If you’ve always wished you could put that awkward space between your fridge and the wall to good use, here’s an awesome idea. All it takes is a few boards and some casters to create a handy slide-out pantry.
What You Need To Build a Hidden Pantry In The Kitchen:
- 2 pieces of 4-foot long, 6-inch wide boards
- 7 pieces of 2-foot long, 6-inch wide boards
- 4 ½-inch rods
- Wood glue
- Wood screws
- Drill
- Sandpaper or power sander
- 4 casters
- 4-foot x 2-foot pegboard or thin board for backing
Instructions For A Hidden Pantry Cabinet Project:
Measure between fridge and wall.
Lay out the frame using the two 4-foot boards as the sides, and a 2-foot board as the top. Drill them into place.
Add the first three shelves about 7 inches apart. Then space the rest according to your needs. We created a storage bin at the bottom by drilling a 2-foot board across the front. This base is great for larger items like grains and potatoes.
Flip the shelves upside down and attach the backing.
Add casters to the four corners of the bottom.
Cut rods to size, and glue them in front of each shelf to keep things in place.
Updated on May 7th 2025
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I have built several of these in various homes we’ve lived in. This project is worth the effort; however, your best bet is to use a measuring tape and draft your own plans before you begin.
The gaps between your Refrigerator and the wall may not be the same as the author’s. So, the “Bill of Materials” (What You’ll need) will vary based on YOUR specific kitchen. I have had gaps of 3 to 6 inches. The height and width of your pantry will vary as well.
The title of this was A “hidden” pantry. I honestly think it is in no way hidden. In the days & years to come having a truly ” hidden” pantry for food, water, & even more importantly guns & ammunition to protect your hidden food & water will become essential! Having an obvious handle on it completely gives it away so it in fact is not ” hidden” at all. As we get older people in the very near future are going to see older people more as victims & sheep with supplies to steal rather than old wolves & bulls who are prepared for the worst. Yhis should be the emphasis of articles like this directed to older folks.
I love the concept but I wouldn’t put it alongside a fridge which emits heat & thus shortens the life of your stored food.
There needs to be a “brake” or speed bump added to the floor. This will keep the unit from being pulled entirely out and falling over on someone. Horrors! That much weight in cans could do a body a terrible amount of harm.
Also, it would be good to combine this with the vertical can storage design, as space is wasted giving clearance to get cans and bottles off those shelves.
I thought this was going to be a truly “hidden” pantry. This is a fairly common addition to a minor kitchen remodel.
I like this, but if you’re building it for extra storage, why not make it go up to the very top of the fridge? That way you could’ve easily had 2 more shelves with not much extra material needed. Just saying. Otherwise, great idea!