Should Batteries Be Stored in the Fridge?

By Ufine, Updated on April 7, 2025

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Should batteries be stored in the fridge? No, batteries should not be stored in the refrigerator. The cold and humid environment can cause moisture buildup, leading to corrosion, short circuits, and even dangerous malfunctions. Most modern batteries last longer when stored in a cool, dry place at room temperature.

This comprehensive guide will explore whether putting batteries in the refrigerator is beneficial or potentially dangerous. We’ll cover how different types of batteries react to temperature, the science behind battery chemistry, and the safest way to store them for long-lasting performance.

Part 1. What does storing batteries in the fridge mean?

Storing batteries in the fridge means placing unused batteries, such as alkaline, lithium-ion, NiMH (nickel-metal hydride), or carbon-zinc, inside a refrigerator, usually hoping to extend their shelf life.

The idea behind this practice is that cooler environments slow down the chemical reactions inside batteries, reducing self-discharge and increasing longevity. But this approach isn’t always practical, and in many cases, it can be harmful.

Part 2. Why do people think batteries last longer in cold storage?

This belief goes back to older battery chemistries like carbon zinc, which were prone to rapid self-discharge, especially in warm environments. In that era, keeping batteries cold helped to slow energy loss.

However, modern batteries are more advanced. Today’s alkaline, lithium-ion, and rechargeable batteries are designed to handle storage at room temperature. Cold storage can now do more harm than good.

Part 3. How do batteries lose charge over time?

All batteries suffer from self-discharge, slowly losing stored energy even when not in use. The rate of self-discharge depends on:

Battery Chemistry
Ambient temperature
Humidity
Battery age
Storage conditions

Here’s a quick look at self-discharge rates by type:

Battery Type	Monthly Self-Discharge Rate
Alkaline	~0.3%
Lithium (primary)	<0.1%
NiMH (standard)	20–30%
NiMH (low self-discharge)	1–3%
Li-ion (rechargeable)	~2–3%

Higher temperatures generally increase self-discharge, while cooler (but not freezing) environments slow it down. But refrigeration introduces new risks.

Part 4. What are the risks of storing batteries in the fridge?

So, should batteries be stored in the fridge?
No, batteries should not be stored in the fridge. The cold environment and high humidity can cause condensation, leading to corrosion, leakage, and even short circuits.

Let’s explore the risks in detail:

Condensation
When you remove cold batteries from the fridge, they come into contact with warm, humid air. This can cause moisture to form on the battery casing and terminals.
Corrosion
Moisture + metal = corrosion. Over time, this may damage the terminals, reduce conductivity, or cause the battery to leak.
Short Circuits
Suppose moisture enters the battery or forms a bridge between terminals. In that case, it can lead to internal shorts, rendering the battery useless.
Safety Hazards
In extreme cases, especially with rechargeable lithium-ion batteries, temperature swings can lead to thermal runaway, bloating, or fire risk.
Reduced Performance
Cold temperatures can reduce battery output temporarily. Devices may power off sooner or fail to start at all.

Part 5. What’s the best way to store batteries?

Instead of using your fridge, here’s how to store batteries the right way:

Keep them cool, dry (60–75°F / 15–24°C).
Avoid sunlight, heaters, and other heat sources.
Store batteries in original packaging or a battery case.
Don’t mix types (e.g., lithium with alkaline).
Label and rotate your supply (the oldest gets used first).
Remove batteries from unused devices to prevent leaks.

Part 6. Are there exceptions to cold storage?

Yes—but only in specialized industrial or military scenarios. Some laboratories or military operations may store rare battery types at low temperatures to preserve them for 10+ years.

However, such batteries are:

Sealed in moisture-proof containers
Stored in temperature-controlled environments
Monitored closely for safety

For the average person? There’s no need to refrigerate batteries.

Part 7. How different battery types react to cold?

Different battery chemistries react differently to low temperatures. Let’s explore the science before we look at a comparison table.

Alkaline batteries
It works well at room temperature.
Performance drops below 0°C (32°F).
Cold can harden internal components and reduce current flow.

Lithium (non-rechargeable)
Perform better than alkaline in the cold.
It can operate at -20°C (-4°F) or lower.
Still, moisture exposure in a fridge can lead to damage.

Lithium-ion (rechargeable)
Very sensitive to cold.
Charging below 0°C (32°F) can permanently damage the battery.
Storage below freezing can lead to capacity loss and swelling.

NiMH (nickel-metal hydride)
Rechargeable but high self-discharge unless low self-discharge models.
Don’t handle freezing well.
Condensation can easily cause shorts and corrosion.

NiCd (nickel-cadmium)
Tolerates cold better than NiMH.
Still not fridge-safe due to moisture.

Now, let’s summarize this in a realistic comparison table:

Battery Type	Safe Storage Temp	Cold Weather Use	Fridge Storage Safe?	Risk Level in Fridge
Alkaline	15–25°C (59–77°F)	Limited below 0°C	❌ No	Moderate (condensation)
Lithium (Primary)	-20–30°C (-4–86°F)	Good in cold	❌ No	Moderate (moisture risk)
Lithium-ion (Rechargeable)	15–25°C (59–77°F)	Poor below 0°C	❌ Never	High (fire, swelling)
NiMH	10–25°C (50–77°F)	Poor in cold	❌ No	High (shorts, rust)
NiCd	0–25°C (32–77°F)	Fair in cold	❌ Not recommended	Moderate