I have a very hot pot of soup that needs to be stored in the refrigerator over night. how long before it can put fridge?

To avoid potential food safety risks, it's best to let your hot pot of soup cool down before storing it in the fridge. Here's a suggested process to follow:

1. Immediately after removing the pot of soup from the heat source (stove or oven), transfer it to a heat-resistant surface like a trivet or cooling rack. By placing it away from the heat, you're helping prevent the soup from continuing to cook and reach higher temperatures.

2. Open the lid or cover of the pot to allow steam to escape and facilitate faster cooling.

3. Let the soup cool at room temperature for approximately 2 hours. During this time, stir the soup occasionally to distribute the heat evenly and encourage faster cooling.

4. After the soup has cooled to room temperature (typically between 70°F/21°C and 80°F/27°C), place it inside the refrigerator.

It's essential to avoid storing hot food directly in the fridge as it can raise the overall internal temperature of the refrigerator, potentially compromising the quality and safety of other chilled items.

For optimal food safety, refrigerate the soup within two hours of cooking or cooling to room temperature. This practice will help prevent bacterial growth and maintain the freshness and quality of your soup.

Remember to label or date the container with the storage date before refrigerating the soup, so you can keep track of how long it's been stored.