I also stored vertically cookie sheets, large meat platters, and large mixing bowls. Even though I'm short, I could reach the edges of the items and get them down and put them away later. It's valuable space for these items. Also stored a large meat cutting board. These were stored above the double ovens. Above the refrig. the space was used for storage containers.

In my cabinets that are above my regular cabinets and go to the ceiling, I store things I do not use very often--Like seasonal decor, crock pot, and so forth. Luckily for me, my husband and son are tall enough to reach anything I need down from those cabinets!

Agree with both. The area above the refrigerator isn't the most convenient, so store items that don't need to be accessed that often. The depth offers a good place to store baking sheets and trays which are items that aren't used on a regular basis. Adjustable vertical dividers are perfect.

If you get a counter depth fridge, the cabinet is less deep and much more useable.

I have a counter-depth fridge and a flush cabinet above it to a 9' ceiling which has two shelves. I store there paper towels, fridge water filters, light bulbs, and large long items like my carving board, and my electric griddle that I make pancakes on (it's looong). Also some platters that don't fit anywhere else. Where else would I put that stuff. Yes, I have to get on a stepstool (or a kitchen table chair), but I have to do that for every shelf in my kitchen above the second shelf anyway.

Lots of people have vertical dividers in that area for trays, roasting pans, etc. which is a good idea too.

i put my big crock pot (the size for family gatherings at holidays), lobster pot, pop corn popper, things like that... handle facing front. and yes, i need a step stool to reach the items to the rear.

you gotta be careful using a step stool then Gerry, especially when putting the bottles away... ; )

two storage baskets, half the depth of the cabinet each, for items you seldom use, pull out the entire basket, box, whatever and get what you need

Tray/platter dividers are a great option. You could also have a cabinetmaker install pullouts that allow you greater access to things stored in the rear.

I store my Costco paper towels above my fridge for several reasons .... they take up a lot of room when you buy in bulk, that overhanging cabinet is inherently not as strongly suspended as the other cabinets are so I like to store things in it that are not heavy, and I'm not reaching for a new paper towel roll every day so it's fine that they are a little more out of the way. I use my long BBQ tongs to reach up and grab a new one when I need it.

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Vivian_wayne,

what did you decide to do with that cabinet above the fridge, If anything yet?

Thanks for all the good ideas suggested. I think I am just going to put those items (big pots, etc...) that are only used once or twice a year in those hard to reach area.

We also use ours for our alcohol, except wine. And all of the paraphernalia that goes with alcohol!! We don't drink often, but we sure have an awesome selection.