3D printing for the kitchen: useful things you can print

The kitchen is the heart of every home, and it’s where handy little things are most often missing: a pot lid holder, a spice organiser that fits a narrow cupboard perfectly, or a measuring spoon of exactly the right size. Shop-bought solutions rarely fit perfectly, but 3D printing lets you make things designed for your kitchen. In this article we look at the most popular kitchen items you can print on a 3D printer and explain which materials suit them best.

Which kitchen items can be 3D printed?

Spice racks and organisers

One of the most popular categories of 3D-printed kitchen accessories is spice racks. They can be designed for the jars you already have and the exact dimensions of your cupboard or shelf. There are countless options: wall racks, pull-out shelves, turntables or compact drawer inserts. The main advantage is that every millimetre of space is used to the full, because the item is made to your real dimensions.

Utensil organisers

Spatulas, whisks, slotted spoons, knives — they often lie in a drawer in a jumbled heap. A 3D-printed organiser with an individual compartment for each item solves the problem once and for all. You can print a knife block, a spatula stand by the hob or dividers for a pull-out drawer. Since the model is designed for your specific utensils and drawer, the result is always neat and functional.

Cookie and chocolate moulds

This is perhaps the most creative use of 3D printing in the kitchen. Want a cookie cutter shaped like your company logo, your child’s favourite character or a unique pattern? It can all be printed. Moulds for chocolate, marzipan or fondant print beautifully too. One important point: for direct food contact we recommend PLA or PETG — more on that below.

Trivets and coasters

Simple to make but very useful — trivets for hot pans and kettles, and coasters for cups. They can be any shape, colour and size. Geometric patterns, wavy lines, a minimalist design or bright colours — it’s all down to your taste. For trivets, PETG is the better choice, since it copes better with high temperatures.

Bag clips

A small thing that makes kitchen life much easier. 3D-printed clips for bags of grains, flour, snacks or frozen food are convenient, durable and cheap. You can print a whole set in different sizes and add labels or colour coding for different types of food. These clips work far better than ordinary pegs.

Towel and napkin holders

A wall-mounted paper towel holder, a napkin stand or a hook for tea towels — all of these are easy to print on a 3D printer. You can match the style to your kitchen interior and mount the holder exactly where it’s most convenient. For example, a compact holder on the side of a cupboard or inside a door.

Lids, caps and adapters

Lost the lid of a container? Broke a cap on a kitchen appliance? Need an adapter for a non-standard attachment? 3D printing is the perfect solution for situations like these. Instead of buying a new container or hunting for a discontinued spare part, you can simply print the part you need to exact dimensions. It saves money and is kind to the environment.

Measuring spoons and cups

A set of measuring spoons is another practical item to 3D print. You can make spoons in exactly the volumes you need: not just standard teaspoons and tablespoons but specific ones too — for example, for accurately measuring coffee, protein or spices. They’re easy to join on a ring or make with flat handles for compact storage.

Which materials are safe for kitchen items?

When it comes to things that touch food, the choice of material is key. Here’s what you should know:

• PLA — the most popular 3D printing material. It’s made from corn starch, so it’s considered safe for food contact in itself. It suits cookie cutters, clips, organisers and items that aren’t heated. However, PLA softens at around 60°C, so it isn’t suitable for hot food or the dishwasher.
• PETG — the better choice for items that will touch warm food or need regular washing. PETG withstands higher temperatures (up to 80°C), is chemically resistant and more durable than PLA. It’s ideal for trivets and measuring spoons.

It’s important to remember that any 3D-printed item has microscopic pores between layers where bacteria can build up. So for items in direct contact with food, we recommend coating the surface with food-safe epoxy or using them only once. For indirect contact (organisers, holders, stands), this isn’t a problem. Read more about the properties of different materials on our 3D printing materials page and in the comparison of PLA, PETG and TPU.

Custom designs for your kitchen

The main advantage of 3D printing over buying ready-made accessories is the ability to make an item exactly to your needs. Measure your cupboard, drawer or shelf: for those dimensions we’ll tell you where to find a ready-made model (on Printables, Thingiverse or MakerWorld) or who can make it — and we’ll print an organiser or holder that fits the available space perfectly. There are no standard limits: if your drawer is an unusual width or your shelf an unusual depth, it’s not a problem. Every item is made individually, taking specific dimensions and wishes into account.

Even if you don’t have a ready-made 3D model, that’s no obstacle. We’ll tell you where to find a ready-made one (on Printables, Thingiverse or MakerWorld) or who can make it. From idea to finished item usually takes a few days.

Ready-made models or a custom order?

For many kitchen accessories there are ready-made models on platforms such as Thingiverse, Printables or MyMiniFactory. If you have a file, we’ll be happy to print it for you. If you need something unique for specific dimensions and requirements, we’ll tell you who can make the model from scratch.

How to order 3D-printed kitchen accessories in Lviv

If you want to make your kitchen more convenient with 3D printing, get in touch with us. We’ll help you choose the best material, suggest the best design solution and print the item well and on time. Whether it’s a simple bag clip or a complex modular organiser, we’re ready to help.

Order 3D printing for your kitchen — message us, tell us your idea, and we’ll bring it to life.