Organizing your fridge and freezer properly not only helps avoid waste but also keeps food fresh longer and prevents contamination. But where should each item go, and how long does it actually last?
According to the 2024 Waste Watcher international report (G7 countries), in Europe, an average of 90 kg of food is wasted per household. Proper storage, along with more mindful grocery shopping, can significantly reduce this waste.
Find out how to optimize the space in your appliance and how the hOn app can help you manage everything with its smart features!
Know Your Fridge
Understanding how your fridge works is essential to make the most of its space. With the right precautions, you can reduce food waste, save energy, and maintain food quality for longer.
Firstly, note that temperatures inside the fridge are not uniform due to cold air circulation and motor placement. Cold air tends to sink, so lower areas are generally cooler than upper ones. With the hOn app’s Remote Control, you can monitor the temperature anytime, anywhere, optimize energy use, and respond immediately to changes.
Ideal Fridge Zones
Each food has a specific area of the refrigerator where it is best stored in order to best preserve its freshness and quality. Each model can have a different temperature distribution. In particular, models with No Frost technology have a more homogeneous air distribution than traditional refrigerators, where there can be temperature variations.
Let’s see how to make the most of each compartment.
Combined refrigerator (with freezer below)
In this type of refrigerator, the cooling motor is located at the bottom, and from there the cold air rises to the top. But the cold air is heavier, so it naturally tends to stay at the bottom. Result?
- The coldest areas are at the bottom, perfect for raw meat and fish.
- The middle zones are ideal for cold meats, cheeses and dairy products.
- The upper zones are slightly more temperate: good for already cooked food, leftovers and yoghurt.
- Drawers: designed for fruit and vegetables, where humidity is higher.
- The door, on the other hand, is the least cold part: here it is best to put soft drinks, butter and sauces.
Top-Freezer Fridge:
Here the system is different: cold air comes from above, where the freezer is located. The cold air flows downwards, but the distribution is often less even than in the combined refrigerator.
- The top tends to be colder, so best used for meat, fish and more delicate foods.
- The further down you go, the higher the temperature rises: dairy products and sliced meats are fine in the middle, while fruit and vegetables are fine at the bottom, in the special drawers.
- Again, the door is the least cold area.
Side-by-Side Fridge:
Thanks to the even ventilation, you can distribute the food better, but it is still advisable to follow the general rule (meat and fish at the bottom, dairy products and sliced meats in the middle, sauces and drinks in the door).
If you have any doubts, the Food Locator in the hOn app suggests where to put each food in the fridge according to type, avoiding waste and improving storage. Choose the food and the hOn app will show you the ideal area.
Organizing the Freezer
The freezer is essential for storing food for a long time, but organisation is also key here! Try organising your freezer like this:
- Top drawer: store ready-to-eat and frozen food for quick consumption.
- Middle drawer: use it for frozen meat, fish and vegetables.
- Bottom drawer: ideal for bread, pastries and less frequently used foods.
Some more advice
Here are a few simple tips for having an efficiently organised refrigerator or freezer for your food.
- Avoid overcrowding: an overfull fridge prevents the proper circulation of cold air, making storage less efficient.
- Clean regularly: use a solution of lukewarm water and vinegar or bicarbonate of soda to sanitise your fridge, but remember to dry the shelves thoroughly.
- Pay attention to the door: this is the area most prone to temperature changes. Avoid storing highly perishable food in this area.
- Do not put hot food directly in the refrigerator: wait for it to cool down so as not to alter the internal temperature.
Smart Features for Perfect Management
You will find models that combine advanced design and functionality, all designed to preserve your food in the best possible way! For example:
- Haier Air Surround technology distributes cold air evenly thanks to the side airflow that envelops the food and keeps it fresh for longer.
- Total No Frost technology prevents ice from forming in your freezer
Optimising with hOn
The hOn app supports you daily with smart functions for organising your fridge and freezer.
In addition to organising your fridge thanks to the Food Locator, with Smart storage you can always keep track of your food inventory and expiry dates. Never underestimate maintenance! Carry out check-up cycles via the hOn app and clean the filters for optimal performance, hygiene and durability.
Download the hOn app and discover how smart features can help you reduce waste and save money every day.
By following these tips and taking advantage of smart technology, your refrigerator will always be optimally organised, and your food will stay fresh for longer!
Stay up to date with us! In the next article we will look at what tips to keep in mind for better food storage.
