Plan The Perfect Butler’s Pantry: Inspiration, Tips, and More
You may be planning to build a new house (or renovate your existing home) and are considering adding a butler’s pantry. You’ve found the right place if you are. We will answer your three most important questions: How much does it cost, is the investment worth it and what should I include?
Butler’s pantry was once considered a luxury, only reserved for the wealthy and famous. Open-plan living is on the rise and we are seeing more home builders offer them as standard. These are functional and versatile spaces, perfect for the new age. We need to use space more efficiently as homes are getting smaller.
What is a Butler’s Pantry?
A butler’s pantry’s main purpose is to hide unsightly kitchen appliances, dishes, and accessories. The butler’s pantry is an extension of the home kitchen. It provides additional space for food preparation and storage of cleaning/tidying up tools.
It was traditionally used by service staff for food preparation and dishwashing. The purpose of a butler pantry has not changed much since the 1800s. What’s the only difference? In 2020, we will need to wash our dishes!
Do I need a Butler’s Pantry in my new build/reno?
Butler’s pantries work best for large families or entertainers. These pantries are not always necessary in homes for singles, retirees, or apartments.
They provide additional counter and storage space for families (which is often missing in smaller homes). For entertainers, they are a great way to store large appliances that would otherwise not be included in the kitchen. In an entertainer’s butler pantry, you will find bar fridges and deep freezers as well as wine racks.
What Should You Include in Your Butler’s Pantry?
The butler’s pantry should always have a small prep area, a sink, and a place to store appliances on the counter. There should also be plenty of space for non-perishables. You may want to add a wine rack, dishwasher, wine fridge, bar refrigerator, or deep freezer depending on your tastes and intended uses.
Check out this curated list for a complete rundown of the essentials (and not so important):
Essential
- Sink
The butler’s pantries should always have a second sink. The most popular sinks are large farmhouse/utility ones, as they’re great for washing large pots and pans. I would recommend pairing a large kitchen sink with an extended tap to make dishwashing even easier. - Closed Storage
Butler’s pantries are prone to becoming cluttered, so it is important to have some closed storage. It’s not necessary to hide everything, but it is nice to have that option. - A door/cavity slide
Butler’s Pantries are attractive because they help keep your kitchen neat. If your pantry is in the same room as your kitchen or living space, you should include a cavity slider or door so that you can hide your mess. - Food Storage
Remember that the primary purpose of a pantry is to store non-perishables such as sauces and cans.
Non-Essential but nice to have
- Dishwasher
It’s best to install a dishwasher if you plan to clean up most of the mess in your butler’s pantry. It also eliminates the need for a dishwasher to be displayed in your kitchen, which is a bonus! - Wine rack/Bar fridge
Wine racks and bar fridges are ideal for entertaining. It can be difficult to find space for them in the kitchen or living area. The butler’s pantries are the ideal place! - Deep freezer
Let’s face it, deep freezers are ugly. Some families store their deep freezers in the garage. However, a butler’s pantry is much more convenient. It’s not visible from the main living area, but close enough to be useful. - Appliance cupboard (or a shelf, a bench, etc.). You can use it to store appliances like kettles and toasters. Make sure you have at least two power points and that it is easily accessible. More is better!
- Coffee Station
What could be better than a cupboard full of appliances? What’s better than a cupboard dedicated solely to tea and coffee? Coffee stations are a great place to keep all your tea bags, coffee grinds, blends, and mugs.
Butler’s Pantries: Types
Four common pantry designs are single-wall, galley-style, L-shaped, and U-shaped. It’s crucial to consider the shape and size of your pantry when planning a butler’s.
One-wall layouts and galleys are ideal for long, narrow walkways. The L-shaped and U-shaped configurations work best for larger, wider areas.
What is the ideal size of a butler’s pantry?
The size of a butler’s pantry should not be less than 1.5 x 2m (3m ), to allow for enough space for shelving and cabinetry. This size is ideal for a single-wall/one-wall configuration.
The depth of a traditional kitchen cabinet ranges from 600mm to 500mm. Shelving units, on the other hand, are usually smaller and can be between 300mm and 450mm. These are the most important dimensions when planning the layout of the butler’s kitchen.
What is the cost of Butler’s Pantry?
The average price of a butler’s pantry is $1,400, and prices can go up to $15,000 at the highest end. A butler’s kitchen added to an existing home will cost more than a brand-new one. You can do it relatively cheaply if you already have the space.
The price shown above does not include labor costs or structural costs, such as the installation of internal walls, concrete slabs, wiring, plumbing, and flooring.
Other Frequently Asked Questions
What is the difference between a Butler’s Pantry and a Walk-In Pantry?
The only difference between a butler’s pantry and a walk-in is that a butler’s pantry has additional space and appliances. The butler’s pantries are essentially a bigger version of the walk-in pantry. Both are used for storing dry goods. However, a butler’s pantry usually includes additional space for cooking and prepping.
How many power sockets do I need for my butler pantry?
The butler’s pantry must have power points. We recommend that you have at least two power points in your cabinet for appliances and one additional point per large appliance. These include but are not limited to fridges, bar fridges, coffee machines, and freezers.
You should always plan your butler’s pantry layout by considering where you will need electricity. You will have to decide this before you sign off on the master plans.
Does a butler’s pantry add value to your home?
Butlers’ pantries can be extremely useful in addition to providing extra space for your home. A butler’s pantry can be a selling point for the home to the right buyer. The additional space is likely to appeal to budding chefs, parents, and entertainers.