Base Cabinet Spice Rack Pull-Out: Installing Slim Storage Fittings Correctly

May 29, 2026

A side-mounted pull-out for narrow kitchen base units makes efficient use of recesses from a 150 mm cabinet width upwards, typically mounted to the internal cabinet side using ball-bearing runners.

When planning kitchen layouts, narrow gaps frequently remain between standard carcasses and walls or adjacent to the cooker. A spice rack pull-out, often referred to as a mini larder pull-out, is the technical solution for these residual spaces. Like a tailored puzzle piece, the pull-out closes the gap in the floor plan and makes the narrow space usable by fully extending the baskets. For joiners and experienced fitters, selecting and mounting these slim functional fittings depends on precise millimetre measurements, the correct runner technology, and the load capacity.

This guide explains the technical specifications of spice rack pull-outs, defines selection criteria based on cabinet dimensions, and provides specific parameters for professional installation.

Key Purchasing Criteria for Slim Cabinet Pull-Outs

Before installing a pull-out system, the physical dimensions of the base cabinet must be measured accurately. The nominal width of the cabinet must not be confused with the installation width of the fitting.

Carcass Width vs. Internal Clear Width

The industry typically specifies cabinets by external dimensions. A 15 cm wide cabinet has an external width of 150 mm. The internal clear width (internal dimension) relevant to the fitting is calculated by subtracting both side panels. With a standard board thickness of 16 mm, this results in: 150 mm - 32 mm = 118 mm internal clear width. With 19 mm thick panels, only 112 mm remains. The chosen pull-out fitting must strictly be specified for this clear internal width so that the runners and wire baskets slide smoothly.

Load Capacity in Kilograms

Spices, vinegar, and oil bottles generate significant weight across a small surface area. The load capacity of the runners must be rated accordingly. For narrow pull-outs, dynamic load capacities of 12 kg to 20 kg are the standard. Heavy-duty runners are rarely required in this narrow width, as the volume of the baskets naturally limits the maximum payload.

Extension Length and Nominal Length

The nominal length of the runner must match the internal clear depth of the cabinet. Standard kitchen base units have a depth of around 560 mm. Typical nominal lengths for spice rack runners range between 450 mm and 500 mm. A clearance of at least 10 mm to the back panel must be planned to avoid collisions.

Overview of Pull-Out System Types

The mechanism used to guide the rack out of the cabinet determines ease of operation and stability under asymmetrical loads.

The Classic Side-Mounted Pull-Out

For widths of 150 mm or 200 mm, the side-mounted pull-out dominates. Here, the entire supporting frame is mounted asymmetrically to only one internal cabinet side (usually the right). This saves width, as no runner mechanism is installed on the opposite side. Movement is guided via two runners positioned one above the other to absorb the leverage forces of the loaded baskets.

Runner Technologies: Ball Bearing vs. Undermount Runners

The movement is determined by the type of runner. A ball bearing runner uses steel balls in a caged profile and is screwed to the side of the frame. It is resistant to dirt and carries high loads. An undermount runner sits concealed beneath the bottom of the pull-out. It provides a cleaner aesthetic but requires specific routings or mounting points on the basket frame.

Full Extension vs. Single Extension

A full extension runner pulls out of the cabinet carcass to 100% of its length. The entire length of the baskets is visible and accessible from above. A single extension stops at approximately 75% of the nominal length, leaving the rear area of the baskets inside the carcass. For narrow spice racks, full extension is technically essential, as reaching in sideways to the rear area of a 150 mm wide cabinet is impossible. Anyone looking for these fittings will find suitable options under full extension drawer runners.

Damping and Opening Mechanisms

Motion support mechanisms must not be confused:

Soft-Close: A hydraulic or pneumatic damper slows the pull-out over the final centimetres and pulls it gently into the closed position.
Push-to-Open: A mechanical ejector that is activated by pressing the handleless front, pushing the pull-out forward.

Both systems operate on opposing principles. Push-to-open is required for handleless fronts, whereas traditional kitchens with handles are generally fitted with soft-close damping.

Which Pull-Out for Which Base Cabinet? (Selection Guide)

Selecting the exact fitting depends on the existing external carcass dimension and the intended application.

If the carcass measures exactly 150 mm: Choose an asymmetrical fitting for side-panel mounting. The frame must be designed for a maximum internal clear width of 118 mm. A suitable system is available in the 15 cm kitchen cabinet pull-out range.
If the carcass measures 200 mm: This provides slightly more clearance for wider wire baskets or bottle holders. The mechanics remain identical, but the base plate is wider. Suitable solutions are offered in the 20 cm kitchen cabinet pull-out category.
If the carcass measures 300 mm: From this width upwards, systems often switch from side-only mounting to base or diagonal mounting to carry the heavier weight of stored goods. See 30 cm kitchen cabinet pull-outs.
If building wooden drawer boxes: If bespoke wooden drawers are to be integrated into narrow recesses instead of wire baskets, the use of concealed runners is recommended. Corresponding hardware is listed under undermount drawer runners.

Installation Guide: Fitting a Side-Mounted Base Cabinet Pull-Out

Installing a slim pull-out requires precision. An incorrectly aligned runner will cause the front to rub or the mechanism to jam.

Required Tools

Cordless screwdriver with suitable bits (usually PZ 2 or TX 20)
Bradawl or wood drill bit (3 mm) for pilot holes
Tape measure and try square
Screwdriver for 3D front adjustment

Step-by-Step Installation

Mark runner positions: Mark the height of the two guide runners on the inside of the cabinet. Many modern base units feature the System 32 line boring (holes spaced at 32 mm intervals). If present, Euro screws can be fitted directly into the 5 mm drill holes.
Secure the runners: On plain panels without a hole pattern, use chipboard screws (e.g. 4 x 15 mm). Caution: With 16 mm thick side panels, the screws must under no circumstances exceed 15 mm in length to avoid breaking through the exterior surface.
Attach the frame: Insert the metal pull-out frame into the installed runners and lock it into place. With ball bearing telescopic slides, the frame is often screwed securely, whereas undermount systems click in via locking devices.
Mount front brackets: Screw the front fixing brackets to the pull-out frame. The wooden front panel is then attached to the brackets.
Perform 3D adjustment: To achieve uniform gaps with neighbouring units, the front panel must be aligned. The adjustment screws on the front brackets allow the panel to be adjusted in height (vertically), side-to-side (horizontally), and tilt (depth angle).

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) About Installing Spice Rack Pull-Outs

Can I retrofit a pull-out into an existing 15 cm cabinet? Yes, retrofitting is straightforward. It is important to measure the internal clear width of the carcass and ensure no standard door hinges obstruct the space. The old door is removed and fixed rigidly as the pull-out front directly to the new frame.

What is the difference between single extension and full extension for a spice rack? A full extension runner allows the rack to extend 100% of its length out of the cabinet. A single extension exposes only around 75% of the travel. For narrow spice racks, full extension is strongly recommended, as bottles positioned deep in the unit will otherwise remain inaccessible.

Why does my pull-out no longer close flush with the carcass? This usually has two causes: either the tilt adjustment of the front has shifted, which can be corrected via the 3D adjustment on the front fixing brackets, or the soft-close mechanism is blocked. Check whether an item has fallen behind the rack and is physically obstructing the runner's closing stroke.

Which screws should I use for installing runners? For chipboard cabinet panels without pre-drilled holes, use countersunk chipboard screws with a 4 mm diameter. The length depends on panel thickness (e.g. 15 mm screws for 16 mm panels). Where 5 mm system holes are present, use Euro screws with blunt threads.

Can I integrate a waste bin into a 20 cm wide cabinet? No, a carcass width of 200 mm is too narrow for standard waste sorting systems, as bins require a certain basic volume. Waste management fittings require cabinet widths from 400 mm upwards. Corresponding base-mounted storage hardware can be found under base unit storage fittings.