It’s been a sad week for fans of the Great British Bake Off as we gear up to bid adieu to judge Prue Leith, but you needn’t worry too much, as her show, ‘Prue Leith’s Cotswolds Kitchen’, offers us much more insight into her life and her kitchen.
However, the part that shocked us the most isn’t what you probably think. Prue’s utensil wall storage stole the show and has the Ideal Home team rethinking their utensil pots and drawers.
;We always knew Prue would have a gargantuan kitchenware collection, it would be more of a shock if her own kitchen wasn’t overrun with utensils. However, her choice of storage was shocking.
Most people opt for cutlery drawers with dividers to organise utensils, but her utensil wall forces these out into plain sight. Many kitchen experts advise keeping all of your unsightly kitchenware tucked firmly behind cupboards and drawers, so Prue’s stainless steel utensil wall is certainly controversial.
The benefit of Prue’s storage is that it helps to keep every utensil within reach, which is a game-changer if you’re an avid cook. But is it worth it?
While some might see Prue Leith’s utensil wall as cluttered, it acts as its own type of kitchen decor. Industrial kitchen designs became a big kitchen trend after The Bear showcased stainless steel cabinetry and worktops, and Prue’s stainless steel utensil shelves are a simple way to get the look.
‘Prue’s choice to mount her key tools visibly on a wall rack is a very chef-led approach to kitchen organisation. In a working kitchen, having the implements you reach for most often clearly visible and immediately accessible removes friction from the cooking process and reinforces an intuitive workflow,’ explains Richard Davonport, managing director at Davonport.
‘That is precisely why professional kitchens use magnetic strips, pegboards and hanging systems to keep things where the cook can see and grab them without interrupting concentration.’
Shop the look
Stainless Steel Hanging Rail With 12 Removable Hooks
This stainless steel hanging rack comes with 12 hooks for plenty of storage – you could even stack a few of these for a wall-look just like Prue’s.
Berglander Kitchen Utensils Set 38 Pieces
This 38 piece utensil set will be perfect for kitting out your utensil wall.
If stainless steel isn’t quite your jam then this brass rail offers a very chic solution.
There are some practical considerations to think about when it comes to this open storage, however. Richard continues, ‘Exposed storage like this places every item in a zone that is subject to dust, grease, and steam, which increases the cleaning burden compared with concealed storage.’
‘Wall storage works well for items you use often and that are easy to hang on hooks – ladles, sponges, tongs – but it is less effective for heavier or irregularly shaped implements,’ he adds.
I’m not sure this is a storage option that would work for me, as I prefer to keep smaller objects stored away. But if you’re an avid cook who wants easily accessible utensils or you prefer a maximalist look, it could be one to try.
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