Is It Okay To Put Hot Food In The Refrigerator?

If you’re like most people, you probably have some leftovers in your fridge that you want to enjoy later. But how do you store them safely and prevent food poisoning? One common question that many people have is whether it’s okay to put hot food in the refrigerator. The answer is not as simple as you might think. There are some pros and cons to consider, and some tips to follow to make sure your food stays fresh and tasty.

The short answer is yes, you can put hot food in the fridge, but you should follow some guidelines to avoid spoiling other food or affecting the flavor of the hot food.

Why You Should Refrigerate Hot Food As Soon As Possible

The main reason why you should refrigerate hot food as soon as possible is to prevent the growth of harmful bacteria. Bacteria thrive in the temperature range of 41°F to 135°F, which is known as the danger zone. The longer food stays in this range, the more likely it is to become contaminated and cause foodborne illness.

According to the USDA, food should never stay out at room temperature for more than two hours. If the room temperature is above 90°F, the limit is one hour. This applies to both cooked and raw food, as well as leftovers and takeout.

By refrigerating hot food quickly, you can reduce the time it spends in the danger zone and lower the risk of getting sick. Refrigerating hot food also helps preserve its quality and flavor, as it slows down the chemical reactions that cause food to spoil or lose its taste.

How To Refrigerate Hot Food Safely

While refrigerating hot food is a good practice, it’s not as simple as just tossing it in the fridge. There are some precautions you need to take to ensure that your food cools down properly and doesn’t affect other food in the fridge.

Here are some tips on how to refrigerate hot food safely:

• Cook your food thoroughly before refrigerating it. Make sure it reaches a safe internal temperature that kills any bacteria that may be present. You can use a food thermometer to check the temperature of your food.
• Divide large batches of food into smaller portions and place them in shallow containers. This will help the food cool down faster and more evenly in the fridge. Large pots of soup or stew, for example, can take a long time to cool down if left whole.
• Leave some space between the containers of hot food and other items in the fridge. This will allow air to circulate and prevent heat from transferring to other foods or raising the temperature of the fridge.
• Don’t cover your hot food until it’s cooled down completely. Covering your hot food can trap heat and moisture, which can slow down the cooling process and create a favorable environment for bacteria. You can loosely cover your food with a paper towel or a lid that’s slightly ajar to prevent contamination from other sources.
• Use an ice bath or cold water bath to speed up the cooling process if needed. You can place your containers of hot food in a sink or a large bowl filled with ice or cold water and stir them occasionally until they reach room temperature. Then you can transfer them to the fridge.
• Label your containers with the date and contents of your food. This will help you keep track of how long your food has been in the fridge and avoid eating spoiled or expired food.

How Long Can You Keep Hot Food In The Fridge

Once you’ve refrigerated your hot food safely, you may wonder how long you can keep it in the fridge before it goes bad or loses its quality. The answer depends on several factors, such as the type of food, how well it was cooked, how quickly it was cooled, and how often it was reheated.

As a general rule, most cooked foods can last for three to four days in the fridge, according to FoodSafety.gov. However, some foods may last longer or shorter than others, depending on their ingredients and preparation methods.

For example, cooked meat and poultry can last for three to four days in the fridge, but cooked fish and seafood can only last for one to two days. Cooked eggs can last for three to four days, but hard-boiled eggs can last for up to a week. Cooked rice and pasta can last for three to five days, but cooked vegetables can last for seven to 10 days.

To be on the safe side, always check your food for signs of spoilage before eating it. If your food smells bad, looks moldy, slimy, or discolored, or tastes sour or bitter, throw it away immediately. Don’t rely on your senses alone though; some bacteria may not cause any noticeable changes in your food but still make you sick.

If you’re not sure how long your food has been in the fridge or if it’s still safe to eat, it’s better to err on the side of caution and discard it. When in doubt, throw it out.

FAQs About Refrigerating Hot Food

Here are some common questions and answers about refrigerating hot food:

• Can you put hot food in plastic containers in the fridge? Yes, you can, as long as the plastic containers are food-grade and microwave-safe. This means they can withstand high temperatures without melting, leaching chemicals, or releasing toxins into your food. You can check the bottom of your containers for a symbol that indicates they are microwave-safe, such as a microwave icon, the words “microwave safe”, or a number 5 inside a triangle. However, you should still avoid putting very hot or boiling food in plastic containers, as they may warp or crack. You should also avoid using disposable plastic containers, such as takeout boxes or yogurt cups, as they are not designed for repeated use or high temperatures.
• Can you put hot food in glass containers in the fridge? Yes, you can, as long as the glass containers are tempered or borosilicate glass. This means they can resist thermal shock and sudden changes in temperature without breaking or shattering. You can check the label or the manufacturer’s website for information on whether your glass containers are tempered or borosilicate. However, you should still avoid putting very hot or boiling food in glass containers, as they may still crack under extreme heat. You should also avoid using non-tempered glass containers, such as mason jars or drinking glasses, as they are not meant for storing hot food and may break easily.
• Can you put hot food in metal containers in the fridge? Yes, you can, as long as the metal containers are stainless steel or aluminum. These metals are durable and corrosion-resistant and can handle high temperatures without rusting or reacting with your food. However, you should avoid putting acidic foods, such as tomato sauce or vinegar, in metal containers, as they may cause discoloration or metallic taste. You should also avoid using copper, brass, or iron containers, as they may leach harmful substances into your food.

Conclusion

Refrigerating hot food is a good way to prevent food poisoning and preserve the quality and flavor of your food. However, you need to follow some guidelines to do it safely and effectively. By cooking your food thoroughly, dividing it into smaller portions, leaving some space between the containers, not covering your food until it’s cooled down completely, using an ice bath or cold water bath to speed up the cooling process if needed, labeling your containers with the date and contents of your food, and checking your food for signs of spoilage before eating it, you can enjoy your leftovers without any worries.