Akro-Mils 30230 AkroBins Plastic Storage Bins, Space-Saving Stackable Bins for Garage, Pantry, Craft Organization, 11-Inch x 5-Inch x 5-Inch, Blue, 12-Pack

I couldn't find any review with the keyword "spice" to check before purchase whether these would work to replace an open rack for my jars of herbs and spices. Since you want to avoid light and heat exposure to prolong the life of those items, I thought of these bins we used to use in my family's warehouse for our small business when I was a kid. (Too bad my parents sold the bins with the company decades ago!)The Akro-Mils 30230 bin--measuring in real life as described, 11" deep, 5" wide, and 5" tall--fit perfectly on a small open bookcase shelf I have at the end of a kitchen counter. The black bins block lots of light from hitting the glass sides of the spice jars, though there is some exposure at the front where the half height "reach in" cut-out area is. (I may add a curtain on a wire across the front of my wooden bookcase to further reduce light exposure.)Inside one Akro-Mils 30230 bin, with average supermarket spice jars, I can fit 10 bottles in a relatively space efficient formation. The larger jars from "Simply Organic" brand spices (look up similar 6 FLUID ounce size bottles for sale empty here on Amazon, about 2" square and 4.5" tall; I bought SpiceLuxe brand) only fit four to a column (front to back in bin) though they do fit two side-by-side in a row (bin left edge to right edge.) The smaller commercial square bottles sold by Trader Joe's (look up similar 4 FLUID ounce size bottles for sale empty here on Amazon, about 1.75" square and 4.25" tall; consider SpiceLuxe brand) fit five (5) deep in columns and the same two (2) wide in rows. If, like me, you own an array of supermarket brand spice jars, assume you'll fit an average of 9 jars per bin (unless you are willing to repackage some jars to ensure the most efficient fit.)I won't need all dozen (12) bins from my order to put away my herbs and spices, but I will use six on my shelf and use the extra room alongside for the odd extra large, unusual container of seasonings. (The jumbo round Borsari tub I ordered from Amazon last month, for example, which is 6" in diameter!)As an FYI to anyone who, like me, has arthritis or other issues with hand strength and dexterity, one of these 30230 bins filled with spice jars weighs just under 4 pounds. On a good day (or for those with fully healthy hands), this is a manageable weight to life with just one hand (to carry spices to the prep area elsewhere in the kitchen.) Even on a typical bad day, I will be able to lift and move a filled bin by using both hands. This is an improvement over the 12 x 7 x 5 cardboard box I was using for this purpose previously; it held more spices, but could be dangerously heavy for someone with an autoimmune disease like myself. (And who wants to drop a box full of GLASS JARS? Eek!)I will have no trouble finding a good use for the rest of the bins from my order. Maybe I'll do like another reviewer and put small packaged snacks in them? I'm also considering lining up a few in my son's closet for his socks which he never seems to put away now; open bins do make it easier for lazier people to tidy up. (Speaking for myself as much as for my teen!)Even with my limited dexterity, it is pretty easy to set a bin back in place atop the one below it in the stack, though I do sometimes (1 in 5 tries?) need to slightly re-align to get them perfectly placed. Overall, however, the shapes seem squared and appropriate, the plastic seems the right thickness (sturdy yet light), and I don't see any manufacturing issues with the half of the bins in the case that I've already put into use in my home.Some people will demand a more aesthetically pleasing display for their kitchen seasonings, but I prioritize functionality. That said, though slightly industrial, I don't think the stacks and rows of uniform black bins look out of place in my fairly traditionally designed kitchen. (Light wood cabinets with black counters and a white tile floor with black insets.)I'm satisfied with my Akro-Mils 30230 bins aesthetically, functionally, and in terms of value for the price (less than five dollars per bin.)

Having struggled to manage an assortment of small, yet crucial components like electrical connectors for engine harnesses, I recently turned to the Akro-Mils 30230 AkroBins Plastic Storage Bins. This set of 12 blue bins has proven to be a vital asset in my organization system. Here's a detailed evaluation based on their performance in my setup:Design and Space Efficiency: The AkroBins excel in their stackable design, which is a significant advantage in any workspace that values efficient use of space. At 11 inches long, 5 inches wide, and 5 inches high, these bins are perfectly sized to accommodate a variety of small parts without wasting space or contributing to workspace clutter.Durability and Build Quality: Constructed from a sturdy plastic material, these bins withstand the rigors of daily use without any signs of wear. They are designed to handle the heavy and somewhat abrasive nature of metal electrical connectors, maintaining their shape and integrity over time.Functionality and Accessibility: The open-front design of the AkroBins is particularly beneficial for quick access and identification of contents, which is essential when working with varied and similarly sized items like electrical connectors. This feature streamlines the process of locating the right part for specific tasks, enhancing productivity and reducing frustration.Aesthetic and Organization: The vibrant blue color of these bins not only brightens the workspace but also serves a practical purpose in categorization. Using different colored bins for various types of connectors can further optimize the organization, making the retrieval process even more intuitive.Overall Experience: The Akro-Mils 30230 AkroBins have thoroughly met and exceeded my expectations for what organizational tools can offer. They have transformed my approach to storing and accessing small components, making my workspace more organized and my work more efficient.Conclusion: The Akro-Mils 30230 AkroBins Plastic Storage Bins are an excellent choice for anyone needing to manage small, essential components in a professional or home setting. They provide a combination of durability, functionality, and smart design that greatly aids in maintaining an organized and efficient workspace. Highly recommended for their reliability and effectiveness in keeping small parts well-organized and easily accessible.

Works great, sturdy construction, stacks well. I have bought hundreds of these over the years and will continue to buy them.

Shelves are lightweight but well designed and work well. Instructions call for a rubber hammer. If you don’t have one, a hammer and a block of wood will do it. I thought I could turn rhe whole thing upside down to set the struts for the bottom shelves without crawling on the floor, but gravity melts the whole thing and suddenly I was in the midst of a mess. That aside, great rack and highly recommend

The product description by amazon is pretty much spot on: these are open bins (I haven't tried the covers or subdividers) made of fairly heavy gauge polypropylene.The material is one of the stronger plastics in routine commercial use short of heavy duty automotive composites; I am familiar with its durability through years of laboratory work. As a result, these bins are clearly a step up in ruggedness from, say, Sterilite drawer sets. All the acid and heat resistance seems fairly rated, given the nature of good quality polypropylene.The molding of these bins seems good, too: there are no gratuitous bends where there should not be, there is not any excess "flashing", and they stack securely as advertised. Their rated capacity of 30 lb may be on the slightly optimistic side, but is not that far off of what I would consider their upper limit.The only reason for 4 stars instead of 5 is the price, which is not cheap but still fair for the quality of goods. If you are in the market for open bins and want good ones, I would strongly recommend them.

These are much better that the cheaper ones available at the discount stores etc. These are the same as what I used in an industrial environment where they held up VERY well.