Yes, leaving things in the fridge can help with cooling down time, especially if those items are at room temperature or warm. When you place warm or room temperature items in the refrigerator, they add heat to the interior, causing the temperature inside the fridge to rise temporarily. This can make the refrigerator's cooling system work harder and take longer to reach its desired temperature.
By keeping the fridge stocked with cold or pre-chilled items, you help maintain a lower temperature inside the refrigerator. These cold items act as "thermal mass" and help absorb some of the heat introduced when you open the fridge or add warmer items.
Here are some tips to use the cooling effect of the fridge efficiently:
Pre-chill items: If you know you'll need certain items from the fridge, like beverages or ingredients for cooking, try to pre-chill them in the fridge before use. This way, they won't add as much heat when you take them out.
Keep the fridge reasonably stocked: A moderately stocked fridge tends to maintain its temperature better than an empty one. However, avoid overcrowding, as it can restrict proper airflow and cooling efficiency.
Avoid leaving the fridge open: Each time you open the fridge door, warm air enters, and the fridge has to work harder to cool down again. Try to minimize the time the fridge door is open and close it properly after use.
Allow space between items: Make sure there is enough space between items in the fridge to allow for proper air circulation and even cooling.
Check the fridge's temperature settings: Ensure that your fridge is set to the appropriate temperature recommended by the manufacturer. For most refrigerators, the ideal temperature is around 37°F (3°C) for the main compartment.
Remember that while using the fridge's cooling effect efficiently can help with cooling down time, it won't make a significant difference if you frequently add large amounts of hot or warm food. In such cases, it's best to let the food cool down to room temperature before placing it in the fridge to avoid affecting the overall cooling performance and potential food safety issues.