Knowing how to adjust each section’s temperature is crucial. The correct temperature setting in a fridge will prevent food from spoiling and bacteria growth, as well as reduce food waste.
Temperature Basics
Do not lower the temperature than is necessary. Perishables should be kept cold but not too hard so that the vegetables lose their freshness. In the main section of the refrigerator, the ideal temperature ranges between 35 and 38 degrees Fahrenheit. The optimal temperature is 37 degrees Fahrenheit. All areas of the fridge should be kept below 40 degrees. Most newer refrigerators have built-in digital temperature gauges that can be used to measure the temperature in a refrigerator.
It is important to use two thermometers for older refrigerators. They may not be able to maintain the same temperature throughout. One thermometer should be placed on the upper shelf, closer to the rear, and the second on the lower shelf, closer to the front. Both should be checked regularly.
Keep the fridge and freezer stocked full to help maintain the right temperature. Try putting ice bags in the freezer or pitchers of water in the refrigerator if they’re not full.
Basic Storage
Inserting containers containing hot food or drinks into the fridge will prevent them from heating up. Let the food cool to the temperature that is safe for it or the recipe before putting it in the refrigerator. The fridge will not use more energy than it needs to keep a cool temperature.
To prevent cross-contamination, marinate or thaw food in the fridge and not at room temperature. Seal thawing food or food that is marinating in a dish or container with a lid. Perishable food should not be left out of the refrigerator for longer than two hours. The limit is only one hour if the ambient temperature exceeds 90 degrees. Food that has been cooked or taken out must be chilled within two hours. Divide large quantities of food. Use shallow containers to cool food faster. Follow safe food handling procedures when preparing food.
Prepare for an outage if bad weather is predicted. Water can be frozen in plastic bags of quart size. Place the bags inside your fridge or freezer in case of power failure. Keep the refrigerator and freezer closed as long as you can if there is a power outage at home.
Temperatures for storing produce
The majority of refrigerators have two drawers for storing fresh produce in high or low humidity. Each drawer may have its own humidity level, depending on the model of the fridge. Modern refrigerators have an adjustable-temperature pantry drawer that is divided into several compartments.
Low-humidity drawers or settings are designed for produce that is not prone to moisture loss and produces a large amount of ethylene. The drawer allows the gases to escape, preventing the crop from quickly rotting. This drawer should be only two-thirds filled for best results. Fruit is a good example of a low-humidity product.
This drawer or setting is for produce that is sensitive to exposure to ethylene. These produce need higher moisture levels in order to remain fresh. The drawer with high humidity is sealed so that moisture can stay in. The seal prevents exposure to gasses that may escape from the drawer of other produce. This drawer will keep the crop from wilting or drying out. For best results, keep this drawer of produce about three-fourths filled. Vegetables are the most common high-humidity products, except for most berries.
Pantry temperatures
A refrigerator’s pantry drawer is an excellent feature. The pantry drawer is a full-width section that has a separate thermostat from the rest. It allows you to store larger items such as party trays, wine, or snacks.
You can usually find pre-programmed temperatures for wine, fish, soft drinks, and deli products. Keep wine at around 42 degrees Fahrenheit. Store deli meats between 37 and 38 degrees Fahrenheit. Soft drinks should be stored at 34 degrees Fahrenheit.
Freezer Temperatures
Set the temperature of your freezer to 0 degrees Fahrenheit. This will ensure that everything remains very cold. The temperature of a freezer should be low enough to preserve food and keep it frozen until ready to cook or reheat.
As with the fridge, you should use an appliance thermometer to ensure that the temperature in the freezer is set optimally. Check it frequently to ensure it remains constant.
Do not put too much food into the freezer. To keep food frozen, chilled air must move evenly around it.
Keep the freezer door as closed as possible if the power goes off. The temperature of food can be maintained in a freezer for up to 48 hours when the door is closed. If the temperature in your freezer has not exceeded 40 degrees, you can still refreeze it or eat it. You can also eat food if you see ice crystals on the surface. Food that has been kept above 40 degrees for more than 2 hours should be thrown out.
The impact of using a refrigerator on temperature
The way you use an energy-efficient refrigerator or freezer directly affects its temperature and efficiency. The right use can result in significant energy savings. It would be best if you did not leave the fridge door open while searching for food for extended periods. To prevent this, keep your refrigerator and freezer organized.