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What Is the Cabinet Above the Refrigerator Really For? Smart Storage Ideas Most People Overlook


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If you have ever looked at the cabinet above your refrigerator and wondered, “What am I actually supposed to store up there?”, you are certainly not alone.

This small, often overlooked cabinet can be one of the most useful storage spaces in a kitchen—but only when you use it for the right things.

Because it sits high above the refrigerator, it is usually less convenient to access than regular kitchen cabinets. That makes it a poor location for items you use every day, but an excellent spot for things you only need occasionally.

Think of it as long-term or seasonal kitchen storage, rather than everyday cabinet space.

Why Is There a Cabinet Above the Refrigerator?

The cabinet above the fridge is primarily a practical way to take advantage of otherwise unused vertical space.

Kitchen designers often use this area because refrigerators are tall and create a natural space above them. Instead of leaving that space completely open, a cabinet can provide additional storage without taking up more floor area.

The downside is accessibility.

Unless you are particularly tall or have a step stool nearby, reaching into the cabinet can be inconvenient. For that reason, the best items to store there are generally things you don’t need on a daily basis.

What Should You Store in the Cabinet Above the Fridge?

1. Large Serving Platters and Special-Occasion Dishes

Large serving pieces are excellent candidates for this cabinet.

Think about:

  • Holiday serving platters
  • Cake stands
  • Large trays
  • Punch bowls
  • Special-occasion dishes
  • Large serving bowls

These items can take up a considerable amount of valuable cabinet space, yet many households only use them a few times each year.

Keeping them in the cabinet above the refrigerator can free up easier-to-reach storage for dishes and cookware you use more frequently.

2. Small Kitchen Appliances You Rarely Use

The cabinet can also work well for appliances that come out only occasionally.

Examples include:

  • Waffle makers
  • Ice cream makers
  • Fondue sets
  • Popcorn machines
  • Specialty baking equipment

The key is weight and accessibility.

Avoid placing an appliance somewhere high if it is too heavy or awkward to safely remove. A lightweight appliance that you use only a few times a year is much more suitable than a bulky countertop machine.

3. Seasonal Kitchen Items

Seasonal items are another smart choice.

Holiday cookie cutters, festive mugs, special table linens, Thanksgiving serving dishes, and other decorations can remain out of the way for most of the year.

Instead of allowing these items to occupy prime cabinet space, you can group them together in clearly labeled containers and store them above the refrigerator until the appropriate season arrives.

4. Extra Paper and Disposable Supplies

If the cabinet has enough space, it can also be useful for backup household supplies.

Possible options include:

  • Extra napkins
  • Paper plates
  • Disposable serving utensils
  • Unopened paper towels
  • Extra food-storage containers

The advantage is that these items generally do not need to be accessed constantly.

However, avoid overloading the cabinet simply because there is available space. Keeping it organized makes seasonal cleaning and retrieval much easier.

What Shouldn’t You Store Above the Refrigerator?

 

 

 

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