Survey reveals misuse of modern fridges in Irish homes – Home of Innovation
51% of respondents store dairy products on the bottom shelf, an area intended for raw meat because of its colder temperature
Print3 July 2025
New research has revealed some chilling truths about how Irish households are misusing their fridge.
A nationwide survey of 1,000 Irish adults, commissioned by the Home of Innovation, shows it’s time to rethink fridge habits.
Revelations
Findings reveal that a staggering 71% of respondents admit to wasting food every week, with the annual cost of this waste reaching an eye-watering €696 per household.
51% of respondents store dairy products on the bottom shelf, an area intended for raw meat because of its colder temperature.
Worse still, 28% keep dairy products in the fridge door, the most temperature-unstable zone, where frequent openings can quickly cause products to go off.
The problems extend beyond the fridge.
Nearly half (45%) of those surveyed have discarded spoiled food due to confusion or misuse of their freezers.
Air exposure is a major culprit—if food isn’t properly packaged, air can seep in and cause dehydration.
Opting for airtight containers and freezer-safe wrapping is essential.
Furthermore, nearly three in four (70%) Irish households are unaware that their fridge and freezer could be responsible for up to a fifth of their total energy costs highlighting the need for both appliance maintenance and timely upgrading to more energy-efficient models for long-term savings.
Finally, while fridges are designed to keep food fresh, many are now doubling as beauty cabinets.
39% percent of Irish adults admit to storing non-food items, such as eye masks, face cream, nail polish, and even toothpaste, in their fridges.
Commenting on the findings, Brian McMenamin, director, BSH Ireland, Home of Innovation, said: “We are passionate about showcasing the latest product innovations because it’s vital that customers feel empowered to get the best out of their appliances.
“Our research uncovered many common trends are costing Irish households, but with the right appliances and a few small tweaks, lower energy bills and less food waste could be at your fingertips!”
Home of Innovation’s top fridge organisation tips:
- The top shelf tends to have the most consistent temperature, but it’s not the coldest part of the fridge so it’s ideal for leftovers, dairy products like milk yogurt and cheese.
- Keep your cooked meats, deli items, and hummus on the middle shelf.
- Raw meat, fish, or poultry should always go on the bottom shelf to prevent drips and contamination.
- Fridge Door is the warmest part of the fridge, so best for storing condiments like ketchup, mustard, mayo, jams, hot sauces.
- Most modern fridges have crisper drawers designed to control humidity and airflow, so put them to use and maintain the freshness of fruits and vegetables.
- First in, first out – try to rotate older items to the front as a reminder to use them.
- Don’t overfill – air needs to circulate for proper cooling.
- Keep fridge at 4°C – that’s the ideal chilling temperature.
Home of Innovation showcases leading appliances from Bosch, Siemens, and NEFF designed with both energy efficiency and real-life kitchen habits in mind.
These appliances tackle the common storage challenges effortlessly by maximising every cooling opportunity.
Features like multi-airflow systems ensure consistent temperature control, while clearly labelled zones help organise contents with ease.
Fish and meat receive special treatment in dedicated compartments chilled to as low as 0°C for optimal freshness.
Models such as the Bosch French Door Bottom Freezer offer XXL storage and clever compartments such as VitaFresh drawers to keep food fresher for longer – ideal for large households.
For a built-in option with extra room to spare, the NEFF N70 Fridge Freezer (381-litre XXL size) offers significantly more space than a standard larder.
With adjustable shelving and dedicated zones for fresh produce, meat, and fish, it ensures everything stays organised and fresh – no more dairy disasters
The Siemens iQ300 Free-standing Fridge Freezer combines intelligent SuperCooling with an inverter compressor that adapts to both internal and external temperatures, keeping groceries at their best.
To discover more cooling products from leading kitchen brands, visit the Home of Innovation website to schedule your free expert-guided consultation.
Read more: 57% consumers keep leftovers ‘they’ll never eat’ in fridge, survey reveals
© 2025, ShelfLife by Ryan Brennan
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