Here’s something you’ll probably never hear from a cook: “I have plenty of kitchen storage space.” Lack of space doesn’t keep most of us from adding to our stash of tools and gadgets, though. The trick is to look for products that collapse or fold to ease the space crunch. Here are a few great space-saving products that’ll help our kitchens “measure up.”
Collapsible strainer
Colanders usually take up lots of cabinet space, but this silicone one from Oxo's Good Grips line collapses to fit in a drawer. The 7-1/2-inch-diameter colander drains, of course, but it also has a metal tab that fits nicely over the edge of a saucepan so you can blanch vegetables. It costs $20 and is available at
OXO.
Foldable protector
This collapsible cake cover from Antique Gadgets is made of plastic with a foldable steel frame, so it can slip in a cabinet or drawer when not in use. It costs $10, and you can buy it at
Broadway Pan Handler.
Stacked racks
Cookie bakers will appreciate these nonstick stackable cooling racks, which make the most of limited counter space by going vertical. The racks are about 16x10 inches and can also be used singly. The three-tier set is $11 from
Wilton.
Lid holder
When counter space is at a premium, finding a spot to rest a saucepan lid when cooking can be a challenge (mine usually end up in the already-crowded sink). That’s why I like these Intensa pans from Fissler: They have stay-cool melamine handles that double as lid holders, positioning the lids so that the condensation drips back into the pot.
These stainless-steel pans come in eight sizes, ranging from a 1.5-quart saucepan (shown, $145) to a 6.9-quart stew pot ($240). You can buy the Intensa line at
Kitchen Store on 10th.
Foldable slicer
A mandoline makes quick work of slicing and cutting vegetables into julienne, but its awkward size can make it tough to store. This Zyliss Easy Slice 2 folds in half to a compact 7-3/4 x 4-1/2 x 2 inches. To switch among four slicing thicknesses, ranging from 1 mm to 6 mm, you turn a knob that raises or lowers the cutting platform, so there are no separate blades to remove or insert (or lose).
The julienne setting produced nicely uniform zucchini sticks, and I found that the blade excelled at a range of foods, from soft tomatoes to tough fennel. It comes with a food holder to protect your knuckles and fingers from the blade. The lightweight plastic mandoline retails for $35, and you can find a list of stores at
Kitchen Collection.
Reusable Grocery Bags & Baskets
Say goodbye to grocery store plastic by shopping with these reusable totes and baskets. You’ll not save space (no more 463 plastic bags crammed inside each other squished between the fridge and a cupboard), you’ll help the environment, and feel virtuous and look stylish while you’re at it.
Envirosax Bag, the Compact carryall
These well-priced, lightweight bags fold up to practically nothing, carry the equivalent of two or three plastic grocery bags, and come in handy storage pouches to stash in your car or purse.
We’re coveting these bags not only for their fabulous patterns but for the fact that they’re waterproof, too. If you’re not into florals, look for these in several other lively designs, including black and white and retro. Envirosax bags, $8.50 each or $37.95 for a pouch of five, available at
Envirosax, (800-603-3431).
Baggu Bag, the Colorful Bag
Available in 12 vivid solid colors, these nylon bags have nice long handles (easier to hold when your bag is bulging). They also sit flat when filled, which is great for holding items you don’t want tilting, like eggs. Baggu bags, from $8 for one bag and pouch, at
Baggu Bag.
Reisenthel European Collapsible Tote
Fine Cooking test kitchen manager Jennifer Armentrout shops at her local farmers’ market with a basket like this, and other shoppers always ask her where she got it. She loves it because it’s nice and open, so her beautiful summer produce doesn’t get crushed. Reisenthel European collapsible market tote, $29.95 at
Sur La Table, (800-243-0852).
Reisenthel Folding Grocery Trolley
For those who don’t want to carry bags, this trolley is great for wheeling groceries. And when it’s not in use, the trolley’s wheels flatten, and it folds up for compact storage. Reisenthel folding grocery trolley, $19.95 at
Sur La Table, (800-243-0852).
(Ideas courtesy of Lisa Waddle and by Rebecca Freedman)
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