Those small cupboards above the refrigerator may seem like awkward, wasted space, but they can actually be surprisingly useful. Because they’re high up and often exposed to warmth from the refrigerator, they’re best reserved for things you don’t use every day.

They’re ideal for storing infrequently used kitchen appliances, such as food processors, waffle makers, or specialty gadgets. You can also keep cookbooks, kitchen towels, canned goods, and baking supplies that don’t need to be within easy reach. Small organizers can make the space even more practical by keeping pantry items and spices neatly arranged.

If you have fine china, special serving dishes, or cutlery reserved for holidays and special occasions, these cupboards can be a convenient place to store them. Just avoid putting heat-sensitive items inside, including chocolate and certain ingredients, and skip anything particularly heavy that would be difficult or unsafe to lift down.

So, the next time you look at that little cabinet above your fridge and wonder what it’s actually for, consider turning it into useful extra storage. Just use a sturdy step stool when reaching inside, and avoid overloading the cabinet. What do you keep in the cupboard above your refrigerator?