Over the range storage

[Able Hands]

I just (like two seconds ago) read a post saying not to store spices and herbs over the range. It made sense to me, but now I have a problem. Where to put that stuff, and what can I put over the range safely. Something moved, means something else has to move as well. Currently I do not have an exhausted fan above the range, it spews heat, fumes, smoke and all back into the kitchen. This is something that I want to change, but for now, what do you all store above the range?

Matt

[Wyogal]

casserole dishes, pie plates, serving bowls

[kadesma]

I put tins for cupcakes, a tart pan,and some cake and pie pans..My spices I keep in my pantry that is very cool and has room for them so I don't have to dig to find what I want.
kadesma

[Silversage]

Bulky items - strainers, graters, salad spinner.

[Andy M.]

Grains, beans, panko, dry mushrooms, bread crumbs and dry pastas.

[Scotch]

I wouldn't keep any foodstuffs over the range -- heat destroys. But it's a great spot for seldom-used pots and pans, baking pans, and small appliances.

As for the spices and herbs, I have a drawer that's dedicated to them. Cool, dark, out of the way. Only problem is they all look pretty much alike, so I write the first initial of the contents on the lid of each bottle with a Sharpie (e.g., B for basil, O for Oregano) and keep all the bottles of A, B, & C spices (which, surprisingly, is about half of them) in one section, everything else in another, with large bags of pepper, salt, chiles, etc., in the back.

[Able Hands]

is far enough?

I know that may seem academic, but here's the thing. I live in Raleigh, NC (a relatively hot area), and keep my butter in the cupboard next to, but not over, the range. In both summer and winter I can count on my butter being soft, pretty much at all times. In the summer I only cool to about 76*, and in the winter heat to about 68*. So how far away from the range do I put the spices and such with out it being inconvenient?

I am considering installing and over the range 'nuker vented to the outside, and building a pantry of sorts in the place where it currently sits. But that seems a long way away from the cooking center. Granted it's only 8-feet or so, but having gotten use to spices an arms reach away, it would be a nuisance.

So how far, in linear feet, is far enough.

Matt

PS, I have a pretty small kitchen so counter top spice storage is out of the question.

[Scotch]

Just not directly above it, and preferably not immediately next to it.

[linicx]

I read an article that said to turn opened spices upside down to preserve shelf life.

[Able Hands]

A few months ago I rearranged the kitchen to make it make a little more sense. Guess I'll have to change it again.

She doesn't like change