The kitchen stands out as the coronary heart of the house, however kitchen counters are the arms. These important work surfaces are tasked with holding every thing from youngsters’ homework to good audio system to bowls of fruit. They’re the workbenches of American life.
However some countertop storage habits will be impractical at finest — and unsafe at worst. If it’s worthwhile to deliver sanity to your kitchen counters, learn on. Listed here are widespread countertop gadgets you must discover a new residence for.
1. Paper towels and napkins
Based on the American Crimson Cross, most residence fires begin within the kitchen. Scale back danger of fireplace by preserving paper towels and napkins off the counter.
Storing paper merchandise away from the range is a good begin, however you by no means know the place somebody will inadvertently park the toaster, air fryer or sizzling plate. The most secure guess is to retailer paper towels underneath the sink and napkins in a drawer.
See additionally: “How I Make a Roll of Paper Towels Final All 12 months”
2. Spices and herbs
It’s thyme to rethink spice storage. Although it looks as if everybody makes use of turntable spice racks on the counter, that is probably not one of the best place for them.
Spices needs to be refrained from warmth, mild, air and moisture, in accordance with Penn State Extension. As an alternative of on the countertop, retailer these taste necessities in hermetic containers in a cupboard or pantry (sage recommendation, if you happen to ask me). Tiered spice racks like this mannequin on Amazon will maintain every thing organized.
3. Cooking oils
Based on the Oregon State College Extension Service, cooking oils needs to be saved in a cool space that’s not uncovered to direct mild. When saved on a desk or countertop, oils can oxidize extra shortly and change into rancid.
As an alternative of the counter, retailer bottled oils in a cabinet that’s close to the range however not shut sufficient to warmth up when the equipment is on.
4. Junk meals
Seeing is consuming. In a second of starvation, stress, or boredom, who can resist the siren track of countertop cookies or chips?
A 2015 research by Cornell College linked what’s on individuals’s counters to their general weight and physique mass index (BMI). Although research individuals had been restricted to girls, we will assume the identical holds true for males. For instance, girls who saved mushy drinks on the counter weighed 24-26 kilos greater than those that saved the sugary drinks out of sight.
5. Electronics
Alexa could also be a lifesaver whenever you’re attempting out a brand new recipe, however don’t set your machine too near the motion. Counter tops are made for spills and grease splatter — private electronics are usually not.
And in accordance with the FDA, dealing with units throughout meal prep might pose a meals contamination danger. We’ve all heard about research displaying smartphones will be dirtier than a bathroom seat. Do you actually need that in your countertop?
6. Breakable decor gadgets
Watch any residence design present and also you’ll see kitchen counters loaded with non-essentials like apothecary jars, elaborate floral preparations and framed artwork.
However with all that loveliness, who has room to prepare dinner? For security and practicality, resist the temptation to brighten work surfaces. In spite of everything, nothing ruins an important meal like damaged glass.
7. Paperwork
Kitchen counters typically function a handy catch-all house for homework, artwork initiatives, family payments. However like all paper merchandise, this stuff can catch hearth simply when positioned too near a burner or small equipment.
Fireplace danger apart, vital paperwork will be ruined by spills, grease splatter and the overall messiness of meals prep. Hold the counter tops clear and the paperwork on a desk or separate work floor.
Professional tip: No room to retailer paperwork? Strive the “tray trick.” Relegate all paperwork or youngsters’ homework to giant, shallow tray with handles. Throughout meal prep, simply transfer the tray as a substitute of wrangling piles of muddle.
8. Mugs
What sort of tree does the world want fewer of? The mug tree! Although charming, mug bushes appear designed to gather mud and cooking grease splatter. My first intuition is to completely wash each mug I pluck from their questionable “branches.”
Give your self extra prep house and one much less factor to wash — retailer mugs in a cupboard.
9. Seldom-used home equipment
In most kitchens, counter house is prime actual property. Is yours being eaten up by small home equipment?
Positive, it is sensible to maintain toasters, blenders, juicers and meals processors helpful. However until you’re utilizing these home equipment each day or each time you prepare dinner, they’ll stay in a cupboard or pantry.
10. Knives
I’ve in all probability watched too many horror films, however doesn’t each residence intruder attain for the knife block first? Severely although, these cumbersome blocks take up quite a lot of counter house and don’t seem to be the most secure alternative in households with younger, energetic youngsters.
As an alternative of blocks, select an in-drawer knife holder like this mannequin from Wayfair.
