How to Set Your Refrigerator Temperature Correctly

Setting your refrigerator temperature is crucial to good health. Here's how to set it properly.

Difficulty: Easy

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• magnetic thermometer
• refrigerator

1. 
    
   Correct Digital Temperature on Electrolux Refrigerator

   The first thing you must know is that your refrigerator should be set at 37-38 degrees. Anything at 40 or higher and you are risking food born illness (food poisoning) or spoiling your food.

2. Place your magnetic thermometer in the refrigerator.

3. Set your dial on your refrigerator to the second lowest setting. (If your refrigerator is already equipped with a digital thermostat, simply set it for 37 or 38 degrees and do not move on to the next step)

4. After 2 hours, check your thermometer reading. If your reading is 38 degrees, there is no need to go higher and you are ready to put your groceries in. Be sure not to open and close your refrigerator during these two hours or your temperature reading will be incorrect.
   
   If your reading is higher than 38 degrees, move your dial up to the next coldest setting and repeat the steps every two hours until you reach the correct temperature for your refrigerator.

5. Once you have reached the correct refrigeration temperature for your refrigerator, place the magnetic thermometer in the refrigerator permanently and watch for changes.
   
   Typically, your refrigerator temperature will need to be adjusted with the seasons, a higher setting in the summer and a lower setting in the winter.

[tracysmith159]

on 6/5/2009 Good article on setting the refrigerator temperature. I was surprised when I managed apartments, how many people don't understand how to set any thermostat right. I would get calls from people in the middle of the night becuase the refrigerator was not working. Come to find out they cleaned the refriderator and bump the thermostat to the off position.

[momtchr]

on 5/28/2009 Important tips for keeping the refrigerator at the correct temperature. Thank you! 5*

[02SmithA]

on 5/15/2009 It's gotta be just right, but I'd definitely rather it be too cold than not cold enough.. good tips!

[Gardengates]

on 5/12/2009 Thanks for the good tips. I need a whole new refrigerator!

[parollins]

on 5/9/2009 Great tip on setting the refridgerator thermostat. I always have mine too cold and freeze things.