Kmart's new $7 kitchen gadget sparks popular storage debate: 'Wouldn't work'
People are divided over whether you should store herbs and spices in the fridge or pantry.
There are two types of people in this world: those who haphazardly store their herbs and spices and those who have a methodical system. Whether you’re in the first group and finally want to change your ways, or you’re looking for a fresh approach to ‘spice’ things up, Kmart has recently launched a brand new product that’s been hailed as a “game changer” online.
Customers can maximise their kitchen space with the Under Shelf Spice Rack for $7, which keeps herbs and spices neatly organised and accessible. The gadget utilises unused space beneath the shelf and comes with an easy pull-out compartment featuring a drawer stop.
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One shopper recently showcased the budget-friendly storage solution on TikTok and received plenty of comments from people who said they couldn’t wait to buy it for themselves.
“Oh wow I feel my life’s changed from this,” one person wrote, while another added, “Fine I’ll go to Kmart no need to twist my arm”.
“The speed I sent this to my husband should be a record breaker,” a third remarked, followed by someone else who said, “This is about to change my life”.
Kmart gadget sparks debate
While some shoppers complained that the product wouldn’t be big enough to fit all their jars, others argued that spices should be stored in the fridge to prevent them from hardening and clumping.
Leif Lundin, Food Program Research Director at CSIRO, tells Yahoo Lifestyle that there are a few key rules to follow when choosing where to store spices in the kitchen.
“It's best to keep them in a cool, dark place to protect them from sunlight and moisture. Also, avoid exposing them to temperature fluctuations; for example, don’t store them in a cupboard next to the stove,” he explains.
“The main reason for maintaining low temperatures and low moisture, as well as preventing exposure to sunlight, is that these conditions slow down certain chemical reactions that can negatively affect the flavours of the spices.”
So, fridge or pantry?
Leif shares that spices do not need to be kept in the fridge, as condensation can occur when you take the jar out and then put it back in.
“It's recommended to store spices in sealed, airtight containers, such as glass jars, at a consistent, cool temperature,” he adds. “Additionally, whole spices tend to last longer than ground spices. This is because ground spices have a larger surface area, which increases the rate of chemical reactions that lead to flavour degradation.”
Professional organiser weighs in
Meanwhile, professional organiser Tash Kraus from Situation Sorted tells Yahoo Lifestyle that she keeps dried herbs and spices in the pantry cupboard and garlic and onion powder in the fridge to stop the clumping.
She also recommends Kmart’s 3 Tier Shelf for $8 to store herbs and spices, rather than the Under Shelf Spice Rack.
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“Each household is different, and it really depends on the type of cook you are as to how many spices you will have,” she says.
“I love having all my spices organised and in the one area, but the Under Shelf Kmart version wouldn’t work for me, as I have approximately 30 spices. It also only works for six jars, whereas some spices also come in packets and larger sizes.”
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