Make the Most of Your Fridge Space

Make the most
of your
Fridge Space

If you don't know the dos and don'ts of storing your food, your fridge's energy efficiency and storage capabilities quickly go to waste. Use these tips to improve your fridge storage smarts.

On Top

Nonperishables: paper goods, cookbooks
Not for wine and bread; the condenser heat may cause spoilage.

Temperature Basics

Temperatures vary within a fridge.
Coldest temps: on bottom shelves
Most consistent: on top shelves
Ideal temp: 40°F or lower in the refrigerator, 0°F in the freezer.
Don't crowd food: That makes it harder for the fridge to keep all food consistently cold.

Upper Shelves

Prepared foods: deli meats, guacamole, spreadable margarine
Leftovers
Drinks

In the Door

Condiments, juices temperature-safe foods
Frequently used items or small jars that might get lost on shelves

Lower Shelves

Raw meat and seafood (in original packaging, in a container, or on a plate)
Dairy (in original containers)
Eggs

Drawers

Vegetables and fruits in different drawers
Helps with humidity and produce life

In the Bottom Freezer

Like items together
Larger pull-out: ice cream, frozen treats
Divided bottom: Small bags to one side, larger containers to the other

12 Foods You Shouldn't Refrigerate

A dozen foods you should never store in the fridge.

Our Best Fridge Cleaning Tips

Put time in your cleaning schedule to keep your fridge in like-new shape.

29 Surprising Foods You Can Freeze

From avocados to tortillas, lots of foods can keep safely in your freezer.

Surprising Foods that get Stored Wrong

Waste less, eat better: Follow these do's and don'ts to store food well.