Pantry Countertop Ideas

Who couldn’t use a little drop spot in the pantry to set things down? A countertop in the pantry can aid with putting groceries away, provide a home to a small appliance, or even be big enough for a task center.

Every single example on this page has one thing in common: shallow countertops. In contrast to the standard 24″ full-depth of a kitchen counter, these skinny beauties are intended for drop centers.

Expect to find permanent homes for regularly used small appliances. Microwaves, air fryers, blenders, food processors, toasters, and slow cookers hang out here.

Everyone has a kitchen counter, but not everyone has a pantry countertop

If you have a counter in your pantry, or are thinking of one, you are in an exclusive club! Most pantries are dedicated to 100% shelving; few have the extra space to spare for countertops. The popularity of side pantry space and modern butler’s pantries have fueled the trend for adding pantry countertops into homes.

Since I also have an international audience, I’ll point out differences in vocabulary:

A countertop is defined as a raised, firm, flat, and horizontal surface used for food-related tasks in kitchens. “Countertop” is also known under the terms counter top, counter, benchtop, worktop (British English) or kitchen bench (Australian or New Zealand English), and bunker (Scottish English). -Wikipedia 

Get ready to transform your pantry into a more helpful storage and workspace with countertops!

Wooden pantry countertop

A wood counter in the pantry makes the room feel like less of a storage room, and instead, a mini workroom. This one has squeezed in a bake center with stand mixer and microwave.

This fine pantry is part display and part practical storage. The builder did a nice job transitioning from shelves to a flat surface area. Note the accent lights that shine down on the shelf contents.

Long and narrow pantry with countertop

This angle gives a good idea to how the pantry fits into the overall kitchen design. This narrow pantry with countertop does and amazing job – it’s a very practical asset to the kitchen!

Although it looks like only trays and platters would shuffle along this narrow counter, the ability to set something briefly down is invaluable.

Black pantry countertop and barn doors

Pantry counters are often not that deep, that’s what gives them a little extra charm – they have a special custom feel going on. This pantry with the barn doors is designed to compliment the main kitchen.

U-shaped pantry countertop ideas

A striking marble countertop adds an additional texture interest to this pantry. Pantry counters are very popular for small appliance storage space.

Photo by Hakwood – Search kitchen pictures

“Keep it simple!” I can hear the pantry owner’s directive. And simple it is. Just note that there will not be much storage in a pull-out drawer or cabinet of this depth.

Isn’t this u-shaped pantry dreamy? Not only is there plenty of exterior pantry windows, there is display glass to show off beautiful dishware, and a sliding glass pantry door to enclose and define the special space.

A tiny, but functional u-shaped pantry counter. Note the plentiful lighting for tasks and appliance countertop storage.

Kitchen pantry with countertop

Note the notched pantry countertop in this photo. There are no countertop rules when it comes to pantries. The narrower counter extends over a more shallow set of shelves, making it easier to retrieve items.

Another narrow pantry countertop, just wide enough for a mixer stand.

Beautiful wood counters compliment cream-colored pantry shelves. All of the baking ingredients are in arm’s length, in airtight containers.

Renee Matt
Renee Matt

Renee is an Iowa farmwife with a background as a former kitchen designer. Supporting the family farm with hearty meals has been key to Renee's pantry readiness. She uses her professional IT background and expertise to bring the Pantry Passion website to life. Read more about this farmwife on her about page.