Organizing food in a side-by-side refrigerator requires a bit of planning and attention to detail. For the most efficient use of space, the top shelf of the fridge is the “king” and should always be used for the items that need to stay coldest, such as milk, eggs and other dairy products, meat, fish and other protein sources.
The bottom shelf is the “queen”; reserved for leftovers and items that need to stay generally cold but do not necessarily require as much cold as the top shelf items. The left door of the side-by-side refrigerator should be used for condiments, salad dressing, marinades and other sauces.
This side of the door is excellent for storing items that you don’t use on a daily basis but still need them to be easily accessible. The right door of the side-by-side should ideally hold beer, soda and other drinks, as well as jars, cans, and other non-perishable items.
Tall bottles can be stored upright in the middle of the shelf. The vegetable and fruit crisper is best used for fresh fruits and vegetables and should also serve as a secondary storage area for leftovers.
Finally, the freezer section of the side-by-side is best used to store frozen vegetables, fruits, and other items that need to stay frozen for a long time. It can also be used to store ready-to-eat items and convenience foods such as ice cream and frozen pizzas.
By organizing all of your food items, you can make the most of your side-by-side refrigerator and extend its life.
How do I organize my two drawer freezer?
Organizing a two-drawer freezer can be a daunting task, especially if the freezer has been neglected for a long time. The best way to organize a two-drawer freezer is to designate each drawer for a specific type of food.
This can be done with the use of small food containers or stackable freezer bins. It is important to label each container with the type of food it contains to make sure everyone knows what food is contained in each drawer.
The foods that are stored in the bottom drawer should be things that typically require longer cooking times and are used more frequently, such as casseroles, cooked meats, and cooked vegetables. Any foods that will be used less often, such as frozen pizzas and ice cream, can be placed in the top drawer.
In addition to food organizational containers, it is also important to use freezer-grade zip-top bags to store certain items such as shredded cheese, ground meats, and cooked foods. These bags should be labeled with the date of preparation and stored with the oldest at the front of the drawer.
Finally, for an extra level of organization, an electrically operated thermometer can be placed in the freezer to monitor and maintain the internal temperature. This will help to ensure the food is being stored at an optimal temperature so that it does not spoil.
What’s the way to organize your freezer?
Organizing your freezer is important to ensure that you are storing food properly and keeping it fresh for as long as possible. Here are some tips for organizing your freezer:
1. Label Your Food: Use labels or sticky notes to label food items in your freezer. Not only will this help you keep track of when they are going bad, but it also helps you find items quickly.
2. Group Your Food Items: Put items together in “zones” or categories. For example, all the prepared meals could go together, the meats in one section, frozen fruits and vegetables together, and so on.
3. Rotate Stock: When you bring home new food items, place them in the back of the freezer so that you are using the older items first.
4. Declutter: Take out any food that is not being used and donate it, or throw it away. Don’t let unused items clog up your freezer.
5. Freeze in Bulk: Freeze items in bulk when possible. This helps prevent freezer burn and can save you space.
6. Use Containers: Invest in some freezer-safe storage containers. This helps you keep things neat, organized, and prevents food from becoming lost in the piles of stuff.
Organizing your freezer is an important part of keeping your food fresh and safe. With just a few simple steps, you can easily keep your food organized and maintained.
What food goes where in a freezer?
When it comes to food going in the freezer, it is best to make sure items are properly rotated and stored. You should start by putting pre-cooked foods in the back corner or on the bottom shelf. This will prevent these foods from coming into contact with raw meats and other items that may contain bacteria.
Next, store raw meats, poultry, and fish on the bottom shelf. These items are at greater risk of spoiling and need to be kept away from other foods that may contain bacteria. On the middle shelf, store items like leftovers and items you plan to use within the week, as well as pre-prepared meals.
On the top shelf, store items you plan to use in the next couple of months like ice cream, frozen fruits and vegetables, and frozen dinners. Finally, store items you will not be using soon such as frozen pizzas, ice cream treats, and frozen fruits and vegetables in the door.
This will help prevent them from becoming forgotten and going to waste. When in doubt, refer to the manufacturer’s instruction manual for best practices.
How do you stock a freezer?
The key to stocking a freezer effectively is to take into account the freezer’s size and capacity, as well as the types of items that will be stored in the freezer. To begin stocking a freezer, start by properly arranging and organizing items with the most-used items in the most accessible areas.
For larger items or items that are going to be stored long-term, it’s best to wrap them up in an air-tight cover. This will help them stay protected and will help with overall freezer organization. For items that need to be separated, like individual pieces of meat or vegetables, use a separate bag or wrapper for each one and label the bags.
When arranging the items in the freezer, try to stack the items in a way that allows for air circulation. If the items are stored too close together, air won’t be able to circulate properly and the items may not freeze effectively.
As frustrated as you might get, avoid overstuffing the freezer and place items strategically to maximize the available space.
Additionally, it’s best to defrost the freezer completely before stocking it, as any food particles can spoil the other items in the freezer. By taking all of these steps, you’ll be able to stock the freezer effectively, allowing the items to stay fresh and the freezer to run optimally.
Can you put plastic bins in the freezer?
It is not recommended to put plastic bins in the freezer. This is because the temperature extremes in the freezer can cause the plastic to become brittle and weaken over time. Furthermore, when the plastic goes through many freeze-thaw cycles, it can become damaged and potentially release toxins into the food stored in the bin.
Additionally, the sudden change in temperature could also cause the plastic to warp and crack, leading to contamination of the food inside. While some plastics may be designed to withstand extreme temperatures, it is generally best to use glass containers or other freezer safe materials when storing food in the freezer.
Can I use freezer without drawers?
Yes, you can use a freezer without drawers. Freezers typically have either shelves or drawers to store the food items. Shelves are the more typical feature in upright freezers, while chest freezers usually come equipped with multiple drawers.
If you would prefer a freezer without drawers, you can purchase an upright model that is specifically designed with shelves only. They can provide extra storage space for larger items such as casseroles, large quantity packages, and more.
Additionally, many upright freezers also feature two baskets which can add extra storage space for small items, such as frozen meals.
Will plastic containers crack in the freezer?
It is possible for plastic containers to crack in the freezer, but it can largely be avoided with proper use. Plastic containers should not be filled all the way to the top before being placed in the freezer, as it can create too much expansion and cause the container to crack.
Additionally, plastic containers and lids should line up properly and be firmly closed before being placed in the freezer. This will help avoid excess air from freezing and expanding, as well as allow for even cooling of the container.
Finally, it is important not to subject plastic containers to extreme temperature changes by, for example, adding a hot item to a cold container, or taking a container or lid directly from the freezer to boiling water.
All of these common sense measures should help protect your plastic containers in the freezer, and help prevent them from cracking.
What is the safest container to freeze food in?
The safest container to freeze food in is one that is made with BPA-free plastic or glass. BPA stands for bisphenol-A, which is a chemical found in some plastics that can leach into food and be harmful.
When looking for containers to freeze food in, make sure to look for ones that say BPA-free. glass is also a safe option for freezing food, since it does not contain any chemicals that can leach into the food.
When freezing food, it is important to make sure the container is well-sealed and does not have any cracks or holes that could allow air to enter and cause freezer burn. Additionally, make sure the container is a proper size and not filled too much so that the food has room to expand as it freezes.
Lastly, always label and date the container with the food inside so that you can keep track of how long it has been in the freezer.
What can you store in freezer door?
The freezer door is a great storage area in the kitchen, and you can store a variety of items in it. Meat, poultry, and fish can all be stored here in individual packaging, as it’s a good place to keep items that don’t need to be frozen.
This is also a great place to store condiments such as ketchup and mustard, as they don’t need to be kept as cold as other items. If you have extra space, you can also store other items such as canned soup and vegetables, frozen dinners, and even cheeses.
Open boxes of ice cream and other desserts are also safe to store here. Just make sure that any containers or packages are tightly sealed so they won’t be affected by the cold.
How can I make more room in my fridge?
Making more room in your fridge involves a few steps. First, you’ll want to check that all of its contents are within the best before dates. Any food items that have gone past their expiration are best to be discarded.
Next, review what is currently in the fridge. Whether it be a single-door, double-door, or bigger model, the space must be used effectively. Consider consolidating identical items, such as condiments, into one container or bag.
If there are items that are not used often, consider moving them to a colder environment like the pantry or garage. Also, moving bulky items, such as gallon- or two-liter-sized containers, near the walls of the refrigerator, leaving room in the middle for other items.
Lastly, if the wires and parts of the fridge are blocking space, try removing, if possible, for an even better storage area. With these steps, you’ll be on your way to a more spacious refrigerator.
What is the middle drawer for on a Whirlpool refrigerator?
The middle drawer in a Whirlpool refrigerator is an adjustable divider that is a versatile storage solution. This door-mounted bin helps to create custom storage options from the full-width drawer and can also be used as a refrigerator shelf or vegetable crisper.
This bin is especially helpful for storing large items, like large food platters, and for organizing and protecting delicate vegetables or fruits. Depending on the model, it may include a temperature control so you can precisely adjust the temperature to strawberries and apples, to keep them crunchy and fresh.
The sliding bin can also be used to organize lunch items, condiments, deli meats, and more. Furthermore, this adjustable shelf is designed to fit into the lower portion of the refrigerator doors and can be moved up and down, allowing you to customize your space.
How should you layout your fridge?
When it comes to your fridge, the key is to keep it organized. Start by taking everything out and throwing away expired food items. Then, group like items together (i. e. condiments together, dairy products together, and so on).
This makes it easier to find what you’re looking for when you open the door. Make sure that your stored items are properly sealed and that nothing is spilling out. This will help to keep the inside of your fridge clean and hygienic.
Foods such as eggs, raw meat, and leftovers should be stored on the lower shelves. Veggies, fruit, and drinks should be kept towards the top. That way, if anything spills, it’s not getting all over your main food sources.
When you put everything back in, make sure that you’re not overfilling it. This will impact the temperature inside, and cold air needs to be able to circulate. Finally, organize your fridge by shelf, like items closer together.
This will make it easier to locate what you’re looking for quickly.
What should be stored in bottom drawer of fridge?
The bottom drawer of a refrigerator is often referred to as the crisper drawer, and it is typically the coolest part of the fridge. Produce should be stored in the crisper, as it helps to keep the fruits and vegetables fresh for longer.
Foods that have high moisture content, like mushrooms, herbs, and leafy greens, should also be kept in the crisper. These types of produce are prone to drying out, so it helps to keep them in a moist environment, like the lower part of the fridge.
Other items that can be stored in the crisper include pre-packaged items, like pre-cut vegetable trays, kimchi, and other pre-made salads. Leftover cooked vegetables are also great to store in the crisper, as they will last longer if kept cool.
Care should be taken not to store fruit and vegetables together, as the ethylene gas that some fruits emit can cause vegetables to spoil more quickly.
Where do meat and cheese go in the fridge?
Meat and cheese should typically be stored in the refrigerator in the meat and cheese section. If your refrigerator does not have a designated area for meat and cheese, these items can be stored on the bottom shelf, away from any produce.
Keep meats and cheeses in their original sealed packaging or wrap them tightly to keep out air and moisture. It is also important to note that raw meats should not be stored above cooked meats or other cooked food items, to prevent the possibility of cross-contamination.
For optimal food safety, store the meat and cheese close to the back of the refrigerator, where it is the coldest.
What goes in each fridge drawer?
The contents of each fridge drawer depend on individual needs and preferences. Generally, fruits, vegetables, and dairy products should go in the top drawer, while leftovers should be placed in the middle drawer.
The bottom drawer should be used to store condiments, sauces, and smaller items. If there are any containers or tubs, they should be stored below in the main part of the fridge. If your fridge allows for different temperature settings, keep items such as fish, meat, and dairy products in the coolest drawer.
It is a good idea to label each drawer with items that should be stored there in order to keep items organized. Additionally, leaving space between each food item and not overcrowding drawers and shelves will help keep air circulating and will help prevent food from spoiling quickly.
What is the fresh drawer in the fridge for?
The fresh drawer in the fridge is typically used for items that need some extra humidity or protection from the cold air. It’s a great place for storing your fruits and vegetables, as it helps to keep them fresh for longer.
The drawer also protects certain items from getting too cold and helps produce stay at the optimal temperature. By using the fresh drawer, you help keep food from spoiling too quickly, meaning you can enjoy your favorite fruits and vegetables for longer.
Should you store milk in the refrigerator door?
Yes, storing milk in the refrigerator door is generally considered a safe and convenient option. The temperature of the refrigerator door tends to change more often as the door is opened and closed, however the dairy products in the door of a modern refrigerator are kept cold enough (below 40 °F) to maintain their freshness and quality.
Plus, storing milk in the door can be more convenient because it’s in a more visible, easily accessible location. It is important to note that it’s a good idea to occasionally check the temperature of the milk in the refrigerator door to ensure that it is staying cold enough.
If you notice the temperature is above 40 °F, you may want to consider moving the milk to a more temperature stable shelf.