Keeping your refrigerator and freezer at the right temperature is essential for food safety and freshness. A refrigerator that’s too warm allows bacteria to grow, while a freezer that’s not cold enough can lead to spoiled food.

The ideal refrigerator temperature is between 34°F and 38°F, ensuring perishable food stays fresh without freezing. You should set your freezer to 0°F (-18°C) or colder to prevent bacterial growth and maintain food quality for long-term storage.

Using an appliance thermometer is the best way to check your fridge and freezer temperatures. If you need to make adjustments, allow five to eight hours for the temperature to stabilize before rechecking. Regular monitoring helps prevent food waste and ensures your appliances run efficiently.


For optimal food safety and freshness, set your refrigerator between 34°F and 38°F.

  • The FDA recommends 34°F to 36°F for maximum freshness and slowing bacterial growth.
  • The USDA suggests 36°F to 38°F, which prevents accidental freezing of delicate foods.

If your fridge is outside this range, adjust the settings and wait five to eight hours before rechecking with a thermometer.

For refrigerators with a deli drawer, set it to around 40°F. This slightly warmer temperature keeps deli meats and cheeses from drying out while still maintaining freshness.


To keep food safe and prevent bacterial growth, the FDA recommends that you set your freezer to 0°F (-18°C) or colder. This ensures frozen food stays fresh and maintains quality over time.

For long-term storage (several months or more), aim for -10°F to -20°F if your freezer allows. Stand-alone freezers are better at maintaining these ultra-low temperatures than built-in freezer compartments.

If you adjust the temperature, allow up to 24 hours for the freezer to stabilize before rechecking with a thermometer.


Signs Your Refrigerator/Freezer May Need a Temperature Adjustment

If your fridge or freezer is on the fritz, there are usually warning signs. Watch for these signals that may indicate your appliance needs an adjustment:

1. Food Spoiling Too Quickly

If milk, produce, or leftovers are going bad before their expiration dates, your fridge may be too warm. Use an appliance thermometer to check the temperature and adjust as needed.

2. Excess Ice Buildup or No Ice Production

  • Thick frost buildup inside the freezer may mean warm air is getting in due to a faulty door seal or improper temperature settings.
  • No ice production from the ice maker could indicate the freezer isn’t maintaining a cold enough temperature.

Check the freezer settings and ensure the door seals properly. If problems persist, your appliance may need maintenance.

Checking Refrigerator and Freezer Temperatures

The best way to ensure your appliance is at a safe temperature is to use an appliance thermometer. While some newer refrigerators have built-in digital temperature displays, many do not. If yours doesn’t, you can purchase an inexpensive refrigerator thermometer at most grocery or home goods stores.

How To Check the Temperature:

  • Place the thermometer on a middle shelf, away from cooling vents and food packaging.
  • Let it sit undisturbed for five to eight hours to allow the reading to stabilize.
  • Compare the reading to the recommended range (34°F–38°F for refrigerators, 0°F or colder for freezers).
  • If it’s outside the safe zone, adjust the temperature setting and wait another five to eight hours before rechecking.

For freezers, adjustments may take up to 24 hours to fully stabilize.

Today’s Homeowner Tip

I recommend you check your refrigerator/freezer temperatures twice a year and after major power outages have occurred.

Refrigerator and Freezer Maintainance Tips

To keep your refrigerator and freezer running efficiently and at the right temperature, follow these key maintenance tips:

Ensure proper airflow – Don’t overpack shelves; allow space for cold air to circulate.
Clean spills immediately – This prevents bacteria growth and lingering odors.
Defrost manual-defrost freezers – Remove ice buildup when frost reaches ¼ to ½ inch thick.
Keep bins and shelves clean – This prevents contamination and maintains freshness.
Limit door openings – Warm air enters each time the door is opened, making the unit work harder.
Check door gaskets – Replace worn or cracked seals to prevent cold air leaks.
Vacuum condenser coils every six months – This improves efficiency and prevents overheating.

By regularly monitoring and maintaining your fridge and freezer, you can ensure food stays fresh, prevent bacteria growth, and extend the lifespan of your appliance.

How Refrigerators and Freezers Work to Keep Food Safe

Refrigerators and freezers work by removing heat, not just creating cold air. They use a refrigeration system that cycles refrigerant gas through coils to absorb and release heat.

Here’s how it works:

  1. The compressor pressurizes the refrigerant gas, heating it up.
  2. The hot gas moves through condenser coils at the back or bottom of the appliance, releasing heat into the surrounding air.
  3. As the refrigerant cools, it turns into a liquid and flows through evaporator coils inside the fridge or freezer.
  4. The refrigerant absorbs heat from inside the appliance, cooling the interior.
  5. The process repeats, keeping the temperature stable.

Food Storage Times

Proper refrigerator and freezer temperatures help food stay fresh and safe to eat longer. However, food doesn’t keep indefinitely. Use these USDA food safety guidelines for maximum food storage times:

3–5 days in the refrigerator; 1–2 months in the freezer

3–5 weeks in the refrigerator

3–4 months freezer storage

3–4 days in the refrigerator; 2–6 months in the freezer

5–7 days past the sell-by date in the refrigerator

1–2 days in the refrigerator; 3–4 months in the freezer

Always check food for signs of spoilage before consuming, even if within these time ranges. Signs include off odors, slimy texture, or mold growth. When in doubt, throw it out.


So, Is Monitoring Refrigerator and Freezer Temperatures Essential?

Absolutely. Keeping your refrigerator and freezer at the correct temperature is one of the easiest ways to ensure food safety and prevent waste. Regularly checking your appliance thermometer ensures your food stays within a healthy temperature range.

Failing to monitor temperatures can lead to faster food spoilage, bacterial growth, and potential foodborne illnesses. By making small adjustments when necessary, you can keep your food fresher for longer, reduce waste, and even improve your appliance’s efficiency. A quick temperature check a few times a year—or after power outages—helps keep your food safe and your fridge running at peak performance.


FAQs About Refrigerator and Freezer Temperatures

How often should fridge temperature be checked?

You should check your refrigerator and freezer temperatures at least twice a year, as well as after a power outage or if you notice food spoiling faster than expected. A quick check with an appliance thermometer ensures your fridge is maintaining a safe temperature and operating efficiently.

How cold should a home freezer be?

You should set your freezer to 0°F (-18°C) or lower. This temperature prevents bacterial growth and keeps frozen food safe for months. If you use a deep freezer for long-term storage, consider setting it even colder, around -10°F to -20°F, for maximum preservation.

What temperature should I set my refrigerator to?

We recommend setting your fridge around 34°F to 38°F. This keeps food fresh without freezing liquids like milk or causing leafy greens to wilt too quickly. The closer to 34°F, the longer your food will last, but avoid setting it below 32°F, as some items may freeze.

Where should I place the refrigerator thermometer?

For the most accurate reading, place your appliance thermometer on a middle shelf, away from vents and food packages. The front of the fridge is usually warmer, while the back may be colder. Let the thermometer sit for at least five to eight hours before reading the temperature.

Should refrigerators be kept more or less full?

A refrigerator works best when it’s about three-quarters full. Too much food can block airflow and create warm spots, while an empty fridge has to work harder to maintain temperature. Store items with space between them to allow for proper circulation.

What’s the best way to adjust the temperature?

The best method depends on your fridge’s control system:

Digital display – Use the up/down arrows to adjust the temperature and allow several hours for it to stabilize.

Dial thermostat – Turn it to a higher number or “colder” setting.

Sliding gauge thermostat – Move the slider to the right for a lower temperature.

Editorial Contributors
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Jonathon Jachura

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Jonathon Jachura is a two-time homeowner with hands-on experience with HVAC, gutters, plumbing, lawn care, pest control, and other aspects of owning a home. He is passionate about home maintenance and finding the best services. His main goal is to educate others with crisp, concise descriptions that any homeowner can use. Jon uses his strong technical background to create engaging, easy-to-read, and informative guides. He does most of his home and lawn projects himself but hires professional companies for the “big things.” He knows what goes into finding the best service providers and contractors. Jon studied mechanical engineering at Purdue University in Indiana and worked in the HVAC industry for 12 years. Between his various home improvement projects, he enjoys the outdoors, a good cup of coffee, and spending time with his family.
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Lee Ann Merrill

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Chicago-based Lee Ann Merrill has decades of experience writing and editing across a wide range of technical and scientific subjects. Her love of DIY, gardening, and making led her to the realm of creating and honing quality content for homeowners. When she's not working on her craft, you can find her exploring her city by bike and plotting international adventures.