The top of your fridge might look like free storage, but it’s actually a ventilation zone. Blocking it with the wrong items can overheat the appliance, shorten its life, and even create fire hazards. Think of that surface as part of the fridge—not a shelf.

Some of the biggest no-nos are small appliances like microwaves or toasters, dry staples like bread and cereal, and bottles of wine, liquor, or cooking oil. Heat and vibration can spoil food, damage bottles, and force your fridge to work harder than it should.

Paper goods, cookbooks, and heavy cookware are also risky. Paper attracts grease and dust while adding fire danger, and bulky pots or pans can shift into falling hazards. Medications and houseplants don’t belong there either—warm air degrades drugs, while water and soil can damage electrical parts.

The safer bet is to store these items where they’re meant to be: small appliances on countertops with ventilation space, food in airtight pantry containers, bottles in a cool cabinet, and heavy cookware in lower cupboards. If you need storage above the fridge, install a fitted cabinet or shelf that leaves room for airflow. A quick clear-off keeps your kitchen safer and your fridge running efficiently.