rather than in your food pantry.
Pull Out Pantry Ideas for Small Kitchens
Small kitchens reward clever planning. A pull out pantry helps because it uses cabinet space vertically and removes the need for extra shelves or freestanding storage.
Practical ideas:
- Fit a slim 300mm pull-out tower into a narrow cabinet gap beside the oven or fridge
- Add pantry drawers to lower cabinets for effortless access
- Store tall bottles on lower baskets where there’s more height
- Keep everyday cooking items near the prep area
- Use clear containers so items are easy to identify at a glance
- Avoid overfilling so the unit keeps sliding smoothly
- Group items by meal type — breakfast, baking, snacks
If you’re improving a compact kitchen, it’s worth sorting your waste storage at the same time. A hidden bin frees up floor space and keeps the kitchen looking cleaner — the same space-saving thinking behind a narrow 300mm pantry applies to your bin, too. For ideas, read our guide to the best pull out bins for small kitchens.
Pull Out Pantry and Kitchen Bin Storage: A Complete Cabinet Setup
A well-organised kitchen isn’t only about food. Pantry systems, drawer organisers and concealed bins work together to make the whole space easier to use. Once your pantry is sorted, waste storage is often the next priority — a freestanding bin eats floor space and interrupts the look of the room, while a concealed bin keeps rubbish and recycling hidden inside a cabinet.
The Storage Online Shop offers a wide range of kitchen bins for different cabinet layouts, including pull-out, cupboard, door-mounted and under-sink options. If you’re unsure which hidden bin style suits your kitchen, this comparison of cupboard bins vs pull-out bins helps you choose based on cabinet space, household habits and layout — the same kind of decision you make when choosing a pantry configuration.
When pantry and bin storage are planned together, the kitchen becomes easier to clean, easier to organise and more practical day to day.
Common Pull Out Pantry Mistakes to Avoid
Most problems come from measuring the wrong thing or not thinking through storage needs before buying. Here’s what to watch for.
| Mistake | Why it can be a problem |
| Measuring only the cabinet door | The internal space is roughly 40mm smaller |
| Ignoring cabinet depth | The unit may not fit or slide fully |
| Forgetting hinges | Hinges can block the pull-out movement |
| Choosing the largest size only | Bigger isn’t always easier to use |
| Overloading one basket | Uneven weight affects the glide |
| Not checking clearances | The door may not open far enough |
| Mixing food and cleaning products | Less hygienic and harder to manage |
The best pull out pantry isn’t the biggest one — it’s the one that fits correctly, slides smoothly and suits how your household actually uses the kitchen.
How to Choose the Right Pull Out Pantry
Before deciding, think about how you use your kitchen every day. Ask yourself:
- Do I need storage for dry food, bottles or containers?
- Is my cabinet tall, narrow, deep or low?
- Do I want one full pull-out unit or separate pantry drawers?
- Will children or older family members need easy access?
- Do I need to store heavy items?
- Am I upgrading an existing cabinet or planning a new kitchen?
For a narrow cabinet, a slim pull-out tower is usually best. For a lower cabinet, pantry drawers are more comfortable. For a full pantry zone, a tall unit gives the most complete storage.
Are Pantry Drawers Better Than Fixed Shelves?
Pantry drawers are usually more convenient than fixed shelves because they bring the contents out to you instead of making you reach into the back of a deep cabinet. They’re especially useful in lower cabinets, where fixed shelves are uncomfortable to access — with a drawer, you see the full contents from above and grab what you need instantly. Fixed shelves still work for large, light items, but drawers win for smaller items that need sorting and regular access.
Why Shop with The Storage Online Shop?
When you’re upgrading the inside of your kitchen cabinets, it helps to buy from a specialist who knows Australian cabinetry — not a general marketplace. Here’s why Australian homeowners choose us for their pull out pantry and kitchen storage.
- Storage is all we do. We’re an Adelaide-based storage specialist, and cabinet organisation is our focus — from pull out pantries and pantry drawers to kitchen bins, drawer organisers, and bathroom, laundry and wardrobe systems. That means genuine product knowledge when you need help choosing the right fit.
- Sized for standard Australian cabinets. Our pantry range is built around the cabinet widths found in Australian kitchens — 300mm, 400mm, 500mm and 600mm — so you’re matching your unit to real local sizing, not guessing with imported specs.
- A real showroom and a real team. We’re not a faceless website. You can visit our Lonsdale, South Australia showroom, or call the team on (08) 8296 0044 for advice on measuring your cabinet and picking the right system before you buy.
- Quality hardware built to last. Our pantry systems use full-extension runners and soft-close mechanisms on durable powder-coated steel and chrome frames, with warranty support — check each product page for the specific warranty and specifications.
- Australia-wide delivery. We ship across Australia, with free shipping available on many orders over $200 to selected Australian postcodes. Please check the current shipping details at checkout, as some regions are excluded.
- Secure, flexible checkout. Shop with confidence using trusted, secure payment options, backed by a 30-day returns policy on eligible items (custom-made products excepted). If anything arrives damaged, let us know within 7 days and we’ll make it right.
Ready to upgrade your cabinet storage? Explore pull out pantry systems, pantry drawers and kitchen organisation solutions from The Storage Online Shop to find the right fit for your Australian kitchen.
FAQs About Pull Out Pantry Systems
What size cabinet do I need for a pull out pantry?
Most systems are made for specific widths such as 300mm, 400mm, 500mm or 600mm. The internal cabinet space is typically about 40mm less than the external width, so always measure the internal width, depth and height before buying.
Are pull out pantry systems good for small kitchens?
Yes. A slim 300mm or 400mm pull-out tower makes narrow, deep cabinets fully accessible and reduces clutter by keeping everything organised inside the cabinet — ideal for compact kitchens.
What is the difference between a pull out pantry and pantry drawers?
A pull out pantry slides out as one full unit and suits tall or narrow cabinets. Pantry drawers open individually and suit base cabinets, letting you dedicate each drawer to a category.
How much weight can a pull out pantry hold?
Weight capacity depends on the model. Some pull out pantry systems are designed for substantial pantry loads, but you should always check the product specifications for the exact weight rating before ordering. Spreading heavier items across multiple baskets keeps the unit balanced and the runners smooth.
Can I install a pull out pantry myself?
Many systems can be installed by a confident DIYer with basic tools. The frame adjusts to your cabinet height, mounts at the base and top, and fixes to the door with a supplied bracket. Installation time depends on the cabinet condition, product type and your experience, and professional installation is available if you prefer.
What can I store in pantry drawers?
Snacks, packets, jars, containers, breakfast items, baking supplies and everyday staples. Drawers are ideal for grouping items into clear storage zones.
Are pantry drawers better than standard shelves?
Often, yes — they slide out and let you see the full contents, which is a big help in deep or low cabinets where fixed shelves are hard to reach.
Should I choose a pull out pantry or a pull out bin first?
If you’re planning a full storage upgrade, consider both together. A pull out pantry improves food storage; a concealed bin improves waste storage. Planning them side by side creates a more organised cabinet layout.
Do you deliver pull out pantries Australia-wide?
Yes — we deliver across Australia. Free shipping is available on many orders over $200 to selected Australian postcodes, with some regions excluded, so please check the current shipping details at checkout before ordering.
Final Thoughts
A pull out pantry is one of the most practical upgrades you can make inside a kitchen cabinet — no renovation required. It turns deep, narrow or hard-to-reach space into storage that’s easy to see, access and organise.
The right choice comes down to your cabinet size, layout and daily habits. A slim tower suits a compact kitchen; pantry drawers suit lower cabinets and family-friendly storage. Whatever you choose, measure your internal dimensions carefully and match them to the product specs before you buy.
To complete your kitchen organisation, explore pull out pantry systems, pantry drawers, kitchen bins and other smart cabinet storage from The Storage Online Shop. With the right internal storage, your kitchen becomes cleaner, more accessible and easier to use every single day.
About The Storage Online Shop:
Founded in 1992 by an Adelaide cabinet maker, The Storage Online Shop helps Australians upgrade the kitchens they already have. From pull out pantries and drawers to kitchen bins and wardrobe systems, we supply quality storage from around the world and custom-make solutions locally in Adelaide. Visit our Lonsdale, SA showroom or call (08) 8296 0044 for help choosing the right fit.
