What is a ‘Larder’ and Could It Replace Your Refrigerator?

It’s the old-fashioned European term for the American “pantry.” The earliest recorded use of a larder was 1305—and it tided folks over for a casual 600 years (until 1913 when home refrigerator was invented). Essentially a large, often walk-in cupboard used for storing food, cold larders rely on adjustable vents, which lead to the outside of the home, to both cool the temperature and air out food products naturally. You’d be hard-pressed to find them stateside, but cold pantries are still a feature across Europe, where many folks believe modern refrigeration alters meats and cheeses.

Simple: They’re energy efficient. Most produce is actually happier in a cool room as opposed to a refrigerator, as are provisions like eggs, bread and hard cheeses. By outsourcing these items to your larder, you can buy a smaller, more efficient and affordable refrigerator—and thus, save money on your monthly energy bill. Plus, the natural process can preserve dry goods like spices and grains even longer.

While we wish we could say this was a simple feat to DIY, it’s a considerable reno project. Depending on the bones you’re working with, you could transform your existing pantry or cupboard into a cold larder by drilling holes to the foundation (this is what allows the warm air out and the cool air in), installing hit-and-miss vents, then outfitting a shelf or two with cool stone slabs. Get inspired—then get a contractor.

Bespoke Plain English larders start at $11,000.