The cabinet under the sink is one of the most annoying storage spaces in the house. It looks big when it is empty, but once you add plumbing pipes, a garbage disposal, shutoff valves, cleaning bottles, trash bags, sponges, and dishwasher pods, the space turns into a cluttered mess fast.
That is why under sink pull out drawers are such a useful upgrade. Instead of kneeling down to dig behind pipes, you slide the organizer forward to bring everything into reach.
The catch is that under sink cabinets are not like normal cabinets. You cannot just buy any pull out drawer and expect it to fit. You need to measure around plumbing, check door clearance, avoid the garbage disposal, and choose a design that works with the shape of your cabinet.
🔥 Quick Picks: Best Under Sink Pull Out Drawer Options
- Best Overall: Two-tier under sink pull out organizer
- Best for Tight Plumbing: Single-tier sliding basket
- Best Budget: Wire under cabinet pull out drawer
- Best for Bathrooms: Narrow plastic pull out drawers
- Best for Heavy Bottles: Heavy-duty metal slide out shelf
- Best No-Drill Option: Freestanding under sink drawer organizer
Why Under Sink Cabinets Are So Hard to Organize
Under sink cabinets are awkward because the storage area is interrupted by plumbing. In a kitchen, you may have a drain pipe, P-trap, garbage disposal, dishwasher hose, water lines, and shutoff valves. In a bathroom, the space is usually smaller and the sink bowl may hang down into the cabinet.
That means a normal cabinet shelf or storage bin does not always work. Items get pushed into the back, bottles tip over, and you forget what you already own.
A pull out drawer solves the access problem. The drawer slides forward, so even items in the back become easy to reach.
- Better access: Cleaning sprays, sponges, and soap bottles slide forward instead of getting buried.
- Less clutter: You can separate dish supplies, bathroom products, trash bags, and cleaners.
- Easier cleaning: Pull out drawers make it easier to notice leaks, spills, and dust.
- Better use of vertical space: Two-tier organizers can double usable storage if plumbing allows.
- Less bending and reaching: You do not have to crawl into the cabinet to grab one bottle.
For a broader kitchen cabinet storage upgrade, see our main guide to pull out drawers for cabinets.
Best Types of Under Sink Pull Out Drawers
| Type | Best For | Pros | Cons |
|---|---|---|---|
| Two-Tier Pull Out Organizer | Tall sink cabinets with clear plumbing space | Uses vertical space, holds more items | May hit pipes or garbage disposal |
| Single-Tier Sliding Basket | Tight plumbing and low-clearance cabinets | Simple, easier to fit, fewer clearance problems | Less vertical storage |
| Wire Pull Out Drawer | Cleaning supplies, spray bottles, dish soap | Affordable, sturdy, easy to clean | Small items can tip or fall through gaps |
| Plastic Pull Out Drawer | Bathroom toiletries and light supplies | Lightweight, rust-resistant, inexpensive | Not ideal for heavy bottles |
| No-Drill Freestanding Organizer | Renters and temporary storage | No screws, movable, easy setup | Less stable than mounted drawers |
1. Two-Tier Under Sink Pull Out Organizer
A two-tier organizer is usually the best choice when you have enough vertical clearance. It gives you two sliding levels, which is perfect for separating tall bottles from smaller items like sponges, scrub pads, dishwasher pods, and trash bags.
The key is plumbing clearance. Before buying, check whether the upper tier will hit the drain pipe, garbage disposal, or sink bowl.
Best for: Kitchen sink cabinets with enough height and open space on one side of the plumbing.
- Pros: Excellent storage capacity, uses vertical space, good for daily-use supplies.
- Cons: Not all plumbing layouts can fit two tiers.
2. Single-Tier Sliding Basket
A single-tier sliding basket is the safest choice for awkward plumbing. It sits low in the cabinet and slides forward without trying to use the upper space around pipes.
This is the type I would choose first if there is a garbage disposal, low sink bowl, or complicated plumbing under the sink.
Best for: Tight sink cabinets, garbage disposal cabinets, bathroom vanities, and low-clearance spaces.
- Pros: Easier to fit, easier to install, fewer plumbing conflicts.
- Cons: Less storage than a two-tier organizer.
3. Wire Under Cabinet Pull Out Drawer
Wire pull out drawers are popular because they are affordable, strong enough for most cleaning supplies, and easy to wipe down. They also allow airflow, which is useful under a sink where moisture can be an issue.
The downside is that small items can tip or fall through the wire spacing. If you store small packets or scrub pads, add a small bin or liner inside the basket.
Best for: Spray bottles, dish soap, cleaning supplies, trash bags, dishwasher pods, and general under sink storage.
4. Plastic Pull Out Drawers for Bathroom Sinks
Plastic pull out drawers are useful in bathrooms because they resist moisture and work well for lighter items. They are good for toiletries, hair products, extra soap, makeup, cotton swabs, razors, and small towels.
I would not use lightweight plastic drawers for heavy cleaning bottles or bulk supplies, but they are great for bathroom vanities and rental-friendly organization.
Best for: Bathroom vanities, toiletries, makeup, hair products, and light storage.
5. No-Drill Under Sink Pull Out Organizer
A no-drill organizer is a good option if you rent or do not want to screw into the cabinet base. These usually sit on the cabinet floor and slide forward with a basket, drawer, or tray.
They are easy to install, but they are usually less stable than mounted pull out drawers. If you load them heavily, they may shift when pulled.
Best for: Renters, apartments, dorms, temporary storage, and anyone avoiding permanent installation.
How to Measure for Under Sink Pull Out Drawers
Measuring under the sink is different from measuring a normal cabinet. You have to measure the open storage space around the plumbing, not just the cabinet box.
- Measure cabinet opening width: Measure the clear opening between doors, hinges, and face frames.
- Measure cabinet depth: Check from the front opening to the back wall.
- Measure usable height: Include the sink bowl, drain pipe, and garbage disposal in your clearance check.
- Map the plumbing: Note where the P-trap, water lines, shutoff valves, disposal, and hoses sit.
- Check door hinge clearance: Hinges may block the drawer from sliding out.
- Check slide path: Pretend the drawer is open and make sure nothing blocks it.
- Choose left or right side: Many under sink organizers fit better on one side of the plumbing.
Before buying, place a cardboard box or tape outline inside the cabinet to mimic the organizer size. Slide it forward by hand to see whether it clears pipes, hinges, and door frames.
Kitchen vs Bathroom Under Sink Drawers
Kitchen and bathroom sink cabinets look similar, but they store different items and often need different organizers.
| Location | Best Organizer | Best Storage Items |
|---|---|---|
| Kitchen Sink | Metal or wire pull out drawer | Dish soap, sprays, dishwasher pods, sponges, trash bags |
| Bathroom Sink | Plastic or narrow pull out drawer | Toiletries, hair products, razors, extra soap, makeup |
What to Store in Under Sink Pull Out Drawers
Under sink drawers work best when each drawer has a clear purpose. Do not mix everything together or the drawer becomes another junk zone.
Kitchen Under Sink Storage Ideas
- Dish soap
- Dishwasher pods
- Sponges and scrub brushes
- Cleaning sprays
- Trash bags
- Microfiber cloths
- Gloves
- Extra hand soap
- Sink stoppers and small cleaning tools
Bathroom Under Sink Storage Ideas
- Hair products
- Toiletries
- Razors
- Extra toothpaste
- Soap refills
- Cotton swabs and cotton pads
- Small towels
- Makeup bags
- Bathroom cleaning supplies
How to Install Under Sink Pull Out Drawers
Most under sink pull out drawers are fairly easy to install if the plumbing clearance works. The key is test-fitting before drilling.
- Empty the cabinet: Remove everything and wipe the cabinet floor.
- Check for leaks: Look for water stains, dampness, soft cabinet floor, or dripping pipes before installing anything.
- Measure clearance: Confirm width, depth, height, hinge clearance, and plumbing location.
- Test fit the organizer: Place it inside the cabinet and slide it forward.
- Mark screw holes: Make sure the organizer is straight and does not hit pipes.
- Pre-drill holes: Use shallow pilot holes and avoid drilling through the cabinet floor.
- Attach the slide frame: Secure the organizer according to the instructions.
- Install the drawer or basket: Set it onto the rails and test movement.
- Load gradually: Add bottles slowly and check for tipping, rubbing, or movement.
Never install an organizer over an active leak or soft cabinet floor. Fix plumbing leaks and dry the cabinet completely before adding pull out drawers.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
1. Forgetting the Garbage Disposal
A two-tier organizer may look perfect online but hit the disposal in real life. Always measure around the disposal first.
2. Ignoring the P-Trap
The drain pipe and P-trap often sit exactly where the top shelf wants to go. Check height and side clearance carefully.
3. Blocking Shutoff Valves
You still need access to water shutoff valves. Do not install an organizer that traps them behind a drawer.
4. Buying Too Wide
Cabinet hinges and face frames reduce usable width. A drawer that fits inside the cabinet may still fail to slide through the opening.
5. Overloading the Drawer
Cleaning bottles are heavier than they look. Check the weight rating, especially for plastic or no-drill organizers.
6. Mixing Chemicals Carelessly
Keep cleaning products upright and separated. Avoid storing products in a way that could spill, leak, or react with each other.
7. Skipping a Waterproof Mat
A waterproof cabinet liner under the organizer can help protect the cabinet floor from small drips and spills.
Are Under Sink Pull Out Drawers Worth It?
Yes, under sink pull out drawers are worth it if you struggle to reach items in the back of the cabinet. They are especially useful in kitchens where cleaning supplies, sponges, and dishwasher pods get used every day.
They are also worth it in bathroom vanities, especially small bathrooms where every inch of storage matters.
The only time I would skip them is when the plumbing layout is too crowded. In that case, small removable bins may work better than a fixed sliding organizer.
Final Verdict: What Is the Best Under Sink Pull Out Drawer?
For most kitchen cabinets, the best under sink pull out drawer is a sturdy metal or wire organizer that fits on one side of the plumbing. If you have enough height, a two-tier pull out organizer gives the most storage. If plumbing is tight, choose a single-tier sliding basket.
For bathrooms, plastic or narrow pull out drawers often make more sense because they are lightweight, moisture-resistant, and better suited for toiletries.
My rule is simple: choose two-tier only if the plumbing allows it, choose single-tier if space is tight, and choose no-drill organizers if you rent or want a temporary setup.
📚 More Kitchen Organization Guides
Planning a bigger cabinet storage upgrade? Start here:
Frequently Asked Questions
Are under sink pull out drawers worth it?
Yes. Under sink pull out drawers are worth it if you have cluttered cleaning supplies, hard-to-reach bottles, or wasted space around plumbing. They make the cabinet easier to use and clean.
Can you put pull out drawers under a sink?
Yes, but you must measure around plumbing, shutoff valves, garbage disposals, and sink bowls before buying. Not every organizer fits every sink cabinet.
What is the best under sink pull out organizer?
For kitchens, a metal or wire pull out organizer is usually best because it handles cleaning bottles well. For bathrooms, plastic pull out drawers are often better for toiletries and light supplies.
Can a two-tier organizer fit under a kitchen sink?
Sometimes. A two-tier organizer can fit if there is enough height and side clearance around the drain pipe and garbage disposal. Always measure before buying.
How do you measure for under sink pull out drawers?
Measure the cabinet opening width, interior depth, usable height, hinge clearance, and the exact position of pipes, valves, hoses, and the garbage disposal.
Can renters use under sink pull out drawers?
Yes. Renters should choose no-drill or freestanding under sink organizers that do not require screws or permanent cabinet changes.
What should you not store under the sink?
Avoid storing food, paper goods that can absorb moisture, or items that could be damaged by leaks. Be careful with chemical cleaners and keep them upright and separated.
Do under sink organizers work in bathrooms?
Yes. Bathroom under sink organizers work well for toiletries, hair products, razors, extra soap, and cleaning supplies. Choose a size that fits around the sink bowl and plumbing.
Should I use a cabinet liner under the organizer?
Yes, a waterproof cabinet liner can help protect the cabinet floor from small leaks, drips, and spills.
