Keeping your food cold is the best way to keep it fresh and prevent bacteria growth. Since bacteria thrive at temperatures above 40° Fahrenheit (4° Celsius), keeping your refrigerator set at the proper above-freezing temperature is important. A sufficiently cold setting slows the growth of bacteria, so food will keep longer without spoiling.
You should set your freezer to 0°F (-18°C) or lower. Use an appliance thermometer to check the temperature, allowing five to eight hours for it to adjust.
Recommended Refrigerator Temperature
The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) recommends a refrigerator temperature range of 34°F to 36°F, but the guideline from the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) is 36°F to 38°F. The best answer is to aim for a setting in the 34°F to 38°F range. If your refrigerator temperature is higher or lower, adjust the temperature and allow time for it to stabilize before checking again.
If you have a separate deli drawer, opt for a slightly warmer setting around 40°F. The deli drawer helps preserve deli meats and cheese. The warmer zone prevents these foods from drying out too quickly.
Recommended Freezer Temperature
Food stored in the freezer should be kept at 0°F (-18°C) or colder, as recommended by the FDA. This frigid environment prevents bacterial growth over extended storage time.
For long-term storage of several months, aim for -10 to -20°F if possible. Separate stand-alone freezers used for long-term storage can maintain these ultra-low temperatures. Adjust the temperature down to 0°F or below — it may take up to 24 hours for your freezer to reach its coldest, stable temperature.
Signs Your Refrigerator/Freezer May Need a Temperature Adjustment
1. Food Spoiling Quickly
If food spoils sooner than expected, it’s a red flag indicating your refrigerator or freezer may be too warm. Check the temperature with a thermometer to see if an adjustment is needed.
2. Ice Buildup or Lack of Ice
If your freezer is developing significant ice buildup, it could be a sign it’s not maintaining a cold enough temperature. Lack of expected ice production from your refrigerator’s ice maker can also indicate a problem.
Adjusting the Temperature Setting
If your refrigerator or freezer is not staying cold enough, you may need to adjust the temperature control. Follow these tips for safely changing the temperature setting to reach the ideal zone for food safety.
Checking Refrigerator/Freezer Temperatures
The only way to confirm your refrigerator and freezer are at safe temperatures is to use an appliance thermometer. Some new refrigerators have digital thermometers built in on the inside. If yours doesn’t have one, you can buy a separate refrigerator thermometer at most grocery and home goods stores.
Place the thermometer away from heating or cooling vents on a middle shelf. Avoid setting it directly next to food packages. Let it sit undisturbed for five to eight hours to allow the temperature reading to stabilize.
Compare the temperature reading to the recommended guidelines. If it’s not in the safe zone, adjust the refrigerator or freezer setting accordingly. Wait five to eight hours, recheck the temperature reading, and continue adjusting as needed.
I recommend you check your refrigerator/freezer temperatures twice a year and after major power outages have occurred.
Maintaining Proper Temperatures
To keep your refrigerator or freezer in the optimal temperature range and help prevent bacteria growth, follow proper maintenance and cleaning procedures:
- Allow space between items for airflow
- Clean up spills immediately
- Defrost manual-defrost freezers when frost builds up to 1/4- to 1/2-inch thick
- Keep door bins and shelves clean
- Limit opening of doors to reduce warm air entering
- Replace worn door gaskets that allow cold air leaks
- Vacuum coils every six months to improve efficiency
How Refrigerators and Freezers Work to Keep Food Safe
Refrigerators and freezers use a refrigeration system to pull heat out of their interior compartments, lowering the temperature. The most common type of refrigeration system uses a compressor and refrigerant gas that circulates through coils. As the refrigerant evaporates and condenses, it absorbs heat inside the refrigerator and releases that heat outside the unit. This process keeps the interior at a stable, cool temperature.
Proper temperatures slow down bacterial growth and food spoilage. Refrigerators are designed to keep temperatures between 34°F and 40°F. Freezers should maintain 0°F or colder. These cold environments help food stay fresh longer.
Read also: What is Process Cooling?
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?
Maintaining the proper refrigerator and freezer temperature is critical to food safety. Taking the time periodically to check the interior temperature with a thermometer makes sure your appliances stay in the safe zone. Adjust as needed to keep bacteria growth in check and keep food fresh longer. Proper temperatures ultimately help reduce food waste and prevent foodborne illnesses. Monitoring and maintaining safe refrigerator/freezer temperatures is a simple process that pays dividends in optimized food storage.
FAQs About Refrigerator and Freezer Temperatures
How often should fridge temperature be checked?
Experts recommend checking refrigerator and freezer temperatures at least twice a year. Additionally, check after power outages or appliance servicing.
How cold should a home freezer be?
0°F or below is recommended, with -10 to -20°F ideal for long-term frozen storage. Colder temperatures prevent freezer burn and spoilage.
What temperature should I set my refrigerator to?
The correct temperature is between 34–38°F. This keeps food out of the danger zone above 40°F, where bacteria multiply rapidly.
Where should I place the refrigerator thermometer?
Place the thermometer on a middle shelf away from vents, walls, and other items. Let it sit five to eight hours undisturbed before checking the temperature.
Should refrigerators be kept more or less full?
A full refrigerator holds its temperature better than an empty one, but leave space between items for airflow. Only open the door when needed.
What's the best way to adjust the temperature?
Changing the temperature depends on what kind of adjustment mechanism your refrigerator has:
- If your refrigerator has a dial thermostat, turn it to the “colder” setting or to a higher number to lower the temperature.
- If it has a sliding gauge thermostat, move the slider to the right to move to a lower temperature.
- If your refrigerator has a digital display or keypad, press the temperature button and use the up and down arrow buttons to adjust the temperature.
