You buy a fresh net of onions and a kilo of potatoes, tip them into a sealed plastic box or a closed steel drawer, and forget about them. Two weeks later you open it to soft, sprouting onions, the sour smell of one that has gone off, and potatoes with green patches and long white shoots. The vegetables were fine. The container was the problem.
Onions and potatoes do not rot because they are old. They rot because they cannot breathe. Both release moisture and gases as they sit, and when that air has nowhere to go it gathers around the skins, softens them, and invites mould and sprouting. The single biggest thing you can change is not how often you shop, but what you store them in. This guide compares the three common choices for an onion basket for kitchen use, wicker, steel and plastic, and explains why an open weave keeps your produce fresh far longer.
Quick answer: wicker vs steel vs plastic for onion & potato storage
| Type | Airflow | Look | Lasts |
|---|---|---|---|
| Wicker | Great, open weave lets air pass on all sides | Warm, natural, premium on an open shelf or pull-out | Years with simple care |
| Steel | Poor, solid sides trap air and can sweat in humid kitchens | Industrial, functional | Strong, but rusts at joints if it stays damp |
| Plastic | Poor, sealed walls hold moisture against the skins | Cheap, plain | Cracks, stains and warps over time |
Why airflow matters for onions & potatoes
Onions and potatoes are still living things after harvest. They keep releasing moisture and a little gas as they breathe, and they sprout in response to warmth and trapped humidity. In a sealed plastic box or a closed steel container, that moist air has nowhere to escape, so it settles on the skins, softens them and speeds up rot. One onion starting to spoil in a closed box will quickly take the rest with it. An open wicker weave does the opposite: air moves freely through the gaps on every side, moisture dries off instead of pooling, and the produce stays firm for much longer. This is the same reason traditional kitchens always used baskets and net bags rather than airtight tins for these two vegetables.
There is also the matter of light and temperature. Onions and potatoes both keep best somewhere cool, dark and dry, never in the fridge and never next to the stove. A wicker basket on a lower shelf or inside a ventilated pull-out gives you exactly that, with airflow built in.
What size onion/potato basket do you need
- Decide where it will sit. A basket on an open counter or shelf can be wider and more decorative. A basket meant for a modular kitchen pull-out drawer has to fit the internal opening exactly, so measure that first.
- Measure the internal space, not the door. For a pull-out, open the drawer fully and measure the clear internal width, depth and height. For a shelf, measure the usable area between any dividers.
- Subtract about one inch from each internal measurement. A basket that is the exact size of the cabinet will scrape and jam. Leaving roughly an inch of clearance lets it slide in and lift out cleanly.
- Match the volume to how much you buy. If you shop weekly for a small family, a 16 x 16 inch basket per vegetable is plenty. If you buy onions and potatoes by the larger sack, step up to a 22 x 20 inch size so nothing is crammed.
- Need an odd size? We make it. If your cabinet falls between our standard sizes, we can build a basket to your exact internal dimensions. Email care@akway.in with your measurements, or send them through our contact page, and we will confirm a custom fit.
Our wicker baskets for onions & potatoes
Wicker Basket for Modular Kitchen 22.5 x 20 Inch - Samanvi
Our roomiest weave, ideal when you buy onions or potatoes by the sack and want each kept airy and firm.
From Rs 3100
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Wicker Basket for Modular Kitchen 21 x 20 Inch - Sanika
A deep, generous size that slides into wider pull-outs and holds a full week of veg with airflow to spare.
From Rs 3299
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Wicker Basket for Modular Kitchen 16.5 x 20 Inch - Saira
A balanced everyday size, deep enough for potatoes yet slim enough for most standard pull-outs.
From Rs 3000
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Wicker Basket for Modular Kitchen 16 x 16 Inch - Swadhi
A compact square that suits a small family or a tight cabinet, perfect for keeping onions on their own.
From Rs 3299
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- Do not wash a wicker basket under running water or soak it. Constant wetting loosens the weave and can cause it to swell.
- For everyday cleaning, brush out dry dust and loose skins with a soft brush, then wipe the surface with a barely damp cloth.
- If a spill happens, blot it, wipe with a damp cloth, and let the basket air-dry fully before you put produce back in.
- Keep the basket somewhere cool, dark and dry, away from the stove and direct sun, and it will hold its shape and colour for years.
Frequently asked questions
Which is the best basket for storing onions and potatoes?
A wicker basket is the best everyday choice because its open weave lets air pass on all sides, which keeps onions and potatoes dry, firm and sprout-free for much longer than sealed steel or plastic. Use one basket per vegetable for the best results.
Should an onion basket have a lid?
For onions and potatoes, an open or loosely vented basket works better than a tight-fitting lid. These vegetables need airflow, and a sealed lid traps the moisture they release. If you prefer a lid for a tidy look, choose a woven wicker one that still lets air through rather than a solid airtight cover.
Is a wicker basket really better than steel for the kitchen?
Steel is strong, but its solid sides trap air and can sweat in a humid Indian kitchen, which softens skins and rusts the joints over time. Wicker breathes on every side, so produce stays fresher, and it looks far warmer on an open shelf or pull-out.
Can I get a basket made to my exact cabinet size?
Yes. If your pull-out or shelf falls between our standard sizes, we can weave a basket to your exact internal measurements. Email care@akway.in or use our contact page with the internal width, depth and height, and we will confirm a custom fit.
How much does a wicker onion and potato basket cost?
Our wicker kitchen baskets start from around Rs 3000 and go up with size. Larger baskets that hold a full sack of onions or potatoes sit a little higher. You can see current prices on each product page in our kitchen baskets collection.
