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.
MAKE THE MOST
OF YOUR FRIDGE SPACE
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
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