Fridge immediately, let sit out a while, other?

[Nikia]

We are having a pot luck tomarrow at work. I made chili. I plan to take it to work and reheat it and keep it warm in a crock pot (It will be about 4 hours between getting it to work and people eating it). What should I do with the chili now until tomarrow morning?

[Nay]

1. Put it in the fridge; don't leave it out.

Then put the crockpot on "high" at work for the 4 hours.

[Waistdeep]

2. Refrigerate immediately

Overnight is much too long to leave it unrefrigerated.

[mlawson]

3. Depends, is there meat or meat stock in it?

If there is, then you can't leave it out all night. Unless you want to create some real entertainment for your coworkers, for later tomorrow night. :-)

[DuctapeFatwa]

4. Depends on the temperature and whether you put vinegar in it

like all right-thinking people do.

If you live somewhere very warm or keep heat on, fridge.

If your kitchen is cold, enjoy the natural refrigeration.

[Padraig18]

5. In the fridge

Have it beloew 40 F. in 2 hours or less to retard bacterial growth.

[brook]

6. Listen to Padraig.

Keep it at 40 or less until you start the reheating. Should be 140 or more when served. About 160-180 is a good range. For Meals on Wheels, I get it to 200 so that it will stay in the safe range during 45 minute delivery time. Even so, the test meals often come back under 140 - and they're kept in a hot box.

[Padraig18]

7. I used to work at a restaurant.

Hot liquids, etc., had to go in shallow pans before they went into the fridge. I think the reg. was 4" or less in depth, because deep pots don't cool as quickly.

[Nikia]

8. Do crock pots hit 160?

I believe that is the temperature that kills most bacteria. I put it in the fridge like everyone suggested, but it will probably take a while to cool. It is also probably acidic enough that not much will grow on it. I haven't used a crock pot much and am wondering about that for future use especially for meatier, brothier less acidic dishes.

[Padraig18]

9. On high...

.. mine will actually boil gently, so I'd say 'yes'. :)