above-the-fridge storage

14 years ago

The situation: I'm buying a new (7 yr. old) home that has very nice Merrilat oak cabinets. They look brand new in and out and will be more than adequate for my needs. My problem is the area above the fridge. It is identical to what I'm leaving here, the fridge is in a corner, next to a pantry. The cabinets do not extend the full depth of the fridge, so are "recessed", so to speak. This makes the cabinet above the fridge difficult at best, to access. This also allows an area on top of the fridge to accumulate stuff, making access to the cabinets even more difficult.

What I have in mind is something I think I saw on "This Old House" or similar some years ago. This was an open shelf of sorts, that extended out above the fridge, and had vertical dividers where you could store baking sheets, sheet pans, cutting boards, long cooling racks, etc. on their side. In a matching finish, of course. This would replace the existing cabinet. It seems like a simple solution that adds some serious, useful storage to my kitchen.

I did find a couple old threads here that touched on that particular space, and other storage solutions, but none that addressed this specific solution. Neither was I able to find something like this on Merrilat's web site.

Before I visit my local cabinet shop I thought I would solicit the considerable wisdom and experience here for ideas and possible solutions. Has anyone done something like this? How did you do it? Pics would be helpful.

Thanks for any help you can provide.

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Comments (10)

joaniepoanie
14 years ago
I would first check with a Merillat dealer. You can find out if your door style/color is still available. I'm almost certain Merillat would carry this type of cabinet because so many people get them now. Worst case scenario if They don't have the built in dividers, you order a plain over the fridge cab and get dividrers somewhere else such as Rev-a-Shelf.
deedles
14 years ago
I haven't done it but I have seen it done and it seemed like a good idea to me. Somebody certainly will know more than me, though.
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coco4444
14 years ago
If you google for the merillat catalog, there are several files of cabinet styles/sizes (differing levels I guess, I just picked the smallest download below).

I have what I think you are going for, and have had what you have now. Much better to have access, much more useful. My cabinets are installed with a ~4" firring (sp?) strip to make them pretty flush with my fridge, which gets me a built in look for much less $. Note that you might have to also purchase one or two fridge gables (depending on what's on either side of your fridge; if it's a ~24" deep pantry you're probably okay for that side). Those are the long side panels that tie in the extended cabinets.

Here is a link that might be useful: merillat catelog, pg 25 for over fridge cabs
codymaxx
14 years ago
What a great idea! The cabinet above our fridge is basically dead space because it's difficult to reach.
User
14 years ago
The biggest issue with what you are proposing is that you will need to redo your crown molding on that side and you will need to add a 3/4" panel to the fridge sides to support the 24" deep cabinet above (or fasten it to the ceiling). And actually, unless you have a cabinet depth fridge, the sides will need to be 30" and blocking will need to be used to pull the 24" deep cabinet forward.

That's a much better look, but it does add to the project. I would absolutely do it in a heartbeat, and wouldn't even call Merrilat. I'd DIY the whole thing and paint it in an accent color and maybe use paint to accent another feature in the kitchen like the sink base or range hood etc. in order to tie it into the kitchen as a whole.
photobob
Original Author
14 years ago
Wow! Thanks for all the great replies. I was beginning to doubt myself as the folks I've talked to about this just left me with puzzled looks. Seemed like too good of an idea for that sort of response. Glad to find folks who like it and have actually done it.

My first thought was to go with an open shelf sort of an arrangement, but I do like the look of an extended cabinet (with doors and everything). Much nicer, more finished look and hides the clutter of all the pans and stuff that will end up there. That built-in look is an added bonus.

May push my DIY abilities a bit, but certainly an easy enough job for those in the trade. At least now I can walk into a Merrilat store (or cab shoppe) and speak more intelligently about what I want.

Thanks again folks, I'm getting excited now...
dianalo
14 years ago
You could also use an opaque glass front on it if matching the door is difficult. Just make sure it hides what is behind it well. Since the interior won't be lit, you have some leeway...
ci_lantro
14 years ago
Can you build a new box and use the face frame & doors from the cabinet you now have? (Assuming that you have framed cabs.) Esp if you decide to get the refrigerator side panels...
photobob
Original Author
14 years ago

Re-using the face frame and doors is a great idea, but that would be too easy... Unfortunately, the existing cab isn't tall enough. It's one of those that allows a bunch of space between the fridge and cab to store more stuff out of reach.

Elegant solution, tho'.
CEFreeman
14 years ago
I didn't have the $$ for a fridge cabinet (24" deep) and a solo one hasn't shown up at the reuse center yet, so I just pulled a regular 12" deep cabinet forward. I'm actually exchanging the 18" tall one for a 33" tall for more storage. It'll still be 12" deep at this point.

Anyway, I store just what you're asking about because I seldom use them. I dislike open shelving (sorry folks) because of dust and junky clutter. So being short, I just improvised!

I am surprised to hear in this day and age of cabinets and storage, people think you're from Mars. Remind yourself not to choose them to design or build your kitchen!!