Best Pull Out Larder Units for Kitchen Storage: 2025 Expert Review
DR Joinery
Expert Joiner & Kitchen Fitter
The traditional deep cupboard is the enemy of an organised kitchen. We've all been there—buying a third jar of mixed herbs because the first two are lost somewhere in the dark abyss at the back of the pantry. In York's Victorian galleys, where space is at a premium, efficient storage isn't just a luxury; it's a necessity.
A quality pull out larder unit changes everything. It brings the contents of the cupboard out to you, rather than you having to dive in with a torch. However, not all mechanisms are created equal. I've been called out to repair plenty of cheap wire racks that have bowed under the weight of tinned tomatoes or rusted due to poor plating.
In this review, I've selected three options I'm confident in: a budget-friendly retrofit drawer for existing cupboards, a premium comprehensive larder system with solid bases, and a wire-basket alternative that offers excellent airflow for vegetables.
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Specs vs. The Real World
The Spec: "Universal Fit / Easy Retrofit"
"Marketing suggests you can simply screw these into any cupboard in minutes."
In older UK properties, carcasses are rarely perfectly square. You often need to pack out the runners with ply shims to ensure the mechanism runs true. Also, always check hinge clearance—the drawer must clear the door hinges when extending.
The Spec: "Load Capacity"
"Claims of 20kg per basket suggest you can fill them with heavy jars."
The metal might hold 20kg, but your cabinet screws might not. When fully extended, the leverage on the fixings is immense. I always upgrade standard screws to longer, heavier-gauge fixings to ensure the unit doesn't rip out of the chipboard.
My Top 3 Recommendations
Three options to cover different needs and budgets
CASARIA® Pull Out Telescopic Kitchen Drawer | For 60cm Units
CASARIA
If you aren't looking to rip out your entire kitchen but want to upgrade a standard base unit, these single telescopic drawers are brilliant. They allow you to add 'pull-out' functionality to a standard 60cm cupboard without the cost of a full larder system.
The Good
- Extremely cost-effective way to upgrade a cupboard
- Versatile – can install multiple in one cupboard at varying heights
- Full extension runners (83cm total length) for good access
The Bad
- Does not include the door attachment (internal drawer only)
- Chrome plating requires care to prevent pitting in damp kitchens
Installer Tip:
Double-check your internal width. This fits a standard 60cm external width unit (approx 56cm internal), but if you have older bespoke cabinetry with thicker frames, measure twice. You may need to batten out the sides if your internal width is wider than 56.5cm.
Priced at £29.70 at the time of writing
Check Price on AmazonXEMQENER Heavy Duty Kitchen Pull Out Wire Baskets (Plate/Solid Base)
XEMQENER
This is a proper architectural ironmongery solution for a tall larder unit. The key difference here is the 'plate' style baskets—solid bottoms rather than open wire. This prevents small spice jars or bottles from toppling over or leaking onto the shelf below.
The Good
- Solid 'plate' bases offer better stability for small items
- Soft-close buffer prevents slamming (vital for heavy units)
- Height adjustable frame fits most standard tall housings
The Bad
- Installation is complex and requires precise levelling
- Significant investment compared to basic shelving
Installer Tip:
When installing the main spine, ensure it is perfectly plumb (vertical). If your cabinet is leaning slightly (common in old York properties), the runner mechanism will bind. Use packers behind the top bracket to get it absolutely square before loading the baskets.
Priced at £219.99 at the time of writing
Check Price on AmazonXEMQENER Heavy Duty Kitchen Pull Out Wire Baskets (Wire Base)
XEMQENER
Similar to the premium option but featuring traditional wire baskets rather than solid plates. This is the problem-solver for those storing root vegetables or linens where air circulation is crucial to prevent damp or spoilage.
The Good
- Wire design ensures excellent airflow (good for veg)
- Slightly more affordable than the solid plate version
- Allows visibility from underneath (easier to spot items on high shelves)
The Bad
- Small items can fall through the gaps
- Spills on top shelves will drip down to lower ones
Installer Tip:
Because these are wire baskets, they are lighter than the solid versions. This puts slightly less strain on the runners, making them a forgiving choice if your cabinet construction is older or slightly less robust.
Priced at £191.99 at the time of writing
Check Price on AmazonFrequently Asked Questions
My cupboard isn't a standard size, can I still use these?
Are pull out larders hard to install?
Do I need to reinforce the cabinet?
Wire baskets or solid bottoms - which is better?
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