Whether you have a modern kitchen or a traditional cooking area, a hanging fruit basket can add a touch of aesthetic convenience no matter your style. These types of baskets add visual interest to a room, but more importantly, they are designed to keep fruits — and vegetables! — fresher for longer. They also help you make the best use of your space while keeping your countertops tidy and clutter-free.
What To Consider When Shopping For the Best Hanging Fruit Baskets
But before you get tempted and buy the first hanging fruit basket that you come across, there are a few things you should think about. In this buying guide, we’re here to hook you up with all the details worth considering to ensure that you ultimately make a smart purchase.
Types of Hanging Fruit Baskets
There are three main types of fruit baskets, including wall-mounted, wicker, and macrame.
Wall-mounted fruit basket
When you're tight on the counter space, a wall-mounted fruit basket is a great solution. This type of fruit basket can hold anything from fruits and vegetables to kitchen spices and other items that make food preparation easier. This type of basket is usually made of aluminum, and most people hang them above their shelves or behind pantry doors to accumulate clutter in an orderly manner. Some wall-mounted fruit baskets even come with hooks that let you hang mugs, filters, and other utensils below the basket, keeping everything as chic as can be.
Wicker hanging fruit basket
Wicker hanging baskets are a great way to not only store fruits and vegetables but a variety of other snacks, too. These baskets are built with a solid construction. In addition to being durable, they’re typically water-resistant, and you can usually stack them on top of each other. Plus, the woven texture means air will circulate throughout the contents of the fruit hanging basket, which keeps bugs out and freshness in over time.
Macrame hanging fruit basket
A macrame hanging basket is another one-of-a-kind way to store your fruits and vegetables. These baskets are usually made of polyester jute. They are easy to incorporate into any kitchen because they come in an array of colors. Also, since they are handy and practical, you can use this type of fruit hanging basket in any part of your home — like living rooms, dining spaces, or even bathrooms — for a boho and vintage flair.
How to Choose the Best Hanging Fruit Basket For Your Kitchen
Material
The material that the basket is made out of will affect how well it holds up over time. Some materials — like wicker, plastic, and metal — hold up better against natural elements, especially compared to baskets made from natural materials, such as wood or straw.
While plastic baskets are usually less expensive than metal ones, they tend to fade more quickly. They also become brittle over time, so if you want something long-lasting, it's better to opt for a hanging fruit basket made out of wicker or aluminum.
Also, in addition to making sure the materials are durable, make sure the basket is stain-resistant. That way, you won't have to clean it nearly every other day if not daily.
Weight capacity
The next thing you need to assess is the weight capacity of the basket. You don't want something that will topple the moment you place a fruit or a vegetable inside of it. Therefore, it is important that you pick a basket with a weight capacity of around 25 pounds or more.
Size
Fruit baskets come in various sizes, so you'll need to decide which size you want your basket to be. Whether you need a small basket that will fit in a less-than-spacious area or an oversized basket that you can put in an open area, this decision is up to you.
While smaller hanging fruit baskets are ideal for indoor use, larger ones are better suited for outdoor spaces, so keep that in mind. Also, when shopping for a hanging fruit basket, choose the one that will accommodate your needs the most.
Color
Hanging fruit baskets can add a splash of color and life to an otherwise lifeless kitchen. Some of these baskets are available in bright colors, from purple or blue to green or yellow.
However, vivid hues aren’t for everyone, so if that sounds like you, know that you can also find hanging fruit baskets that come in muted tones, like shades of brown and tan. Always choose the hanging fruit basket that matches your decor style and matches your existing color scheme.
Installation
Some hanging fruit baskets have hooks attached to the bottom of them. These hooks allow you to easily install the baskets with a simple nail or screw. Other hanging fruit basket models come with a J-hook or a clasp, both of which make it easy to hang the basket about anywhere. Know that baskets with intricate designs might require a special installation process, so it is important that the hanging fruit basket comes with a manual or an instruction guide for a hassle-free setup.
How Much Does a Hanging Fruit Basket Cost?
The price of hanging fruit baskets ranges, especially considering how much they vary in terms of sizes and materials. For instance, large-sized baskets are more costly than smaller baskets.
From there, in terms of materials, wicker and metal are the two most popular materials that are used to make hanging fruit baskets. They can cost anywhere from $20 to $30.
On the other hand, jute or macrame baskets cost between $35 and $50 for that boho touch. Materials aside, you can easily find an attractive and functional hanging fruit basket for around $25 to $30.
Tips to Try When Setting Up Your Hanging Fruit Basket
Start by selecting the most ideal location for your fruit basket. It should be somewhere that it is easy to reach, but also, make sure it’s not in a place where the basket will get in the way of your normal activities in the kitchen. If you are planning to hang it on a wall, avoid placing it near electrical wires. That way, you won't risk getting shocked every time you reach into the basket.
After you choose where you’ll hang your basket, prioritize the installation of supports for your basket. If you want to use a J-hook, make sure it is long enough so that it will fit into the ceiling joist. The hook also needs to be strong enough to hold the weight of everything you plan to place inside the basket, especially if you are going to store a lot of heavy items.
You should use a nail and a hammer to make the pilot hole. Alternatively, if you are short on time, a power drill will suffice. From there, create the hole to complete the installation process. Once the pilot hole is ready, remove the nail and insert the J-hook. Screw it in a clockwise direction until it's tight enough.
Now, it’s time to hang your fruit basket! You can finally fill it up with colorful fruits and vegetables.
