How to Set Your Refrigerator Temperature Correctly

Get the Correct Refrigerator Temperature

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

Things You'll Need

• magnetic thermometer
• refrigerator

Instructions

1. 

   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.