Pull Out Pantry vs Pantry Cupboard: Which Is Best for Your Kitchen?
Let’s be honest—when it comes to kitchen storage, most of us have faced the daily drama of overcrowded shelves, lost tins, and the dreaded avalanche when you reach for something at the back. The choice between a pull out pantry and a traditional pantry cupboard is more than just a design decision; it can change how your whole kitchen works, day in and day out.
If you’ve ever wondered whether a slide out pantry is worth it, or if you’re better off sticking with classic shelves, you’re in the right place. In this guide, we’ll walk you through a side-by-side comparison of both kitchen pantry cupboard types—covering the real pros, cons, and everything in between—to help you pick the perfect fit for your kitchen and cooking style.
At Ross’s Discount Home Centre, we know kitchens inside out. As Perth’s go-to for quality kitchen storage solutions, we’ve helped countless renovators and home cooks transform their pantry headaches into something genuinely practical (and yes, a little bit exciting). Ready to finally solve your storage dilemma? Let’s get into it.
What Is a Pull Out Pantry? What Is a Traditional Pantry?
Most kitchens need a storage hero, and the right pantry can make all the difference. Here’s what you need to know about the two main styles—so you can picture which works best for you.
Pull Out Panties
A pull out pantry—also known as a pull out larder—features clever shelves or wire baskets mounted on runners so the whole unit slides out. Think of it as a vertical drawer for your pantry staples. At Ross’s, our slide out pantries are all about quick access: no more forgotten tins at the back or stooping to reach awkward corners. They’re ideal for narrow kitchens or as a retrofit for anyone who loves to keep things organised.
Key features:
- Slide out shelves or baskets
- Full visibility and easy access to every item
- Compact, suits modern kitchens and renovations
- Pantry cupboard style, but everything pulls out
Traditional Panty Cupboards
A pantry cupboard sticks to the basics—fixed shelves, either in a tall cabinet or a walk-in space, with doors to hide away the chaos. You might have used one all your life. Great for bulk shopping and oversized items, these pantries can hold a lot, but items often get buried or lost at the back. They’re reliable and simple, but not always the most user-friendly if you want instant access to every jar or packet.
Key features:
- Fixed shelves, usually deep
- Bulk storage capacity
- Classic design—either freestanding or built-in
- May require extra organising to keep track of items
TL;DR: A pull out pantry cupboard puts everything at your fingertips, while a traditional pantry relies on big shelves for maximum storage. Which works best depends on your kitchen’s layout—and how you like to cook and store food.
Pull Out Pantry vs Traditional Pantry: Side-by-Side Feature Comparison
Choosing between a pantry with slide out drawers and a traditional pantry isn’t just about looks—it’s about how you want your kitchen to work, day in and day out. Below, we compare these two storage heroes across the factors that matter most to home cooks and renovators. Whether you love the idea of a sliding pantry with pull outs, or you’re loyal to classic, open shelving, this side-by-side will help you find your perfect fit.
| Feature | Pull Out Pantry | Traditional Pantry |
| Accessibility | Full access to all items—nothing hidden | Rear items harder to reach |
| Storage Efficiency | Maximises space, vertical storage | Depends on shelf layout |
| Organisation | Easier to categorise and separate | Can become cluttered |
| Cleaning | Shelves/baskets pull out for wipe-down | Must reach in to clean |
| Installation | Usually pre-assembled or easy DIY | Pre-assembled or built-in |
| Cost | Slightly higher for pull out systems | Basic shelves are cheaper |
| Flexibility | Modular, adjustable, can retrofit some cabinets | Fixed—harder to adjust |
| Best for | Busy cooks, small spaces, families | Traditionalists, large spaces |
TL;DR: If you want a kitchen that’s easy to organise and a breeze to keep tidy, a pull out pantry with sliding drawers is hard to beat. But if you prefer simple, open shelving and need loads of bulk storage, a traditional pantry might be your winner.
If you’re still weighing up which option would really make your day-to-day cooking easier, don’t worry—we’re just getting started. In the next section, we’ll break down pull out pantry pros and cons and traditional pantry pros and cons. Whether you’re planning a full renovation or just looking to upgrade your pantry cupboard storage, we’ll help you get clear on which features matter most for your home and lifestyle.
Pros & Cons: Pull Out Pantry vs Traditional Pantry
Every kitchen storage style comes with its own set of strengths and weaknesses. Before you choose between a roll out pantry and a traditional pantry, it pays to know what each does best—and where it might fall short.
Pull Out Pantry Advantages
A pull out pantry is all about making life easier in the kitchen. With sliding pantry shelves and pull out drawers, you can access everything at a glance—no more digging behind cans or stretching to reach the top shelf. This setup is brilliant for small or narrow kitchens, maximising every centimetre and helping you keep your pantry perfectly organised. You’ll find yourself wasting less food too, since nothing gets forgotten at the back. Families, busy cooks, and anyone with mobility issues will appreciate how effortless it is to reach every item. Plus, the clean, streamlined look of a pantry with pull outs means your kitchen always feels tidy—even after the kids raid the snacks!
TL;DR: Pull out pantries make organising, finding, and accessing your food effortless—especially in smaller or busier kitchens.
Pull Out Pantry Disadvantages
Of course, no solution is perfect. Pull out pantries do come with a slightly higher upfront cost compared to a basic pantry cupboard, as you’re paying for the smooth-running hardware and clever design. The moving parts mean you might need to tighten a screw or lubricate a runner every now and then—not a big deal, but something to keep in mind. Installation is straightforward, but getting it just right takes careful measurement. And while they work wonders in most kitchens, very wide or shallow spaces might not suit the standard pull out design, so always double-check your measurements before deciding.
TL;DR: Pull out pantries are super handy but do cost more upfront and require a little more attention to install.
Pantry Cupboard Advantages
The classic traditional pantry remains a favourite for many Aussie households. It’s a simple, familiar solution—perfect if you like open shelves, DIY setups, or have a bigger kitchen with room to spare. Cost-wise, traditional pantries are hard to beat, especially if you’re just after some straightforward storage. Bulk shoppers and large families also love the freedom to stack up big packs and tall bottles, or to adjust shelves to suit changing needs.
TL;DR: Traditional pantries are budget-friendly, easy to set up, and great for storing big or awkward items.
Pantry Cupboard Disadvantages
That said, traditional pantries can quickly become cluttered, especially if you’re not a naturally tidy person! Items get lost at the back, and deep shelves can be tricky to clean or organise. You’ll probably spend more time bending, stretching, and shuffling jars around just to find that can of tomatoes you know is in there somewhere. In smaller kitchens, they can also waste valuable space, and don’t offer the same instant access as a pantry with pull out shelves.
TL;DR: Traditional pantries can end up messy or inefficient—especially in tight kitchens or busy households.
Which Is Best For…? Real-Life Scenarios
Different kitchens, households, and cooking styles call for different solutions, so it’s worth thinking about how you’ll actually use your pantry day to day.
Busy Family Kitchens: Pull Out Pantry
If you’ve got a bustling household with kids, a pull out pantry cabinet can be a real game changer. Kitchen pantry pull out drawers make it easy for little ones (and busy adults) to see and grab what they need—whether it’s breakfast cereal, lunchbox snacks, or that last tin of baked beans. No more forgotten food shoved to the back, and you’ll spend less time hunting for lost items during the after-school rush.
Small Kitchens & Apartments: Pull Out Pantry
Space is tight in many Perth apartments, so every centimetre counts. Installing a narrow pull out pantry lets you take advantage of awkward corners or gaps between cabinets. These clever pantry pullouts make the most of vertical storage and help keep your benchtops clutter-free, even in the most compact kitchen layouts.
Entertainers & Home Cooks: Pantry Cupboard
Love to cook or host friends for dinner? A pantry with pull outs keeps everything from herbs and spices to specialty oils and baking supplies visible and within easy reach. You’ll be able to prep and plate up faster, and you won’t waste precious bench space sorting through deep shelves for your favourite ingredient.
Laundry & Utility Rooms: Pull Out Pantry
It’s not just kitchens that benefit from clever storage. Sliding pantry shelves or a pull out pantry cabinet can keep cleaning supplies, detergents, and small utility items tidy in the laundry. If you’re storing bulky linens, a traditional pantry with open shelving may suit better—but for everything else, pull out shelves make it a breeze to stay organised.
Not sure which is right for your kitchen or laundry? Ross’s Discount Home Centre has the full range on display, so you can compare pull out pantry racks and traditional pantries side by side—and get friendly, expert advice from our team.
Product Showcase: Ross’s Pull Out Pantry & Traditional Pantry
Choosing the right kitchen cabinets shouldn’t be a guessing game—and at Ross’s Discount Home Centre, you can see and compare both our premium pull out pantry cupboard and classic freestanding pantry cupboard, both in-store and online.
Pull Out Pantry Cupboard – 45cm
Our 45cm Pull Out Pantry is a genuine game changer for busy kitchens. With a high-gloss white finish and a choice of left or right hinge, it’s designed to slide seamlessly into any modern kitchen. The easy-glide chrome wire baskets pull out smoothly, giving you full access to everything inside—no more lost tins at the back. It comes pre-assembled, making DIY installation straightforward. All fixings and quality hardware are included, and the sturdy build is backed by a solid warranty for peace of mind. You’ll find it’s a perfect fit for both renovations and new kitchens, especially when you want a kitchen cabinet with pull out drawers to maximise space and keep everything in reach.
Traditional Pantry Cupboard – 45cm
Prefer the classic approach? Our 45cm Traditional Pantry Cupboard is a freestanding pantry cupboard that delivers reliable, no-fuss storage. Also finished in high-gloss white, with adjustable shelves and a left or right hinge to suit your layout, it’s easy to customise and works beautifully in both small and large kitchens. The robust build and quality fittings mean you get lasting value, with the flexibility to add extra storage baskets or bins as needed. Like our pull out model, it’s pre-assembled for fast, frustration-free installation.
Both models come with Ross’s signature blend of value pricing, trusted warranty, and Perth’s friendliest kitchen storage experts. Whether you’re all about a modern pull out pantry or prefer a tried-and-true freestanding pantry cupboard, you’ll find the perfect option in our kitchen cabinet range.
See our full selection in-store, call 1300 133 186 for expert advice, or browse online today.
For more on smart kitchen storage, check out Affordable Pantry Cupboards: Quality Without the Cost.
Conclusion
For most modern kitchens, nothing beats the convenience and organisation of a pull out pantry from Ross’s Discount Home Centre. These clever roll out pantry cupboards help you make the most of every inch, keep ingredients in easy reach, and banish the chaos of overcrowded shelves for good. Still, a traditional pantry remains a reliable option, especially for homes with plenty of space or those who prefer classic open shelving.
Ready to see the difference for yourself? Visit us at 57 James Street in Guildford to explore both pull out and traditional pantries on display, or browse our full range online. Our team’s always on hand to offer practical advice, expert tips, and help you choose the best kitchen storage solution for your Perth kitchen renovation.
