Tag: kitchen storage

6 Clever Solutions for Appliance Storage

The appliances in our kitchens can be great time savers and allow us to carry out a wide variety of kitchen tasks. Despite this, kitchen appliances can be a pain to store when they are not being used. Storage space may be at a premium, and each device will need its own space that is easy to access. Let’s take a closer look at six handy appliance storage solutions that will help you to get your kitchen organized.

  1. Some General Concepts

Find a spot where you can arrange some storage for your devices in their original packaging or an even better option is to use plastic bins. Stackable containers can be used if heavier devices are kept at the bottom. Each appliance box could have a label; this is especially useful if there are multiple smaller appliances in a single storage bin. The storage bins could be located in existing shelves or perhaps you even have enough space to add a freestanding shelf unit. If you want to use a new shelf unit, remember that some of the appliances could be heavy.  Make sure the shelves can handle the weight and that the shelf is secured to the wall for safety.

  1. Always Start High

When you’re looking for storage, always start high up on the top shelves of cabinets or high up in your pantry. Above the refrigerator may be a good spot and many of these high up areas are neglected and are not used for practical storage. Larger appliances may be too large for shelves, but they could be stacked on top of kitchen cabinets. This will allow you to make the most of your storage space and appliances can easily be reached with stool.

  1. Storage Below

Larger and/or heavier appliances need to be stored on lower shelves in a pantry or on a dedicated shelving unit. Clear space in lower cabinets, especially those that don’t seem to get used very often. If you keep your back straight, bending at the knee and lifting a heavier appliance is far safer than trying to lift the same device off a higher shelf.

  1. Consider Other Locations 

There are other rooms in your home that may be related to serving food or entertaining. These can act as an overflow for your kitchen appliance storage efforts. As an example: a buffet piece in a dining room could be used to store your linens and serving trays. This could free up valuable kitchen space for storage, and as a final resort, appliances that are used very rarely could be kept in the basement.

  1. Careful Storage 

Kitchen appliances can represent a significant investment, so it’s essential to protect them during storage. If you need to store appliances in the basement or garage, use the original boxes where possible or a plastic storage bin. Keep appliances off the floor to protect them from moisture and multiple appliances in the same storage bin should be wrapped to prevent scratches.

  1. Use Labels

Ideally, there should be a label for each storage bin displaying the contents of the container. This will help you to find the appliance you need and remind you where it’s stored when you want to put it away. If you have a lot of storage bins or bins that contain lots of smaller appliances you may need a master list. This will tell you at a glance where everything is, without hunting through shelves and reading lots of labels. A master list will be handy for reference when you’re planning a meal that requires a specific appliance. Getting this organized can be difficult initially, but it will be worth the effort later and save you a lot of time.

If you’re thinking about upgrading your appliances, you can explore your options with this online collection or speak to a home appliance expert for professional advice and guidance.

Tips for Organizing Your Kitchen Like a Professional Chef

If you have ever eaten at a chef’s table, or enjoy watching cooking shows, you may have admired the organization of a professional kitchen. This level of organization can allow the average cook to look like a talented professional, as command of your workspace will make food preparation easier. So, if you want to improve your kitchen prowess, here are some tips for organizing your kitchen like a professional chef.

Eliminate Excess Steps

The first step of organizing your kitchen like the PROS is to eliminate excess steps. Professional chefs set up their workspace to reduce movement during a dinner service. Eliminating the excess steps between your refrigerator, prep area or stovetop and pantry will help you to feel more organized and improve functionality.

Create Stations

In a commercial kitchen, there are different stations for different tasks. Not only are there several cooking stations, but there is a prep area and a dishwashing station. This can be recreated in your kitchen by creating spaces for prep, cooking, cold and dry storage and where you plate food. You may also have a beverage station where you prepare your coffee and a seating area. By designating each area, you can plan what you need and where you need it for a more efficient work area.

Create the Right Flow

Efficient food funnels are the key to a successful professional kitchen. Food is moved from storage to prep to line to the pass. This can be emulated in your own kitchen to create the right flow. Virtually every kitchen is designed around the triangle connecting the sink, range, and refrigerator. This promotes good flow, but it can be enhanced. Facilitate efficient movement by keeping anything not used for cooking outside your cooking triangle, but near where they’re needed. Dishware should be near the table, glasses near the water dispensing refrigerator and cups near your coffeemaker.
Group together the items needed for key processes to enhance the kitchen flow. For example, place your dishwasher on one side of the sink and your trash on the other, so you can scrape, rinse and fill with ease.

Equip All Your Stations

Once the areas of your kitchen have been designated for specific tasks, they will need to be equipped accordingly, so the correct tools are within easy reach. You won’t need knives near your stove; they should be stored with your cutting boards near your prep area. The storage near your stove should be reserved for pots and pans, but remember you will need seasoning within easy reach.

Master Food Storage

The most important aspect of feeling like you have the ingredients you need at your fingertips is proper storage. Proper labeling and stacked storage will help to keep your pantry clean and organized. Stackable plastic containers can be used in your pantry, refrigerator, and freezer so that all your ingredients are easily visible in the least amount of space.

Once you’ve filled your containers, remember to label everything. Although you may think you’ll remember what you’ve put in that plastic tub, after a week in the freezer, it may be difficult to identify. Ensure that all your containers have a label facing out, so you can see at a glance the ingredient you need.

Keep It Clean

Finally, if you want to feel like you’re working like a professional chef, you need to ensure that you keep your kitchen spotless. It can be a real challenge to prepare a gourmet meal if you need to keep moving keys, letters and other detritus off your countertops.

Finding the Right Appliances for Your Kitchen

A modern kitchen isn’t complete without the right appliances. Now that you know how to create a kitchen a professional chef would be proud of, you are in the ideal position to make an informed decision to find the right appliances for your new kitchen. Consider starting your search with this collection of kitchen appliances. For further help, contact a kitchen appliance expert.