One of the most important appliances in the kitchen can often be overlooked – find top tips for keeping things cool, plus scroll to see our inspiration for some good-looking fridges …
One of the hardest working components of the kitchen and one that often goes most overlooked is the fridge. All roads (especially with a kitchen triangle layout) lead to the fridge. Not only is it important to find a model that works for you and your family – we are loving the Siemens multi-door fridge freezers – but it is as important, if not more so to know how to use it properly. The new Instagram trend for “Fridgescaping” may look like a lot of work for something that guests won’t see but actually these online organisational experts have the right idea. Keeping your fridge clean and organised helps food stay fresher for longer and is safer for you. Do ask your provider if there are any specific cleaning products needed. The placement for each food item in the fridge is also important, especially with teenagers at home who make opening the fridge door look like an extreme sport. Here, we share top tips for staying on top of keeping things cool and inspiration for helping the outside look cool too …
BSH Home of Innovation Top Tips:
1. The top shelf tends to have the most consistent temperature, but it’s not the coldest part of the fridge. Use this shelf for leftovers and dairy products like milk yoghurt and cheese.
2. Keep cooked meats, deli items and hummus on the middle shelf.
3. Raw meat, fish, or poultry should always go on the bottom shelf to prevent drips and contamination.
4. The fridge door is the warmest part of the fridge, so it is best for storing condiments like ketchup, mustard, mayo, jams, hot sauces. Don’t store dairy products here as the opening and closing of the door de-regulates the cooling.
5. Most modern fridges have drawers that are designed to control humidity and airflow so put them to use and maintain the freshness of fruits and vegetables.
6. First in, first out – try to rotate older items to the front as a reminder to use them.
7. Don’t overfill the fridge – air needs to circulate for proper cooling.
8. Keep the fridge at 4°C – that’s the ideal chilling temperature.
COOL EFFECT
This modern Häcker kitchen installed in a beautiful period home in Dublin showcases a minimalist design with handleless matte black cabinets and clean lines. With this dark finish, your fridge will look effortlessly cool. www.arenakitchens.com
ADD A POP OF COLOUR
A pop of colour really invigorates a small kitchen so why not opt for a statement fridge? Bright pastels or lively greens, yellow and oranges will all bring vibrancy to small spaces. www.neptune.com
FROM OLD SCHOOL TO NEW
This may be an old schoolhouse kitchen with rustic charm but the double-door fridge paired with the steel countertop makes it feel seriously modern. Enthusiastic cooks are opting for this style. www.devolkitchens.co.uk
TOP NOTCH TECH
If you are looking for a no-nonsense, reliable fridge; read this. The Siemens iQ300 Free-standing Fridge Freezer combines intelligent SuperCooling with an inverter compressor that adapts to both internal and external temperatures, keeping groceries at their best. www.siemens.com
ALL IN THE DETAILS
How about herringbone? This bespoke kitchen fridge door design brings elegance and uniqueness to the space. www.porterandjones.com
A MODERN TWIST
This characterful heritage in-frame kitchen makes a classic statement with its beautifully wood-stained island and moody, dark cabinetry – and is brought into the modern world with the narrow wine cooler set into the island. Who says you can’t do both? www.colinmaher.ie
FRENCH FANCY
A double-door fridge brings an industrial and functional element to this charming French-inspired kitchen. It means business amidst the elegant decor, ensuring that the space is not sickly sweet. www.neptune.com
BIGGER THE BETTER
A triple-door fridge is ready for hosting in this period home, with a wine cooler in the middle. These fridges are great for large families, keen hosts and when you have the space to fit it in. The silver light feature, navy cabinetry Elegant White’ quartzite on the island from Miller Brothers stone adds to the overall sense of luxury. www.noeldempsey.com
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