Why The Refrigerator Door Is Not The Ideal Place For Glass Containers

At first glance, arranging items in a refrigerator may seem like a simple chore. It's easy to assume that as long as everything has a spot and the door closes, the task is done. However, organizing your chiller requires a bit more strategy. The aim isn't just to make everything fit but to ensure that items are placed in optimal locations so they remain fresh for longer and are safe from potential mishaps. One of the key points of contention in many refrigerator layouts is the positioning of glass containers.

The refrigerator door, despite its convenience and easy access, is not the ideal spot for these fragile vessels. Every time you open or close the fridge, items in the door experience a jolt. For those in plastic or metal containers, this movement is inconsequential. But glass containers, with their inherent fragility, are at risk since the continuous movement makes it more likely for them to topple and fall the next time you swing the door open. And if a glass container shatters, it not only means a loss of the contents but poses a safety risk. The broken glass shards can be a hidden danger the next time someone reaches into the fridge without noticing the spill.

Read more: How Long Do Condiments Last?

The Right Spot For Glass Containers

While it might be tempting to store that cherished bottle of sauce in the door for easy access, the risk it poses far outweighs the convenience. The ideal spot is the main body of the refrigerator. Shelves here are sturdier and less prone to the kind of movement and jostling that door shelves experience. The added bonus is that temperatures remain more consistent within the body of the fridge, ensuring the longevity of the item's contents.

Even when considering items that are typically door-dwellers, if they're in glass, it's best to make an exception. For instance, while plastic bottles of ketchup or salad dressing might fare just fine on the door, their glass counterparts should find a home within the central part of the refrigerator. More to that, if you have glass containers containing liquids or heavy items, consider placing them on the lower shelves. This not only ensures stability but also makes cleanup easier if there's an unfortunate spill.

So the next time you're looking for a place to store your glass jar of pickles put them in the main part of the fridge instead of on the door, and you won't have to worry about anything breaking.

Read the original article on Tasting Table.