How to increase space in under counter integrated fridge

[bellac11]

This fridge is starting to get on my nerves now

I wanted a really streamlined kitchen and so wanted everything integrated and its a small kitchen so no room for a fridge freezer, so we have a integrated fridge under counter and the same next to it is the freezer

Im sick of the fridge, its difficult to ensure the food is rotated properly without me trying to second guess what that is there lurking at the back, bending over, glasses falling off when Im trying to look at whats in there

To make it worse, it has a bit at the bottom which is for fruit and veg, a sort of box with a lid on top, BUT the lid lifts upwards which means that you cant put anything on top of the lid if you want to lift the lid to get at your carrots etc. Useless

Ive seen these fridge drawers on Amazon but they dont look like they would fit due to the edges of the shelves in mine. Also I bought some fridge organisers in Aldi or Lidl last week and they only fit on one shelf because they stick out a bit and the door shelves mean that anything on most of the shelves sticking out results in the door not shutting.

I use the fridge for my own food and we do have a proper fridge freezer out the back but my OH tends to use that, its not convenient for me so I want to get the most out of this stupid fridge in the kitchen

Anyone got this type and what do you do with it?

OMG I have this same fridge, I reckon! The only thing we've done that has helped so far is to use the built-in compartment near the floor for raw meat (in plastic bag). We're buying smaller jars and condiments for the top shelf (which can't been seen unless in the most yogariffic position on the floor). Does yours also have a massive drinks bit in the door that doesn't actually hold much? I hate this fridge so much. The veg drawer is so hidden that we regularly have veg go off as it is forgotten. Our fridge is basically a condiments, thin milk, and small container holder and doesn't work for a weekly shop - we're putting more in our freezer. Such a faff.

I have the same fridge, I removed the lid thing completely. Such a stupid design!

I had the opposite problem. We bought a tall fridge and I could not see half of what was on the top shelf. But I think my solution might help you, too: I got the Ikea Snurrad turntable for the top shelf. It is perfect. It brings things at the back to the front!

Can't help about the irritating veg drawer - what a daft design!

I had your integrated fridge, yep, I recognise it from where I am hiding my head under the duvet trying to forget the horror. There is a special hell for the designer ( ho ho) ; of this fridge , he will be joined there by the ‘kitchen planners’ who sell or recommend it.

We suffered it for three summers, until DH asked me what I did about accessing the bottom drawer, at which stage I lost it and told him how much I hated it.

We went to Leclerc that day and bought a nice big fridge for the utility room to enable us to store fresh food.🥵💥🥐
Ludicrous .

thanks everyone

Well I cant complain exactly because we do have a big fridge freezer in the utility room, but the utility room is 'out the back' and I just cant stand going out there, plus its full of OH's foods, he never cleans or clears it out, I dont want my delicate hands touching that...

Honestly I thought I was the only one with this awful stupid thing, so at least others have suffered with me!!

I might have just found some organisers on amazon which might fit, I hope they wil anyway, we'll see

I lived with it for years, then when covid hit I nominated it 'over flow' fridge & bought a full size fridge freezer. 3 years in im
still in awe of how much easier life is! Little fridge is now 'drinks fridge'
can you fit another proper sized one in the utility room? & just keep milk etc in the under counter one?

So, slightly bonkers suggestion you'll probably laugh at: learn to do Asian squats from youtube! With a bit of practice they become a resting position. A lot more comfortable than western-style balancing on the balls of our feet, or leaning over trying to peer into the top shelf.

I know it sounds daft but being able to get your eyeline down lower, comfortably and stable, helps.

Or, decide it's time to swap fridges...