How To Stack Your Fridge Correctly - Experts Explain

Whether you have a perfectly organised system that runs like clockwork, or you just jam it all in wherever it will fit, stacking your fridge is a hugely personal affair.  

However consumer organisation Choice has revealed there are some ground rules we should be following when it comes to stacking your fridge correctly.   

Now it has shared guidance on everything from why you shouldn't keep your milk in the fridge door, to why meat belongs in the chiller section. 

NEVER KEEP MILK IN THE DOOR

While 99 per cent of us might keep our milk in the door of the fridge for ease of use and simplicity's sake, in fact your dairy is far better off on the bottom shelf.

'Everyone keeps milk in the door, but this is actually the warmest part of the fridge,' Choice revealed in a video on the subject.

Instead, milk will last far longer if you keep it on the bottom shelf, where it's cooler. Milk is best stored at or below four degrees Celsius.

KEEP MEAT AND SEAFOOD IN THE CHILLER

If you don't have a designated section for your meat and seafood in your fridge, it's time to make one.

And the best spot of all, according to Choice, is in the chiller section.

'All meats including fish and poultry should go in the chiller because it's colder than the rest of the fridge,' they said. 'This keeps them fresher for longer, they won't absorb smells [from other foods] and it helps contain any spills.'

If you don't have a chiller section, the experts said the best thing you can do is go for the coldest part of your fridge - normally the back. 

PUT FRUIT AND VEG IN THE CRISPER DRAWERS - BUT NOT TOMATOES

The crisper - an enclosed drawer at the bottom of most fridges - has been designed specifically to keep fruit and vegetables fresh and ready to eat for several days. 

However, there is one item that doesn't belong in a crisper - contrary to popular belief.

'Your tomatoes don't belong in your fridge - keeping them in a fruit bowl on the counter keeps them bursting with flavour,' Choice revealed. 

PLACE BUTTER AND CHEESE IN THE DOOR

Many of us keep our butter and soft cheeses in the door - and this is the correct place for them.  

'If your fridge has a dairy compartment, then use it - it's slightly warmer than the rest of your fridge so your butter will be easier to spread and your cheeses will be closer to serving temperature,' Choice said. 

The outlet recommend checking your fridge temperature and adjusting the settings so it's around three degrees Celsius - any warmer and your food will spoil.     

GENERAL FRIDGE STACKING TIPS

Elsewhere, Choice shared its general fridge stacking tips: 'Make sure there's plenty of room for air to circulate,' the experts explained in their video.

'It'll help your fridge work more effectively, give you consistent temperatures, plus you won't run the risk of freezing your food.'

They also said it can be of use to keep the items you use lots towards the front of your fridge, as the longer you have your fridge door open, the more energy you're using.