How to Store Food Like a Pro
Nobody likes to waste food. It’s not just bad for the planet, it’s bad for our wallets too, pushing up those weekly grocery bills.
So, what can you do?
Raw, cooked, frozen or fresh: here’s how to store food in your fridge freezer so it tastes its best for longer and is safe for you and your loved ones to eat.
Why you should organise your fridge freezer first
Life’s busy, but setting aside the time to clear, clean, and organise your fridge freezer is essential if you want to store food like a pro.
This is because some parts of your fridge freezer are colder than others.
Sorting out the space inside will help you make full use of every shelf, basket and drawer. It will also help you avoid over- or under-filling your fridge freezer, which makes it harder for it to do its job.
Choosing the right size fridge freezer for your needs is a good idea.
The Sensis RFCMF0160ES 59.5cm 60/40 Total NoFrost Fridge Freezer is ideal for families, thanks to its 235-litre fridge storage capacity. Even better, its 125-litre Total NoFrost freezer is four-star rated, so you can safely store leftovers or ready meals for up to 12 months in its three XL freezer drawers.
Explore our range of Beko, Blomberg, Bosch, Haier, Hisense, Hoover, and Sensis freestanding and integrated fridge freezers.
How to store different types of food in your fridge freezer
Start by separating raw from cooked food. This reduces the risk of food poisoning by preventing cross-contamination, as will sealing food in clean, air-tight containers and freezer bags.
Check the refrigeration/freezing guidance on any packaging and take note of use-by dates. Then follow this simple guide:
1. How to store raw meat, poultry and fish
Raw meat, poultry and fish should be securely wrapped in parchment paper and/or cling film if opened and kept separately on the bottom shelf, as this is the coldest part of your fridge.
This will lock in moisture while preventing any drips from contaminating other food.
2. How to store fresh fruit and vegetables
Fresh fruit, vegetables, salads, and herbs should be kept in the crisper drawers. If possible, store them in their original packaging.
The Blomberg KGM4574V VitaminCare+ 50/50 Frost Free Fridge Freezer features VitaminCare+ tech, which uses three-colour light to simulate the sun’s cycle, keeping nutrients locked into your fruit and veg and preserving them for longer. It also has a dedicated Chiller compartment for meat and fish, plus innovative Dual Cooling tech.
But remember: some fruit and veg don’t belong in the fridge.
This includes tomatoes and nectarines, whose natural gas can prematurely ripen other food, as well as onions and potatoes, which prefer a cool, dark, well-ventilated space.
3. How to store dairy food
Milk, cheese, and yoghurt should be stored at the back of the middle shelf of your fridge, where the temperature is consistently cooler.
Only foods with natural preservatives (juices, jams, sauces) should be kept in the fridge door, as this is the warmest part. It’s also where the temperature fluctuates the most.
4. How to store ready-to-eat food and leftover
Cooked and leftover food should always be stored higher than raw food to prevent contamination, so keep it on the top shelf.
Don’t forget to allow hot food to cool fully before placing it in the fridge.
5. How to prevent freezer burn on frozen food
Freezing items is a great way to minimise waste – even better, if you love to batch cook.
But whatever type of fridge freezer, chest freezer or under-counter freezer you have, it’s important to store food in air-tight freezer-proof containers or bags to prevent damaging freezer ‘burn’.
This is especially true for foods with a high-moisture content, such as meat and fish, which you may want to double-wrap tightly in freezer paper and a sealed freezer bag.
Read more on top freezer storage tips and always defrost items that need to be defrosted before cooking in your fridge before use.
If you need help choosing the right appliance for your needs, pop in store for advice, or take a look at our extensive refrigeration range.
