Fridge Containers: A secret to happy cruising

   An organized galley always makes cruising easier.
     Have you seen these fridge containers? They’re made by InterDesign, and they're terrific for a boat fridge or reefer. There are other brands, of course, but I like these because of their straight side.  
    Why do I think they’re so terrific? Because they make meal prep easier and they help you keep the fridge door shut so the cold air stays trapped inside. (Which is important on a boat!)

    Here’s how I use mine. I label my containers: Meat, Cheese, Breakfast, etc. Then I put all the lunch meat in the Meat container, all the cheese in the Cheese container, etc. When it’s time to build sandwiches for lunch, I pull out those two containers, and I have just about everything I need, except for the mayo, bread, lettuce and pickles. When the sandwiches are constructed, I put the containers back.
    When Capt. Dave wants breakfast, he just pulls out the Breakfast container and all the possibilities are within reach.
    Of course, you can use other logic for your containers. In fact, if you were to organize your fridge or reefer using category containers, what would your labels be? It really depends on your cruising lifestyle, doesn’t it!
    I also use these containers in my boat freezer. Boat freezers work best when everything’s packed pretty tight so there’s little room for air flow. Only problem? Where is everything? I number my containers (1, 2, 3, etc.) so that when I pack things in the freezer, I write in my Boat Notebook where I put things. I’ll have a list that says, “Bacon, #3: Chicken Breasts, #1; etc.” I swear if I didn’t do that, I’d be in the middle of Claydon Bay in the Broughtons, tearing everything out of the freezer, looking for that pair of lobster tails I know I brought from home. (Don’t forget to learn my tip for never having to defrost your boat’s fridge in chapter 9 of The First Mate’s Guide to Cruising the Inside Passage.)
    Where are good places to get fridge containers? I got mine on Amazon and at Cash and Carry, regional restaurant supplier. Discount and department stores carry them, as well as the Container Store and I got the kind that does not have a lid, because I think refrigeration works best when air circulates.
    I hope this tip helps make your cruising life even sweeter. Fair winds!

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