You can safely put Aluminum foil in a freezer. Aluminum foil is resistant to moisture, making it feasible for your meals to stay as fresh as they can be for an extended period. Furthermore, the foil does not tear or split even at low temperatures. 

Here is a detailed guide on the safe freezing of food using Aluminum. Read along to know more about the Aluminum foil we use in our cooking!

Is It Safe To Freeze Food In Aluminum Foil?

According to USDA, it is safe to freeze food in Aluminum foil. Aluminum foil is a food-grade material that blocks light and acts as a barrier against air, moisture, and bacteria. Food that has been frozen in Aluminum foil will keep its best flavor for a longer time and is safe to eat.

Aluminum prevents light that can eventually trigger chemical reactions that could discolor the food you have preserved. 

It also creates a reflecting surface that prevents heat from the atmosphere from being transferred into the frozen meal, thereby creating a stable low-temperature environment required for preservation.

Typically, the more air is excluded from the freezing material and the better wrapped your meal is, the longer it lasts without spoilage. 

This emphasizes using flexible wrapping materials like Aluminum foil that can be wrapped directly to the food’s surface and act as a barrier between your food and the harsh freezer environment.

It works best with items mostly dry or enclosed in their skin, such as sausages, as they are less likely to stick to the foil when frozen. For moisturized items like chops or fish filets, always pick coated, non-stick foil so the food will release it effortlessly and without ripping. 

Aluminum foil should not be directly in contact with corrosive foods. These products may react negatively with the foil and degrade over time, causing serious health issues. 

Additionally, the food within may have spoiled if the foil was broken or improperly sealed as of the storage time. It’s advisable to discard the food in that situation rather than risk your health, especially if you smell an odor from the food.

How Do You Freeze Food In Aluminum Foil?

Freezing leftovers or other food items can reduce food waste. If the food is still hot and steaming, you ought to give the food time to cool. The heat from the food could leach the Aluminum from the foil into the food and result in health hazards.

Also, by skipping the cooling step, you face the possible bacteria growth leading to contamination of your food.

You should then wrap the food in a layer of plastic wrap while squeezing out air prior to using the Aluminum foil as the secondary wrap to cover the outside of the already wrapped food. This will help to prevent freezer burn.

Make sure to pad all of the sharp edges on your food. Doing this prevents the foil from being punctured so as to keep the wrapping airtight. To further protect the food from spoilage, you can double-wrap the edges to cushion it.

For the best results, use heavy-duty Aluminum foil rather than normal foil when storing food for more than a week. The former can withstand the extreme cold in the freezer without causing food spoilage. 

Remember to indicate the date and day you froze the food on the label for easy retrieval. Put the food in the freezer once you’re certain that it has been properly wrapped. Also, you must move it to the freezer’s coldest area so it can be exposed to a constant low temperature.

Aluminum foil shouldn’t be used to store acidic foods since acidic products absorb Aluminum more quickly.

Will Aluminum Foil Prevent Freezer Burns?

Dry conditions in your freezer may lead to freezer burn. Typically, meat with freezer burns has an unpleasant gray color and numerous ice crystals on the surface. Particularly, for chicken, it will have a leather-like texture and several dry patches.

Aluminum foil will prevent freezer burns if food is properly stored or retrieved a few hours after being frozen. The primary objective of Aluminum foil is to keep food from coming into contact with air.

When air comes into contact with food, it dehydrates the food leading to freezer burns and a change in the meal’s flavor and odor. 

That is why it is imperative to wrap the food tightly in heavy-duty Aluminum foil. Your food will stay safe and fresh for longer if the packaging is thick and durable.

The temperature inside your freezer changes when you open it frequently, and other ice crystals develop when the food begins to thaw. So, open it to maintain the cold temperatures in the freezer when required.

Nevertheless, in case of a freezer burn on your food, removing the damaged areas is advisable. Typically, a freezer burn doesn’t go very far into the food and isn’t a call for food safety concerns. 

Things To Think Of When Working With Aluminum Foil

Pay major attention to the type of food you want to preserve in the freezer using Aluminum foil. Aluminum is highly reactive with low pH foods like tomatoes, certain cheeses, and extremely acidic foods.

They should not be stored using this method directly. You should always use freezer paper or parchment paper as a substitute and then apply the Aluminum foil to seal them. Aluminum contaminates food and harms people’s health; thus, caution is warranted.

Aluminum also isn’t non-stick. While working with Aluminum, always go for foods that do not stick to the foil to avoid unnecessary challenges of removing the stuck ingredients.

Dairy products are prone to contamination by bacteria. For milk-based leftovers, you should refrain from using Aluminum foil as it does little to inhibit the multiplication of microbes.

The quality of Aluminum foil you use is a variable that also needs consideration. You must be certain to use heavy-duty Aluminum foil exclusively for long-term freezer storage. 

Regular varieties frequently stick to the food and break away while thawing. Thus, they’re only intended to store your food for less than a week. Thus, the composition and quality of the foil determine how well the foil works inside the freezer.

What Could You Use Instead of Foil When Freezing Food?

Aluminum foil cannot be reused and thus can result in lots of wastage. Additionally, it is not a long-term, financially sensible choice since it comes at a cost that you can exchange for cheaper substitutes.

For example, parchment paper is a viable alternative to Aluminum foil when freezing food. It contains a nonstick layer that is heat resistant, making it safe to use in the oven. 

Also, it prevents foods like fish cakes or filets from sticking together. Thus, it can be used with various foods. Parchment paper contains little to no chemicals that could seep into foods and is thus more preferred to Aluminum foil, especially with foods that react with the foil.

Another excellent way to freeze food is in tempered glass containers. Tempered glass is toughened glass that has been made to withstand extreme temperatures. It does not crack or break in the freezer as regular glass does.

Glass is easily recyclable, hygienic, and multifunctional, making it indispensable for cooking, freezing, and other uses. Be cautious, though, with foods that contain water content and leave room for expansion as this can break the glass. 

Meat should never be left out on the counter to thaw. The safest way to thaw meat on the counter is to leave it in cool water for about an hour. If you leave frozen meat out on the counter for more than 30 minutes and you notice it is no longer frozen, it should be thrown away. 

We have put together a comprehensive list of how to safely handle and defrost your meat. If you are in a pinch for time, do not worry, we have shared all the best and quickest ways to get your meat defrosted as fast as possible! 

How Long Can You Leave Meat Out To Defrost?

It is unsafe to leave frozen meat out at room temperature for any amount of time. Meat grows bacteria very quickly and is one of the most common carriers of disease after wheat and grain. Rather than defrosting on the counter, utilize water, fridges, or other devices for safely defrosting your meat. 

There are several safe and effective ways to defrost your meat, including: 

• Place meat in water to defrost 
• Microwave on high 
• Defrost directly on the stove 
• Defrost in the fridge 

To defrost meat safely in water first place it in a sealed bag. Next, place the bag in a bowl of cool water and let it thaw for 30 minutes.

After 30 minutes, if it’s still not thawed, you can continue this method for another 30 minutes. However, change the water and the bag before you continue. 

Microwaving your meat is safe as well, but we recommend you avoid refreezing this meat after. Microwaving meat partially cooks it.

This is alright, but some people believe it tastes bad after being refrozen. Additionally, if it sits out for more than 15 minutes after you microwave it without cooking it or freezing it, you should throw it away. 

Defrosting meat in the fridge is really just cooking it while it’s still frozen. This is a good way to defrost it so you can make it into meatballs, meatloaf, or other ground beef dishes. 

Last, defrosting your meat in the fridge takes the longest, but it is the best way. Take the meat you wish to use out from the freezer a day before you plan to use it.

Place the meat in a plastic container and store it in the fridge overnight. By the next day, it should be ready to use. Do not store it in the fridge for more than 2 days if you plan to refreeze it. 

How Long Does Frozen Meat Take To Defrost In Room Temperature?

Generally, if you use cool water to thaw meat it will take 45 minutes to an hour. Thawing meat on the stove may only take 15 minutes to thaw, but many chefs prefer to pre-thaw their meat for better flavor. This is also true for thawing meat in the microwave. Refrigerated thawing typically takes a whole day. 

You should never leave frozen meat out on the counter to thaw. However, if you are using a safe thaw method, the time it takes for it to thaw may vary depending on the type of meat. The cut and style may also impact thawing times. 

Here’s a quick list of how long you can expect to thaw your meat based on the type and method chosen: 

How Can You Tell If Meat Has Gone Bad While Defrosting?

Stench and discoloration are the most obvious signs of meat had gone bad while being defrosted. However, this is not usually enough to determine if your meat has actually gone bad or not.

Bacteria and other harmful pathogens can multiply within a few minutes if your meat has reached a temperature below 45 degrees Fahrenheit. 

Unless your meat is rotting, it doesn’t exhibit the same obvious tell-tale signs of having gone bad as vegetables and fruits.

This is because it’s more complex and takes longer to actually break down. However just because you do not see or smell anything does not mean there is nothing wrong.

According to the USDA and the Pacific Northwest National Laboratory (PNNL), bacteria can double every 4 minutes when in the right conditions.

Meat that has reached a temperature below 45 degrees should be thrown away and not consumed. This is the best way to check if your meat has gone bad. 

Can You Refreeze Meat After Thawing It?

Remember that meat will not necessarily look bad when it has gone bad. Meat that has developed large amounts of bacteria during the thawing process should be thrown away, rather than refrozen.

This means any meat which has been left out at below 36 degrees Fahrenheit (2.2 Celsius) for more than 2 hours should be thrown away. 

However, meat that has been thawed in the refrigerator can be refrozen, according to the USDA. This is true up until about 2-5 days.

Meat can only last in the fridge for a few days before going bad, so make sure if you thaw your meat you either use it or refreeze it within a day or two. 

You might want to marinate your meat if you use refrozen meat. When frozen meat thaws it loses a considerable amount of liquids, so if you do not marinate the meat it might result in your meat being dry. 

What Can Happen If You Eat Meat That’s Gone Bad?

Meat that has gone bad can make you very sick if it is eaten. Bad meat develops several types of bacteria, including E. Coli, botulism, and other foodborne illnesses.

These foodborne illnesses can cause vomiting, nausea, and diarrhea. These illnesses do not usually cause death, but in severe cases, they can. 

According to the CDC common symptoms of botulism include: 

• Blurred or doubled vision
• Difficulty swallowing 
• Trouble breathing (laborious breaths)
• Weakness
• Muscle aches

Botulism is one of the more serious foodborne illnesses. If you exhibit extreme symptoms, you should get to the hospital right away. However, typically, the disease clears out of your system in about a week or so. 

Common symptoms of E. Coli include: 

• Vomiting 
• Bloody stool
• Severe diarrhea 
• Fever

E. Coli typically clears away within a week of the infection. However, it is extremely important that you remain well hydrated throughout the illness. E. Coli causes the body to lose large amounts of fluids, so it is important to drink lots of water and hydrating drinks. 

Keep an eye out for symptoms of hemolytic uremic syndrome (HUS). Sometimes E. Coli develops into this far more dangerous disease, which starts to surface about 3 days after the patient thinks they are recovering. 

Those suffering from this infection will lose the color in their face and have fewer and less frequent urination periods throughout the day. They should get treatment immediately to avoid kidney failure or permanent damage to the kidneys.

How Can You Defrost Meat Faster?

The microwave and stove are the fastest way to thaw your meat. However, the only downside is you should only use this method if you are ready to cook it right away.

This system of thawing is more cooking than thawing and if you do not cook it after heating it to high temperatures it could develop high levels of bacteria. 

Thawing meat in cool water is the only safe way to thaw meat on the counter. It is also one of the quickest methods of thawing meat which won’t result in it getting partially cooked.

However, you should not refreeze meat thawed in water. You should only refreeze meat that has been thawed in the fridge. 

How Long Does It Take To Defrost Meat In the Fridge?

Meat usually takes 24 hours to thaw in the refrigerator. But this largely varies based on the type of meat and the size of the cut.

Solid steaks, whether beef, veal, lamb, or other solid steaks take the longest time. But, the times vary largely based on the size. 

The refrigerator can take up to 48 hours for a full turkey or chicken. This depends on the weight of the chicken or turkey.

Chicken doesn’t usually take longer than a day to thaw on account of it being far lighter and smaller than a turkey. 

Make sure you leave the meat in a plastic bowl while you thaw it. It will leak a lot of contaminated juices and blood which can cause a pathogen to your other food if it gets on them.

If you notice the juices have leaked onto any vegetables or other food in your fridge, throw it away right away and sanitize the area with bleach.

Whatever your reasons, there are a few tricks to saving money with these mini-fridges while you’re away. 

If you are going away for a prolonged period of time, unplugging your mini-fridge can save you money. But, you need to make sure you clean and prepare it properly before you leave. Otherwise, you might come back to a smelly mess. The average mini-fridge will annually cost you 23-25$ to run in the USA – leaving it plugged in for short periods of time isn’t expensive.

The process for preparing your mini-fridge for your trip is fairly straightforward. But, to ensure you know all the ins and outs we made this helpful guide. 

How Long Can You Leave a Mini Fridge Unplugged?

There is no rule regarding how long you can leave your mini-fridge unplugged. You should aim to clean it up appropriately prior to putting it into storage.

But, this usually takes only a few hours, especially if you do not have a freezer compartment in your mini-fridge. As a rule, there is no limit to the amount of time you can leave a mini-fridge unplugged, though. 

Barring anything breaking while in storage, mini-fridges tend to last just fine unplugged. Of course, this depends somewhat on how you store it. You should never leave food or beverages in your fridge when it’s unplugged. 

The way in which you clean and prepare your mini-fridge to be unplugged depends somewhat on your plans. Is this a permanent or temporary unplugging of your mini-fridge? 

Are you moving and no longer need it but don’t want to get rid of your fridge? This is long-term storage. Are you going on vacation for a month and just don’t want to waste electricity? This is short-term storage. 

How to Prepare Your Mini-Fridge for Long and Short-Term Storage

Fridge maintenance is an important part of any refrigeration care. But, for a mini-fridge, the way you go about this can help prolong its life span. Mini-fridges are commonly viewed as disposable, but the truth is if you maintain them they can last a couple of decades. 

If you want to put your mini-fridge into storage you should thoroughly clean it. This includes a complete defrost. To defrost your mini-fridge simply empty it out completely and leave the doors open while it is unplugged. 

The fridge will leak water during this time, especially if you have a freezer compartment. Make sure you put a large towel beneath your fridge and inside your fridge to avoid getting this water all over your floor. 

Next, make sure you clean it out with bleach or some other harsh chemical. You should use a strong chemical to avoid the development of mold. Bleach kills mold spores and this will help prevent any mold or fungus from developing while the fridge is in storage. 

While the mini-fridge is in storage make sure you keep the doors cracked. You might think this is a bad idea because of bugs or rodents. But, most facilities are fairly clear from rodents. And, the musty, moldy smell that develops when the door is closed can be very difficult to remove. 

If you are only unplugging your fridge for a short time, you should still let the water drain out before you leave. Otherwise, you might come home with a huge mess on your floor. But, you do not need to go through the deep cleaning. 

As always, make sure you completely remove all the food and beverages. These will go bad very fast once the fridge is unplugged and warmed up. 

Is It Safe To Leave a Mini Fridge On When Going Away?

Yes, it is perfectly safe to leave your mini-fridge plugged in when you go away as long as you have an up-to-date electrical system. If you have a new outlet and a new cord.

If you have an older fridge (before the 1990s) or outlets without surge protection, you should probably unplug your mini-fridge. Overall though mini-fridges can be left on. 

If you have food in your mini-fridge make sure it is not something that will go bad while you’re away. If you have milk or dairy products and plan to be away for over a week, make sure you throw this out. Or give it away to someone who will use it. 

Milk does not usually have a fridge shelf life longer than a week. If you leave it in there, even with the fridge on, it can still curdle once the shelf life passes.

Additionally, if you live in the U.S. where eggs are refrigerated you will not want to keep them for over 2 weeks.

And, make sure you dispose of any meat and vegetables (or freeze them). These typically do not stay good for longer than 3-5 days. This is especially true for meat but can vary for different vegetables. 

Ways to Save Energy with Your Mini-Fridge

One of the primary reasons people unplug their mini-fridge while away is to save power. If you aren’t going away for long (maybe 2 weeks or less) you will probably want to leave your fridge plugged in.

The energy the fridge expends to get back down to the appropriate temperature and cool off the interior is more than it takes to keep itself cool. 

If you have food in your fridge, it is best to throw most of it away. Not just because it will go bad, but also because your fridge will waste power keeping these items cold. 

The best way to prevent this is to empty your fridge and keep it at a moderate cool. For long periods of absence though you will want to unplug it. 

To save energy you should also ensure the surrounding area is clear. You should avoid keeping your mini-fridge in a poorly ventilated area of your home.  Do not put it between two shelves or leave heavy objects around or on top of the unit. 

This can cause the unit to overheat and will not be helpful in saving on your electric bill. Other tricks include do not overfill your fridge. Overstuffing your fridge will only cause the items inside to go bad and the machine to overwork. Your best bet is to fill up moderately with plenty of room for airflow. 

One of the leading causes of a warm freezer (and a cold fridge) is that there’s dirt and ice on the freezer’s motor and operational parts. If they’re dirty or iced up, removing the dirt and ice should allow the freezer to cool down. These parts include condenser coils, evaporator coils, and the evaporator fan motor. Damage to these parts, overfilling, and forgetting to defrost the freezer are also common causes.

But, why would this cause your freezer to be warm and not your refrigerator? And, what can you do about it? Continue reading to understand more about this bizarre mystery. 

Blocked or Clogged Vents

It is possible your freezer’s vents are simply blocked by either too much stuff or ice build-up. This may cause your freezer to overwork or overheat. 

This won’t always make your fridge overheat or get warm. But, it will usually manifest as puddles and condensation on the walls of your fridge. If you see this, and your freezer is not cooling properly, make sure nothing in the freezer is blocking air vents. 

Dirty or Broken Evaporator Coils or Fan

Depending on your model, a warm freezer and cool fridge could mean the evaporator unit is damaged or otherwise disrupted. Some models have only one evaporator unit. In these cases, both your fridge and freezer will suffer when it breaks. 

But, some units have a separate evaporator unit for both the freezer and fridge. In these cases, it is possible that your freezer coils are broken or dirty while the fridge’s coils are fine. It could also indicate that the motor fan is broken or dirty as well. 

This is one of the most common causes of this strange occurrence. If you notice the freezer is warm while the fridge is cool, check the evaporator unit. 

Issues with Your Freezer’s Thermostat

Similar to the evaporator coils, some models have a separate thermostat unit for your fridge and freezer. If you notice your freezer is warm, check to ensure the thermostat is working appropriately. 

The best way to verify that your thermostat is working is to turn the temperature down. Wait a minute or two and see if you hear a click as the thermostat adjusts the motor running. If you do not hear this, it is possible the thermostat is broken. 

Broken Door Gaskets

This may seem like a trivial issue, but it matters. Is your freezer sealing properly every time you close it? Or, when you close your refrigerator door, does the pressure cause your freezer to crack open? 

This means your freezer’s gaskets are broken or no longer working. It could be a tear in the gasket or moldy or dirty gaskets preventing the proper suction. 

What To Do If Your Freezer Isn’t Getting Cold (But Your Fridge Is)

Now that you know some of the leading causes of your issue, the question remains, what can you do about it?

The good news is that you may not need to call in an expert. One of the first things you should check is if your freezer is performing its defrost sessions. 

Most freezers today are equipped with an auto-defrost setting. In the past, people used to have to shut their freezer off and empty it, allow the ice to melt, and then turn it back on. If you have an older freezer, it’s possible your freezer does not do this automatically. 

But, if you have a new model, the freezer should enter this mode automatically during the appropriate cycle. If you notice frost and large chunks of ice building up inside your unit it is probably a fault in this system. 

If you’ve ruled this out as the cause of your issues, then it could be any one of the options above. If you’ve tested your thermostat and found it to be faulty, you may need to call for help to have this replaced.

The internal thermostat is essential for the proper function of the whole unit and must be replaced as soon as possible. 

But, here are the solutions you can try if facing some of these issues. 

Fixing Broken Gaskets or Other Door Issues

The next probable culprit is your freezer door. As we mentioned above, this could be caused by the gaskets being dirty or otherwise damaged. 

To clean your gasket follow these instructions:

• Check the edges of the gasket for block spots or moisture
• If you notice build-up, remove the gaskets (check your manual)
• Place your gasket in the sink
• Fill the sink up with soapy hot water and let it soak for 30 minutes
• Meanwhile, ensure the door is held shut with duct tape or other adhesive tape
• After 30 minutes, remove the gasket and dry it with a rag 
• Make sure to reach into the crevices of the gasket the best you can 
• Follow the manual’s directions to replace it back in the freezer

If you notice while cleaning this gasket any tears along the line of the gasket, you should replace it. These tears are disruptive to the sealing process and can cause your freezer to become warm. 

Clean the Vents

If you notice your freezer’s vents are covered in ice or dust, this can cause the freezer to warm up. This is because the vents are essential for filtering the air throughout your unit and keeping it cool. 

There is usually a vent in the back of the interior of your freezer which can become caked with ice and dust. To clean this, start by taking a rag and soaking it in hot water with soap. Then, wipe the vent the best you can. 

The heat from the water should remove most of the ice and any dirt which may have accumulated. If you notice this does not improve your freezer’s function, you may need to remove the cover. 

To remove the cover, use a small screwdriver to remove the screws holding the vent cover on. You may want to use a vacuum cleaner’s hose and suck up some of the dirt and dust from inside. Consult your freezer’s manual for further directions. 

If you still notice issues associated with the vent, you may wish to consult an expert. A technician should be able to replace any failing or bad parts. 

Check the Evaporator Coils and Fan

The Evaporator coil and fan operate by keeping the air circulating and thus cooling the freezer. It is usually located in the back of your refrigerator unit on the outside. 

There is typically a cover over the coils which you can usually remove with a screwdriver. Here you will find the coils and can clean them with a vacuum cleaner. Do not attempt to directly wipe the coils down without checking your manual first. 

Some coils may not be strong enough to be wiped directly. Too much pressure can break these coils which will require a mechanic to replace them.  

Read: How Do I Make My Freezer Colder?

How Long Can You Keep Food In the Freezer When It’s Not Working?

According to the Food and Safety website, the freezer will typically remain frozen for 24-48 hours. This depends on how full your freezer is when it broke or you lost power. A full freezer can remain frozen for up to 48 hours while a half-full freezer will remain frozen for 24 hours.

As a general rule of thumb, you should throw out food after 48 hours of either losing power or your freezer thawing. If you are uncertain how long your freezer has been warm, then you must check the food itself to determine if you should keep it or not. 

To determine this, you must base the decision on what type of food you have. First, any food above 40 degrees Fahrenheit (4.5 degrees Celsius) should be suspected.

The Food and Safety website has a useful chart to help you decide what to keep and what to throw away. But, as a general rule of thumb, follow these guidelines: 

• Meat: 40 degrees or above for 2 hours or more should be thrown away
• Vegetables/Fruits: Keep unless moldy or smells musty 
• Bread/Pastries: Keep unless moldy

Meat dishes are the most dangerous to keep. As well as dairy and cheeses since they develop bacteria quickly in temperature shifts. 

Read: Should You Unplug a Refrigerator When Not In Use?

How Much Does It Cost To Repair a Freezer?

According to Forbes, the average cost for repairs for a freezer is $350.00 in the USA. This varies based on the state and region in which you’re located. This is the national average based on the average combined costs of repairs. The average cost for the cheapest repairs is $60.00 while the most expensive can reach up to $600-700.00 dollars. 

In order to make the determination of how much your freezer repairs will cost, first check your warranty. It is possible you are still within the term of the warranty, which often includes repairs on the freezer and fridge. 

If you are outside this time frame then you will need to evaluate which part needs repair. If you believe it to be the evaporator coil or motor, it can cost anywhere between $100-$500.00. This depends on the severity of the damage and what parts need to be replaced. 

Replacing a broken gasket is usually fairly cheap. It tends to cost between $45-65.00 dollars. But, if there is something more serious about the door (broken hinges or other damage) it can cost more. 

Hence, you’re wasting electricity if you’re running a refrigerator without any food inside. However, you may have to do it sometimes.

You can run a refrigerator when it’s empty, but it’s better to turn it off if you won’t use it for 2 weeks or more to save energy and prolong your refrigerator’s lifespan. Switching it off warms the cold compressor, so don’t switch your fridge on and off multiple times in a day or week, as that could damage the compressor.

According to MIT, refrigerator compressors shouldn’t abruptly expand or contract. Thus, it’s best not to turn them on and off frequently.

If you have to do it, ensure there’s a load of food in the fridge, so the compressor doesn’t have to work as hard.

You should unplug your appliance when you’re going on vacation or away for an extended period of time. It’ll help save energy and money and prevent potential hazards while you’re away.

What Happens If You Leave an Empty Refrigerator Running?

You’re not doing any direct harm by leaving your fridge running when it’s empty. However, it is a waste of electricity, and you could be racking up an unexpectedly high utility bill.

If you’re going to be away for an extended time, it’s best to unplug your fridge to prevent unnecessary power consumption.

The energy consumption of the average refrigerator is about 100-200 watts. If a fridge is left empty, the compressor will run unnecessarily, using more energy. Moreover, a full fridge will maintain its temperature better than an empty one.

According to the U.S. Department of Energy, the compressor is the most expensive part of the fridge to replace. It operates more efficiently when the fridge is full because the compressor doesn’t have to work as hard to maintain the cold temperature.

So, you might be shortening the lifespan of your fridge if you’re leaving it empty and running.

Why Does an Empty Fridge and Freezer Use More Energy?

Water has a very high latent heat of fusion, meaning it takes lots of energy to change it from a liquid to a solid, or vice versa. Your fridge and freezer are working hard to constantly maintain a water vapor barrier between the inside and outside air.

When there’s less water vapor inside the fridge, especially when it’s empty, that barrier isn’t as effective. Thus, your fridge has to work harder to maintain its internal temperature.

The same principle applies to freezers. A full freezer is more efficient because the food inside acts as insulation, helping to keep the cold air in and the warm air out. An empty freezer has less insulating power, so it has to work harder to stay cold.

But there are other factors at play, too.

For example, an empty fridge is more likely to develop ice buildup on the evaporator coils. This ice insulates the coils and makes it harder for the fridge to release cold air. As a result, the fridge has to work even harder to maintain its internal temperature, using even more energy.

The same is true for freezers. Ice buildup on the coils makes it harder for the freezer to release cold air, so it has to work harder and use more energy.

How Much Does It Cost To Run an Empty Refrigerator?

Did you know that empty fridges consume more energy than packed ones? If you think about it, it makes sense. After all, an empty fridge is basically a big box full of air. And we all know that air doesn’t conduct heat very well.

So how much does it cost to run an empty fridge? Well, the answer depends on a few factors.

Refrigerators consume maximum capacity power when they’re running while empty. Refrigerators vary in power consumption ratings, depending on the size and technological features. 

A typical family refrigerator rated 150 watts consumes about 36KWh per month, but habits of running it when empty could mildly surge it to about 40KWh. 

You’re already not being the most strategic about power use in this context. So, we’re assuming your typical refrigerator consumes 40KWh per month. 

According to the U.S. Energy Information Administration, the average residential cost for every kilowatt-hour is $0.1375. However, some states like Massachusetts and Rhode Island levy high rates of $0.243/KWh and $0.2511/KWh respectively. 

Some states offer rates as low as:

• North Dakota- $0.0935/KWh
• Alabama- $0.0979
• Washington- $0.1007

You can check the average rate in your state here.

Hence, the costs depend on the city and state of residence. However, the power consumption of a typical model will cost an average of $11 in monthly utility bills.

Remember, you also prolong the lifespan of your appliance if you unplug it off once in a while!

Should You Unplug a Refrigerator When There’s Nothing Inside?

The answer to this question is a bit more complicated than a simple yes or no. The truth is, it depends on a few factors. Let’s explore these factors so you can make the best decision for your situation.

While the cost of running an empty refrigerator isn’t exorbitant, it’s still something to consider.

Another factor to consider is the impact on the environment. Refrigerators use Freon, which is a chlorofluorocarbon (CFC). CFCs are bad for the environment because they contribute to the depletion of the ozone layer.

So, if you’re trying to be as eco-friendly as possible, you may want to unplug your fridge when it’s empty.

Finally, also consider the impact on your food. The food inside will start to spoil when a fridge is unplugged. If you have a lot of food in your fridge, this could be a big problem.

It may not be a big deal to turn it off for a little while when you don’t have much food in your fridge.

Moreover, don’t unplug your fridge for just a day or two and then power it with just a little load of food and beverages. If you’re going to unplug it, leave it unplugged for longer.

How Long Can You Leave an Empty Refrigerator Unplugged?

Consider the amount of food stored and its condition before unplugging your refrigerator. If the food is close to its expiration date, it’s best to consume or discard it before unplugging your fridge.

Ensure to consume or discard perishable items before unplugging your refrigerator, including:

• Milk
• Eggs
• Meat

After you unplug the refrigerator, typical foods will last the following amount of time before spoiling:

• Butter or Margarine – two weeks
• Hard Cheese – six to eight weeks
• Opened Jam, Jelly, or Preserves – three months
• Fresh Fruit – two days
• Vegetables like carrots, celery, and broccoli – four to five days

These are by no means any recommendations and should not be thought of as such. The time it takes for food to spoil will vary depending on different factors. Therefore, you should always inspect any food you’re unsure about before you consume it.

If you do not plan to use the refrigerator for a period longer than two days, it is best to clean it and leave the door ajar. You don’t want to encourage mold and mildew from forming.

My Fridge Was Unplugged, and Now It Won’t Work

Keep calm even if your fridge was unplugged for some time, and now it won’t work. Check to see if the power cord is plugged into a working outlet.

If the outlet is operational, check the circuit breaker or fuse box. Simply reset it and plug in the refrigerator again if the circuit breaker or fuse has tripped.

The compressor may be faulty if your fridge still won’t work. In this case, it’s best to consult a professional for refrigerator repair.

A refrigerator is a long-term investment, and you want to ensure it has a lengthy lifespan. With proper care and maintenance, your fridge will continue to keep your food cold for years to come.

Should a Refrigerator Be Kept Full?

Most food experts recommend that you keep your refrigerator three-quarters full. A full fridge is more energy-efficient than an empty one, but some free space is necessary for efficient air circulation.

Filling up your fridge can impede the circulation of cold air. Ultimately, it will cause your food to spoil more quickly.

So strike a balance: enough food to keep things humming along efficiently, but not so much that your fridge turns into a cluttered mess.

Do you tend to keep your refrigerator full or relatively empty? Let us know why in the comments below?

Freezing up is a common and annoying problem with many mini-fridges. But one question that might have got you here is why my mini-fridge keeps freezing up?

There are many reasons why excess freezing is an issue that many mini-fridge users encounter. However, the major causes are faulty temperature controls and a damaged gasket. It can also be caused by mispositioned airflow ducts or dirty cooling coils. You can fix this issue by keeping your mini-fridge tidy.

This article will discuss why your mini-fridge keeps freezing up and how you can easily troubleshoot this issue. Besides, we will answer some commonly asked questions about mini-fridge freezing up.

Sounds great? Read on for more.

How Do You Keep a Mini Fridge From Freezing Up

You need to do several things to keep your mini-fridge from freezing up. These are not limited to;

1. Troubleshooting the mini-fridge door

This is probably one of the first things you need to do to keep your mini-fridge from freezing up. For instance, there are a few things that you need to check. They include;

2. Avoid opening the door too often or for too long.

Frequently opening the mini-fridge door increases the level of humidity inside. This could result in ice build-up and frost.

Therefore, you need to avoid leaving your mini-fridge door open when you are trying to figure out which item to take out or when you are deciding what to eat.

Instead, you should make a quick mental list of the items that you need so that you take all of those items out of your mini-fridge at once. For instance, be as quick or as fast as possible and close the mini-fridge fridge doors in under one minute.

3. Tighten the door hinges if they are weak

Loose hinges on your mini-fridge doors will lead to an incomplete seal, which will increase the humidity level inside, thus causing it to freeze up.

Therefore, tighten them using a screwdriver whenever you notice that the screws on the door hinges are loose.

4. Ensure the door seal is properly working.

If the door seal is loose and not working well, the mini-fridge door will not fully be closed.

Therefore, if you run your hand across the door seal and feel some food residue or a gust of air, you should wipe down the seal. You can also rub some petroleum jelly into the gap to push the door seal back.

This will assist in stopping the air from escaping. However, if this does not work out, you should consider replacing your door seal.

5. Keeping your mini-fridge tidy

An untidy mini-fridge will cause air circulation issues, which will affect the overall temperature of your mini-fridge. Therefore it is vital to keep your mini-fridge tidy by;

• Moving bulky items inside your mini-fridge away from the cooling source or mechanism
• Avoiding over-filling your mini-fridge
• Cleaning off the mini-fridge vents after every six months to ensure proper air circulation
• Washing or cleaning inside of your mini-fridge two times a year
• Vacuuming the condenser coils at the back of your mini-fridge two times a year.

6. Avoiding Sunlight

It is vital to keep your mini-fridge away from intense sunlight. For instance, intense sunlight affects the thermostat, thus making your mini-fridge overwork itself. This causes lumps of ice to form, and your mini-fridge will freeze up.

7. Eliminating any ice build-up in your mini-fridge

Another way to keep your mini-fridge from freezing up is eliminating any ice build-up in your mini-fridge. You can do this by;

• Keeping your mini-fridge set at 3 to 4 °C (37 to 40 °F)
• Melting away ice crystals with a cleaning cloth and hot water
• Using kitchen utensil or bristle brush to dislodge more rigid ice crystals

What Temperature Range Is Good For a Mini Fridge?

Keeping foods chilled properly inside your mini-fridge at the suitable mini-fridge temperature range helps them last longer and stay fresher. Besides, sticking to the ideal mini-fridge temperature range can enable you to avoid potential foodborne illnesses.

The recommended mini-fridge temperature range is 32° to 40°F. However, the ideal temperature range that you should aim for is 1.7 to 3.3°C (35° to 38°F).

Mini-fridge temperatures below this range will cause your mini-fridge to freeze up, which is not ideal. For instance, if you want your food frozen, consider putting it inside a freezer.

On the other hand, temperatures above this range will allow bacteria to multiply rapidly. This will cause your food to spoil and result in some tummy troubles.

How to Measure a Mini-Fridge’s Temperature

To measure the temperature of your mini-fridge, you will need to purchase a freestanding appliance thermometer at any local home store or online.

You will then be required to place your thermometer in your mini-fridge and leave it inside for about 20 minutes.

You can then remove it and check the reading.

Confirm whether you are close to the recommended mini-fridge temperature range or even the ideal one. If not, you should turn to your mini-fridge temperature control panel.

However, it is vital to note that not all temperature gauges are accurate. Therefore, it is not uncommon for mini-fridges to be a few degrees off the set temperature mark.

What is more, some mini-fridges do not display temperatures at all. They allow you to adjust the mini-fridge temperature on a scale of 1 to 5, with 1 being the coldest and 5 being the warmest option.

Therefore, it would be hard to know what these milestones translate to in absolute degrees without a thermometer. This is why you need a thermometer.

Once you get your thermometer reading, you can adjust the mini-fridge temperature accordingly to keep the temperature in the ideal range of 1.7 to 3.3°C (35° to 38°F).

How Cold Can Mini Fridges Get?

Most mini-fridges have a regulator that automatically shuts off the compressor after several minutes.

For instance, most mini-fridges will cool down to 40 degrees, and then the compressor will shut off even though there will still be power going to your mini-fridge.

However, you might experience some cooling problems where your mini-fridge might cool down up to 43 degrees. As such, mini-fridge manufacturers provide guidelines on how you can use a mini-fridge so that it cools properly.

These guidelines are as follows;

Step 1: Put your mini-fridge in an area away from heat sources such as heaters and heaters and away from direct sunlight.

It is recommended that you avoid using a mini-fridge in areas where the temperature is above 85 degrees Fahrenheit or below 50 degrees Fahrenheit. Extreme low or high temperatures can affect the inside temperature of the mini-fridge.

Step 2: Plug your mini-fridge power cable into a dedicated, ground electrical outlet.

This ensures that your mini-fridge gets an adequate amount of electrical current.

It is recommended to avoid using an extension cable with your mini-fridge.

Step 3: Wait for 2 to 3 minutes for your mini-fridge to cool down after turning it on.

Many mini-fridge manufacturers recommend that you place a mini-fridge thermostat in the coldest setting while it cools. You can then turn it down to a medium setting once cooling has been achieved.

It is also recommended to avoid placing anything inside your mini-fridge until it has sufficiently cooled.

Step 4: Keep your mini-fridge door closed as much as possible.

Frequently opening the mini-fridge door affects the internal temperatures. Therefore, you should avoid opening it frequently.

Besides, it is vital to ensure closed when closing the mini-fridge door.

Step 5: Allow your mini-fridge time to cool down after putting a large amount of warm liquid or food inside it.

After a few minutes, you should check your mini-fridge to confirm if it has cooled. If it has not cooled, you should try setting the temperature to a cooler setting and turn it back down to the previously selected setting after a few hours when it is sufficiently cold.

FAQs

Is 1 or 5 colder on a mini-fridge?

A mini-fridge, just like regular fridges, has a dual to regulate or control its temperature. However, the temperature dial of a regular fridge is the opposite of that of a mini-fridge.

For instance, the temperature dial on a mini-fridge has 1 to 7 levels in them. Unlike a regular fridge, 7 is the warmest setting on a mini-fridge, while 1 is the coldest setting possible.

Therefore, in a mini-fridge, between 5 and 1, 1 is the coldest. 5 is warmer than 1, but it is not the warmest setting level.

What should I set my mini-fridge to?

The temperature setting levels on the mini-fridge allow you to regulate its temperature. For instance, you can tweak around the control dial to find the ultimate temperature for your mini-fridge.

As previously discussed, 1 is the coldest setting level, while 7 is the warmest level. Therefore, to keep your food inside a mini-fridge fresh, it is recommended to balance the temperature. For instance, level 3 or 4 is the ideal setting level for a mini-fridge.

Your mini-fridge will not get too cold or too warm at this setting level.

Is freezing up in the mini-fridge bad?

Although freezing up is common with most mini-fridges, it is not a good sign, be it with your mini-fridge or regular fridge.

In some cases, freezing can even damage your mini-fridge.

Besides, freezing up makes the cold airflow inside the mini-fridge stop. This raises the temperature inside your mini-fridge, resulting in beverages or food spoiling.

Making sure your refrigerator is in tip-top shape is necessary to prevent any emergencies that result in mass food spoilage. It’s natural for a fridge to run less efficiently as it gets older but there are major issues to look out for that will let you know if your fridge has reached the end of its lifespan.

Your refrigerator probably needs to be replaced if you notice that:

• Your fridge runs too loudly
• Your fridge doesn’t make any noise
• Your fridge produces a lot of condensation (or “sweat”)
• Your fridge overheats in the back
• Your fridge produces too much frost in the freezer
• Your fridge causes food to spoil before its expiration date 
• Your fridge leaks
• Your fridge is older than 10 years

Any one of these issues, or a combination of a few, is a sign for you to consider getting a new fridge. Repair costs can begin to rival the cost of a total fridge replacement and a half working fridge can disrupt the whole balance in your kitchen. 

So, here are 8 major issues that can determine if your fridge is ready to replace!

1. Runs Too Loudly

A refrigerator is a large appliance that is on and running constantly so a regularly occurring, gentle humming noise is to be expected. However, if your fridge is constantly making noise and sounds like it’s running overtime, then there may be an issue with the motor. 

The issue with your fridge’s motor overworking itself isn’t only an annoying noise but a problem that can increase the cost of your electricity bill and also lead to temperature fluctuation inside the refrigerator. 

You may be able to simply have the motor of your fridge replaced but doing so may be very costly. 

2. Makes No Noise

The opposite of the previous problem occurs when your fridge is completely and eerily silent. Again, such a large piece of electrically wired equipment should be making at least some noise to indicate that it is running properly. 

A completely silent fridge most likely indicates a broken compressor. This issue will usually come paired with a warm interior so it is a time-sensitive one. You don’t want to be storing your fresh food in a fridge that isn’t working. 

Before making any grand decisions, you can try to unplug your fridge and plug it back in to see if it really isn’t running.

Be sure to also check other electrical outlets and lights to make sure that the issue isn’t a breaker in your house that flipped. If the fridge still isn’t running properly then you will need to call a repairman or start shopping for a new refrigerator. 

3. Condensation or “Sweat”

You might start to see drops of water build-up on the exterior of your fridge or inside and on the food. That can be coupled with the appearance of mold or mildew on the seal around your fridge door which would mean the seal needs to be replaced because it is letting in warm air. 

The temperature setting could also be faulty. Check to make sure that it is set up correctly. If everything looks good and the seal around your fridge door is solid but the problem persists, then the temperature setting may need to be replaced as well.

4. Overheated Motor

The back of your fridge will generally radiate some heat because that is where the motor is. This bit of heat may even be hard to notice because the back of your fridge is probably up against a wall. When you do start to notice strong heat coming off your fridge, you will definitely want to take note of it.

When your fridge is generating a lot of heat, it’s an indication that something is wrong with the motor. The coils that create the warm sensation at the back of the fridge are usually insulated and should not be making the rest of the fridge feel hot if they are working properly.

A malfunctioning motor will cause your fridge to use up a lot of energy and is an issue that should be dealt with as soon as possible. If your fridge is relatively new and encounters this problem, then a repairman will be your best bet.

If you have a refrigerator that’s older than 7 or 8 years then the repair costs won’t be worth it since you will likely need to replace your fridge soon anyway, even with a new motor.

5. Too Much Frost in the Freezer

If your freezer starts to freeze itself and begins to build up large, crumbly chunks of ice, you probably have a problem with the internal temperature controls of your refrigerator. This is an issue that won’t resolve itself and you will need the expertise of a repairman to determine how bad the issue is.

6. Food Spoils Too Quickly

You will usually notice if your fridge is not cold enough. If your fridge suddenly stops cooling completely then that’s a major indicator that there’s something wrong. However, not all problems with the interior temperature will be obvious to you. 

If your refrigerator is older it may start to lose its ability to cool properly. This means that you will notice your greens wilting quicker, your cheeses and meats starting to smell before their expiration date, and/or your beverages taking a long time to become cool. 

This issue can also develop in a newer fridge if there is an issue with the motor or gasket. A repairman may be the answer in this case but if your fridge has already had a long life then there isn’t much that can be done to fix the problem. 

7. Leaks

An appliance leaking water or suddenly standing in a pool of water is never a good sign. If you step on a wet spot one day and notice puddles of water around your fridge, you need to get it checked out immediately.

Of course, this could just be caused by something spilling inside your fridge, but if that isn’t the case then the issue is internal and needs to be checked out.

8. Your Fridge is Older Than 10 Years

Age isn’t necessarily a deciding factor for whether a fridge needs to be replaced or not. You may have a 12 year old refrigerator that is still running well and has no issues.

The thing is that older units tend to have higher repair costs when they do malfunction, not to mention that they consume a lot more energy. The cost of maintaining an older refrigerator is quite high compared to the investment in a new one.

You need to defrost your mini fridge to:

• Move it when it’s extra heavy with built-up ice.
• Prepare it for maintenance repairs (You can’t spot leaks with accumulated ice.)
• Increase food safety by getting rid of contaminated ice buildup. 
• Relieve the pressure that ice loads place on the compressor.

And it should be done on a quarterly basis.

Without regular defrosting, your freezer may suffer extensive damage due to ice accumulation, which creates an unnecessary load on the compressor. This additional load eventually leads to poor energy efficiency and premature breakdowns.

The chemicals in the evaporator, which retain humidity, could also contaminate your chilled food.

Moreover, the growing mold could lead to potentially hazardous situations. Mold and mildew formation in the mini-fridge is due to the moisture produced by ice buildup and slowly rotting food products. Such spores can cause allergies and breathing problems, especially in asthmatic people.

They could also kill you with food poisoning! Thus, neglecting maintenance is not an option.

How Often Should You Defrost a Mini Fridge?

Defrost and maintain your mini-fridge quarterly. Defrosting comes at least a day before any scheduled maintenance. However, manufacturer warranties impose varying maintenance periods. Also, food hygiene demands you defrost in between scheduled maintenance that focuses on structural effectiveness.

According to the American Society of Heating, Refrigeration and Air-Conditioning Engineers (ASHRAE), defrosting your mini-fridge once or twice a year is essential for healthy food storage. However, we think you should do it even more often.

So much happens within three months! Any food spoilage ice-buildup would be noticeable. Additionally, hidden damages will become apparent.

Defrosting is a quarterly activity, just like major financial accounting reviews. Keeping every maintenance schedule and product manual comes in handy for reference before defrosting or contracting maintenance crews. 

How Do You Defrost a Mini Fridge Without Making a Mess?

Defrosting takes more patience than skill, though patience is also the main ingredient to acquiring skills and other virtues. If you’d like to defrost your mini-fridge, follow these simple steps.

1. Switch off the unit and unplug it from the electricity supply.

As long as it’s on, the thawing process can’t start. If you don’t unplug it, this step is incomplete, and you risk causing more damage.

Electricity flows through all metallic components of the mini-fridge, including copper tubing, which acts as a conductor of electricity.

2. Remove everything in the freezer, fridge, crispers, and shelves.

As you peel off the frozen contents, frost falls, making a mess. You may opt to pull out all items at once and work on one side of the mini-fridge at a time. Don’t leave out plastics and food products.

The thawing matter could drop on food containers or utensils, which you don’t want to clean up.

4. Wipe out all the interior walls with a cloth dipped in warm water.

Do it before defrosting starts, if possible. You would avoid bothering with water spills and pools once the freezer starts melting down the ice.

5. Remove the back panel of the freezer.

You won’t fear any short-circuiting because you already unplugged the mini-fridge.

6. Using a hairdryer, remove all ice and frost from the evaporator coils and fins on all interior walls of your mini-fridge.

You may defrost one side at a time for maximum convenience and maximum control. Wait until it’s entirely defrosted and wipe away all the wet puddles on the interior.

7. Replug in your mini-fridge and let it run for a few minutes.

This step is purely experimental, checking to see if any leaks are present. If your mini-fridge is not dripping, you are good to go! If it’s leaking, you know there’s a problem to fix.

8. Replace your food containers and utensils.

Remember safety standards for all the food you removed from the mini-fridge before returning. Place back the food containers and utensils, discarding any food that went bad during the defrosting process.

9. Save your receipt for warranty purposes.

Demand restitution if you suspect any problem with your mini-fridge or if it’s obviously faulty. Your consumer rights are protected by law, and the manufacturer has to honor them.

How Long Does It Take To Defrost a Mini Fridge?

According to the U.S. Department of Energy, fridges should be allowed to defrost for two or three days before you put them back into service. As a rule of thumb, it takes 24 hours of defrosting for every pound of ice you need to eliminate.

For a mini-fridge, that’s about one liter of ice cubes or 1/4 inch in thickness on the interior walls. Remember, keep it below 38 degrees Fahrenheit for thawing to start.

If your mini fridge has a full freezer compartment that’s been active for a while, the ice buildup would be more. It takes about three days to defrost that kind of buildup.

Remember, these metrics are dynamic, and they vary with brand manufacturers. They also depend on the material construction, size, and effectiveness of the insulation in your mini-fridge.

If you’re buying a new, used, or refurbished one, we recommend taking the advice we gave earlier. Saving all maintenance and product manuals for reference when it’s time for defrosting.

Refrigerators are designed to survive in areas where the temperature is 40 degrees Fahrenheit (4.4 degrees Celsius) or below.

It’s hazardous to mess with the integrity of these appliances by defrosting them in warmer conditions. It could cause damage to the inner components. The only exception is units with effective self-defrosting mechanisms. In such cases, it’s okay if you leave them out in a 70 degree Fahrenheit (22.5 degrees Celsius) room.

In the case of a mini-fridge, we recommend defrosting within 24 hours. It can also be sooner in optimal conditions. Don’t leave your mini-fridge out for too long to avoid food loss and freezer burns.

So, Are You Storing Food Safely?

Another significant concern for owners of mini-fridges is how to store food safely. If you are using a second-hand fridge, check to see what kind of gasket it has on its door. If you have an older model with no seal, opt for aluminum foil taped around the opening.

If future repairs are necessary, your new fridge should include a light switch on its compressor. The light switch will help you control the amount of power going to your mini-fridge, preventing accidents and upholding food safety.

As long as your mini-fridge door remains closed, there is no risk of spoilage if you have a new model with automatic defrosting. The Federal Department of Health and Human Services suggests keeping the door closed as much as possible to prevent unnecessary spills.

What Does The FDA Advise?

Properly defrosting your mini-fridge is vital to protecting the food inside. The United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) and the FDA alleged that leaving a door open for longer than 30 minutes could cause dry meat and vegetables, leading to other malfunctions.

If your unit does not have an automatic light switch, it’s essential to check the door seal for cracks or tears. It may be defective. Such malfunctions mean that your fridge is no longer airtight.

In this case, you have to change the gasket on the door immediately.

Final Thoughts

Remember; don’t take on the arduous task of defrosting your fridge all at once. Slow and steady wins the race! Take care of your appliances to continue enjoying them for years to come!

Regularly defrosting your mini-fridge is helpful, but you mustn’t be destructive or clumsy while doing it.

Shrimp can be stored in a refrigerator for a maximum of 5 days. For the best taste and quality, you should consume cooked shrimp within 3 days after cooking it. But, if you consume it within 5 days you should not have to worry about food poisoning or viruses. Shrimp that is kept for over a week will begin smelling very rotten and have a strong fish scent, rather than its usual sweet and slightly salty scent and flavor. 

Shrimp can safely be stored in a fridge or a freezer. When storing your shrimp, make sure you adhere to proper handwashing and storage systems. Air-tight containers are the best option to preserve the freshness and flavor of the shrimp for your next meal. 

How To Store Cooked Shrimp In The Fridge

Cooked shrimp must be stored at or below 40 degrees Fahrenheit in your refrigerator. Or, you can choose to store it in your freezer. Regardless of where you choose to store your cooked shrimp, it must be wrapped and stored appropriately. To wrap properly be sure not to stack them on top of one another and you should take precautions to prevent decay. 

Shrimp is not very structurally sound meat. Shrimp is a crustacean and does not have the physical integrity of many other types of meat.

For this reason, you should not simply wrap them or stick them in a plastic container. Shrimp should be kept in an airtight container with additional protective wrapping. 

The best way to protect your shrimp is to tightly wrap it in plastic wrap before placing it in a plastic container. Do not stack the shrimp on top of one another, however. Try to lay them out singularly without stacking them on top of each other. 

The reason you do not want to store your shrimp on top of one another is this causes moisture to build up between the shrimp.

You want the shrimp to be as separate from one another as much as is possible between each shrimp. This will prevent the shrimp from decaying quickly and prevent mold from developing between them as well.

How To Tell If Cooked Shrimp Is Bad

Shrimp tends to appear very soft, slimy, and smell rancid when it has gone bad. As shrimp starts to break down from age, it gives off a recognizable scent of rotting meat with a fish scent.  For almost all types of prepared foods, you will want to avoid relying on scent and sight solely, however. Pathogens and other germ infestations do not always give off a scent or visual indication. Make sure you handle your food carefully. 

Shrimp tends to get very slimy and gooey as it goes bad in your fridge. If you notice your shrimp is losing its structural integrity this is a good sign that your shrimp is no longer any good.

Shrimp should feel firm and somewhat spongy when you squeeze it. If you crush the flesh with your fingers, the flesh should appear flaky and a little dry. 

If you notice the flesh smooshes in your hands, do not eat this shrimp. Other primary indications of bad shrimp are a loss of color and a rancid scent. Regarding the scent, some people have difficulty figuring out the best way to describe this scent after the shrimp has gone bad. 

But, the best way to determine the quality of your shrimp is to remember that shrimp does not have a strong smell. Good, fresh, shrimp has a very mild salty scent.

It does not smell fishy nor does it have a strong scent of decay. This scent of decay is somewhat acidic, and can best be compared with vinegar. 

The best rule of thumb, though, is to avoid shrimp with a strong scent. This is a strong indication that the shrimp is no longer any good.

The color of cooked shrimp should be a nice, light salmon-pink color. It is normal for there to be specks of orange in the tail region especially. However, if you notice spots appearing on the flesh of the shrimp, you may want to throw it away.

These spots may not necessarily mean it is bad. But, it is a good sign of age and you might want to avoid this if you notice it. Cooked shrimp should also be white on the underside. If you notice it turning a greyish hue, you might want to toss this shrimp out. 

Remember that pathogens do not usually have visual cues (or scent). If you prepare your shrimp in an unclean kitchen or fail to wash your hand regularly while cooking, you might pass on pathogens. These include E. Coli and other foodborne illnesses. Make sure you take proper precautions!

How to find the Freshest Shrimp at the Grocery Store

Shrimp is not a very firm substance. It has an outer shell and exoskeleton that provides visual indications of decay as the shrimp goes bad.

One key factor to keep an eye out for when examining your shrimp for freshness is how the shell is attached to the body of the shrimp. 

As the shrimp’s flesh gets older, the shell begins to separate from the shrimp’s flesh. Other indications of fresh grocery store shrimp are the color, the integrity of the shrimp’s legs, and the shrimp’s eyes.

The indicators of cooked shrimp are similar. But, if you want the freshest type of shrimp, you should purchase fresh, uncooked shrimp. 

The eyes of the shrimp are a great indicator of the freshness of the shrimp. The eyes should be glossy in appearance.

They are typically small and black and should be distinct from the face. If it appears that the eyes have sunken into the face of the shrimp or no longer have distinctive features, the shrimp is probably not that fresh. 

Can You Get Food Poisoning From Eating Refrigerated Shrimp?

You can get food poisoning and sickness from eating refrigerated shrimp that has gone bad. Shrimp that is stored properly handled safely, and placed in the fridge within 2 hours of cooking should not get you sick. The main reason people get sick is the development of germs and bacteria on the shrimp which then makes you sick after you consume it.

Safe food practices are the best way to prevent this.

You should not consume raw shrimp. Shrimp consume parasites and small worms when they are alive. These parasites live in their bodies and can be very harmful to the human body when consumed.

The best way to avoid this from happening is to boil and/or cook your shrimp before you consume it. 

Another way to avoid food poisoning and stomach viruses is to thoroughly cook your shrimp and store it properly as soon as it cools enough. You will not want to refrigerate your shrimp immediately after you cook it.

The shrimp will be very hot and if you try to refrigerate it right after you cook it will likely cause you to have moisture build up in your container. This moisture will condensate within the container and probably cause the shrimp to decay faster. 

If you leave your shrimp out overnight or if the shrimp was out for longer than 2 hours you should throw it away. 

Avoid any sketchy or unfamiliar sellers of shrimp. Purchasing your shrimp from a local shrimp market is safe as long as you are certain of their standards.

The same applies to grocery store shrimp. If you notice the fridge is not cold enough or the shrimp is left on an unrefrigerated shelf, do not purchase it. You should also notify a manager so they can correct the issue. 

How Do You Know if Shrimp is Fully Cooked? 

To properly prepare your shrimp you should begin by thoroughly washing them. To wash shrimp, place them in a colander and run them under cold water for several moments.

Do not attempt to thaw frozen shrimp with hot water. Also, do not wash your fresh shrimp or cooked shrimp with hot water because it will decrease the temperature of the shrimp and might cause them to go bad quicker. 

Next, you should remove the tails, heads, and other portions of the fresh shrimp before you begin cooking it. All shrimp should be boiled before frying or pan-searing your shrimp.

This is a great safety precaution and helps to ensure the shrimp is thoroughly cooked throughout the shrimp. 

After this, cook them to your preference and serve! Just make sure you refrigerate any shrimp that is leftover before it goes bad!

It almost never makes sense to unplug your refrigerator when not in use. Refrigerators are not a taxing appliance energy-wise, and when calculated, typically cost less than $100 per year to run, so there are no significant savings associated with unplugging. They are designed to run constantly and their lifecycle is preserved best when they do so.

There are, however, a few scenarios that may justify unplugging your refrigerator. We’ll walk through what those are, how to go about it, and what the potential side effects are below.

How Long Can You Leave a Refrigerator Unplugged?

Before we get into the scenarios that justify unplugging your refrigerator, it is helpful to understand how your refrigerator works and how this process can be interrupted when unplugged.

Refrigerators stay cool thanks to their compressor – essentially, the motor that circulates cooling agent throughout. This function is designed to run constantly. 

When you unplug your refrigerator, the compressor stops functioning, and the cooling agent settles. Being in this “off” state does not harm the compressor or the refrigerator, so there is no time limit to the amount of time a refrigerator can remain unplugged.

Of course, if there is any food still stored in the refrigerator, it must be removed if the appliance is to remain unplugged indefinitely.

When Is It Worth Unplugging Your Refrigerator?

As we just discussed, refrigerators are designed for 24/7 use, so in most cases, it doesn’t make sense to unplug simply because the refrigerator is not in use. There are, however, a few exceptions:

Extended Vacations

If you plan to be away for 4 weeks or more, it may be worth unplugging (as with all your other appliances) to reduce the risk of electrical fires while you are out.

Refrigerator Malfunction

If your refrigerator is unable to remain cool, there may be a problem with the compressor. If the motor continues to attempt to fire up unsuccessfully, this poses a risk of electrical fire, and it is best to unplug the appliance for safety until fixed or replaced.

Cleaning

If you need to deep clean your refrigerator, you can unplug your refrigerator for a short time. Make sure to clean each area, dry thoroughly, and leave the doors open for a short time to ensure the appliance has a chance to air out. Simply re-plug once your cleaning is complete.

Will My Refrigerator Leak If I Unplug It?

If any of the above scenarios apply to you, you likely have decided to unplug your refrigerator. Naturally, the cooling feature of the appliance will stop functioning, and eventually, the refrigerator will come to room temperature.

You may be imagining your refrigerator like a giant ice cube – if no longer connected to its power source, will it leak? The good news is, simply being unplugged does not cause a refrigerator to leak, but there are a few components to your refrigerator that if not properly taken care of, may.

Self-defrost

If your refrigerator or freezer has a defrost feature, the drains that remove the water from the freezer may still function for a while after the unit is unplugged, especially if they are clogged. It may be wise to check the defrost drains, typically located in the back of the freezer, if you have unplugged your unit.

Condensation pan

Like air conditioners, refrigerators remove humidity from the air as coolant is circulated. This humidity condenses and drains into the unit’s condensation pan, and then evaporates while the unit is running due to the heat of the motor, which is near the pan.

If the motor is not running (for example, while the unit is unplugged), the water may not evaporate, and overflow. Check the pan by removing it from the front grill of your refrigerator. Dump out any water, give the pan a thorough scrub, and replace it.

Forgotten ice 

It may slip your mind to turn off your ice maker and empty the tray, but room temperature ice means water! Be sure to thoroughly clean out your ice maker if you are unplugging your refrigerator.

What To Do When Unplugging a Refrigerator

If you do choose to unplug your refrigerator for a long vacation or you are awaiting maintenance, there are a couple of steps to take:

• Ensure that you have completely removed the plug from the wall socket. Simply turning off the socket will not have the same effect, as your refrigerator will still be connected to the electrical source. 

• Be sure to remove all food from your refrigerator. The CDC’s guidance is that food left in a non-functioning refrigerator for more than 4 hours, a half-full freezer for 24 hours, or a full freezer for 48 hours should be disposed of. Chances are, if you have chosen to unplug, you plan to leave it that way for some time. Avoid any unpleasant odors or pests, and toss it!

Does Unplugging a Refrigerator Damage It?

The act of unplugging your refrigerator alone does not damage your refrigerator (consider other kitchen appliances you choose to unplug for shorter vacations, IE a toaster. No damage there!).

However, if you are too hasty to re-plug, that may cause overload to your refrigerator’s compressor as it works extra hard to resume circulating the cooling gas throughout the machine.

This can cause the motor to overload, and fail. In order to avoid this scenario, be sure to leave your refrigerator unplugged for at least 15 minutes before plugging it back in.

Should You Unplug a Refrigerator If It’s Not Working?

If your refrigerator isn’t properly cooling, there are a number of potential causes. A couple of simple tests will tell you whether the problem is your power source, or the appliance itself.

• If the unit light turns on when you open the door, then the power is indeed working. 

• To then check whether the problem may be an overloaded compressor, you can unplug your refrigerator from the power source and leave for at least 15 minutes. Then, plug the unit in again and give it a few minutes. If the cold air is circulating once again, the compressor has begun to function properly. 

• If that doesn’t work, it may be worth trying to unplug and leave your refrigerator for 24 hours (that is, if it’s not too inconvenient to dispose of all food in the unit). In the case that the coils have frozen over, preventing the air from circulating over them and cooling the air, this will allow any ice to melt. If, after re-plugging, the refrigerator is now working properly, then the problem may be a faulty defrost controller that needs replacing.

In any case, if your refrigerator is connected to a power source but is not functioning properly, it is best to unplug it to prevent an electrical fire that may be caused by faulty components.

In summary, you should leave your refrigerator plugged in, even if not in use, as it is designed to run 24/7.

If you will be away for a month or more, or your refrigerator is not functioning properly, take the proper precautions to unplug your refrigerator, remove all food items and ice, and be sure to wait at least 15 minutes before plugging in again to avoid damage to your appliance.