Stories

Thu, 02 Jul 2026

Thu, 02 Jul 2026 Old British fridges 'cannot cope with the heat'

Experts say older fridges are failing in hot weather as rising temperatures put them under pressure.

* Many fridges in homes and supermarkets are struggling to cope with recent record temperatures, leading to food spoilage and power outages.
* The issue is exacerbated by older refrigeration systems that were not designed for extreme heatwaves.
* Retailers and manufacturers are working together to redesign fridges for a warmer world, but experts warn it may take 20 years before all appliances are adapted. Tips for Keeping Your Fridge Cool in the Heat
* Keep your fridge at 5°C or below and avoid overfilling it so cold air can circulate.
* Store chilled foods out of the fridge for as little time as possible to prevent bacteria growth.
* Clear dirt and debris from the back of the fridge to ensure proper airflow around coils.
* Place a bag of ice in the top of the fridge on hot days to help keep it cool. Industry Response
* Tesco has acknowledged isolated issues with refrigeration units, but maintains that these were not indicative of a broader problem.
* The British Frozen Food Federation warns that freezers are breaking down or being switched off due to extreme heat.
* Retailers and manufacturers are working together to redesign fridges for a warmer world. Met Office Forecast
* Temperatures in the "low to mid 30s" are predicted for next week, putting additional pressure on refrigeration systems.