5 Essential Refrigerator Parts and Accessories

Running errands like going to the grocery store, paying bills, making dinner, and packing lunch often keeps you busy, leaving little time to think about your refrigerator. But perhaps it's time to reconsider. With new technological advances, there are various fridge parts and accessories that can simplify your daily tasks. Want to save on your electricity bill? Interested in extending the freshness of your groceries and produce? Need some extra organization? These five refrigerator accessories could be the solution you've been looking for.

5: Produce Drawer Liner

Fresh fruits and vegetables are great for your health, but they can take a toll on your budget when you end up tossing spoiled produce. That’s where a crisper liner for your fridge's produce drawer comes in. This handy accessory not only reduces moisture to help your produce stay fresh longer, but also provides a soft surface that minimizes bruising. Some liners even fight odors and mold, ensuring your fridge stays fresh and clean.

4: Beverage Dispenser

Soda, water, juice, beer -- are drinks taking over your refrigerator? If that’s the case, consider adding a beverage dispenser. These efficient and compact devices help you store your drinks neatly, keeping them secure and easy to dispense one by one. Many feature a flat top, allowing you to stack other groceries on top. While the most common type is a can dispenser, bottle-holding variants are also available.

For those who enjoy tailgating, there's even a version that doubles as a tote. This design fits perfectly in your fridge and includes a handle, making it simple to carry to your next tailgate or picnic. Plus, they come in various sizes to accommodate the needs of any household.

3: Refrigerator Alarm

Who hasn't gone to check their refrigerator, only to find the door left open for who knows how long? If the fridge door stays open too long, all the cold air escapes, causing your food to spoil and driving up your energy bill.

But with a refrigerator alarm, that’s no longer a problem. This handy device will notify you if the door is left open too long. Many models allow you to set the exact time before the alarm sounds. So if you like taking your time while looking through your fridge, you can do so without worrying about the constant beeping. Simply set it to alert you if the door stays open for an extended period.

2: Water Filter

Bottled water has been receiving negative attention lately, and probably for good reason. Not only does it contribute 1.5 million tons of waste to landfills each year, but it’s also expensive. To save money and reduce environmental impact, think about installing a refrigerator water filter. For the cost of bottled water over a year, you can have fresh, filtered water directly from your fridge.

For just around $30, you can get a simple water filtration system that’s easy to install on your own. Located at the refrigerator’s water line, this filter will purify both the drinking water and the water used by your ice maker. Once installed, all you need to do is replace the filter every six months to ensure fresh, clean water and ice.

1: Air Filter

Now that you have filtered water, don’t forget about the air inside your fridge. There’s nothing worse than pouring a glass of milk that tastes like yesterday’s garlic chicken. If your fridge tends to trap food odors, forget about using a box of baking soda. Consider installing an air filter instead. While it may take up a bit of space, this filter can keep unpleasant odors away and leave your fridge smelling fresh for up to nine months. After that, replacing the filter costs about $11.

For just a few more dollars, some air filters not only banish odors but also help regulate your fridge’s humidity, ensuring your food stays fresher for a longer period of time.