Having the right accessories in your fridge can make a world of difference in keeping your food fresh, organized, and readily available when you need it. With some smart additions, you can maximize the space in your fridge, reduce food spoilage, and simplify meal prep. In this article, we’ll look at some of the must-have fridge accessories that every Kenyan household should consider having. Whether you’re moving into a new place or looking to upgrade your current fridge, these handy items will help you get the most out of your refrigerator.
Food Storage Containers
Investing in some good food storage containers is one of the best ways to keep your fridge organized and your produce fresh. Look for containers made of glass or plastic that have airtight lids. Glass storage containers have the advantage of being nonporous and won’t absorb food odors or stains. However, they can be heavy and prone to breaking. Plastic containers are lightweight, inexpensive and won’t shatter, but may absorb stains and odors over time.
When selecting food storage containers, opt for ones that:
- Are stackable and modular to maximize fridge space
- Come in a variety of sizes to accommodate different food items
- Have lids that seal tightly to prevent moisture loss and extend freshness
- Are made of BPA-free materials for health safety
- Are microwave and freezer safe for added versatility
Some great options to consider include:
- Glass Pyrex containers: Durable, nonporous glass won’t absorb stains or odors. Can go from freezer to oven for added convenience.
- Rubbermaid containers: Affordable plastic containers come in many sizes and are freezer, microwave safe. Lids provide an airtight seal.
- OXO Good Grips: Plastic containers with snap-tight lids keep food fresh. Modular cubes maximize space.
Proper storage helps extend the shelf life of fruits, veggies, leftovers, meats and more. For produce like leafy greens, line containers with paper towels to absorb excess moisture and prevent sogginess. Storing prepared foods in portioned containers makes for easy grab-and-go meals.
Fridge Organizers
Keeping your fridge organized can be a challenge, especially when dealing with cluttered shelves, stray containers, and condiment bottles strewn about. Investing in some fridge organizers is an easy way to instantly declutter your refrigerator while maximizing precious space. Look for organizers made of durable materials like plastic, metal, or bamboo. Here are some must-have items:
Fridge Bins and Drawers
Clear plastic bins and drawers allow you to neatly categorize items while still being able to see contents. Great for storing fruits, veggies, cheeses, yogurts and other ready-to-eat foods. Stackable bins conserve space.
Shelving Racks and Stackers
Increase usable surface area with shelving racks. These slide onto existing shelves. Some have adjustable heights and can be used vertically or horizontally. Stackers are ideal for efficiently storing cans, jars and bottles.
Fridge Caddies
Handy caddies that hang from shelves keep small items together in one spot. Perfect for organizing condiments, salad dressings, butter, eggs, and yogurt tubs. Vertical models maximize space.
Produce Savers
Prolong the life of fruits and vegetables with produce savers that regulate humidity and airflow. Models with adjustable dividers accommodate produce of different sizes.
Door Organizers
Sturdy door organizers conveniently store jars, bottles, cans, and other items on the fridge door where they’re easy to access. Models with adjustable compartments and shelves optimize space.
Keeping your fridge organized with bins, baskets and storage solutions will make your life easier by eliminating clutter and letting you find foods quickly. Designate bins for categories like cheese, yogurt, eggs, greens, etc. Frequent tidying up will also help ensure nothing gets lost in the back of the fridge.
Fridge Accessories for Meal Prep
Preparing home cooked meals is often healthier, more affordable, and can help reduce food waste. However, meal prepping requires some key tools and accessories:
Meal Prep Containers
Invest in BPA-free plastic food prep containers in multiple sizes. Square and rectangular stackable models are space-efficient. Glass options are also available but heavier. Choose containers that are at least microwave, freezer and dishwasher safe.
Food Scale
A digital food scale takes the guesswork out of portioning. Weighing out portions of grains, proteins, produce, etc. makes meal prep fast and consistent. Choose a model with a detachable display that’s easy to tare, zero and store.
Food Storage Lids
Silicone lids form an airtight seal on bowls, plates, jars, cans and more to store leftovers and prepared components like sautéed veggies. Reusable and often microwave safe.
Mini Cutting Board
A small plastic cutting board that fits neatly on a fridge shelf is handy for chopping produce and small tasks while meal prepping. Look for one with a shallow lip to prevent messes and liquids dripping. Easy to wipe clean.
Cold Brew Coffee Maker
Wake up to fresh cold brew coffee when you prep a batch ahead in the fridge. No need for a hot coffee maker. Simply steep coffee grounds in water for 12-24 hours. Models with filters make preparation easy.
Herb Keeper
Maintain fresh herbs for longer right in the fridge. Herb keepers with adjustable openings regulate airflow. Suspended herb pods allow for circulation around stems.
With the right tools, you’ll be able to easily prep multiple meals at once, portion them out, and have ready-to-go homemade meals waiting in the fridge.
Waste Management Accessories
Reducing food waste starts with proper storage and organization. Certain fridge accessories can help minimize waste allowing you to get the most out of your fresh foods. Consider these waste-fighting items:
Produce Keepers
Devices like the Rubbermaid FreshWorks produce saver regulate airflow and moisture to extend the life of fruits and veggies. Adjustable dividers prevent bruising. Models for berries keep delicate fruits from crushing.
Herb Keepers
Herbs tend to go bad quickly when stored improperly. Herb keepers with airflow and adjustable openings help maintain freshness. For stubborn herbs like parsley, trim stems and stand them in water.
Leftovers Containers
Airtight glass and plastic food storageware keep leftovers fresh longer, allowing you to eat them before they spoil. Square and stackable models save space. Write dates on containers to track leftovers.
Compost Bin
Collect food scraps like fruit peels, stale bread and vegetable trimmings in a countertop compost bin with charcoal filter to contain odors. Turn waste into organic compost for gardening rather than having it end up in a landfill.
Vacuum Sealer
Vacuum sealers remove air from bags to significantly extend shelf life of cheeses, meats and other perishables. You can buy foods in bulk on sale and break them down into portions.
Temperature Monitoring
A fridge thermometer lets you track temperature to ensure foods are kept at optimal safe coolness between 37-40°F. Adjust as needed and be alerted to any temperature fluctuations.
Freezer Inventory Tracker
Use a wipeboard, magnetic list or inventory app to track items stored in the freezer. List dates to monitor how long items have been frozen. First in, first out.
Reducing spoilage saves money and minimizes waste. Proper organization, storage tools and monitoring lets you maximize the freshness of fridge and freezer foods.
Key Takeaways
- Invest in airtight food storage containers in glass or plastic to keep fridge items organized, sealed and fresh.
- Use bins, baskets and door organizers to neatly categorize foods for easy access and to maximize space.
- Meal prep accessories like containers, herb keepers and scales make homemade meals efficient.
- Produce savers, herb keepers and proper Tupperware help reduce food spoilage and waste.
- Monitor fridge temps and inventory freezer items with a thermometer and tracker.
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