Don’t know the best temperature for your refrigerator? You’ll know after reading the article because In this article, I’ll be talking about the ideal temperature for the refrigerator and also explain the reason behind it. But, if you believe me, 35-38°F is ideal you can go lower than it, but do not keep it above 40°F.
Note: If the temperature is above 40 degrees Fahrenheit then reduce the temperature now to avoid food-related diseases (I’ve explained the why below in this article, but follow this thing right away!)
Contents
- What is the Best Temperature for a Refrigerator?
- Refrigerator Temperature Should Not Be Above 40 Degree Fahrenheit, But Why?
- How to Monitor the Temperature inside the Refrigerator?
- Why should you Monitor the Refrigerator and Freezer Temperature?
- Refrigerator and Freezer Temperature: Can They Be Same?
- Refrigerator Temperature Maintenance Tips
What is the Best Temperature for a Refrigerator?
- Best Refrigerator Temperature: 35-38°F (Below 40°F)
- Best Freezer Temperature: 0°F or -18°C
On paper, as mentioned by the FDA, the best temperature for the refrigerator is below 40 degrees Fahrenheit. However, the temperature actually depends on the environmental conditions around too. I generally prefer having a temperature between 35-38°F. But when it’s cold outside, I increase the temperature and keep it between 38-39°F.
There’s a section below which explains why the temperature of your refrigerator shouldn’t be above 40?
Now that you know the ideal temperature setting or how cold your refrigerator should be, what about the Freezer? The best temperature for the freezer is 0°F. But, isn’t the water melting point is 32°F, so why not store it at that?
Storing frozen food items at low-temperature can actually keep them fresh for a longer period and preserve the quality. You can store it below 0°F too but storing it below could increase the overall energy consumption. That is why it is said that -18°C or 0°F is an ideal temperature for a freezer.
If you have a mini fridge for storing insulin, 36 ° F to 46 ° F is what you are looking at, since that is the ideal temperature for storage.
Refrigerator Temperature Should Not Be Above 40 Degree Fahrenheit, But Why?
We all know that the basic and traditional purpose of a refrigerator and the freezer was to safely store food for future consumption, cooling water and drinks, etc. However, we forget that they perform the function of safely storing the food by eliminating the risk of growth of bacteria.
Food that is stored at 35-38 degrees Fahrenheit stays fresh for a longer time. Bacteria growth starts at 40 degrees Fahrenheit and in some cases on the growth doubles in every 20 minutes. This makes a refrigerator probably the most responsible appliance in a household. A well-maintained refrigerator ensures a happy and healthy family.
So unless you want to get ill or affected by any food-borne disease, it’s always suggested to keep the temperature of your refrigerator below 40°F. The best temperature range according to me (EvaChill) is 35-38°F for refrigerator and 0°F for the Freezer.
How to Monitor the Temperature inside the Refrigerator?
Even though it is a blessing, it is not necessary for all refrigerators to come with an inbuilt thermometer. A refrigerator thermometer is conveniently and cheaply available on every leading online shopping website or even in stores around you. All you have to do is to select the perfect one for you, order it and hang it inside your fridge. This thermometer will help you monitor the temperature of your fridge.
Best part? The thermometer will be a great investment as it can be utilized to check the temperature of other appliances like oven, microwave, etc. too. Besides all, it can save you from food-borne diseases that could happen by eating the food stored in a refrigerator above 40°F
Why should you Monitor the Refrigerator and Freezer Temperature?
Food safety! Food safety is the first line of defense when it comes to the urban household since none of us can afford to get sick because of our jobs or schools or social commitments. Any food stored under the 34-38 degree temperature is sure to turn into an episode of food poisoning. Therefore it is imperative for every household to monitor refrigerator and temperature.
Apart from that if your refrigerator is kept at the most sustainable temperature it will also give you pocket-friendly electricity bills.
As mentioned above, This is the Fridge Thermometer that I personally use. The thermometer can be used in both the fridge and the freezer so it is usually suggested that 2 are used separately. You can also have one, check the settings inside the refrigerator, monitor the temperature and make sure it’s at the ideal temperature range and then use it in the freezer compartment and monitor it and set the freezer to the ideal settings.
Refrigerator and Freezer Temperature: Can They Be Same?
NO! They can’t be same. The purpose of the freezer is to store frozen foods, make ice and keep the quality preserved. The freezer should be set at 0 degrees Fahrenheit while the refrigerator should be set at a 35-38 degree Fahrenheit.
Note: Setting your fridge to 35-38 degree Fahrenheit doesn’t “kill the bacteria” it just controls the growth of it.
Refrigerator Temperature Maintenance Tips
- Don’t open it too often.
- Always remember closing it immediately after use.
- Keep a check on the door seal and get it repaired if it is loose or leaking.
- Keep the fridge full (who knows when you might crave good food), just don’t stuff it.
- Do not put warm or hot dishes in the fridge immediately!
While the above list is easy to read it is not easy to follow. A lot of refrigerators these days come with an alarm system for the times you forget the door open, but what about the ones that don’t have that technology? Well, remember to check the door before you sleep, or else your kitchen will be a really cool (pun intended) place to be in the next morning.
