You're using fridge wrong in the heatwave – make 4 changes to keep food safe
The heatwave has exposed a hidden problem in UK kitchens, and it's all to do with fridges and how Brits are storing things in them, and it's important you take advice to change it
The heatwave has revealed far more than just how perspiration-drenched we can become when the mercury climbs past 30 degrees — it's highlighted a significant issue lurking in kitchens right across Britain. The hidden domestic challenge concerns fridges: Brits are battling to store food safely as soaring temperatures push already jam-packed fridges beyond their limits, with people flocking to social media to voice their frustrations about the blistering heat.
Summer conditions are heaping unprecedented strain on everyday kitchen routines, with electrical retailer AO disclosing that a whopping 40% of Brits concede that warmer weather makes storing food considerably more difficult.
Nearly half of Brits (48%) admit they don't modify how they use their fridge during hotter spells, despite all reporting at least one seasonal difficulty — exposing a glaring disconnect between fridge usage habits and the demands imposed by summer.
Research indicates that UK households are facing a perfect storm of heat and poor organisation, with fridges forced to work overtime at the very moment they are being stocked with additional food and drinks.
Just 30% of Brits consistently organise their fridge and store food in designated areas, yet during a heatwave, it's more crucial than ever to step up your efforts.
Jade Golding-Gault, refrigeration expert at AO, said: "Summer highlights the pressure we put on our fridges without realising it. When temperatures rise, it's inevitable that your fridge must work harder to keep your food cool and fresh, but at the same time, being overfilled can make it less efficient.
"After the recent heatwave, and with more warm weather expected, now is the perfect time to check how you're using your fridge and make sure it's set up to cope with higher temperatures.
"Warmer weather is magnifying existing issues. Limited space restricts airflow, overcrowding impacts cooling performance and fluctuations in temperature make it harder to keep food fresh.
"If your fridge is already quite full or disorganised, heat will quickly expose those weak points. Overcrowding stops cold air from circulating properly, which means some foods won't stay as cold as they should and can spoil faster".
Jade offered some handy tips to help you get the most out of your fridge this summer.
1. Don't overfill
Refrain from overfilling your fridge or storing unnecessary items inside, as this helps maintain a consistent, cool temperature throughout every section.
2. Leave space around food
Arrange your food in a way that allows even gaps between items, enabling cool air to circulate efficiently and evenly — keeping everything fresher for longer.
3. Invest in a smaller fridge
If you're concerned about overcrowding your main fridge, consider purchasing an additional, smaller fridge for drinks and snacks. This makes them readily accessible for those all-important summer gatherings.
4. Rotate food items
Always use older food items before opening newer ones to cut down on food waste and free up space for items that require longer chilling periods.
