Dividing cooked food into suitable smaller portions helps it cool more effectively than leaving a large deep mass together. Plan the cooling and storage process promptly instead of leaving a full pot standing for an indefinite period.
What the observation tells you
The important distinction is between portion size and a colder fridge setting. A deep container can remain warm at its centre even while its outside feels cooler. Adding a large amount of hot food also changes the conditions around other stored items. Containers need to be clean, suitable for the food and arranged without blocking the fridge's air paths.
A useful next step
Follow current Food Standards Agency advice for cooling and refrigerating cooked food, and label leftovers so their storage time is clear. Do not use the appliance as a substitute for an appropriate cooling plan. If timing or temperature history is uncertain, seek food-safety guidance rather than relying on appearance alone.
Manuals and supporting guidance
Model-specific instructions take priority. These references support the practical principles discussed here; they do not diagnose your appliance.