Choosing a new kitchen’s daunting, design-wise as well as ensuring you’re left with exactly what you had in mind. But did you know that by planning properly it’ll actually save you money? We caught up with Wren Kitchens’ expert Darren Watts and food writer Erin Clarke for storage hacks and design tips to reduce those eye-watering food bills.
1. How to choose
First is to think about what goes where and why. By planning out dedicated areas for prep, cooking, and storage, you can make everyday tasks far more seamless. Think keeping your hob, sink, and fridge close together, and storing or integrating appliances to free up space and ensure preparation is effortless. “An integrated chopping board, similar to a butcher’s block, is great for batch cooking, which will save you money, but it’s also vital to have enough worktop space for everyday use,” says Darren. “If space is tight, a pull out cook’s table that can be tucked away is another smart solution.”
2. How to organise
A pantry is another great hack when it comes to storing food as well as freeing up valuable fridge space. Freestanding pantries or larder units with ventilated shelving help extend the life of fresh produce, while pull-out towers make it easy to see what you have, avoiding items being forgotten at the back of a shelf. “Onions, garlic, potatoes and dried goods all benefit from a cool, dark storage environment rather than being in the fridge,” says Erin. “Just be sure to keep potatoes separate, as they release moisture that can make onions spoil quicker.” But where exactly should your new pantry go? “Close to the fridge or freezer makes food prep more efficient, but it’s important to keep it away from direct sunlight or ovens to maintain freshness,” continues Darren. “A spice rack on the inside of a pantry door is another great way to free up shelf space.”
3. How to plan ahead
Freezers can act as an extension of your fridge and pantry. If space allows, consider a full-size integrated freezer alongside your fridge, or under counter freezers in a utility room if kitchen space is limited. This makes it easier to keep all your summer produce at its best. “Deep drawer freezers with dividers are brilliant for keeping things organised, and smart fridges with a built in camera means you can see what’s inside at a glance, which is a simple way to cut down on food waste for those with flexibility to spend,” says Darren.
4. How to store
“Fridge drawers with humidity control are perfect for keeping fruit and veg fresh for longer, while a ‘use me soon’ shelf is excellent for food nearing their expiry date,” continues Darren. “Maximising underused cupboard space with adjustable shelving or bespoke pull out racks ensures everything has a home, making it easier to find what you need.” And, when it comes to storing food, a few small tricks make all the difference. “I always keep tomatoes and basil out on the counter, as they taste so much better at room temperature,” says Erin. “Courgette, cucumbers and aubergine last longer in the fridge’s crisper drawer; and, for dried herbs, I pop mine in little glass jars with labels.”
5. How to prevent waste
Keeping your food organised is key, but it goes hand in hand with cutting down on what gets wasted. “A lot of waste happens because we forget what we already have, which is why food storage inserts that fit perfectly within drawers are such a lifesaver, keeping everything visible and organised, so nothing gets lost and thrown away unnecessarily, says Darren. But what about keeping food that you won’t be using over the next few days? “Again, your freezer is your friend,” suggests Erin. “Green beans and sweetcorn taste amazing if you blanch them before freezing, and leafy greens like spinach or basil are perfect for turning into pesto and freezing in little cubes. Even whole tomatoes freeze surprisingly well, so you can enjoy all your favourite flavours long after the season’s over.”
