• Yakumi pans are a viral kitchen organization tool that’s exploded in popularity after being popularized online.
• Originally created by yakitori (chicken skewer) chefs, these stainless steel storage containers helped to organize and protect ingredients from spoiling in the heat of the kitchen.
• We found Yakumi pans that are machine washable, making them a great asset for home cooks.

Kitchen organization is incredibly important for efficiency and speed. However, the common conundrum is that tools to keep you organized are often ugly, and those that look great often don’t work that well. Thankfully, these small Japanese pans cater to both worlds. Known as Yakumi pans, the stainless steel containers feature removable inserts that create pockets for all your ingredients while you cook. Originally created by professional chefs, they are an invaluable tool for home cooks as well.

Organization is the biggest advantage of this clever storage solution. However, they’re much more than just a clever mise-en-place solution. Along with the inherent improvement in workflow, the make and model we linked below is also dishwasher safe. Last but not least, the pans can be used with warm or cold water to keep the contents fresh.

Created In The Kitchen

After some digging, I learned that these stainless-steel pans were crafted by yakitori chefs—Japanese grill masters—who were struggling to work in cramped kitchens. Along with the inherent stress, they had to keep common ingredients fresh and accessible, requiring constant trips to the fridge. This was incredibly inefficient and bogged down the kitchen during peak hours. And that’s where the genius of these Yakumi pans comes into play.

The removable stainless steel inserts solved the issue of heat spoiling ingredients and reduced the time lost running to the fridge to find them. Along with improving workflow, it also reduced temperature fluctuations in the fridge, extending the lifespan of many items inside. It really is a brilliantly simple idea that proved to be an absolute game-changer in the kitchen.

Shop Yakumi Pans on Amazon

More Kitchen Storage Gadgets We Recommend

Food Storage Containers

Ello Duraglass Glass Meal Prep Sets

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The Ello Duraglass food containers are the perfect size for meal prepping which I don’t do, but the size is ideal for storing and stacking. The glass is heavy-duty, easy to clean, and easy to grip thanks to the rubber. I have butter fingers and have dropped a bunch of all-glass containers in my day, but it’s a nonissue here. Plus, they come in a bunch of different colors for color coordinating fans.

-Danny Perez

Fun Egg Dispenser

Eggs are a super common breakfast ingredient, rich in protein and many essential vitamins. However, there’s no reason to waste a bunch of time opening the carton every time you need to snag a few eggs to cook. This little gadget from YouCopia offers a fun soda-dispenser-type action and saves a little time every morning.

Lazy Susan Organizer

LAMU Lazy Susan Turntable Organizer

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The lazy susan is a great tool for organizing any space. I personally use one inside my kitchen cabinets to make the most of the available space. It’s transformed my random spice cabinet from an indistinguishable mess to an actually usable area. Like many of the items on this list, it’s a massive time saver and makes it easier to find what I need.

These products are incredibly helpful for keeping an organized kitchen, but it’s important not to forget to tailor your space to your specific needs. Along with adding new bits and bobs, I regularly move things around to see what works best—and what doesn’t. Think about the items you use most often, and try to keep them as accessible as you can. It will take some time, but you’ll be amazed by how much easier cooking becomes when you can remove friction in the kitchen. Happy organizing.

Matt Crisara is a native Austinite who has an unbridled passion for cars and motorsports, both foreign and domestic. He was previously a contributing writer for Motor1 following internships at Circuit Of The Americas F1 Track and Speed City, an Austin radio broadcaster focused on the world of motor racing. He earned a bachelor’s degree from the University of Arizona School of Journalism, where he raced mountain bikes with the University Club Team. When he isn’t working, he enjoys sim-racing, FPV drones, and the great outdoors.