The refrigerator is a modern marvel of food preservation.

When kept at the proper temperature, it slows bacteria growth, keeping food fresh and safe for days or weeks.

Freezers, on the other hand, can preserve food for months or even longer by halting bacterial growth entirely. As temperatures rise, bacteria multiply rapidly. While not all bacteria are harmful, some can pose risks to food quality and safety. To prevent food-borne illness and maintain the best quality, it's crucial to keep your fridge at the recommended temperature and follow proper maintenance practices.

What Temperature Should a Refrigerator Be?

The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) recommends keeping your refrigerator at or below 40°F (4°C) and your freezer at 0°F (-18°C). However, the optimal refrigerator temperature is actually a bit lower—ideally between 35°F and 38°F (1.7°C to 3.3°C). This range keeps food cold without freezing it and ensures the safest environment for storage.

Temperatures above 38°F can lead to quicker spoilage, especially if your fridge's thermostat is inaccurate. Higher temperatures encourage the growth of harmful bacteria like Salmonella, increasing the risk of food-borne illness.

What Temperature Should a Freezer Be?

To keep your freezer at it's best, aim for a temperature of 0°F (-18°C). This ensures your food remains frozen and preserves its quality. If you're adding large amounts of warm food, some freezers feature a "flash freeze" function that temporarily drops the temperature for 24 hours, helping to prevent freezer burn. You can also manually adjust the temperature for a few hours but be sure to reset it afterward.

It's important not to set your freezer temperature too low, as it can increase energy costs and cause food to lose moisture and flavor. Excessive ice buildup in the freezer is a sign the temperature is set too low.

How to Measure Accurate Temperature

Refrigerator temperature gauges aren't always reliable. Your fridge might be set to 37°F, but it could be running at 33°F or even 41°F. If your fridge lacks a temperature display, it may use a 1-to-5 scale, making it difficult to know the exact temperature. To get an accurate reading, purchase an inexpensive freestanding appliance thermometer. Place it in the fridge or freezer for 20 minutes, then check the temperature. If it's not within the safe range (35°-38°F for the fridge, 0°F for the freezer), adjust your settings accordingly.

Tips to Keep Your Fridge and Freezer Cool

If your fridge is nearing 40°F or your freezer isn’t cold enough, try these tips to help maintain the ideal temperature:

1. Let Food Cool Before Storing

Hot food can raise the temperature inside your fridge or freezer, risking bacterial growth. Allow food to cool slightly before storing it.

2. Check the Door Seals

Leaky door gaskets let cold air escape and warm air in, making your fridge work harder. Make sure the seals are intact to prevent energy loss.

3. Limit Door Openings

Opening the door allows cold air to escape. Be efficient when accessing your fridge, and close the door quickly to maintain cool temperatures.

4. Clean Around Your Fridge

Dust and debris around your fridge can hinder airflow. Regularly clean behind and around your fridge, including the coils, to ensure efficient operation.

5. Move Your Fridge Away from the Wall

Allow for better airflow by keeping your fridge a few inches away from the wall. This reduces strain on the appliance and helps it run more efficiently.

6. Keep the Fridge and Freezer Full

A full fridge maintains its temperature better than an empty one. However, don’t overcrowd it—leave about 20% of space for air circulation. Consider investing in an ice maker to save space in your freezer.