Under-counter fridge

Who is THE BOSS? Husband?

It would be a cold day in hell before I referred to any partner in that manner.

Mine is an under the counter fridge. I have to sit down to put the stuff in when Tesco delivers. I get my cleaner to do it out at intervals. He is a lot more agile than I am.

I would love a French style fridge freezer. The freezer portion has pull out drawers, so much easier! Sadly my kitchen is too small.

I have an American style fridge/freezer that is nearly 20 years old. Whilst I am really pleased that it has lasted so long, I do wish it would die. We use our fridge differently now and this one isn't really adaptable.

Frustrating isn't it.

Similar problem here. I now have two food storage boxes on each shelf which act like trays. They’re light enough for me to be able to lift them out so I can see everything in them.

Lathyrus3

Stop struggling and ask the Boss to get things out and put them away.

I guess the new fridge will arrive promptly..

He can’t understand the difficulties while you keep managing.

I second this.

I was thinking much the same at the weekend when I was taking something out of the washing machine. The tumble dryer is just as awkward and I’m considering having that put on a sturdy raised base to make it easier to retrieve lost socks etc. However, that wouldn’t work for the washing machine as it frequently goes for a walk as it is…….put it up higher and it’ll be taking flight!! They’re both in a utility space btw.
Don’t know what the answer is for your fridge though DotScot.

I do use these, though. The handle makes them easy to pull out.

I have the same problem but mainly because my fridge isn’t big enough. I’m so envious of people with larder fridges. I do have a counter top mini fridge in the utility room but can’t use it in winter as the ambient temperature isn’t high enough. And salad seems to freeze in my fridge something that doesn’t seem to happen with larder fridges.

Sorry Lathyrus misread your post.

Ask The Boss to be fridge and freezer monitor, they can get what you need, they might understand the issue then.

What about storing items in plastic trays in the fridge, as a temporary solution? You can then pull the tray out to see what’s at the back. Wham trays are inexpensive and come in a variety of sizes. They’re widely available, Dunelm, Home Bargains, B&M or online.

I have them for cans of drink, fruit, cheeses and things that get messy, like opened jars/bottles. I use fairly narrow ones so they’re not too heavy and more easily manoeuvrable.

Have a look at clear plastic fridge organisers online. I use these on the bottom shelf of my larder unit and find them very helpful. If you group like items together you will find it easier to organise your fridge.

Stop struggling and ask the Boss to get things out and put them away.

I guess the new fridge will arrive promptly..

He can’t understand the difficulties while you keep managing.

You could take the door off, it wouldn’t be pretty but it might help? Alternatively could you ask someone to lift the fridge onto the counter…..or is that not possible?

J52 That's in the new kitchen plan that my adult children keep pressurising The Boss to provide. I can't think of a solution, myself!
Dylis See my post about door-opening restrictions.

Why not put the fridge on top of the work surface. Say at the end of work surface against the end wall.
I’ve recommended that to a couple of elderly neighbours. All good. Just like opening a cupboard.

I should also say that because it's built-in, the door doesn't open beyond 90 degrees, so pull-out drawers like in the freezer aren't really an option. Currently, I need to angle the shelves upwards to avoid the door storage bits when I remove them for cleaning. I don't know how I've managed with this for nigh on 30 years! I suppose I was younger and my knees didn't complain so much!

I don’t think there is an answer. I’ve never had under counter fridge/ freezer, but have seen a few in kitchens when house hunting.
Would it be possible to remove part of the worktop and fit an upright fridge/ freezer?

I know this sounds daft but can you just pull out the shelves?