Is It Safe to Put Hot Food in the Fridge? What You Need to Know

Food Safety Tips by Advance Appliance Ltd | Edmonton • Calgary • Red Deer

You’ve just finished dinner, and you’re left with piping hot leftovers. But wait—can you put hot food directly into the refrigerator? Or is that going to ruin the appliance or make you sick? At Advance Appliance Ltd, we service refrigerators across Edmonton, Calgary, and Red Deer, and this is one of the most common questions homeowners ask.

❓ Can You Put Hot Food in the Fridge?

Yes — it’s safe and even recommended, but you should follow a few smart precautions.

• Cool food fast to reduce bacterial risk
• Avoid excessive strain on your refrigerator's compressor

⚠️ Why Some Say “Don’t Do It”

Myths about hot food in fridges are based on outdated advice and misunderstandings. Here’s the truth:

✅ Best Practices When Storing Hot Food

• Use small, shallow containers: Helps food cool faster and safer.
• Leave uncovered for 15–20 mins: Allow steam to escape before refrigerating.
• Don't overload the fridge: Let air circulate to avoid compressor strain.
• Use glass or BPA-free plastic: Safe for hot-to-cold transitions.
• Don’t place hot pots on glass shelves: Risk of cracking, especially in older fridges.

🧊 Why This Matters for Appliance Longevity

Your refrigerator’s compressor will work harder when hot items are added—but this is usually temporary.

• Can raise internal temperatures briefly
• Adds moisture that may cause ice buildup on coils
• Blocked airflow from large dishes can strain performance

Pro Tip: Clean your refrigerator coils every 6 months to reduce strain and improve cooling efficiency.

🏠 Proudly Serving Alberta Homes

We repair and maintain refrigerators in:

• Edmonton, Calgary, Red Deer
• Leduc, Airdrie, Chestermere, Cochrane
• Okotoks, Wetaskiwin, Sherwood Park