What is the right temperature for your refrigerator and freezer?

The fundamental reason for purchasing a refrigerator is to store food at a cooler temperature since it can extend the life of your groceries and leftover food items. For instance, bacteria can spoil milk within hours when left out on the kitchen counter at room temperature. However, by reducing the temperature, the milk can stay fresh for a week or two. If you freeze it, it can last for months. 

Setting your refrigerator at the right temperature can help you keep the food fresh for an extended period of time. It also contributes to a more sustainable lifestyle. Knowing the ideal freezer temperature can increase the longevity of the frozen foods stored. Achieving the optimal fridge temperature can help slow down the growth of bacteria and prevent food from getting spoilt. 

If the temperature is too high, the food will spoil quicker which will result in wastage of food and potential health hazards. On the other hand, if the temperature is too low, you could consume more energy and spend more money on unnecessary cooling. Maintaining a consistent temperature can ensure the efficiency of the refrigerator while saving energy units. So, what should be the right temperature for your refrigerator and freezer? 

What should be the normal refrigerator temperature?

 The recommended refrigerator temperature should be 3 degrees Celsius. You can aim to keep the refrigerator temperature between 2 to 4 degrees Celsius. This range is considered ideal as it will not only prevent the food from freezing but also keep it fresh for a longer period of time.  

There will be different sections in the refrigerator that will be adjusted to a different degree. Just make sure the temperature doesn’t rise too much as it will cause the bacteria to multiply rapidly and the food will perish sooner.  

You can also try keeping the refrigerator full as it will help regulate the refrigerator temperature inside. It may sound strange but when there is less food stored, the refrigerator uses more power to cool down and the cool air escapes quickly whenever the door is opened. 

ALSO READ: Top 10 best refrigerator brands in India (2024)

A few other tips to maintain the fridge temperature would include placement of food to let air circulate, checking the door seal and making sure the refrigerator door is closed. While it may seem obvious, it is essential to know if there is leakage in the door seal or keeping the door completely closed at all times will help the refrigerator maintain a cool temperature.  

Your refrigerator will appreciate it if you can resist the temptation to stand in front of your fridge searching for food when you are hungry. Instead, getting what you need and shut the door quickly will allow the fridge to function effectively. 

In recent times, most refrigerators come with two produce storage drawers that can store fresh food in low or high humidity conditions. Each drawer setting can be adjusted separately so that each of them can have fixed humidity levels.  

You can set the fridge temperature for each compartment according to what you are storing, whether it is meat or vegetables. This will ensure that the produce doesn’t dry out or start wilting. Having said that, the optimal overall refrigerator temperature range should be maintained for efficiency and reduction in your electricity bills. 

Many newer fridges come with an in-built thermometer that can check and regulate fridge temperature at all times. You can manually adjust the required fridge temperature or follow the company guidelines to know the suitable temperature that works for the refrigerator.  

What should be the ideal freezer temperature?

The ideal freezer temperature should be -18 degrees Celsius or below. This temperature helps to keep food frozen and prevent bacteria growth. With freezer temperature, it is imperative to keep the temperature consistent to ensure that the food stays frozen and is safe to eat. However, factors such as how frequently the freezer is opened, how much food is stored inside, and the ambient temperature of the room can affect the freezer temperature. 

Keeping your freezer at a colder temperature can run up your bills and cause food to lose moisture and flavour. If you spot built-up ice in your freezer, it is a sure sign that your freezer temperature is too cold and should be adjusted at once. 

ALSO READ: Top-freezer vs bottom-freezer refrigerators: Which is better for you?

Most fridges these days come with a temperature control dial that help users control the temperature setting of their freezer. Advanced features like Wi-Fi connectivity, temperature sensors, and app controls make it simpler to monitor and adjust freezer temperature remotely. 

Depending on the make and model of your refrigerator, the controls may look different but understanding them will help you use it correctly. Knowing the right refrigerator temperature is equally important. Use these tips to maintain the fridge and freezer temperatures in your home, so you can extend the life of your food and refrigerator and reduce energy bills at the same time.