A 3rd of Brits say BBQs and gatherings are the largest summer season fridge storage headache

New research by AO.com shows the lengths UK households go to when fridge space runs short during summer BBQs and World Cup watch parties

As families gear up for a weekend of World Cup viewing parties and barbecues amid the ongoing scorching weather, countless Brits are concentrating on stockpiling food and beverages. Yet while televisions and barbecues typically steal the spotlight, fresh data indicates the fridge might be the household gadget under the greatest strain.

Fresh research carried out by AO.com discovered that nearly a third of Brits (30.9%) claim that hosting barbecues and get-togethers represents the most significant storage challenge throughout the summer period.

The results expose the extremes households will go to when refrigeration capacity begins to dwindle. Over a quarter (26.3%) confess they’ve crammed their fridge beyond capacity when welcoming guests during the warmer months, while more than one in five (21.8%) have squeezed food items closely together or jam-packed shelves to generate extra space. As families wrestle with surplus food and beverages, many are seeking alternative storage methods.

Almost one in five Brits (19.4%) employ cool boxes or extra storage to manage heightened demand when entertaining, while 13.2% have been forced to keep food outside the fridge owing to insufficient space. Others are adopting a more systematic strategy, with nearly one in five (18.8%) deliberately organising fridge space before hosting gatherings.

While many attempt to prepare in advance, entertaining can bring unexpected expenses. Nearly one in five Brits (19.4%) acknowledge they have discarded food following hosting duties, while more than one in seven (14.3%) report they’ve overlooked food lurking at the rear of the fridge du During bustling hosting periods, unnecessary food waste can be a problem.

AO’s refrigeration expert, Jade Golding-Gault, offers her top tips for managing fridge space during the barbecue season:

Prep your fridge: “Before heading to the supermarket, take five minutes to move older items to the front and remove anything that’s past its best. This frees up valuable shelf space, while making it less likely that you’ll lose track of food once the fridge starts filling up.”

Avoid overfilling every shelf: “It can be tempting to squeeze everything in before guests arrive, but an overcrowded fridge can restrict airflow. Leaving some space between items helps your fridge maintain a more consistent temperature and makes it much easier to see what’s inside.”

Utilise stackable containers: “Large supermarket trays and packaging can take up more room than necessary. Putting food like fruit into clear, stackable containers is an easy way to create extra space while keeping everything visible and organised.”

Establish dedicated zones: “Group similar items together, such as drinks and BARBECUE essentials. Having designated areas makes it easier to find what you need quickly and reduces the risk of foods being forgotten at the back of the fridge.”

Reserve space for leftovers: “Many hosts plan for the food they’re buying but forget about what comes back into the fridge afterwards. Keeping a shelf or container free for leftovers can help prevent food from being crammed in at the end of the day and reduce waste.”

Keep beverages in a cool box: “Drinks can soon stack up when you’re hosting. Chilling cans and bottles in a cool box with ice frees up room in your fridge for food, all while keeping your beverages cold for guests.”

Over a third (35.3%) of 25–34-year-olds admit that hosting BBQs and gatherings makes managing fridge storage trickier, ranking it as one of their biggest seasonal challenges.

When it comes to accommodating guests, younger adults often have to think outside the box. Among 25–34-year-olds, over a quarter (26%) confess they’ve packed food tightly together or crammed shelves when preparing to host.

Meanwhile, nearly a quarter (23.9%) reveal they’ve discarded food after hosting. Jade adds: “Summer BBQs often mean buying much more food and drink than we normally would, especially when hosting friends and family.

“It’s clear many households are finding themselves juggling space. While it might be tempting to cram everything in wherever it fits, an overcrowded fridge can restrict airflow, making it harder to keep track of what you have and increasing the chances of food being forgotten or going to waste.

“With major matches and prime BARBECUE weather continuing, a little planning before hosting can make a big difference.”