5 Foods You Think Are Supposed to be Kept in the Refrigerator But Aren't

Growing up, everybody had their household rules about what gets kept in the refrigerator and what is supposed to go in the pantry. “Everyone knows you're supposed to keep the maple syrup in the fridge!” “Ketchup should go in the cabinet, who in their right mind puts it in the refrigerator?” The truth is, there are some foods that can be stored in any climate, but there are some foods that should never go in the fridge. Below are five foods that are currently sitting in millions of refrigerators around the world, even though they really shouldn't be.

Tomatoes

The general thought process behind this is, “If I put these in the refrigerator, it will make them last longer.” The truth is that putting tomatoes in the refrigerator stops the ripening process, causing them to lose their flavor. It also changes the texture of tomatoes, making them soft and mushy. Simply store tomatoes on your counter-top in a plastic bag for best results.

Potatoes

Refrigerating potatoes is the worst way to store them. The cool temperature affects the starch in potatoes, turning it into sugar. This causes the potatoes to have a sweet taste when you cook them, and not in the good way. Store potatoes in a paper bag in a cool (not cold), dry place.

Honey

Many people do not know this, but honey is a naturally preserved food. If stored in a tightly-sealed container, honey will taste the same years after it was made. Putting it in the refrigerator causes the sugars in the honey to crystallize – a process called granulation. This results in the honey turning from a thick liquid into a solid which makes it almost impossible to get out of the jar. For best results, just stick the jar in your pantry and don't worry about it for the next couple of decades.

Coffee

Whether they are whole beans or grounds, don't store coffee in the refrigerator. The primary reason for this is because the coffee will actually begin to absorb the scents from other foods in the refrigerator, causing its taste to alter. Once this happens, it is impossible to get its original flavor back. Instead of the refrigerator, store your coffee in an airtight container in the pantry.

Hot Sauce

This is something that many people don't know, but most hot sauces should not be refrigerated. Cold temperatures can affect the flavor and consistency of the hot sauce. Depending on the brand, hot sauce can safely be stored in the pantry for up to three years. Frank's, a large hot sauce producer of over half a dozen different flavors, only requires one of them to be refrigerated. In order to be sure, it is best to check the label on the bottle.

If your refrigerator is not working like it used to (regardless of what food is in it) and you live in the tri-state area, call Speedy Subzero today. We offer one-hour service to New York City, Long Island, Connecticut, and New Jersey so call us today at 866-782-9376. You can also like us on Facebook to keep up to date with our company blog.

What is the right temperature setting for your refrigerator?

Every refrigerator was designed with one goal in mind; keep your food cold. Just exactly how cold is up to you; most refrigerators allow you to adjust the internal thermometer to keep your contents at the exact temperature that you prefer. Programming your fridge to the right temperature seems like an easy task, but in fact it can be difficult to perfect. Turning the thermostat down too low results in frozen milk and icy watermelon chunks. On the other hand, open the door to a refrigerator with its temperature even just slightly too high and you might see (or smell) a dozen rotten eggs or a bag of spoiled oranges.

Speedy Subzero is here to help solve this dilemma and keep your fridge at the temperature that is best for you.

What temperature should my refrigerator be?

The professionals at Speedy Subzero say that the ideal temperature of a refrigerator is between 35 and 39 degrees Fahrenheit. Water freezes at 32 degrees, so it is recommended to keep your fridge at least a few degrees above the freezing point to avoid turning your orange juice into an orange slushy. 40 degrees and above is what is referred to by many experts as “The Danger Zone” because, as The Kitchn reports, this is where bacteria growth rates begin to triple.

Many newer models have a digital programmable thermostat which allows you to choose a precise temperature to maintain. However, many of us do not have this luxury, and instead have a manual dial you must adjust without knowing the actual temperature. If this sounds like your fridge, Speedy Subzero (with some help from Lifehacker) has put together a list of tips and tricks to help you figure out the temperature of your refrigerator and maintain a constant cold.

 

• Invest in a refrigerator thermometer. This is the only way to be absolutely certain that your fridge is at the exact temperature you want it to be.
• Keeping your fridge well stocked will help it better hold its temperature when you open the door. This will also result in lower energy consumption.
• If you pack your refrigerator too much, however, you can restrict airflow, which causes uneven cooling and a higher electricity bill.
• Store the items you want to keep coldest in the back or the bottom of your fridge. The cooling element is located in the back, and the bottom naturally stays cold because warm air rises.
• Do not put food that is susceptible to spoiling on the door. It is not uncommon for items on the door to reach temperatures above 50 degrees.
• Minimize the opening of your refrigerator. Know what you want to take out before you open the door and when getting multiple items, take them all out in one go-around.
• Let hot food cool down before putting it in the fridge. Putting those steaming hot lasagna leftovers in the refrigerator warms up the space around it and can affect the temperature of other foods.

Speedy Subzero has been servicing refrigerators in New York, Connecticut, and New Jersey for over 60 years. We stock 99% of our parts in our “warehouse on wheels” which allows us to be at your door within an hour of your phone call. Visit our website for more information and be sure to like us on Facebook for more refrigerator-related advice!

4 Signs That it is Time for a New Fridge

Since most refrigerators last about 15 years, replacing yours probably isn't one of your daily concerns. Most people don't even think about buying a new one until it is too late. However, refrigerators don't just break overnight; it is usually a long, slow process of decline. Looking out for these four signs can help you be aware that you need to start looking for a new one before yours ultimately dies and all of your food is spoiled. 

Condensation On the Door Frame

If you notice water drops accumulating on or around the door frame, this is a sure sign of faulty seals. A bad sealing system allows cold air to escape from the refrigerator and warm air to enter it, causing unnecessary wear and tear on your refrigerator's compressor. 

The Refrigerator is Hot

If the outer surface of your refrigerator feels unusually hot, it is a telling sign that it is going to need to be replaced soon. Refrigerators produce heat, so it is normal for the exterior to be a little warm, but if it is excessively hot (as in you can't comfortably keep your hand on it for more than a few seconds), it may be time to hit the appliance store. 

Unusual Increase In the Energy Bill

As refrigerators age, they become less energy-efficient. Unfortunately, the only way to determine this is to keep a close eye on your electricity bill month-to-month. Of course, a spike your monthly statement doesn't necessarily mean it is because of the refrigerator, in the summer months this could be caused by an air conditioner. However, if your use of electricity-consuming products around the house has remained relatively consistent and the bill keeps on going up, it might be worth it to start thinking of a new fridge. 

Strange Sounds

This is the most obvious sign of them all. If your refrigerator is making loud, unusual sounds, then it is literally telling you that something is wrong. Generally, the noise is being made by the compressor, which is the heart of your refrigerator. If the compressor is being overworked, it will drastically reduce the lifespan of your appliance.

If you notice any of these signs with your refrigerator and live in the tri-state area, call Speedy Subzero today. In many cases, our technicians will be able to repair your refrigerator at a fraction of what a new model will cost. If your fridge is on the fritz, time is of the essence and waiting could ultimately result in damage beyond repair. We offer one-hour service to New York City, Long Island, Connecticut, and New Jersey so call us today at 866-782-9376.You can also like us on Facebook to stay updated.

Why Choose Speedy Subzero for your Refrigerator Repairs

Are you having difficulties with your refrigerator? Look no further than Speedy Subzero to help you out. Our team of experts is readily available to fix your problem so that you can get back to your life as soon as possible. Here are four reasons why Speedy Subzero is your best choice for refrigerator repairs and service:

Same Day Service

99% of our parts are stored in our “warehouse on wheels.” This means that we are able to offer same day service to New York City, Long Island, New Jersey, and Connecticut. In most cases, one of our specialists will be at your doorstep within an hour!

24/7/365

Your refrigerator never stops running, and neither do we. When a malfunction occurs, waiting until the next business day for a fix often means spoiled food, warm drinks, and a headache for the whole family. Our technicians are available 24 hours a day, seven days a week; even holidays!

Familiarity with all brands & models

Don't let our name fool you; our team can repair any brand and model you can imagine. This includes refrigerators, freezers, ice makers and wine coolers.

Experienced Technicians

Speedy Subzero has been servicing all makes and models of refrigerators and other sub-zero appliances for 65 years. It is because of this that we personally guarantee and stand behind all of our work.

If your refrigerator, freezer, ice maker, or wine cooler is giving you problems, the solution is Speedy Subzero. With over 65 years of experience and same-day service to the tri-state area, let us make you our next satisfied customer. Call us at 866-782-9376 to schedule an appointment and make sure to follow us on Facebook so you can stay updated with tips, tricks, and company news!