Choosing the Right Kitchen Drawer Units for Practical Everyday Use

Drawer Units are the Backbone of Most Modern Kitchens

​Whether you're working with a small galley kitchen or a spacious open-plan layout, kitchen drawer units offer easy access to everyday items and a neater way to organise your space.

This article looks in detail at different types of kitchen drawer units, how they fit into your kitchen layout, and what makes them more or less useful depending on your needs.

If you're planning or updating your kitchen, this guide will help you make better decisions based on function, not trends.

Article Outline

1. What are kitchen drawer units and how do they differ from standard cupboards?

2. Why use drawer cabinets instead of kitchen cupboards?

3. How deep drawers help with kitchen storage

4. What size kitchen drawer units do most people choose?

5. Are shallow drawers still useful?

6. Do soft-close drawer units matter?

7. What’s the best way to organise a multi drawer kitchen?

8. Can you get 600mm drawer units with pull-out baskets?

9. What kitchen drawer finish looks good but lasts?

10. Tips for fitting kitchen drawer units in compact kitchens

1. What are kitchen drawer units and how do they differ from standard cupboards?

A kitchen drawer unit is a base cabinet that comes with horizontal drawers instead of doors. Inside, they’re usually mounted on runners so drawers can pull out fully and hold a fair amount of weight. You’ll often find these units next to the oven or hob, making access to pans and utensils faster.

Unlike a traditional kitchen cupboard, where items get pushed to the back and forgotten, a drawer pulls out to reveal everything in one go. For people who want to avoid bending down to rummage through a low shelf, this is a much better setup.

Drawer units also make it easier to keep items grouped together – such as cutlery in shallow drawers and crockery or pots in deeper ones.

2. Why use drawer cabinets instead of kitchen cupboards?

Cupboards with doors have their place, especially wall units or tall larder options, but below the worktop, drawer cabinets often make more sense.

Here’s why:

• Drawers make better use of available space, especially in wider units.

• You don’t have to unpack the whole shelf to get to something at the back.

• Drawer organisers are easy to find and customise.

If you’ve ever tried to fit a pan set into a standard kitchen unit with a shelf, you’ll understand how awkward it can be. Drawer cabinets simplify that job, whether you're storing plates, food containers, or dry goods.

In most modern kitchens, you’ll now find at least one wide base unit with two or three deep drawers – often replacing two-door base units altogether.

3. How deep drawers help with kitchen storage

Deep drawers are ideal for bulky items. You can stack bowls, store small appliances, or use them for food containers without cramming everything in.

You’ll find that:

• One deep drawer can replace an entire shelf in a cupboard.

• Larger drawer units with 3-pan drawers are often more ergonomic.

• It’s easier to keep your kitchen storage tidy when you can see everything at once.

These drawers often come in 600mm wide options, though other widths are available. In a well-designed kitchen, placing these near your cooking area speeds everything up.

If you have a kitchen island, this is also a great place to include a deep drawer unit, giving easy access from both sides of your prep space.

4. What size kitchen drawer units do most people choose?

The most common base unit size for a drawer cabinet is 600mm wide. This width gives plenty of storage while still fitting neatly between appliances or other base units. It's wide enough to hold a full set of pans or dinner plates without overloading.

Other sizes include:

• 300mm or 400mm for tight spaces or filler areas

• 800mm or 1000mm for wide, multi drawer kitchen layouts

You’ll also want to think about the number of drawers per unit. A three-drawer setup with equal height drawers offers more versatility than one deep and two shallow drawers.

Drawer height matters. Some customers prefer two deep drawers for pots and pans, others like to include one shallow drawer for cutlery and utensils. The right combination depends on how you use your kitchen every day.

5. Are shallow drawers still useful?

Yes – but only when used for the right items. A shallow drawer at the top of a unit is great for storing:

• Cutlery

• Cooking utensils

• Tea towels or oven gloves

They work best when paired with deeper drawers below, in the same base unit. On their own, shallow drawers don’t offer much kitchen storage value. But used correctly, they help organise smaller items that would otherwise get lost in a larger space.

Many kitchens include a multi drawer base, which has two shallow drawers stacked above a deep one. This setup offers variety without wasting space.

6. Do soft-close drawer units matter?

Most modern kitchens now include soft-close mechanisms as standard, and for good reason. They:

• Stop drawers slamming shut

• Reduce wear and tear on the runners

• Keep your kitchen quieter and more pleasant to use

Soft-close is especially useful in households with children. Fingers are less likely to get caught, and the drawer closes smoothly every time.

Even with heavy use, a soft-close kitchen drawer will last longer than cheaper kitchen options. If you’re replacing units or buying new, check whether this is included or needs to be added.

7. What’s the best way to organise a multi drawer kitchen?

A drawer kitchen layout needs planning. It’s not just about how many units you have, but what goes in them and how easy they are to access.

Try grouping drawers by task:

• Cooking area: pans, lids, utensils

• Prep area: chopping boards, peelers, mixing bowls

• Serving area: cutlery, napkins, trivets

Use drawer dividers to split large drawers into sections. A wide 600mm drawer without an organiser will quickly become messy. Divider inserts can keep pans upright, separate baking tools, or section off snack items.

For dry food storage, consider pull-out wire baskets inside tall larder units, combined with regular drawer units lower down.

8. Can you get 600mm drawer units with pull-out baskets?

Yes. A 600mm drawer unit is wide enough to fit one or more pull-out wire baskets, offering an alternative to regular drawers. These baskets work well for vegetables, dry food, or cleaning products.

They allow air to circulate and are easier to clean than solid-bottom drawers. Some customers prefer them inside a door cabinet with hinges, while others want baskets on visible pull-out runners.

Pull-out storage is also useful in awkward corner areas or under worktops where a full-width drawer wouldn’t work. Just make sure your layout leaves enough clearance for the basket to open fully.

9. What kitchen drawer finish looks good but lasts?

Durability matters more than looks, but you don’t have to sacrifice one for the other. The most popular drawer finishes include:

• Matt: good at hiding fingerprints, available in light grey, graphite, and other neutral colours

• Gloss: adds a polished look but shows smudges easily

• Wood effect: adds warmth, often used in traditional or shaker kitchens

A light grey drawer unit remains one of the most popular choices in UK kitchens, balancing style with practicality. It fits with most worktops and flooring, and it doesn’t date quickly.

Whatever finish you choose, make sure the materials are resistant to steam, grease, and daily use. Cheap foil-wrapped drawers might peel over time, while better vinyl or lacquer finishes will hold up longer.

10. Tips for fitting kitchen drawer units in compact kitchens

In a compact kitchen, every unit counts. You’ll want to avoid wasted corners and awkward gaps. Here’s what helps:

• Use narrow 300mm or 400mm drawer units where space is tight

• Choose fewer but deeper drawers to reduce clutter

• Pick light colours like light grey to keep the room feeling open

• Opt for flat-packed or pre-assembled drawer units depending on how easy you want the fitting process

Look for base units with adjustable legs to deal with uneven floors. Also check whether the drawers allow full extension – this matters when reaching for items at the back.

Compact kitchens benefit from keeping everything below the worktop organised. Add shelves or baskets inside tall wall units or a narrow larder for overflow items. Just make sure the main items you use daily are in a drawer that’s easy to reach.

Summary: What to Remember When Choosing Kitchen Drawer Units

• Drawer units are more practical than cupboards for base storage.

• Deep drawers help with pans, plates, and crockery.

• The most common drawer unit size is 600mm wide.

• Shallow drawers are still useful for cutlery and utensils.

• Soft-close mechanisms are worth having.

• A mix of drawer depths creates a more functional kitchen.

• Use organisers and dividers to avoid clutter.

• Pull-out baskets are a good alternative in some layouts.

• Light grey and wood-effect finishes are both popular and hardwearing.

• Plan drawer placement carefully in compact kitchens.

Need help planning the layout of your kitchen drawer units? What’s your biggest frustration with your current kitchen storage?