Two words: Danger Zone.

Afterward, Im never sure what to do with the containers of steamingchicken brothwhen Im done.

Here’s what the experts say.

Arms placing pot in the fridge

Simply Recipes/ Photo Illustration by Wanda Abraham / Getty Images

So, if you have a small plate of leftovers, theres no problem putting that in your refrigerator.

When I woke up the next morning, my refrigerator and all the contents were at a balmy 70F.

I had to throw everything out, he says.

Stock in jars next to Instant Pot

Simply Recipes / Nick Evans

Putting a large amount of very hot food in the fridge causes the entire refrigerator to warm up.

And that offers the perfect environment for microbes to grow on everything inside the fridge: the danger zone.

Simply Recipes / Nick Evans

What Is the Danger Zone?

Food Storage Containers - Snap on lids for leftovers

Simply Recipes / Megan Gordon

At those temperatures, bacteria multiply more quickly.

it’s possible for you to let hot food cool outside the refrigerator but have a food thermometer handy.

Once it has reached 140F, don’t let it sit out for more than two hours.

Quickly take a stab at cool it down to below 40F.

Food kept in the danger zone for over two hours should be discarded.

How do you know if its safe to eat?

should be thrown away if not refrigerated promptly.