The great British potato is a staple on many dinner plates all over the world, whether roasted mashed or chipped this versatile vegetable will be found served up across many homes every day of the week.
Recently however we have noticed that when we’ve come to start peeling our spuds that they’ve gone soft or started sprouting, either completely ruining the potato or I’m cutting so much away there is barely anything left to go into the saucepan.
With this in mind, we decided to look at how to store potatoes to best extend their shelf life and to allow us to stop wasting so much food through poor storage. Not only saving us from food waste but the wasted money too.
We looked into a range of different options, from baskets and bags to hessian sacks and wicker. There really is something for everyone’s budget, and if it stops your veg from turning green or sprouting, then hopefully it should save you some money in the long run.
Potato Storage Options included in our review
Last update on 2021-08-03 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
In a Hurry….. Here’s our top pick
Selections Potato Storage Basket Hoppe
This is our Top recommendation for storing your spuds and here’s why.
- Holds 15 -20kg of Potatoes.
- Measures 50 centimeter x 30 centimeter with a 15 centimeter opening.
- Keeps you potatoes well aired and shielded from light.
- Handmade wicker storage solution that will last for years.
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Although this is our number one recommendation and the option we choose for our home, it’s not going to be right for everyone. That’s why we have a range of other options as detailed below with something for everyone’s tastes and budgets.
Seven Of The Best At Home Potato Storage Solutions
- Includes 2 10lb. bags
- Reusable cotton/poly
- Blackout lining absorbs moisture and obstructs light
Last update on 2021-08-03 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
This a good inexpensive option that holds a reasonable amount of potatoes. It has the added advantage of a blackout lining which helps to absorb both moisture and light.
This is the perfect option if you have somewhere to hang it, for example in the Kitchen or in a Pantry. The zipper makes it convenient to pull out the potatoes from the bottom to ensure stock rotation. And If any do spoil or go bad the bags can be washed ( I would suggest hand washing ).
Things we liked
- Good strong thick material that can be washed and reused.
- 2 Bags included in the price.
- Good hanging option especially if space is at a premium.
Things we didn’t like
- Smaller than expected.
- Suitable for store brought produce, not for home. growers looking to store lots of potatoes.
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- Whitefurze 3 Tier Stackable Baskets 3 Tier Rack Veg Rack Plastic Stackers Overall Each basket measures approx: L 35.5cm x D 28.5cm x Height 17.5cm Plastic baskets Ideal for worktops, kitchen. bathroom, Office, garage, Caravans and much more...
Last update on 2021-08-03 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
This easy to clean stackable storage solution allows you to simply separate your vegetables. They are not the biggest, each basket measures approx: Length 35.5cm x Depth 28.5cm x Height 17.5cm. Their size allows them to be to stored either in a kitchen or pantry cupboard or on a counter top.
Things we liked
- Easy to Clean.
- Basket Design allows for good air circulation and ventilation.
- Stackable to accommodate more potatoes or other vegetables as and when required.
Things we didn’t like
- Not a very large capacity.
- Not as sturdy as some other options.
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- Neat storage: Quickly restore order with this shelf storage basket, whether on the bathroom shelf, on the dressing table or in the kitchen cupboard, the basket ensures neatness
- Versatile use: Whether used for medicine, towel or makeup storage in the bathroom or for tinned foods in the pantry, this wire basket is suitable for any room
- Practical design: To save space, the cupboard organiser is stackable, in addition, labels can be placed on the front of the tray and handles make it easy to carry
- For shelf and cupboard: The pull out kitchen storage measures 25.4 cm x 25.4 cm x 19.7 cm, so it easily fits on shelves or in cupboards, it can also simply be placed on a desk
- Durable material: As this metal box is made of metal wire which features an anti-rust coating, nothing stands in the way of a long usage life
Last update on 2021-08-03 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
These versatile baskets are perfect for storaging your spuds. They are made from a metal wire which features an anti rust coating making them hard wearing and long lasting. They are stackable which makes them a great space saver and with the carry handles they are perfect for storing in cupboards as they can be easily lifted out during meal prep times. The wired design allows for great ventilation.
Things we liked
- They stack really nicely. Perfect for storing a variety of Vegetables.
- The top of the basket features two small handles making carrying easy, and easily transportable to and from the pantry.
- Sturdy material with a rust proof coating and design allows good ventilation.
Things we didn’t like
- Quite and expensive option.
- Only one basket included in a pack.
- Is quite small in size and capacity.
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- Measures 50 centimeters x 30 centimeters with a 15 centimeter opening
- Willow storage basket that will hold its strength for many years
- Keeps the crop airy and shielded from light
- Will hold a very generous 15-20kg of potatoes
- Hand made potato storage hopper
Last update on 2021-08-03 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
This our preferred choice, It’s the one we have chosen for us. It’s a good size that holds plenty of potatoes. It looks great in pantry and holds its shape really well while keeping the potatoes fresh and dry. We have deffinately noticed our potatoes have lasted longer. It’s also really easy to fill we just drop them in the top and pull them out the opening at the bottom.
Things we liked
- Large Design and Capacity
- Looks Good – Great Design
- Good for stock rotation.
- Easy to add new potatoes
- Wicker design allows for good air circulation through-out the hopper keeping potatoes fresher for longer.
Things we didn’t like
- Large Design – Takes up a decent amount of space.
- Potatoes can get stuck.
- If loosely woven light could get through.
- A good idea would be to line the basket with a hessian blackout material to keep potatoes fresher for longer
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- SAVE YOUR SPUDS: stop potatoes from sprouting and keep them fresh for longer with this potato bag
- BLACKOUT LINING: light is the enemy of fresh potatoes, so this sack is lined with a special light-blocking material
- INSPIRED BY NATURE: made of natural hessian, it will bring timeless, agrarian vibes to your kitchen or store cupboard
- EASY TO STORE: the hessian sack has a drawstring for easy access, and will store easily on a shelf, or hung on a hook
Last update on 2021-08-03 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
This storage option is designed to cut down on food waste. The hessian bag is lined with a breathable blackout lining, which allows you to keep your veggies fresher for longer. This storage bag has the added advantage of being able to sit nicely on the side or the floor, but can just as easily be hung from the attached drawstring.
Things we liked
- Hessian bag allows for good ventilation while the Blackout Lining stops the potatoes from sprouting.
- It looks good in any kitchen.
- Durable material that can be hand washed to keep clean and fresh.
Things we didn’t like
- Been reported to have a strong hessian smell to it upon arrival.
- The solid base is plastic and not a natural material.
- Not as big as it seems in the images. Measures 21 x 21 x 20 cm.
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- The Product Is A Container For Storing Potatoes, Onions And Vegetables.
- It Is Dark And Well Ventilated, To Ensure Your Vegetables Stay Fresh.
- It Has The Dimension Of 25.5 x 20 x 17.5 Cm.
- It Is Made Of Polypropylene Material.
Last update on 2021-08-03 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
This popular and affordable solution offers great ventilation while keeping your potatoes in a dry dark environment. It is made from hardwearing easy to clean polypropylene material perfect for keeping you vegetables fresh.
Things we liked
- Affordable solution.
- Good space saving option perfect for people with limited space.
- Made from a durable material thats designed to offer good air circulation.
Things we didn’t like
- Smaller solution measures just 25.5 x 20 x 17.5 cm.
- Some users suggest that the top can come off when opening the front hatch.
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- TIMELESS DESIGN: The GranRosi vegetable storage containers in a classic retro look are practical and always a real visual highlight in every kitchen
- MORE FRESHNESS: If potatoes are stored in the dark and with slight air circulation, they have a long shelf life. The small ventilation holes in the storage container prevent germs so that the potatoes stay fresh longer
- ENOUGH SPACE: The side handles make it easy to carry and with a diameter of 22.5 cm (without handles) and a height of 21 cm (including lid), the metal storage container offers enough space for storing approx. 4 kg of potatoes and ensures more tidiness and design in your kitchen
- STABLE MATERIAL: Made of high-quality, rust-free enamel sheet steel, this container can withstand the odd fall or two - contrary to a stoneware / ceramic container
- MORE GREAT DESIGNS AVAILABLE: Expand your set and let yourself be impressed by the GranRosi storage jars in a classic look for onions, garlic, bread, butter and much more.
Last update on 2021-08-03 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
This is a great design that deserves to be on display and looks good in any kitchen. Offers excellent ventilation with its punched holes, as well as keeping the potatoes from sprouting by allowing minimal light penetration. The size is pretty impressive too, it’s reported to hold around 4kg of potatoes.
Things we liked
- Good Design that looks stylish.
- Good Size – Holds a decent amount of potatoes.
- Keeps your Veg Fresh as it allows very little light in, but does allow for good air circulation.
- Is part of collection, there is also an Onion and Garlic options.
Things we didn’t like
- Colour – Many report it to more cream like than grey.
- The metal does not allow for any moisture absorption, so potential for the potatoes to spoil especially in warmer weather.
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The essential things to know about how to store potatoes
Storing potatoes properly isn’t difficult. By simply follow these steps your stored potatoes will last a lot longer and be a lot more enjoyable when you do come to eat them.
Step 1 – say no to plastic bags
Firstly remove them from any plastic bags, preferably as soon as you get them home. These bags don’t allow the potatoes to breathe, they get damp, and this will significantly shorten their storage life.
If however, you are lucky enough to have the space and patience to grow your own potatoes in your garden, then once you’ve harvested them you need to allow them to cure. Curing allows the skin to harden and prepares them for storage.
To find out more about how to cure potatoes, check out this video below.
If you are interested in learning more about growing your own potatoes., then why not check out this article from Grow Veg.
Step 2 – separate the good from the bad
You need to separate the good from the bad. Some potatoes will inevitably have a defect or two once you get them home. This could be small imperfections, the potato may have started sprouting or it may just have broken or bruised skin caused in transport or cultivation.
Any damage to the skin can easily spread from spud to spud and as a result, can turn the whole batch bad quickly.
The good potatoes can be stored, but the others need using up first. We often batch cook these up and mash them, any excess we don’t use we freeze for next time.
Step 3 – don’t wash your potatoes
Don’t wash your potatoes until you are ready to use them. Washing them reintroduces moisture to the skin. If they are not dried properly afterwards you can risk them rotting, as moisture can get into the little imperfections in the skin you can’t always see.
Step 4 – Cool and Dark spaces are best
You need to store your potatoes in a cool dark place at a temperature between 7 – 10 degrees centigrade. The best way to do this of course is in one of the suitable containers listed above, preferably one free from any light.
Top Tips
TOP TIP ONE – Don’t store your potatoes in the fridge it will turn the starch to sugar as it’s too cold.
TOP TIP TWO – Check your stored potatoes regularly for any sprouting or imperfections that can be passed on to your other produce.
TOP TIP THREE – Don’t store your potatoes and Onions together. Onions give off gases that speed up the sprouting process in potatoes.
In Conclusion
When it comes to a suitable potato storage solution much of it comes down to personal taste and requirements. For some size will be the most important factor for others it will style.
Whatever your preference the key things to remember are, you need something with good ventilation, that allows minimal light to penetrate and will keep the potato dry.
If you can do that then you will prolong the life of your potatoes reducing your food waste and saving you money in the future.
For more top home storage solutions, why not check out some of these great articles
