In many homes, the small cupboards above the fridge are often left unused or completely overlooked. These spaces are often considered difficult to access and somewhat inaccessible due to their height. However, when used correctly, these small kitchen cabinets can become a hidden treasure of storage space. By making effective use of these often-ignored areas, you can maximize your kitchen’s storage potential, keep things organized, and clean up your kitchen. In this article, we will explore various tips and strategies for making effective use of cabinets above the refrigerator.
1. Store rarely-used appliances
One of the most typical uses of cabinets above your refrigerator is this.
Small kitchen appliances that you don’t use every day can be stored. Examples include:
Blender: Store your blender out of the way and still have it on hand for those occasional smoothie cravings.
Food processor: Keep the food processor here if you only ever use it for chopping or slicing.
Making waffles: Use this cabinet for less regularly used but still necessary appliances, such as a waffle maker.
2. Use bins or baskets to organize
Consider using bins or baskets to organize your closets and make everything accessible.
Items that can be arranged this way as examples include:
Canned foods: Sort canned foods, including soups, sauces, and vegetables, into clear plastic containers.
Baking equipment: Place tools such as rolling pins, pastry brushes, and measuring cups in clearly marked containers.
Cookware accessories: Store mats, oven mitts, and pot holders in the basket for easy access.
3. Use upright space
To make the most of vertical space, add additional shelves or flexible shelving. Examples of items you can save are as follows:
Spices: Build a small spice rack by installing shelves to hold your spices.
Cookbooks: To save space and display your collection, organize cookbooks vertically.
Glasses: Place wine glasses or other frequently used glass vertically on the shelves.
4. Kitchen towels and large items
Use small kitchen cabinets above the refrigerator to store bulk products and kitchen linen:
Stock up on tissues and paper towels in this area to free up more space.
Large Clips: Store extra supplies of pantry essentials like flour, sugar, or rice in airtight containers.
Bath towels: Store tea towels, cleaning cloths, and tea towels in this area for convenience.
5. Seasonal products and holidays
Items that you only need at certain times of the year or for special events can be stored in cabinets:
Picnic Gear: Keep picnic blankets, outdoor dining equipment, and recyclable plates handy for warm-weather trips.
Christmas decorations Store your holiday tablecloths, decorations, and serving dishes here until you need them.
Dishes for special servings: Set aside space for dishes for special occasions, such as exquisite serving plates or fine china.
6. Consistent maintenance and security
To ensure these cabinets remain functional and safe, it is essential to regularly check their contents and remove items you no longer need. Here are some additional tips for efficient maintenance and use of these cabinets:
When accessing items from these tall cabinets, use a sturdy step stool or ladder to ensure your safety.
Be careful when storing heat-sensitive items in the space above the refrigerator, as they may become warm due to the heat of the appliance.
By following these strategies and making the most of the often underutilized cabinets above your refrigerator, you can significantly increase your kitchen’s storage capacity, keep it organized, and make the most of every available inch of space. These cabinets can become valuable additions to your kitchen, helping you clear your worktops and keep your cooking area well organized.
Christmas items and decor stuff ……….. just take it to a charity shop; no need to store it.
Waffle maker and other rarely used appliances ………. take to a charity shop.
I use oven mitts almost every day so I want them in a top drawer right beside the stove not on top of the fridge.
In one house, I had them moved out even with the front of the refrigerator. At least I could get in them from a stool.
I store rarely used items in my cabinets above the frig. such as punch bowl, 2 chip & dip sets, large platters & wicker baskets that I use only in the summer time.