Putting hot water directly into your fridge or freezer can potentially damage the appliance and is not recommended. Here's why:
Temperature stress: Refrigerators and freezers are designed to maintain a specific temperature range to keep your food cold and safe. When you put hot water inside, it causes a sudden increase in temperature, leading to temperature stress on the cooling system. This can result in overworking the compressor and other components, potentially leading to malfunctions or even a breakdown of the appliance.
Energy consumption: The appliance will need to work extra hard to bring the temperature back down to its desired range, leading to increased energy consumption. This can impact your electricity bills and the overall efficiency of the fridge or freezer.
Food safety: Placing hot water or hot food inside the fridge or freezer can also raise the temperature of the other items stored in it. This can compromise the safety of perishable foods, as they may spend too much time in the "danger zone" (temperatures between 40°F and 140°F or 4°C and 60°C) where bacteria can grow rapidly.
Structural damage: In extreme cases, the sudden temperature change caused by hot water could potentially cause damage to the internal components of the appliance, such as the shelves, drawers, or seals.
To avoid any potential damage to your fridge or freezer and ensure food safety, it's best to let hot water or food cool down to room temperature or place it in a shallow container to speed up the cooling process before putting it inside the appliance. Additionally, make sure the food is covered to prevent condensation and moisture buildup inside the refrigerator.