What Is a Butler’s Pantry?

A butler’s pantry is arguably the greatest kitchen accessory for any homeowner that loves to entertain—but what is a butler’s pantry and why would you want one?

Here we fill you in on everything you need to know about butler’s pantries, why everyone loves them so much, and what you might include if you were to incorporate a butler’s pantry into your kitchen design.

Key Summary

A butler’s pantry is a small kitchen connected to a larger kitchen which provides extra hidden space for storage, cleaning and food preparation.

What Is a Butler’s Pantry?

A butler’s pantry (also traditionally known as a scullery) is essentially a kitchen within a kitchen. Typically connected to a larger kitchen, a butler’s pantry is designed to act as an overflow kitchen, providing additional space which is not visible from the main kitchen area that can be used for storage, food preparation and cleaning.

A butler’s pantry expands the amount of usable space within your kitchen, while also allowing you to keep the main kitchen area neat, tidy and clutter-free.

While similar to a walk-in pantry, the butler’s pantry takes the concept one step further by providing the same amenity as a kitchen by also incorporating plumbing and appliances.

What Is Normally Included in a Butler’s Pantry?

Some of the things you might find in a butler’s pantry include:

• plenty of storage space including shelves, drawers and cupboards
• an extra sink
• a dishwasher
• extra bench space or cabinetry to accommodate small appliances
• extra bench workspace for food preparation
• several power points
• a small extra fridge or wine fridge.

What Are the Different Types of Butler’s Pantries?

Walk-in butler’s pantry

Possibly the most common type of butler’s pantry, walk-in butler’s pantries are typically situated in a small room which is connected to or very close by to the main kitchen area and can be closed off behind a door.

Walk-through butler’s pantry 

A butler’s pantry can be located in a small room or hallway which connects the kitchen to another room in the home (often a laundry or mudroom), allowing you to walk right through the butler’s pantry.

Hidden/concealed butler’s pantry 

In a concealed butler’s pantry, the entrance to the pantry is entirely hidden or disguised in the kitchen cabinetry. When the cabinet door to the butler’s pantry is closed, you wouldn’t even know it was there!

What Are the Benefits of Having a Butler’s Pantry?

• • Provides more storage space: A butler’s pantry expands the amount of usable space within your kitchen, including providing extra valuable storage space. This can be of great benefit if you like to purchase groceries in bulk, have a large collection of crockery or glassware, or love to collect all the latest and greatest kitchen appliances.
  • Keeps the kitchen clutter-free: A butler’s pantry allows you to store small appliances and other kitchen items out of sight to help you maintain a sleek, clutter-free kitchen. Dirty dishes can even be tucked away in the butler’s pantry to be cleaned later, keeping your kitchen neat and tidy even when entertaining.
  • Allows more than one person to work in the kitchen simultaneously: This can be hugely beneficial in households that love to entertain lots of guests where several people need ample space to prepare food at the same time.

• Adds a luxurious element to your kitchen: A butler’s pantry isn’t considered a necessity, but a luxury. Incorporating a butler’s pantry in your kitchen is a luxury addition which adds a high-end touch to your home.

Are There Any Downsides to Including a Butler’s Pantry?

While adding a butler’s pantry is almost always a great idea, there can be some downsides:

• It can take space away from the main kitchen: If you’re somewhat limited for space, adding a butler’s pantry may mean you need to sacrifice space from the main area of the kitchen. It’s important to remember that the main kitchen is the real showstopper—a butler’s pantry is generally only a good idea if it will add to the main kitchen, rather than detract from it.

• Additional cost: Butler’s pantries are typically fitted out with a decent amount of shelving, cabinetry and appliances which all come at an additional cost. It’s important to weigh up the benefits of including a butler’s pantry against the additional costs you’ll need to cover.

Need Help Planning Your Kitchen Renovation?

If you need a helping hand planning your kitchen renovation, get in touch with the renovation experts at Mint Kitchens.

In the more than 30 years we’ve been helping homeowners across Melbourne bring their kitchen ideas to life, we’ve learnt a thing or two about what it takes to create a kitchen of true distinction.

Take a look at some of what we can do or find out more about our kitchen renovations.

<< back to our kitchen renovation glossary