Cuisinart Octagonal Hanging Cookware Rack,Chrome steel

Elegant, sturdy and functional hanging pot rack at a great price for stainless steel
As I said … Elegant, sturdy and functional hanging pot rack at a great price for stainless steel!When I got my new pans (clad type), (which replaced steel on copper base remnants from 10 to 18 years ago that were de-laminating causing things to never boil or fry well!!!), I decided to hang them instead of using the two large kitchen drawers I used before with dividers. I looked and looked and my thought was that this is a very simple, timeless, secure and long lasting design. The octagonal shape is distinctive compared to the usual oval, although rectangular was also a favorite – and it would be good if the company offered the latter to hang their pans.I mounted the hanging rack centered parallel to my second kitchen window close to the stove and over honed ‘black’ granite (first window is over the sink) which is also illuminated by two small recessed cans also parallel to it about two feet away. I wanted the rack to hang almost equidistant between the cans and the window and parallel to both. (I know, a picture is worth a thousand words ugh!)To do this, recognising the large hooks, weight, and my not wanting chains hanging from rafter to rafter to hang the rack from (which are parallel to the window, 2 cans and countertop), I installed a 2×4 assembly in the attic very well attached to the rafters to make it so. [This is no fault of the rack, I personally blame the builders for not anticipating I would want to hang a rack where I did some 40 years later! (Hahaha!!)]. I believe I used a 1/4″ drill bit for the pilot holes so I could screw the hooks into the additional framing in the attic; either way, when you mount it, select a drill bit equal to or slightly less in diameter than the shaft (i.e. the part at the center of the screw threads) of the hook screw. I installed the hooks and hung on them (180lb), no problem.The rack is easily holding: 1, 2, & 3 qt. saucepans, 2 x 8″ skillets, a 10″ skillet, a 12″ skillet, an old 6″ skillet for eggs, a Dutch oven, a stock pot, and a saute pan, and a splash guard. Not bad at all.The ONLY problem I have with the rack is balance because it is a two support design. Because the rack is by a window, I have the heavier items towards the window and it leans backwards. To solve this, a thin grade chain (similar to a small dog neck collar/choker) was installed on one of the hooks and attached to a bolt which supports the grid/shelf; it no longer leans. I do not see this as a product flaw since the instructions do state to balance the rack and it was clear to me it might be a potential problem. Other ways to solve this might be to rotate the ceiling hooks to prevent the lean or somehow clamp the hooks to the hanging assembly.

No Disappointment Here-Spot On #2
I have just completed the installation of our second rack. Guess what? It’s still “spot-on”. Assembly is straight forward and everything fits precisely. I couldn’t be more pleased with the result. For the money…………you just aren’t going to beat it!I managed to get 15 fry pans and saucepans (with extra hooks) out of the cupboards and assembled in one spot and it really does look good. I hadn’t stopped to really think about that on the first rack back in June. If you are looking for a cookware rack that is stylish, has quality construction and durability, welcome to satisfaction on a budget!

Form and function
My husband and I were struggling to find something that looked nice and was highly functional and didn’t cost a fortune. This rack has it all!It fits our 8-piece Calphalon set, everyday pan, griddle, saucier, and a few utensils – just what we needed to make room in our cabinets. We have 9-foot ceilings and don’t plan to add chains to lower the rack. I’m 5’6″ and should only need a stool to get anything sitting on the top of the rack. We like that it doesn’t block views in the open room since it’s up high.The one drawback is that it hangs from two points instead of four, so it rocks and tips when it isn’t balanced. I preferred this over the look and hassle of four points. We were able to install it lengthwise along a beam, so the installation was easy and secure.Other reviews commented on short bolts and the dangers of them, but what was delivered to us doesn’t have that problem.