Silverware trays are an indispensable way of keeping silverware or flatware organized in a drawer. Metal or plastic, wood or wire, these rectangular trays usually have sections allowing you to store knives in one section and spoons, and forks in other sections. Size and number of sections can vary. Some kitchen drawers have built in silverware trays that eliminate the need to purchase a separate one.
If you don’t happen to have built in silverware trays, measuring both the drawer you plan to use for silverware, and your actual silverware can help you select the best tray. Obviously you want silverware trays that will easily fit in drawers, and it can be a royal pain to have a silverware tray that is too small for your forks or spoons. Actually, allotted knife length is usually where people run afoul of silverware trays. Many knives in flatware sets are much longer than the space allowed in silverware trays. Measuring carefully can save headaches with knives that don’t fit properly in the tray.
You also may want to consider the different types of silverware trays. Plastic silverware trays often have the advantage of being washable in the dishwasher. Since no kitchen is immune to spills and messes, or the occasional scattering of crumbs, washable silverware trays are an asset.
You should also plan to think about how many sections you require. Typically, flatware sets have dinner forks, salad forks, knives, teaspoons and tablespoons. They may also come with serving spoons and forks. At minimum, if you have a typical flatware set, you should look for silverware trays with at least five sections.
Sometimes, real silver flatware does not require a tray if it is sold in wooden boxes. If you don’t plan to use your real silver often, boxes can make for a better storage option than silverware trays. They can also help keep the silver from oxidizing, as it typically does when stored in the open.
Silverware trays are not just for flatware. Many people use sectioned trays to organize bathroom drawers. For example, you can use a silverware tray to store toothbrushes, toothpaste, and other bathroom essentials. Silverware trays in this case provide easy access to needed bathroom items, while keeping them neatly stored in a drawer when not in use. Again, measure carefully, and look for trays with wider sections for bathroom items. Also, look for washable trays since toothpaste is known for its ability to get everywhere.
In price silverware trays will vary considerably. You can find cheap trays at dollar or discount stores, or more expensive trays at cooking and storage stores. Usually, size is a greater consideration than price, because whatever you plan to store should fit nicely and easily into the sections.
