Ask The Schmidts: Countertop Conundrum
Hello, and welcome to Ask The Schmidts, our new monthly blog feature that takes some of the real questions asked by real customers and and answers them with practical kitchen advice and product recommendations.
Dear Schmidt Brothers,
I don’t have a lot of overhead clearance on my kitchen counter. Is there a block set out there that will actually work for my low-hanging cabinets?
- Tight Quarters in Trenton
Dear Tight Quarters,
You are definitely not alone! Low-hanging upper cabinets are one of the most common kitchen layout challenges, but you don't have to give up on having a full, beautiful knife block display. The secret is looking for designs that change the pull-out angle or increase accessibility so you don't need a ton of vertical space to draw a blade.
Here are three clever, space-saving design solutions to keep your counter functional and stylish:
1. Go Slanted for Easy Angles
Slanted blocks allow you to draw knives out at an angle rather than pulling them straight up, drastically cutting down on the clearance required underneath cabinets. Excellent options include:
Highline 14-Piece Knife Block Set
Apollo 15-Piece Knife Block Set
Apollo 7-PIece Knife Block Set
Gridiron 7-Piece Knife Block Set
Gridiron 10-Piece Knife Block Set
Bonded Steel 10-Piece Knife Block Set
2. Opt for a Removable Front Panel
At first glance, these showcase-style blocks look traditional, but they feature a magnetized acrylic front panel that detaches effortlessly. That extra front-facing accessibility makes pulling out your go-to chef knife a breeze, even in tight spaces. Check out these sets:
Strata 7-Piece Knife Block Set
Fusion 7-Piece Knife Block Set
3. Swivel with Spinning Blocks
If you are really squeezed for space, a spinning block lets you rotate the set effortlessly to reach any knife without needing extra height above it. Fantastic choices include:
Forged Steel 12-Piece Giotto Knife Block Set
Jet Black 12-Piece Giotto Knife Block Set
With any of these designs, you can keep your counters looking sleek without constantly hitting the bottom of your cabinets while keeping the aesthetic you crave.
Have a question? We've got answers.
Submit your kitchen question to Schmidt brothers.
Leave a comment