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Keeping your refrigerator at the right temperature not only helps you keep your food fresh, it also contributes to a more sustainable lifestyle in the process. In this article, Electrolux will explain everything you need to know about refrigerator temperature setting and extra helpful tips to keep your refrigerator cool.
What are the right refrigerator temperature settings to keep food fresh?
1. What temperature should a refrigerator be?
The ideal temperature setting for a refrigerator is between 1.7 and 3.3 degrees Celsius. This temperature range helps to slow down the growth of bacteria and prevent food from spoiling.
It is important to note that different parts of the refrigerator may have slightly different temperatures, so it is a good idea to use a thermometer to check the temperature in different areas of the fridge. For example, the temperature in the door shelves may be slightly higher than the temperature in the back of the refrigerator.
2. What temperature should a freezer be?
The ideal temperature for a freezer is -18 degrees Celsius or below. This temperature helps to keep food frozen and prevent the growth of bacteria and other microorganisms that can cause foodborne illnesses.
It is important to note that while the temperature in the freezer should be at or below -18 degrees Celsius, it is also important to keep the temperature as consistent as possible to ensure that the food stays frozen and safe to eat. It is recommended to use a thermometer to check the temperature in the freezer regularly and adjust the temperature settings as needed to maintain the proper temperature.
3. Should a refrigerator be set to min or max temperature?
A refrigerator should not be set at the minimum or maximum temperature. Setting the refrigerator temperature too low can cause your food to freeze, which can damage the texture and flavor of some foods. On the other hand, setting the temperature too high can lead to the growth of harmful bacteria and spoil your food.
It is important to set the refrigerator temperature to the appropriate range of between 1.7 and 3.3 degrees Celsius and use a thermometer to ensure that the temperature remains consistent over time. If you're not sure about the right temperature setting for your refrigerator, refer to the user manual or contact the manufacturer for guidance.
Check out some tips to keep your refrigerator fresh for longer:
How do you check your refrigerator temperature?
Based on the ideal temperatures mentioned above, it’s important to know what temperature your fridge is maintaining. Modern fridges such as French door refrigerators or side-by-side refrigerators often have a digital temperature readout inside or sometimes even on the outside of the appliance, making such temperature checks super easy.
If you don’t have a refrigerator with such a readout, we recommend that you buy a refrigerator thermometer. These are specifically designed for use with refrigerators, and you can find them in kitchen supply stores or online.
Place the thermometer in a place inside your refrigerator for which you want to monitor the temperature. Leave it there for a few hours before you take the first reading. You can then use this information to decide whether your refrigerator’s temperature control needs to be adjusted.
Understanding your refrigerator temperature controls
To make sure that your refrigerator is always at an ideal temperature, it’s very important that you learn how to use it correctly – and that means understanding the temperature controls. Depending on the make and model of your refrigerator, these controls can look quite different, but they usually work either with numbered or named power levels.
Where are the temperature controls on my refrigerator?
On most modern refrigerators, the temperature controls can be found on an interior control panel or on a slider control panel on the outside.
Some top freezer refrigerators and bottom freezer refrigerators have a temperature control found inside the freezer compartment, which controls both the freezer and refrigerator temperatures.
In some older models, the temperature control may be at the bottom or back of the refrigerator. This control may be a dial or slider, and it may be labeled with temperature ranges or numbers.
How do you use refrigerator temperature controls with numbers?
Usually, the numbers on your refrigerator’s temperature controls don’t directly correspond to temperature. That means that if you set your refrigerator to “1”, it will not automatically cool the inside of the appliance to 1 degree Celsius.
Most often, these numbers are power levels ranging from 1 to 5 or 9, with the highest number standing for the highest power level.
How do you use refrigerator temperature controls labeled with words?
If your refrigerator temperature controls are labeled with words such as "cold," "colder," or "coldest,", or “low”, “medium”, and “high”, you should first refer to the user manual. See if it provides guidance on how to use the temperature controls.
It may also give recommendations for the best setting for different types of food. If you’re unsure, start with the middle setting, which is often labeled as "normal" or "recommended."
Some helpful food storage tips:
Extra tips to keep your refrigerator cool
To make sure the temperature inside your refrigerator stays evenly cool, it is important to make sure that the appliance is not overloaded, as this can interfere with the circulation of air and cause some areas to be colder than others. It’s also a good idea to keep the refrigerator door closed as much as possible so the cold air can’t escape.
An Electrolux refrigerator offers a wide variety of technologies that help you keep your refrigerator cool and your food fresh and tasty.
The EvenTemp technology minimizes temperature fluctuations by cooling each shelf individually, creating a more consistent temperature. TwinTech Cooling keeps temperature and humidity levels stable while QuickChill lets you cool large amounts of fresh food quickly.
- TasteSeal keeps fish for 7 days* without freezing.
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- TasteLock keeps vegetables fresh and tasty.
- EvenTemp reduces temperature fluctuations.
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- TasteSeal keeps fish for 7 days* without freezing.
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- TasteLockAuto keeps vegetables fresh for 7 days*.
- EvenTemp reduces temperature fluctuations.
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- TasteSeal keeps fish for 7 days* without freezing.
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- WaterStream for chilled water through the door.
- TasteLockAuto keeps vegetables fresh for 7 days*.
Electrolux UltimateTaste 300 top freezer refrigerators come with TasteLock crispers that keep produce fresh for longer.
If you are on the market for a new fridge, learn helpful refrigerator buying tips from Electrolux experts.
FAQs about refrigerator temperature
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What temperature should my refrigerator be set to?
The recommended temperature for a refrigerator is between 1.7 and 3.3 degrees Celsius. However, some refrigerators can go lower than this temperature.
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What temperature should my freezer be set to?
The recommended temperature for a freezer is between -18 and -15 degrees Celsius. It's not recommended to set your freezer to the coldest setting as it can cause ice buildup in the freezer. It can also cause your freezer to work harder than it needs to, which can increase your energy bills and potentially shorten the lifespan of your appliance.
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How can I check the temperature in my refrigerator?
You can use a refrigerator thermometer to check the temperature in your refrigerator. Place the thermometer in the main compartment or in the area where you want to monitor the temperature.
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Why is it important to monitor the temperature in my refrigerator?
Monitoring the temperature in your refrigerator is important to ensure that your food stays fresh and safe to eat. A temperature that is too warm can cause food to spoil, while a temperature that is too cold can freeze certain foods and affect their quality.
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How often should I adjust the temperature controls on my refrigerator?
You should adjust the temperature controls on your refrigerator as needed, based on the temperature readings and your specific needs. Check the temperature periodically and adjust the controls if necessary.