Why don't you put pots and pans in the fridge?

Placing a pot of food—perhaps still hot—directly in the refrigerator seems like a quick and convenient solution. But this habit, while seemingly harmless, can have negative consequences, affecting not only the flavor and quality of food, but also food safety and even health.

Below we will go into more detail why you shouldn't put pots and pans in the fridge (and what happens if we do).

Can you put pots and pans in the refrigerator?

No, it's not recommended. The problem isn't so much whether a pan fits into the refrigerator, but rather the implications of its presence inside the appliance. Whether it contains still-hot food, or is made of metal, like thealuminum, or they are non-stick.

Let's start from the assumption that, in general, to safely store leftovers, airtight containers made of glass or food-grade plastic should be preferred.

What happens if I put a hot pot in the refrigerator?

As mentioned, placing a hot pan in the refrigerator can cause a series of consequences. For example...

Increased internal temperature and risk of bacteria

If you put still hot food in a pan or other container in the refrigerator, it doesn't matter, the heat released by these can raise the internal temperature of the applianceThis can compromise the preservation of other foods and create a “danger zone” for the proliferation of certain bacteria such as Salmonella, E. coli, and Staphylococcus.

It doesn't matter if the appliance is a new generation one and, perhaps, guarantees a quick temperature recovery. Keep in mind that the rule that should always apply is: let food cool completely before storing it.

Slow cooling and risk of deterioration

When food is left directly in the pan in which it was cooked, the cold takes longer to reach the center: the metal—especially if thick or deep—slows the temperature drop. Thus, during this time, the food remains too long in a condition favorable to the attack of bacteria.

Condensation and wear of the refrigerator

The negative consequences of this action also compromise the proper functioning of the appliance. Steam emitted from hot food or pans in the refrigerator may create condensation which risks accumulating and stagnating. This can not only favor the formation of mold and facilitate bacterial proliferation, but also damage the appliance.

Energy waste

Finally, not to be underestimated, is the energy waste that this action entails. The refrigerator will have to work harder to quickly lower the temperature, resulting in a greater energy consumption and stress about the fridge.

Non-stick pans in the refrigerator, why not put them

Let's get to the much discussed non-stick pansAs reported by AIRC, the non-stick coating itself is not dangerous, but in the past, PFOA, a substance associated with possible health risks, could have been used in the production process. Modern pans should no longer contain it. However, it is important to use non-stick pans correctly by following the manufacturer's instructions and replace them when the coating is very worn.

Since they weren't designed for food preservation, they shouldn't be refrigerated. Not so much because of the coating (it's best not to ingest particles of it anyway), but because putting the pan in the refrigerator or leaving food in it for too long can damage it. The non-stick coating is sensitive to temperature changes and can be compromised. The food could therefore come into contact with the metal underneath. This is why it's always best to transfer everything to a suitable container.

Why can't you leave food in aluminum pans?

When pans are made of aluminum – a very common material in the kitchen – the risks increase. The Food Safety Section of the CNSA, in a opinion issued regarding consumer exposure to aluminium from food contact, recommended, among other things, to “avoid storing food in aluminum containers after cooking and for long periods".

This is because migration of metals into food may occurAluminum, in prolonged contact with hot foods—especially if they are acidic or salty—can release metal ions. Over time, this can alter the taste and, in extreme cases, pose a health risk. Furthermore, it can alter the organoleptic qualities, meaning the food can lose its aroma, flavor, or even texture.

Finally, the pots, Since they're generally not airtight (like most food storage containers), they don't prevent the dispersion of odors and flavors from other foods in the refrigerator. This is why it's recommended to transfer leftovers to suitable containers.

How to properly store leftovers

For safe storage, therefore, follow these tips.

• Transfer food to suitable glass or food-grade plastic containers as soon as possible.
• If the food is hot, let it cool completely firstYou can speed up the cooling process by dividing it into smaller portions.
• Make sure the containers are hermetically sealed to avoid the dispersion of odors or possible contamination.

Read also:

• How to store food in the refrigerator
• How to store food and drinks in summer
• How to preserve leftovers

Cover photo by Uwe Conrad on Unsplash