A third of Brits (30.9%) say hosting barbecues and gatherings creates the biggest fridge storage headache during summer, according to new research by AO.com. The study highlights the lengths households go to when refrigeration space runs short during World Cup viewing parties and hot weather.
Cramming and Creative Storage
Over a quarter (26.3%) admit they have crammed their fridge beyond capacity when hosting guests, while 21.8% squeeze food together or jam-pack shelves to create extra space. Almost one in five (19.4%) turn to cool boxes or additional storage, and 13.2% have kept food outside the fridge due to lack of room. Nearly one in five (18.8%) deliberately organise fridge space before gatherings.
Food Waste Concerns
Hosting also leads to waste: 19.4% of Brits have discarded food after hosting, and 14.3% have forgotten food lurking at the back of the fridge. Among 25–34-year-olds, 35.3% say managing fridge storage is trickiest during BBQs, and 23.9% have thrown away food after entertaining.
Expert Tips from AO.com
Jade Golding-Gault, AO's refrigeration expert, offers advice: prep the fridge by moving older items forward and removing past-its-best food; avoid overfilling shelves to maintain airflow; use stackable containers for fruit; create dedicated zones for drinks and BBQ essentials; reserve space for leftovers; and keep beverages in a cool box with ice to free up fridge space.
"Summer BBQs often mean buying much more food and drink than we normally would, especially when hosting friends and family," says Golding-Gault. "It's clear many households are finding themselves juggling space. While it might be tempting to cram everything in wherever it fits, an overcrowded fridge can restrict airflow, making it harder to keep track of what you have and increasing the chances of food being forgotten or going to waste."
With major matches and prime barbecue weather continuing, a little planning before hosting can make a big difference.
