21-04-2025
The StoveShelf is an under-$40 storage upgrade that every kitchen should have
I've lived in tiny New York City apartments for going on a decade now, and during that time, I've become somewhat of an expert on making use of every single square inch of storage space available to me. But the area above my stove was a spot I didn't even realize was eluding me — that is, until the StoveShelf came along. Now I wouldn't dream of leaving this precious kitchen real estate unutilized.
StoveShelf Magnetic Shelf for Kitchen Stove
Available in three sizes and three color options, the magnetic StoveShelf allows you to easily make use of an underutilized area of your kitchen. I grew up in suburbia with a nice, big kitchen, but I've never really had more than a foot of counter space and a handful of kitchen cabinets in my adult life. This poses a challenge not only when it comes to preparing food but also when it comes to storing the many, many tools that are necessary for cooking. Over the years, I've become pretty adept at keeping my cookware to a minimum — I pretty much exclusively use the Our Place Always Pan and Perfect Pot, which are pretty enough to double as decor atop my stove — and coming up with some creative kitchen organization solutions (I use this Ikea pegboard to hold all my kitchen utensils, for example, but that's a story for another day).
I didn't so much find the StoveShelf as the StoveShelf found me. It's been years, but if I recall, I heard about the StoveShelf by word of mouth (I know a few other CNN Underscored editors are also fans). Since I'm perpetually starved for storage space, I didn't think twice about implementing it in my kitchen.
Adding the StoveShelf to your own stove couldn't be easier. It's magnetic, so all you have to do is literally set the shelf on top of your stove — just be sure to test that the top of your stove is, in fact, magnetic with a fridge magnet before you buy. These aren't flimsy magnets either; it takes some effort to pull the shelf off the stove once it's stuck on, which is ideal, since I don't need to worry about the shelf becoming dislodged and falling into my food. Once I installed mine, I couldn't imagine my stove without a StoveShelf ever again.
Available in three different lengths (20, 24 and 30 inches) as well as three color options (stainless steel, black and white), there truly is a StoveShelf for every stove. It took me some time and trial and error to decide what exactly to use mine for (probably very obvious pro tip, but it's not the best place to display a candle), but here's where I eventually landed: My StoveShelf is the official home of my garlic keeper (here's a similar one to mine), measuring cup, egg poachers, salt and pepper shakers and butter crock, which I do one day hope to use but is actually more decor than anything else at the moment. Are these my most prized culinary possessions? Not necessarily, but I do reach for them fairly frequently (or at least like looking at them), and having them stored just above my stove works out to be quite convenient.
The biggest draw of the StoveShelf, though, is that it just makes sense. Why would you ever want to leave any storage space on the table? The answer: You wouldn't.
Is it safe to put a shelf above the stove?
Is it safe to put a shelf above the stove?
The StoveShelf is made from steel and is safe to place above your stove. However, you should be sure to only use the StoveShelf if your stove is compatible with the product, and you should only use it to store items that aren't sensitive to heat or could be at risk of falling onto your stove.
CNN Underscored has a team of skilled writers and editors who have many years of experience testing, researching and recommending products, and they ensure each article is carefully edited and products are properly vetted. We talk to top experts when applicable to make certain we are testing each product accurately, recommending only the best products and considering the pros and cons of each item. For this article, editorial director Chelsea Stone detailed her use of the StoveShelf, a product she has in her own very tiny kitchen.
