Counter-Depth Fridge Organization Tips
This post may contain affiliate links which means I may receive a commission for purchases made through links. I will only recommend products that I have personally used, if still available, or a similar item if not. Learn more on my Privacy Policy page.
Counter-depth fridges have their own organization challenges. Obviously they aren’t as deep as other fridges and there is less room in the freezer. Prioritizing what you really need to keep in your fridge is crucial. Also recognize that organizing a fridge will be constantly changing, as the food stored changes.
Organize in zones...
Like a standard depth fridge, you need to organize your food in the appropriate zones. You need to place certain foods in the coldest parts of the fridge, ethylene sensitive and ethylene producing fruits and vegetables in others. Place a fridge thermometer in different parts of your fridge to see if or where the temperature varies. It should be under 5 degrees Celsius. The doors are typically the warmest and fluctuate the most, so it is best for shelf stable items like condiments.
Top shelf zone...
Eggs (here in North America) should be kept in the coldest part of the fridge. Some articles I read said that the middle back is the coldest. But after testing it with my thermometer, I found this top shelf in my counter-depth fridge was the same.
Middle/Upper shelf zone...
It takes me weeks to eat a loaf of bread so I keep it in my fridge. If you have a family that goes through it within a few days though, you don’t have to refrigerate it. I keep my cream and milk on this upper shelf because it needs to be kept in the coldest area (not on the doors), and it fits.
Bottom shelf zones...
My dog Meisha’s lettuce and chicken hearts are kept on the left side. The celery container is also here because it doesn’t fit in the vegetable crisper. Sometimes I put large containers of baby spinach and mushrooms on this shelf too. Mushrooms are best kept in a paper bag, but if I don’t have one I’ll use paper towel in a container. I try to keep some space available for more leftovers or meal prep items. If you are thawing meat keep it sealed or covered and put on a plate or in a bin in case it leaks.
Fruit & vegetable zones...
Keep the vent closed for high humidity vegetables or fruit. (cauliflower, broccoli, carrots, lettuce, green onions & grapefruit.)
The vent should be open for low humidity vegetables or fruit. (apples, grapes, pears, kiwis, melons, stone fruits, avocados & squash.)
Some things like bananas, potatoes, avocados and tomatoes are best not refrigerated at all. Unless I can eat them fairly quickly, I will put the tomatoes and avocados in the fridge though.
Flexible drawer...
This drawer can be very versatile. If you have larger blocks of cheese or other items they can go in here. I use a few smaller containers to organize takeout condiments, butter, cheese, and deli-meats. It could also be used as a meal prep drawer.
Designate a space for left-overs...
This is an often-overlooked requirement when organizing a fridge but even more important in a counter-depth one. You don’t want to over-stuff your fridge but you also don’t want to leave it half empty. A half empty fridge will have uneven temperatures and make the fridge work harder.
Organizing with containers...or not
Using bins can help keep the fridge cleaner longer by collecting crumbs and spills, and keep like items together. If you want a more cohesive, organized look, pick clear or neutral containers & bins, or one colour if you like. Try not to have too many different coloured containers because food can be colourful on it’s own.
Fridges all come with fruit and vegetable bins these days that can be vented for the level of humidity. Depending on the food you’re storing, an extra bin might be helpful, or it might take up more space than necessary. Use your own judgement for whether you need one or not.
Several years ago I got a set of clear Interdesign Fridge Binz, and I have gradually added a few pieces. I repurposed some for other places (the pantry, linen closet and other cabinets). Some of my bins are in a light aqua colour (from Homesense) and some were more aqua blue. Sealed containers with a grid liner are good for extending the freshness for high humidity veggies & leafy greens.
Label so others know where to put things...
If anyone else accesses your fridge, having a few labels may be helpful so they know where to put things. With the constantly changing items we keep in our fridges, it can easily become a jumbled mess. I didn’t label the lower right door bin because it may have a mix of taller items including drink bottles & more condiments.
Counter-depth freezer...
The biggest challenge with the counter-depth freezer is its’ lack of space. I decided to get a small upright freezer to compensate. The fridge freezer drawer now contains left-over freezer meals and items to be used up first. Keeping an inventory of your food can be helpful to remind you what needs eating first.
Main take aways for organizing a counter-depth fridge...
As I mentioned at the beginning, you need to prioritize what you store in here. Remember that your food inventory will constantly be changing and you may just have to put some things in where they will fit.
You can watch the video below...
Share this:
