Last Updated on March 14, 2024 by teamobn
Looking for some space-saving canned goods storage for your pantry? How about this easy DIY canned food dispenser? It’s an inexpensive project where you can use off-cuts and scrap wood from previous projects.
Aside from saving space or getting more space for a small pantry, a canned food dispenser also provides easy, hassle-free access to your canned goods. The labels are conveniently displayed, plus you don’t have to reach up or squat down to find what you need.
Canned foods often have a bad reputation but can be brilliant store-cupboard standbys. In the world of long-term food storage, they are one of the best options.
They are widely available, easy to store, have an extended shelf life, and are usually inexpensive. There is also a great variety of canned goods available, so you can always find something to suit your taste.
Not only are canned products convenient, but they require very little preparation and heating time.
If you have a small business and are using some canned ingredients, this is also recommended for you as it is a clever way to keep track of what needs to be replenished. Now doesn’t it make things a bit easier?
With very basic carpentry skills and just a couple of hours of your time, you can build one and get your pantry more organized with this canned food dispenser storage system.
Do you know someone else who will be interested in this DIY project? Don’t forget to share it! 🙂
Building a Canned Food Dispenser
Materials
- 1/2″ Plywood
- 1/4″ Plywood
- 1×2 and 1×3 Wood Planks
- Screws
- L Metal Brackets
- Wood Glue
Tools
- Saw
- Drill
Instructions
1. Measure and gather the materials.
2. You’ll be needing plywood, where we can screw the pieces of wood rows, and this will be attached to the wall.
3. Screw an L-bracket to the wedge piece, to make sure that the cans don’t fall.
4. Attach the base to the plywood as additional support. (optional)
5. Slice a few pieces of plywood with the same sizes, and screw these as rows for the cans.
6. Slice a few pieces of plywood for the front of the rack, and screw these with the rows as a stopper to avoid the cans from falling.
7. Make sure that the cans that we want to put on the canned food dispenser fit in each row.
8. Once assembled, we can mount the canned food dispenser to the wall.
Thanks to Amy and Toby for this great project. You can get the step-by-step instructions here…
On the other hand, if you are too busy, here is another way to keep your pantry organized: set up a premade canned food dispenser.
Are There Premade Canned Food Dispenser Options?
An organized kitchen pantry can make cooking and meal planning a breeze. And there are “prebuilt” canned food dispenser options you can use. There are many different types of canned food dispensers/organizers available for purchase.
Some are designed to fit specific pantry sizes, while others are more universal in design. Many organizers come with multiple shelves and compartments, making it easy to organize your canned goods by category. Modern designs include a tracker system that deals with expiration dates, dispensing your food from oldest to newest.
5 Easy-To-Install Canned Food Organizers
1. BEST CANNED FOOD ORGANIZER DESIGN: FIFO Can Tracker Organizer
The FIFO Can Tracker is a great way to save money and reduce food waste. By using the First In First Out model, you can be sure that your food is always fresh.
The tracker stores and rotates your canned goods on a First In First Out model, meaning the cans you’ve had longest are used first. This is perfect for preventing those pesky diced chili cans, soup cans, or standard vegetable cans from going bad before you’ve had a chance to use them. The tracker can hold up to 15 ounces of food, making it the perfect size for any kitchen.
PROS:
- This saves you money on expired food and waste
- It can accommodate up to 54 cans and can be easily linked with other units to increase storage capacity
- It is designed to fit onto existing shelves in your pantry or cabinet with dimensions of 12″ H x 16″ W x 16″ D
CON:
- Its assembly can be effortful without watching the instructional video
If you need a canned food dispenser, this is an excellent option. The best part is that there will be no can expiration dates to worry about. “Overall they are wonderful as far as organizing your canned goods are concerned, I think I’ll be able to keep them for many many years,” says a buyer.
This canned food dispenser must be assembled, but, there is also a YouTube instructional video that can help you ensure you understand the steps. “It was fairly easy to assemble,” writes a buyer. “However, this was because I watched youtube videos and I saw how an elderly gentleman did it. I used a wrench to turn the crossbar things and that helped a LOT…also a rubber mallet is your friend when assembling this.”
2. BEST LARGE CANNED FOOD DISPENSER: Simple Trending 5-Tier Canned Food Storage Dispenser
This canned food dispenser is perfect for those who have a lot of cans to store and need a reliable way to keep them organized. The five-layer can rack is a great storage option for those who need to store a large number of cans. This rack can store a variety of cans, giving you a lot of storage space.
This shelf has ten adjustable plastic dividers that allow you to store different sizes of cans and jars. You can easily find what you need and keep your kitchen organized by aligning and organizing these items.
PROS:
- This a real space saver which provides plenty of space to store canned goods
- It can hold up to 60 cans or jars of various sizes
- It is made of heavy-duty metal with bronze plating and has rubber pads to keep it from sliding or scratching surfaces
- It is simple to set up and comes with all the necessary tools for assembly
CON:
- Assembly can be also tricky but it is doable
If you’re looking for a great way to free up a significant amount of space in your pantry, this canned food dispenser is for you. “This is a great product,” says a buyer. “I purchased this item to free up space in my pantry. It’s very strong, built well, and holds about 60 cans depending on the can size. Very happy with this product.”
While the key is not to tighten all the screws until the end, once all the shelves are in place. “Pretty easy to put together as long as you don’t tighten all the screws till the end once all the shelves are in place,” explains a buyer.
3. BEST DECORATIVE CANNED FOOD DISPENSER: Auledio Stackable Beverage Can Dispenser Rack
It is an aesthetically pleasing option to add to your home. This incredible product not only organizes your cans but also adds a decorative touch to your kitchen. It maximizes available storage space and is an excellent addition to your countertop, refrigerator, or kitchen cabinet. Take one can and the others will automatically roll into place.
PROS:
- Its powder-coated finish makes it resistant to chipping and fading
- Its four rubber connectors allow it to be stacked up to multiple units
- It is perfect for both home and office use
CON:
- Take extra precautions when loading it to avoid accidents
It does what a buyer expects it to do. “Good purchase for the money,” she says. “I like that you can use them singly or double up.”
Although this product appears to be a little unstable when fully loaded, it also works as advertised once properly set up. “Doesn’t seem totally stable when fully loaded but once in place it works as advertised, ” writes a buyer.
This sleek and stylish canned food dispenser is perfect for any kitchen. It holds up to 10 cans and takes up minimal space on your table or countertop. This vertical can dispenser is a great way to organize and store your cans while providing a stylish look.
Whether you’re going for a country-chic look or something a little more rustic, this combination is sure to give your space the perfect finishing touch. This combo of black metal wire and burnt brown solid wood is ideal for adding a cottage touch to your home decor.
Its angled device and open design make it ideal for storing canned goods. The cans roll down the platform easily and are collected at the bottom of the storage rack.
PROS:
- It is perfect for use in your home kitchen or commercial setting and takes up a minimal countertop or table space
- Simply place your canned food into the organizer and it will do the rest
- Its overall look creates a warm and welcoming atmosphere in the room
CON:
- It can sell out quickly
It is extremely useful. According to a buyer, “They will keep my food storage fresh as it rotates automatically. Love this product.”
If you see it out of stock, check back frequently or sign up for notifications from the retailer so you don’t miss your chance to buy it. “They work perfectly in our pantry and are very sturdy. The only downside is that they appear to be no longer available. I would have loved a couple more.”
5. CANNED FOOD ORGANIZER AT THE BEST PRICE: Simple Trending 3-Tier Stackable Can Rack Organizer
This metal canned food dispenser is perfect for organizing your canned products. They come with four connectors, so you can stack multiple units to maximize your storage.
The adjustable plastic dividers are also the perfect solution for storing different-sized cans, jars, and beverage cans. They keep everything aligned and organized, so you can easily find what you need. Plus, they’re easy to adjust as your needs change.
PROS:
- Its stackable design is both stylish and functional
- It is perfect for small apartments or homes
- Durably constructed of sturdy metal and finished with a silver paint
CON:
- There are no extra dividers for sale
It is highly recommended to anyone looking for an easy and effective way to organize their canned foods. A buyer can attest to this from personal experience, “I ordered 2 and they worked so well I ordered 2 more. They have helped me get my canned goods organized and under control in my pantry.”
But the downside for some buyers is that extra dividers can’t be purchased separately. “I would have given this 5 stars if it came with more of the plastic dividers – or if they were at least available for separate purchase,” explains a buyer.
Pantry Organization Tips
A well-organized pantry simplifies meal preparation and helps maintain a clutter-free kitchen. For those with a canned food dispenser, integrating this handy tool into your pantry organization can elevate the functionality and efficiency of your space.
In this section, we’ll explore practical tips to harmonize your canned food dispenser with your overall pantry organization strategy, ensuring easy access and visibility of your canned goods.
Maximize Vertical Space
Use Height to Your Advantage: Position your canned food dispenser to maximize vertical space in your pantry. By doing so, you can store more items without compromising on accessibility. Ensure the dispenser is at eye level or slightly lower to easily see and grab what you need without stretching or bending too much.
Categorize Your Cans
Organize by Type: Group canned goods by type within the dispenser. For example, dedicate rows or sections to vegetables, fruits, soups, and sauces. This categorization makes finding what you’re looking for easier and helps with inventory management, ensuring you use what you have before purchasing more.
First In, First Out (FIFO)
Implement FIFO: A canned food dispenser naturally supports the FIFO method, using older items first. Regularly check and organize your cans to ensure the oldest items are placed in an accessible part of the dispenser. This reduces waste and ensures you’re consuming products at their peak quality.
Combine Storage Solutions
Integrate with Other Organizers: While the canned food dispenser is excellent for canned goods, complement it with baskets, bins, and shelves for other pantry staples. This creates a cohesive organization system where everything has its place, from spices and baking ingredients to snacks and non-canned items.
Label Everything
Clear Labeling: Label each section of your canned food dispenser and other storage containers. Labels can include the type of canned good, expiration dates, or even specific meal plans. This step is crucial for maintaining order and making it easy for all household members to find and put away items.
Maintain and Review
Regularly Declutter: Set a schedule to review and declutter your pantry and canned food dispenser. Remove expired items, donate what you won’t use, and reorganize as necessary to adapt to changing needs or preferences. This process ensures your pantry remains a functional and pleasant space.
Incorporating these pantry organization tips with your canned food dispenser streamlines your cooking process and contributes to a sustainable kitchen practice. An organized pantry saves time, reduces stress, and encourages a more enjoyable cooking experience. With a bit of planning and creativity, you can transform your pantry into an organized, functional space that serves your household’s needs perfectly.
Click on any image to start the lightbox display. Use your Esc key to close the lightbox. You can also view the images as a slideshow if you prefer 😎
Here’s a quick video tutorial on the canned food dispenser…
Pairing Your Dispenser with Pantry Management Apps
Integrating technology into our daily routines can significantly enhance efficiency and convenience in today’s tech-savvy world. Thankfully, you can find many apps that lets you organize your ingredients at home.
By pairing your canned food dispenser with pantry management apps, you can effortlessly track inventory, monitor expiration dates, and even plan meals around the canned goods you have on hand. This synergy maximizes the utility of your canned food dispenser and transforms your pantry management into a seamless, hassle-free experience.
Inventory Management at Your Fingertips
The primary benefit of coupling your canned food dispenser with a pantry management app is real-time inventory tracking. As you stock or remove cans from the dispenser, update your app to keep an accurate record of what’s available. Inventory tracking apps let you know if you still have enough tomato paste at home or if its time for you to visit your local grocery for spaghetti ingredients.
Expiration Date Alerts
One of the key advantages of canned foods is their long shelf life, but even they have expiration dates. By entering the expiry dates of your canned goods into a pantry management app, you can receive alerts for items that need to be consumed soon. This helps reduce waste and ensures that the canned food dispenser is stocked with fresh goods, optimizing your pantry space for long-term food storage.
Meal Planning and Recipe Suggestions
Imagine having a personal assistant who suggests recipes based on the contents of your canned food dispenser. Some pantry management apps offer this innovative feature, allowing you to select which canned goods you have available and then present you with various recipes that utilize those items. This can be a game-changer for meal planning, helping you to diversify your diet while making the most of the canned foods at your disposal.
Simplified Shopping Lists
Another significant advantage of integrating pantry management apps with your canned food dispenser is the automatic generation of shopping lists. Based on inventory levels and your meal plans, the app can compile a list of required canned goods and other ingredients. This ensures that your next shopping trip is efficient, focused, and tailored to replenishing the dispenser with everything you need for your upcoming meals.
Pairing your canned food dispenser with a pantry management app is smart for anyone looking to streamline their kitchen operations. It offers a practical solution to inventory management, reduces food waste through expiration date tracking, aids in meal planning with recipe suggestions, and simplifies grocery shopping with automated lists.
Conclusion
A canned food dispenser significantly enhances kitchen organization and efficiency, making accessing and managing canned goods easier. It supports the FIFO method, ensuring that older items are used first, thereby reducing waste. This tool is indispensable for anyone looking to maintain a clutter-free pantry and streamline their meal preparation process.
If you liked this project, you will also like to view these kitchen storage ideas…
