Professional Guide

Best Pull Out Larder Storage for Kitchens: 2025 Expert Review

DR Joinery

Expert Joiner & Kitchen Fitter

Published 16 December 2025

If there is one complaint I hear constantly from homeowners in York, it is the frustration of 'dead space' in deep kitchen cupboards. You know the scenario: you buy a jar of spice, push it into the cupboard, and rediscover it three years past its sell-by date because it was hidden behind a bag of pasta.

A pull out larder or basket system changes how you use your kitchen. It brings the contents to you, rather than you having to crawl into the cupboard. However, the difference between a high-quality mechanism and a cheap wire rack is night and day. One glides effortlessly for years; the other starts to rattle and jam within weeks.

In this review, I've selected three distinct options that I've encountered on jobs: a budget-friendly drawer retrofit, a heavy-duty full-height larder system, and a clever solution for those awkward narrow gaps.

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Specs vs. The Real World

The Spec: "Universal Fit / 'one size fits all'"

The Theory

"Manufacturers claim these units slide straight into any standard 600mm or 400mm cabinet."

The Reality

Kitchen cabinets vary in wall thickness (15mm vs 18mm). You often need to 'pack out' the runners with timber shims to ensure the mechanism fits snugly and runs true, especially in older bespoke kitchens.

The Spec: "Load Capacity (e.g., 20kg)"

The Theory

"The runners can support a heavy load of tins and jars."

The Reality

The runners might hold the weight, but will your cabinet side panel? If you are fixing into old chipboard, heavy loads can rip the screws out. We always recommend using longer screws or reinforcing the cabinet sides.

My Top 3 Recommendations

Three options to cover different needs and budgets

CASARIA 2x Pull Out Telescopic Kitchen Drawer (60cm Units)

Budget Pick

CASARIA

This is a straightforward, no-nonsense upgrade for existing standard cupboards. If you don't want to replace your entire kitchen but want to stop kneeling on the floor to find a saucepan, these telescopic drawers are a cost-effective solution.

Price£47.55 (at time of writing)

Fit TypeInside 60cm cabinet (56cm internal width)

MaterialChrome-plated metal

Load Capacity20kg per drawer

The Good

Very affordable way to upgrade standard cabinets
Includes two drawers, doubling usable space
Chrome plating resists rust in humid kitchen environments

The Bad

Runners are functional but lack the 'soft close' feel of premium brands
Requires precise internal width (56cm) - measure carefully

Installer Tip:

Before screwing these in, check your cabinet door hinges to ensure the drawer won't hit them when extending. You may need to mount the runners slightly higher or lower to clear the hinge block. Use a spacer block during installation to keep them perfectly level.

Priced at £47.55 at the time of writing

Check Price on Amazon

XEMQENER Heavy Duty Kitchen Pull Out Wire Baskets (Tall Larder)

Quality Choice

XEMQENER

This is a serious piece of kit for a proper larder unit. Unlike simple drawers, this is a full-height spine system that connects to the cabinet door, pulling everything out in one go. It's built for heavy loads and features the soft-closing action that marks a high-quality kitchen.

Price£219.99 (at time of writing)

Cabinet WidthFor 400mm cabinets

Height SupportAdjustable 185cm - 215cm

FeaturesSoft close buffer, adjustable height

The Good

Excellent build quality with stainless steel baskets
Soft close mechanism prevents slamming - essential for heavy larders
Adjustable height frame fits various tall unit sizes

The Bad

Complex installation - not recommended for novice DIYers
Significant upfront cost compared to simple shelves

Installer Tip:

This unit transfers a lot of leverage to the cabinet. Ensure your tall cabinet is securely fixed to the wall at the top using L-brackets. If the cabinet can rock forward even slightly, the mechanism won't run smooth. The cabinet must be perfectly plumb.

Priced at £219.99 at the time of writing

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Dihl Pull Out Wire Basket For 150mm Wide Carcass

Problem Solver

Dihl

In many York kitchens, we end up with awkward narrow gaps to make the units fit the wall length. Rather than using a blanking panel, this 150mm pull-out turns dead space into useful storage for bottles, spices, or cleaning products.

Price£29.99 (at time of writing)

WidthFor 150mm base units

MaterialStainless steel / Silver finish

Configuration2 Tier Basket

The Good

Solving the 'dead space' problem brilliantly
Side mounting allows for flexibility (can mount left or right)
Durable stainless steel construction

The Bad

Narrow opening can make cleaning the bottom basket tricky
Limited to small items only

Installer Tip:

These narrow units can differ in side mounting depth (15mm vs 18mm carcasses). This unit is adjustable, but be prepared to use washers or a thin timber packer behind the runners to get the basket perfectly central in the opening so the front panel aligns with your other drawers.

Priced at £29.99 at the time of writing

Check Price on Amazon

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I retrofit pull out storage into my existing kitchen?

Absolutely. Most of the products reviewed here, especially the drawer inserts, are designed for retrofitting. You simply remove the existing shelf, open the door, and screw the runners into the side panels. However, full-height larder units usually require removing the door hinges and attaching the door directly to the mechanism, which is a bit more involved.

How do I measure my cupboard for a pull out larder?

This is where most mistakes happen. You need three measurements: the external cabinet width (usually standard sizes like 300, 400, 500, 600mm), the internal width (clearance between the sides), and the depth. Watch out for obstructions like gas pipes, water waste pipes, or protruding hinges at the back of the cupboard.

Are wire baskets or solid base drawers better?

Wire baskets (like the ones reviewed here) are excellent for visibility; you can see what is on the bottom shelf from above. They are great for packets, boxes, and vegetables. Solid base drawers are better if you plan to store small loose items that might fall through the wire gaps, or heavy pans that need a flat surface.

Why does my pull out larder rattle?

Rattling usually implies the unit isn't fitted square, or the fixings have worked loose. In older York properties with uneven floors, the cabinet might have twisted slightly over time. Check the runners with a spirit level and tighten all mounting screws. If it's a budget model without soft-close, adding small rubber buffers can dampen the noise.

Do I need a joiner to install these?

For simple drawer inserts (like the Casaria), a confident DIYer with a drill and level can manage. For the full-height integrated larder systems (like the XEMQENER), I strongly recommend professional installation. The door alignment and weight distribution need to be spot on, or you risk damaging your kitchen carcass.

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