A Novel Pantry

Sun (Auckland), Volume I, Issue 173, 12 October 1927, Page 9

A Novel Pantry

Some Original Ideas for Space and Labour Saving LESS attention than it deserves is given to the pantry in the planning of most homes, for, properly arranged, it can add considerably to the charm and labour-saving devices of the new house.

Very often, even in the modern home, with its many improvements, the pantry is built in the oid-fasbioned way—just a pokey little room with a few shelves and a tiny window or ventilator. Yet, even with an up-to-date kitchen, the pantry can be a decidedly helpful factor in the housewc-rk, if given the right thought. The ideal pantrv is that which acts also as a servery, built between kitchen and breakfast or dining-room, and forming a hands 7 place not only for kitchen ingredients but for crockery, cutlery, glassware, and so on. But, wherever it is placed in the lay-out of the kitchen, it should be well-lit, day and night, and well-ventilated. In the accompanying sketch is shown a corner of a model pantry which would be a delight to any . housewife. Running around the walls, at a convenient height—about three feet from the ground—is a table, on which dishes can be prepared. Above are glass-fronted cupboards, and below are drawers, varying in size. The object is to do away with the continual reaching for canisters, screwing off lids, putting them back, and lifting flour and sugar bins, tea caddies, and all the hundred and one things which can be much better

tucked away in drawers. With large drawers, near the ground, for things kept in fairly big quantities, such as flour and sugar, quite an amount of work is saved. Above these could be smaller drawers for smaller quantities—tea, coffee, raisins, sultanas. Then in the cupboards above the bench could be stacked the crockery, glassware and other utensils, all within easy reach. With a pantry arranged in this way, the greatest care must be taken, of course, to see that each separate ingredient is kept as it should be. The drawers should run smoothly, but must be very well fitted so that each bin is as compact as a canister, keeping the foodstuffs dry. For preference, of course, the fitting.* would be of metal, but where this is too costly, drawers could be of wood, well finished and enamelled. They should be made so that they can be taken out and cleaned as required. When wood is used, give two coats of white paint, and finish with a coat of white enamel. This will keep the woodwork fresh and hygienic and will make cleaning an easy matter. Such drawers are featured in many of the most up-to-date grocery stores, and mean speedy work and less labour, and if carried into the ordinary home should prove an original and helpful innovation.