Putting boiling water in a refrigerator or deep freezer is not recommended and can be potentially unsafe for the appliance. Here's why:
Overworking the compressor: When you place hot or boiling water inside the fridge or freezer, the appliance's compressor will have to work much harder than usual to cool down the hot water. This can lead to excessive strain on the compressor, potentially causing it to overheat or wear out prematurely.
Temperature fluctuations: Introducing hot or boiling water into the fridge or freezer can cause the internal temperature to rise temporarily. This temperature fluctuation can affect the stored food, leading to spoilage or compromising food safety.
Potential damage to interior components: The sudden introduction of hot water can create thermal shock within the fridge or freezer, which may cause damage to its internal components or even result in cracking the shelves or walls.
Energy inefficiency: Using the fridge or freezer to cool down hot water is not an efficient use of energy. It will consume more electricity and lead to increased energy costs.
Instead of using boiling water, it's best to let the water cool down to room temperature or use other cooling methods before placing it in the fridge or freezer. If you need to chill water quickly, you can use a container with a larger surface area to increase the cooling rate or use ice cubes to cool the water faster. Always be cautious when handling hot liquids to avoid burns or accidents.
For cooling down food items before storing them in the fridge or freezer, allow them to cool naturally at room temperature for a short period before placing them in the appliance. This will help maintain the internal temperature of the fridge or freezer and ensure safe storage for both the food and the appliance.