Buzz
Just like in real estate, fridge organization relies on location. Shelf or drawer? Top or bottom? Storing your food according to the varying temperatures inside the fridge will keep it fresher for longer. Typically, the bottom shelf and back of the fridge are the coldest, while the top shelf is warmer than the middle or bottom. The fridge door is the warmest part. With these temperature differences in mind, here's where to place common foods:
Fridge Shelf Organization: A Guide to Proper Placement
1. Eggs
For the most consistent temperature, store eggs on the middle shelf. Keep them in their original carton (avoid transferring them to specialized fridge egg containers).
2. Milk
While milk often ends up on the top shelf or in the fridge door, it’s best placed on the bottom shelf, all the way at the back, where the temperature is the coldest.
3. Yogurt, Sour Cream, and Cottage Cheese
Other dairy products should also be stored on the bottom shelf. Use a turntable to stack the items, making them easy to access while keeping expiration dates in sight.
4. Packaged Raw Meat
Raw chicken and other meats should be stored on the bottom shelf. This prevents any dripping juices from contaminating the rest of your fridge.
5. Vegetables
Fresh vegetables require a bit of humidity to stay fresh: The drawer marked for vegetables or high humidity provides the moistest environment in the fridge. Store most produce in their original packaging or in a loosely tied plastic bag.
6. Fruit
Fruits like oranges and grapes should be placed in the low humidity drawer (sometimes labeled crisper). Store them in their original packaging or a loosely tied plastic bag (citrus fruits can be stored without a bag). Tip: Avoid washing fruits and vegetables until you're ready to eat them, as moisture can encourage mold and bacteria growth.
7. Deli Meats
Turkey, roast beef, and other deli meats should be stored in the shallow meat drawer, which is slightly colder than the rest of the fridge. If your fridge doesn’t have a designated meat drawer, place them on the bottom shelf.
8. Butter and Soft Cheeses
Butter and soft cheeses don’t need to be kept in extreme cold, so store them in the dairy compartment on the fridge door, the warmest area. After opening, keep soft cheeses like Brie or goat cheese in an airtight container.
9. Condiments
Condiments like sauces, dressings, and pickles are rich in vinegar and salt, which act as natural preservatives. Therefore, items like ketchup, mayonnaise, salad dressing, and jarred salsa can be safely stored in the fridge door. Nut oils, such as sesame and walnut oils, should be refrigerated on the door, while olive and vegetable oils are fine in the pantry.
10. Orange Juice
Juices can be stored on the fridge door if they’re pasteurized. However, fresh-squeezed or unpasteurized juices should be kept on the bottom shelf for optimal freshness.
