Setting the temperature of a fridge is far more important for food preservation than far too many users seem to realize.
Indeed, to ensure that food is properly preserved, and that its vitamins and minerals are optimally preserved, the fridge temperature must be correctly set.
Here’s everything you need to know about how to set your fridge temperature.
What’s the optimum temperature for a fridge?
Whatever the model of fridge (static, ventilated or circulating), correct temperature control is always a necessity to preserve the food stored in it.
As a general rule, the ideal temperature for a fridge is 4°C. However, depending on the food, a more specific temperature between 1°C and 5°C may be more appropriate. These specific temperatures are simply better suited to preserving food quality and freshness, while preventing the development of bacteria.
In fact, even when a refrigerator’s temperature is set at 4°C, it’s interesting to note that the temperature is not the same on all levels of the fridge. Here’s how it looks from the bottom of the fridge to the highest compartments:
- The crisper: the temperature in this part of the fridge is between 4°C and 6°C. This is the ideal temperature range for preserving vegetables.
- The cool zone: the temperature here is around 4°C. This compartment is mainly used for cooked foods and pastries.
- Cold zone : temperature between 0°C and 4°C. This compartment is designed for dairy products, raw meats, fish, etc.
- Door compartments: these are the areas where the fridge’s temperature is highest, reaching 7 to 8°C. It’s also the part that suffers most from temperature variations due to repeated opening. Drinks, sauces, etc. are generally stored here.
What are the different types of fridge and how do I set their temperature?
There are many different types of fridge on the market, and not all of them can be managed in the same way. Here are the different models offered by different brands:
- Static refrigerators: these are the classic fridges that work on the basis of free air circulation in the tank. Due to this air circulation mode, the different compartments have different temperatures, making proper organization of foodstuffs essential.
- Fan-assisted refrigerators : the most sophisticated new-generation refrigeration system. This type of fridge is generally equipped with a “no frost” function that prevents frost from forming on the fridge walls. Food preservation is also optimized, with a constant, high-performance temperature throughout the tank. Humidity is also kept to a minimum.
- Mixed-cooling refrigerators : these fridges are also interesting in that the cold air is continuously circulated, ensuring a constant temperature. This means that foodstuffs can be organized randomly.
Depending on the model, different controls are used to regulate refrigerator temperatures. These include
- Sliders : with this type of system, all you have to do is push the appropriate switch to adjust the fridge temperature. With this operating mode, it is preferable to lower the temperature by 1°C per day, to avoid creating a shock when temperature regulation is required.
- Rotating knobs: this is a thermostat expressed in degrees that makes it very easy to adjust the fridge temperature from coldest to hottest. It generally ranges from 1 to 5, but this can vary according to model.
- Electronic controls: electronic control panels are found on the latest generation of refrigerators. Just as simple to use, simply click on the appropriate arrows to lower or raise the temperature.
Optimal refrigerator settings are necessary not only for food preservation, but also to prevent energy waste. What’s more, an incorrectly set fridge can also go haywire. On the one hand, it can freeze and spoil foodstuffs, or on the other, it can cause the tank to heat up, again spoiling food by accelerating the growth of bacteria.
How can I control fridge temperature?
If your fridge doesn’t have an electronic thermostat, a very simple solution to regulate its temperature is to use a fridge thermometer.
Thanks to this accessory, which is fairly easy to find in shops and on the web, you can check the fridge temperature to the nearest degree. To do this, proceed as follows:
- Fill a glass or bottle with water and immerse the thermometer in it.
- Place it in the middle compartment of the fridge and wait about 8 hours. Please note that the fridge door should be opened as little as possible during this operation, which is why it’s best to carry it out during the night.
- The result is ready after this time. For a correct result, the temperature indicated should be between 2 and 4°C.
If the result is above 4°C, it’s not good. In this case, you’ll need to set the fridge colder to optimize the preservation of the food stored in it.
Some fridges have a temperature indicator that works with a color system. If the fridge is at the right temperature, the indicator will turn green. If not, it will turn red.
It’s also worth noting that in the case of a new fridge, you need to wait between 4 and 12 hours for the interior temperature to reach the desired cooling level. For a freezer, this period is at least 24 hours. If your appliance is new, you’ll need to wait until after you’ve plugged it in before storing your food and carrying out a viable temperature check.
Good to know: in the freezer, the ideal temperature is -12°C. In the case of the freezer, the optimum temperature for food preservation is between -18°C and -23°C. The lower the temperature, the better the food will keep. Here again, special thermometers are used to monitor the temperature.
In conclusion :
Knowing how to regulate the temperature of your fridge is a necessity, both for food preservation and energy consumption. An appliance that is poorly set or in poor condition will consume much more electricity. This is particularly the case when the ventilation grille is frosted or poorly maintained.
