Spice Racks: Measure These 4 Things Before You Buy
A spice rack holds jars on a narrow shelf or wire tier fixed to a wall, the inside of a cupboard door or the side of a cupboard. It only works if your jars fit its depth and rail, it fits the space, a door still closes, and it is fixed in a way that suits the surface. Use these checks before choosing one. This guide is a planning aid, not a compatibility guarantee.
Jump to the products to check against this list (affiliate links)
Download the original checklist image
1. Jar size
Measure the height and width of your jars and bottles, and count them. Compare them with the rack's depth and the height of its front rail. IKEA's BEKVÄM spice rack is 40 cm wide, 10 cm deep and 9 cm high; a wire rack we checked lists 290 x 60 x 60 mm, and an aluminium shelf shows a 13.5 cm depth "to store tall and fat bottles".
2. Wall space
Measure the clear wall width and height where the rack will go, between wall cupboards, sockets, switches and the window, and keep it away from the heat and steam of the hob. IKEA says BEKVÄM "clears work space on your worktop". Leave room above the top tier to lift jars out.
3. Door clearance
For the inside of a cupboard door, measure the door's flat inner panel and the gap between the closed door and the front of the shelves. The rack's depth plus your jars must fit that gap, and the hinge side needs room. A reviewer on IKEA's UK page said BEKVÄM "fitted easily on the inside of my kitchen cabinet doors"; the wire rack we checked is 60 mm deep.
4. Fixings
IKEA says of BEKVÄM: "Screws for wall mounting sold separately." A reviewer on IKEA's UK page wrote that the screw holes are small: "head should be maybe 7mm max". The AliExpress racks we checked offer screws or adhesive; one is "designed to screw or glue on". Adhesive needs a smooth, clean surface, full glass jars are heavy, and none of the three lists a load.
Before you order
Keep your tallest and widest jar, the number of jars, the clear wall space and, for a door, the gap to the shelves next to the rack's width, depth, rail height, fixings and load. After fitting, fill it, close the door if it is door-mounted, and check that nothing catches. If a figure is missing, ask the seller.
Products to check against this list
The links below are affiliate links. If you buy through one, we may earn a commission at no extra cost to you. Specifications are as listed by the seller on the date shown; we have not measured, tested or approved these products for your space.
- Wire spice rack for a wall or cupboard door, 29 cm, screw or adhesive. Seller-listed: Listing: 290 x 60 x 60 mm; carbon steel; 'designed to screw or glue on'; 'Two installation methods: hooks or screws'; for walls or inside cupboard doors; packs of 1, 2 or 4; jars not included. Load not listed. (checked 2026-09-29). View on AliExpress (affiliate link)
- Aluminium wall spice shelf with rail, 30 cm option, drill or no-drill. Seller-listed: Option shown: '30cm A'. Images: 'Width 13.5cm' shelf for 'tall and fat bottles'; rail underneath; screws for drilling, or 'adhesive putty - no drilling required'. Gunmetal space aluminium. Load not listed. (checked 2026-09-29). View on AliExpress (affiliate link)
Your fit worksheet
Use centimetres or inches consistently. These cells are intentionally unfilled: we have not measured your space or approved a product for it.
| Check | Your space or equipment | Product requirement | Status |
|---|---|---|---|
| Jar size | Record your measurement or observation | Confirm with the maker | Not checked |
| Wall space | Record your measurement or observation | Confirm with the maker | Not checked |
| Door clearance | Record your measurement or observation | Confirm with the maker | Not checked |
| Fixings | Record your measurement or observation | Confirm with the maker | Not checked |
Reference and evidence limits
Retailer example: IKEA BEKVÄM spice rack, Ireland listing.
The linked retailer page and its public customer feedback supplied research leads, not independent performance evidence. Comments can reflect individual experiences. We have not independently reproduced them or verified compatibility, stock, price, load limits or current numerical specifications. Check the product page and instructions for your market before buying. Source reviewed on 2026-09-29.