Fridges are great for giving more life to takeaway or home cooked leftovers. But if you’ve just finished a steaming portion of fresh lasagna and you’ve got loads leftover to save for another day, how long should you let it cool for before putting it in the fridge? Is it safe to put hot food in the fridge?
We’ll bust fridge freezer and hygiene myths and help you keep your food fresh for another day!
Refrigeration and food safety
Leaving food out on the side for too long can be dangerous. Bacteria grows best at temperatures between 4°C and 60°C, which is commonly referred to as the "danger zone." When food is left at a temperature in this range for hours at a time, it can rapidly start to grow harmful bacteria.
So that’s why it’s vital to get your food off the side and in the fridge ASAP!
The science behind refrigerating hot food
When hot food is placed in the fridge, it goes through a process where it cools down from the outside in. If the food is left out to cool at room temperature for an extended period, it can spend too much time in the "danger zone”. By placing hot food in the fridge promptly, you help keep it out of this temperature range, reducing the risk of harmful bacteria growth.
But there’s a problem! Putting steaming food into your fridge obviously causes it’s own problems, including:
The temperature of the fridge is raised, so your fridge will have to work hard to cool down the internal temperature.
Condensation in your fridge is a major issue that can lead to bacteria build-up, frost and a fridge that can start to smell.
Practical tips for refrigerating hot food
So, you don’t want to leave food out on the side. No do you want to refrigerate piping hot food. So the solution is to cool your hot food down as much as possible before putting it in the fridge:
Leave the food out under a kitchen extractor fan for half an hour.
Divide large batches of food into smaller containers that can fit comfortably in the fridge. This helps the food cool down faster and more uniformly.
Once into air tight (or water tight) containers, give your leftovers a cold water bath. This will help cool them quickly.
If it’s chilly outside, you can pop them on a window sill to chill.
When to refrigerate: timing and temperature
To be safe, you'll want to refrigerate any hot food within two hours of it being cooked. This includes leftovers and food that's been delivered from a restaurant. You'll want to make sure that the food cools down to below 4°C within four hours. If it takes longer than four hours to cool, bacteria growth can increase rapidly, posing a health risk.
Special considerations for large quantities
If you're preparing a large batch of food, be sure to divide it into smaller portions. Large quantities of food take longer to cool down and can maintain warm temperatures in the centre even after they've been refrigerated. By dividing the food into smaller portions, you'll help it cool down more quickly and more evenly.
FAQs
What is the 4-hour rule in food safety?
The 4-hour rule is a general rule for refrigeration. It states that food should not spend more than four hours in the "danger zone" between 4°C and 60°C. This includes the time it takes for the food to cool down before being refrigerated.
What temperature is not acceptable for keeping cooked food?
Cooked food should not be kept at temperatures above 4°C for an extended period. Ideally, it should be kept below 4°C to prevent bacteria growth.
Can I leave stew out overnight to cool?
No, it is not safe to leave hot food out overnight to cool. The food will spend too much time in the "danger zone," allowing bacteria to grow. Instead, divide the food into smaller portions, place it in shallow containers, and refrigerate it promptly.
How can I keep my food fresher for longer?
Fortunately, there’s plenty of clever tech that’s been specially developed to keep food at its best. Look for features like:
Instaview technology that lets you look inside your fridge without letting cold air out.
Frost free technology that means you won’t need to defrost your fridge freezer.
Air flow tech that keeps your fridge consistently cool throughout.
Special zones and drawers that keep fresh fruit, veg, meat and fish at optimal conditions to stop it spoiling.
For more info, check out out Fridge freezer buying guide or scroll through our fresh fridge picks below.
