Review of boxes for storing potatoes in an apartment

Potatoes are a favorite product among Russians. They are stocked up for future use, with the expectation that there will be enough vegetables until the next season.

In the absence of a cellar, many people store root vegetables in the apartment, which requires certain knowledge and the availability of suitable containers.

Read the article about how to choose a box for storing potatoes in an apartment that will extend their shelf life.

What are they?

Potatoes are a shelf-stable product, but only if they are stored correctly. If the root crop is to spend the winter in an apartment, then you should pay attention to the boxes, made from materials such as:

• plastic;
• metal;
• tree.
• rattan.

Each material has its own advantages and disadvantages that need to be considered before purchasing.

Plastic

For storing potatoes in an apartment you can use a plastic container. Large containers are suitable for vegetable bases, but for home it is better to purchase containers with a volume of about 10 liters.

In such a container you can keep vegetables in small portions, so they will not spoil or become moldy.

If necessary, small containers can be moved without assistance. They are easy to care for and are not afraid of soapy water.

However, installing plastic boxes in the form of sections in boxes or cabinets is not always convenient. If there are no holes in them, then the process of rotting may begin..

The disadvantages of plastic include its increased fragility. If handled carelessly, the box will quickly break. Temperature changes make the situation worse.

Metal boxes and meshes

It is inconvenient to store potatoes in metal containers. Main disadvantages such boxes:

1. They do not have holes for ventilation, which can lead to spoilage of vegetables.
2. Metal containers are not favored by their weight. The containers are heavy, and when potatoes are loaded into them, the weight increases several times.
3. If you plan to store potatoes on the balcony, then metal is not the best choice. It cools quickly, which can cause vegetables to freeze.
4. When in contact with moisture, the metal oxidizes and rusts.

Metal mesh is radically different from boxes. Such baskets allow air to pass through, so moisture does not stagnate in them. This has a positive effect on both the shelf life of potatoes and the condition of the storage container itself. The meshes are easier to maintain, and the absence of condensation avoids rust.

Wooden

It is wooden boxes that are most often used for storing potatoes at home. Such packaging has a whole list of advantages, including:

• durability;
• ease of repair;
• unpretentious care;
• affordable price;
• ensuring high-quality ventilation;
• environmental Safety.

Wooden boxes are ubiquitous.You don’t have to buy them; you can make such containers yourself. However, like any other product, wood is not without its drawbacks.

The main disadvantage is susceptibility to mold and vulnerability to insects.. To prevent the box from collapsing and rotting, it must be covered with a layer of varnish or paint.

Boxes

If the harvest is planned to be stored in the apartment in small parts and not as a whole, boxes are used. They are made from different materials. The main advantage of such a system is its well-thought-out functionality.

Kitchen boxes

They can be built-in or free-standing. Most often they are made of wood, although there are boxes made of fiberboard and chipboard covered with a protective film.

Factory-made drawers have an attractive design, so they fit organically into the interior of the kitchen. You can also order a built-in drawer that will be installed in the set.

Thanks to this design, the potatoes will always be in the dark, which increases their shelf life. However, large volumes of vegetables will not fit in such a box.

Wicker

Wicker boxes are great for storing potatoes. They have holes through which air circulates freely.

Another advantage of such packaging is its aesthetic appearance.

The disadvantages include the need to protect the baskets from light. To do this, they will have to be put in a dark closet or covered with a cloth. The boxes are woven from rattan and other natural materials.

What is the difference?

When choosing a box for storing potatoes, you need to take into account the location of its future placement. This parameter directly affects the choice of containers.

Kitchen

For the kitchen, drawers with an attractive design are used. A massive iron container will look out of place. It is better to choose a container with holes so that the vegetables can “breathe”.

Balcony

Heavy boxes should not be used for the balcony. The load must be normalized. The exact numbers can be clarified in the management company or homeowners association. The maximum permissible weight for a balcony is 150 kg. If overloaded, there is a risk of the structure collapsing. There is no such restriction for loggias.

If the balcony is not glazed, then care should be taken to ensure that the potatoes do not freeze. It is impossible to put it in boxes without additional insulation, otherwise the entire harvest will be lost.

Cellar or storage room

The cellar is an ideal place to store potatoes. However, it is only available in private homes. Cellar owners prefer to store vegetables in wooden boxes and wicker baskets.

Maintaining a stable temperature throughout the year has a positive effect on the shelf life of the crop. The main thing is that the boxes are protected from fungus, which often multiplies in basements.

The dark and cool place in the apartment is the pantry. In it, potatoes are stored in containers, wooden boxes and wicker baskets. In such conditions, the crop will remain fresh for 1-2 months.

How to do it yourself?

You can make a potato storage box with your own hands. The easiest way is to assemble a wooden structure from slats. The algorithm of actions is as follows:

1. Sawing the workpieces.You will need bars and slats 1 cm thick. The bars are sawed so that their profile is triangular.
2. The bars are laid on top of each other, 2 pieces on each side, and form walls. Glue slats to them, leaving gaps between them.
3. Reinforce the slats with nails.
4. The slatted walls are assembled in the same way.
5. The bottom is made solid, without gaps, by laying the slats tightly to each other.
6. Cover the box with paint or varnish. It is better to sand it first.

You can use parts of an old set as a potato storage box.

How to choose a ready-made one?

Tips for choosing finished box:

1. When purchasing a ready-made potato storage box, you should give preference to trusted manufacturers. Well-known companies will not risk their reputation and produce low-quality goods.
2. When purchasing plastic containers, you need to pay attention to the composition of the product. It should not contain dangerous bisphenol A. You should also find information on the information sheet that the selected plastic is suitable for storing food.
3. Decide on the volume. If potatoes are to be stored in a pantry or kitchen, then a box with a capacity of up to 10 liters is sufficient. Larger boxes are used to place the harvest in the cellar.
4. Form. It is most convenient to use square boxes with the same dimensions. They can be stacked on top of each other to save space.
5. The presence of gaps for air passage. Ventilation will ensure better preservation of the crop.

Where to buy and what to look for?

When purchasing a container for potatoes, you need to focus on its price. The average cost of wooden boxes is 500 rubles. Plastic structures are cheaper, they can be purchased for 200 rubles. Wicker boxes will cost 1,500 rubles.

Top 3 best models

The most practical boxes for storing potatoes:

BranQ vegetable container transparent

The container is made of plastic. The top is open, which ensures food ventilation. By stacking containers on top of each other, you can save space. Once the drawer is empty, it can be used to store kitchen utensils.

Alternative M604, 650x415x395 mm

The mesh design ensures high-quality ventilation and crop safety. For convenient transportation, the container is equipped with handles.

Wooden box 31x23x16 cm

A stylish compact storage box will be an excellent solution for the kitchen. The product is made of solid pine needles and is highly durable and reliable..

Capacity up to 12 l.

When is heating needed?

When storing potatoes on an uninsulated loggia, they need to be heated. To do this, use cold-resistant boxes that are powered from the mains. They consume electricity in amounts comparable to an incandescent lamp.

A good option is the so-called balcony cellar. It is represented by a backpack made of thick fabric, which is additionally insulated with padding polyester. In terms of strength, it is not inferior to ordinary boxes. Container capacity varies between 100-300 liters.

Helpful information

Tips for selection and use Potato storage boxes:

• the container must be kept clean - dirt and excess moisture must be removed after each emptying of the container;
• if the bottom of the box is not solid, it can be covered with parchment, which will allow air to pass through and prevent debris and dirt from falling out;
• When choosing a box, you need to pay attention to the presence of handles - with them it is more convenient to move the container from place to place.

Conclusion

A vegetable storage box allows you to extend the shelf life of your crops and optimize space. When choosing a design, you need to start from the conditions in which it will be located, take into account the material of manufacture and the features of its use.