How to Organise Your Fridge  

While an organised fridge looks great, it’s also essential for food hygiene. In fact, fridges are cleverly designed so that each shelf and drawer has a designated purpose. In this guide, you’ll learn more about fridge storage and discover the best place to keep every type of food with our handy fridge organisation chart.

What to store on the top shelf

Heat rises, so the top of your fridge is the warmest part. Therefore, it’s best to keep pre-cooked food here. It’s also the furthest shelf away from raw food, ensuring no cross-contamination. Top of fridge storage should include any ready-to-eat packaged foods and leftovers.

  • What to store on the middle shelf

    Store dairy products like cheese, butter, yoghurt, cream and eggs on the middle shelf. Desserts can also be kept here.

  • What to store on the bottom shelf

    Wondering where raw meat should be stored in a refrigerator? Raw meat and fish should always be kept on the bottom shelf, as it’s cooler than the middle and top shelves. Ensure each item is wrapped properly or stored in a sealed container to prevent cross-contamination.

What to store in the crisper drawers

The coolest part of your fridge is the crisper drawers beneath the bottom shelf. As the name suggests, they are designed to keep fruit and vegetables crisp. If your items are wrapped in plastic or paper, keep them in the packaging to prevent contamination. Alternatively, you can wash and prepare these items and store them in containers.

What to store in your fridge door

Foods that won’t spoil quickly, like jams, sauces and pickles, can be kept in the fridge door. It’s also a handy place to store taller items like juice cartons, cans of soft drinks or wine bottles.

Fridge storage solutions

At AEG, we stock a range of fridge and freezer accessories, including airtight fridge containers and vacuum bags. You can also find fridge dividers to keep items separate on shelves and in drawers. If you have empty jars, find out how to sterilise them in our guide and reuse them. They’re handy airtight storage containers for meal prep (like overnight oats and salads), cooked leftovers, or sauces.

Questions about fridge storage  

Find answers to frequently asked questions about fridge storage, including what types of food should be refrigerated.

  • Can you put hot food in the fridge?

    Hot food should never be stored in the fridge for several reasons. It will raise the fridge’s temperature, causing condensation, which could lead to mould. It may also spoil the food in your fridge. Instead, leave any leftovers to cool before refrigerating, then store them in an airtight container on the top shelf.

  • How should dried food be stored?

    Dried food like pasta, rice, flour and pulses shouldn’t be stored in the fridge, as the moisture can spoil them. Instead, store them in a cool, dry place out of direct sunlight, like a cupboard.

  • Should open jars be stored in the fridge?

    Once opened, jars of jam, cooking sauces, pickles and condiments should be stored in the fridge, as this slows down bacterial growth.

  • Why should you not overload fridges?

    Filling your fridge or freezer with too many items can prevent it from cooling efficiently, as airflow is restricted. The cold air circulating within the refrigerator is what keeps items cold.

  • What is the optimal fridge temperature?

    The ideal fridge temperature is between 3°C and 5°C. Freezers should be kept at -18°C.

Whether you need more room in your fridge to keep things organised or are looking to upgrade your current appliance, explore our range of fridges and fridge freezers at AEG.