How to use the correct refrigerator & freezer temperature settings

For most households, their fridge and freezer are invaluable parts of their daily lives. Often overlooked is that for optimal performance, you need to set the refrigerator temperature range somewhere between 32ºF - 40ºF (0ºC - 4.4ºC) and the freezer temperature at 0ºF (-18ºC). 

Read this guide to better understand how to set your fridge and freezer temperatures to correctly cool and freeze food and also learn how to adjust each compartment’s settings.

WHAT IS THE IDEAL TEMPERATURE RANGE FOR A REFRIGERATOR?

The temperature range of a refrigerator should be between 32ºF - 40ºF (0ºC - 4.4ºC) with 37ºF being the ideal temperature for storing most foods.

SOME FRIDGE COMPARTMENTS WILL BE COOLER THAN OTHERS

Most fridges don’t have a consistent cool temperature throughout. It may vary per compartment. Keep this in mind when storing and organizing food in your refrigerator.

Refrigerator doors are a bit warmer, making them ideal for storing items with a longer shelf life, such as condiments and certain beverages. Deli drawers and the back of refrigerators are often colder and can be used for more perishable items, such as cold cuts and dairy products.

ORGANIZE YOUR FRIDGE FOR OPTIMAL FOOD STORAGE AND CONSERVATION

Organizing your fridge is key for food conservation. After setting your refrigerator and freezer to their correct temperatures, organize the items to encourage maximum airflow and achieve optimal cooling. Review this guide for fridge organization to get all the help and tips you need to keep a properly organized fridge. 

HOW COLD SHOULD A FREEZER BE?

Freezer temperatures should ideally be 0ºF (-18ºC) to maintain the quality and integrity of frozen items. It’s also acceptable to keep the temperature at -1ºF to help reduce freezer burn. That said, it’s recommended to maintain a freezer temperature that’s on the colder end of the spectrum.

HOW TO SET THE RECOMMENDED REFRIGERATOR AND FREEZER TEMPERATURES FOR FOOD SAFETY?

Use the touchpad buttons to set or adjust your fridge settings. To lower the temperature with a control pad that doesn't display degrees, adjust the control to a level higher. Alternatively, set the control to a level lower to raise the temperature. 

If you’re unsure how to change your fridge’s settings, review your manufacturer’s use and care guide for detailed instructions on temperature modification. You can also use an appliance thermometer to determine the ideal temperature for your freezer, and then modify your settings as needed.

Setting the recommended temperatures for your refrigerator and freezer helps prevent food from developing foodborne bacteria. The good news is that colder temperatures tend to slow the growth of bacteria in food and keep it safe for longer. 

Understanding how long food lasts in the freezer and maintaining it in the recommended temperature range may help it taste better and reduce food waste and unwanted fridge smells.

WHAT TO DO IF A REFRIGERATOR ISN’T KEEPING FOOD COOL?

Review your refrigerator settings if it’s not keeping the correct temperature. Don’t hesitate to use an appliance thermometer to confirm that your fridge temperature is below 40ºF. 

Any temperature above 40ºF requires a settings adjustment and then give it 24 hours before checking again. If your fridge is already set to its lowest temperature, or adjusting the setting doesn’t help, review your owner’s manual for troubleshooting guidance. 

For Maytag^® Fridges and Freezers, visit this troubleshooting page to learn of possible causes and fixes for a refrigerator or freezer that’s not cooling as it should. 

You can always place a service call if you are unsure of how to fix any problem with your fridge or freezer.

MAINTAINING A STABLE TEMPERATURE IN A FRIDGE AND FREEZER

Regularly monitor your refrigerator and freezer’s temperatures to ensure they are in the recommended range. If your model lists a number 1 through 5 instead of degrees, you should use an appliance thermometer to determine which number to set for your fridge and freezer.

Avoid organizing food in your fridge in a way that will block the air vents as this can prevent the air from flowing freely between the fridge and freezer. Remember, a fridge can take several hours to return to its normal temperature after restocking with groceries. 

Learn how refrigerators and freezers work by reading that article.

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