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Hot Food in Fridge? Beware: It Harms Health and Your Appliance!
N
News18•02-10-2026, 22:55
Hot Food in Fridge? Beware: It Harms Health and Your Appliance!
- •Placing hot food directly into the refrigerator can harm your health and reduce the lifespan of the appliance.
- •Cooked food should not be left at room temperature for more than two hours; if above 32C, refrigerate within one hour.
- •Putting hot food in the fridge increases its internal temperature, spoiling other items and straining the compressor.
- •Always cool hot food to room temperature for 20-30 minutes before refrigerating; transfer large quantities to smaller containers.
- •Store food in clean, covered containers, avoid overfilling the fridge, and consume leftovers within 3-4 days.
Key Questions Answered
According to nutritionist Sophie Truman, cooked food should not be kept at room temperature for more than two hours. If the weather is very hot and the temperature exceeds 32 degrees Celsius, the food should be refrigerated within one hour.
Placing very hot food directly in the refrigerator can increase the internal temperature, which may spoil other stored food and drinks. Furthermore, it puts extra pressure on the compressor, reducing its efficiency and lifespan while increasing the risk of food poisoning.
Let hot food cool down to room temperature for 20 to 30 minutes before refrigerating. If the food quantity is large, transfer it into smaller containers so it cools down quickly and evenly.
