As the cost of living crisis looms over us all in both energy bills and spending costs, many households will be looking to cut costs wherever they can.
One way people can slash their spending is by using household appliances in the correct and most efficient way. The Express reports that there are many common freezer mistakes people make everyday.
Electrical retailer AO has revealed the best way to use a freezer, and how to stock your shelves in the most efficient way possible. Posting on popular social media app TikTok, AO shared a top tips video with their 54,000 followers on "common freezer mistakes".
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These included “freezing food for too long, keeping the freezer nearly empty, and defrosting [food] at room temperature”. Read on below for all the top tips on how to save money when using your freezer.
Freezing food for too long
According to High Speed Training, vegetables can be frozen for at least eight to 12 months. However, fruit lasts frozen for just eight months alone - but can go for longer if in an unopened packet.
Cooked meat should be kept in the freezer for no longer than three to six months. Mince meat should be taken out and used by three months at the latest.
Sausages and bacon can be kept up for two months “before they deteriorate in quality”. Bread and pastries can be frozen for three months as well.
The AO noted that one way to get used to these recommended dates is by "writing dates on bags and containers so you know when to use the food in them."
Keeping the freezer nearly empty
Experts at AO explained that a "full freezer retains cold better than an empty one. But don’t jack pack the freezer - you need air to circulate." Tech Advisor also suggested that the freezer "should be at least 70 percent full in order to run efficiently” and "cost you minimum", but no more than “85 percent of its capacity”.
They also noted: "The cold temperature in a freezer is largely maintained by the stored food and the walls, not the air inside. Cold goods keep each other cool and help to bring newly added items down to the correct temperature.
“If you’re building up your freezer contents or emptying it rapidly, fill milk jugs or large water bottles with cold water to take the place of food. This will help to keep your freezer running well."
It is also helpful to move items around, and leave gaps in the freezer when adding in products, to ensure cold air can reach the items already inside.
Defrosting at room temperature
Defrosting on the counter top could risk bacteria growing on the surfaces of foods. Thawing food in the microwave instead is the best move.
The Food Standards Agency (FSA) doesn’t recommend defrosting food at room temperature. The FSA said: "Ideally, food should be defrosted in the fridge in a container big enough to catch any drips.
“If this isn't possible, use a microwave on the defrost setting directly before cooking. Check the guidance on food packaging and allow enough time for your food to defrost properly.”
To stock your freezer correctly, this is where each different type of product should sit:
Top drawer - ice cream, ice
Second drawer - vegetables and anything related to vegetables
Third drawer - potatoes, bread, garlic bread, hash browns
Fourth drawer - meat, fish
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