Since 1834, fridges have been cooling our food and drinks.
They come in all sorts of sizes and styles, but one thing's for sure: what's on top of your fridge matters more than you might think.
Putting stuff on top of your fridge might seem harmless, but it can actually mess with how well it works. Most fridges can handle about 60 pounds (27 kg) up top — Enough for a microwave or small kitchen appliances.
But, to keep your fridge running smoothly, it's better to leave that space empty.
Here are a few good reasons to keep the top of your fridge free from clutter.
Letting the Heat Out
Your fridge needs to let out heat to keep the inside cool, and it does this through vents usually located on the top.
If you block these vents with stuff, your fridge has to work harder.
This means it uses more electricity, and it might even start making weird noises or seem like it's always running. If it gets too hot, it could even break down.
Avoiding Accidents
Putting things on top of your fridge might lead to accidents, like getting hit on the head by something falling off when you open the fridge door.
If a heavy appliance falls, it could hurt you and break, too.
Just imagine a box of cereal tipping over and spilling everywhere — a real hassle to clean up.
Keeping Fire Risks Low
Even though it's not very likely, putting flammable stuff on top of your fridge near those heat vents could be risky. Better to be safe and keep those items away.
So, while it might be tempting to use that extra space on top of your fridge for storage, it's a good idea to think about the potential downsides.
