Smart Ways to Use Those ‘Useless’ Cupboards Above the Fridge

The small cupboards above the fridge often go overlooked, yet they hold valuable potential for extra storage. When used thoughtfully, these high cabinets can dramatically reduce kitchen clutter, improve organization, and maximize overall storage space. This guide explores the practical, smart ways to fully leverage this underutilized area, offering specific examples and best practices for safety and efficiency.

The space directly above the refrigerator is prime real estate—it’s deep, often wide, and typically extends high up, creating valuable vertical storage. Because this area is high and slightly inconvenient to access, the key to using it effectively is storing items that adhere to the “out-of-sight, out-of-mind” principle: things you need, but not every day.

Ideal Storage for Occasional-Use Appliances

One of the most practical and clutter-reducing uses for the cupboards above the fridge is storing small kitchen appliances that aren’t part of your everyday routine. This out-of-the-way space keeps your valuable counter real estate clear while still keeping bulky, essential items accessible when needed.

Food Processor: These appliances are bulky and take up massive counter space, yet they are perfect for occasional use. Store the main unit and its accessories up high and pull it down only when it’s time for serious chopping, slicing, or large-batch food prep.
Blender (The Intermittent User): If smoothies or protein shakes aren’t a daily habit, the blender is an ideal candidate for storage here. Keeping it tucked away but easy to grab when the craving hits ensures your primary workspace remains efficient.
Waffle Maker and Specialty Grills: These are great examples of once-in-a-while appliances that are heavy and essential for weekend brunches, special occasions, or specific baking projects. Storing them high up prevents them from being dust collectors on the counter.
Small Deep Fryers or Slow Cookers: If you use a deep fryer only for holiday parties or a slow cooker just a few times a month, the cabinet above the fridge provides a perfect, secure spot for these large, specialized tools.

📏 Smart Solutions for Vertical Storage: Organization and Access

The height and depth of the over-the-fridge cabinet can make items inaccessible or stacked inefficiently. To combat this, smart interior solutions are necessary to make the most of the vertical space.

Utilizing Interior Space

Making the most of vertical space involves installing extra, lightweight shelves or using adjustable racks. This not only improves organization but also helps you take full advantage of every cubic inch available in that high-up cupboard.

Cookbooks: Arrange infrequently used cookbooks vertically using dividers or a small tension rod to save space. This not only creates an organized system but, if the cabinet has a glass front, can create a visually appealing display that speaks to the kitchen’s purpose.
Spices (The Bulk Back-Up): While primary spices should be near the stove, this space is perfect for bulk spice jars or back-up containers. Add small, tiered shelves or use adjustable wire racks to organize spice jars, turning the cupboard above the fridge into a compact, convenient auxiliary spice reserve.
Glassware and Stemware: Use vertical shelving or tension rods to safely store rarely used glassware or wine glasses. These items are delicate and can be safely kept out of the way until needed for entertaining, freeing up lower cabinets for everyday mugs and tumblers.
Dividing Bakeware: For those who only bake occasionally, this cabinet is excellent for storing awkward, flat items like cookie sheets, muffin tins, and pizza pans. Use vertical dividers (like tension rods or wooden slats) to stand them upright, making them easy to slide in and out without creating a messy stack.

🍽️ Organizing Infrequently Used Kitchen Items: Seasonal and Special Occasion Storage

The small cabinets above the refrigerator are ideal for storing items you only need during certain seasons or special occasions. By keeping these rarely used, specialized essentials tucked away, you free up prime, accessible kitchen space for everyday items, making daily routines much smoother.

Stashing Seasonal and Specialty Goods

Holiday Decor and Serveware: Use this space to safely store seasonal serving dishes, festive table linens, and smaller holiday decorations (like themed salt and pepper shakers or cookie cutters) until it’s time to celebrate. Storing them in clear, labeled plastic bins ensures they are protected and easy to identify.
Picnic and Outdoor Supplies: Stash picnic blankets, reusable plates and cutlery for outdoor dining, thermoses, and large beverage coolers. This keeps them organized and ready for warm-weather outings or family trips without cluttering the pantry.
Special Serving Dishes: Reserve this cabinet for fine china, delicate serving platters, soup tureens, or tiered dessert stands. Keeping these protected and out of the way until needed for hosting ensures they remain pristine while prioritizing daily access for practical dishware.
Canning and Preserving Equipment: If you only engage in canning or preserving a few times a year, the large pots, jar tongs, and processing racks can be stored here, preventing them from monopolizing storage closer to the floor.

IV. Maximizing Space for Bulk Items and Linens: Strategic Resourcing

The cupboards above the refrigerator provide a handy, dry, and cool spot for storing large-volume items and kitchen fabrics, maximizing utility without disrupting daily flow.

Utilizing Cabinet Depth

Bulk Staples (Auxiliary Pantry): The depth of this space makes it perfect for housing extra pantry essentials. Keep bulk items like extra bags of flour, sugar, rice, pasta, or specialty grains fresh by storing them in airtight, labeled containers. This functions as an auxiliary pantry, allowing you to quickly replenish primary, lower bins without a trip to the store.
Paper Goods: Store additional rolls of paper towels, napkins, and tissues here. These items are bulky but lightweight, making them easy to retrieve with a step stool, and their presence in the high cabinet frees up valuable shelf room elsewhere in your kitchen or utility closet.
Kitchen Linens: Organize rarely used kitchen towels, extra dishcloths, tablecloths, and cleaning rags in this cabinet. Folding them neatly or placing them in small bins keeps them organized and accessible when needed, but neatly tucked away from daily use drawers.

V. Ongoing Care and Safety Guidelines: Heat, Height, and Maintenance

To ensure the cupboards above your refrigerator remain functional and safe, special considerations must be made regarding access, heat, and organization.

Periodic Assessment

Decluttering Rule: Revisit the contents of the cabinet regularly (ideally every 6 to 12 months) and remove or donate items you no longer use. Because the items are stored out of sight, this space is prone to becoming a “graveyard” for forgotten clutter. Periodic Assessment keeps the space organized and prevents unnecessary accumulation.

Safe Access and Heat Sensitivity

Safe Access: The most important rule for this storage area is safety. Always use a sturdy step stool or ladder when reaching for items in these high cabinets. Never attempt to stretch or climb onto countertops or chairs, as this is the primary cause of kitchen falls and accidents.
Heat Sensitivity: Be mindful of what you store in this area. The top of the fridge generates heat as the appliance’s condenser operates, meaning the cabinet can get moderately warm. Avoid placing heat-sensitive items in these cabinets, including:
- Chocolate or Candies (they will melt).
- Wine or Oils (heat degrades quality).
- Medications or Vitamins (heat compromises efficacy).
- Stick to items that are non-perishable and heat-resistant, such as glassware, linens, or durable appliances.

By following these smart organizational and safety guidelines, the often-forgotten space above the refrigerator can be transformed from a clutter trap into one of the most functional and strategic storage zones in your entire kitchen.

Smart Ways to Use Those ‘Useless’ Cupboards Above the Fridge

Ideal Storage for Occasional-Use Appliances