The ideal temperature for your refrigerator should be between 1°C and 5°C (about 34°F to 40°F) to keep food fresh and safe. Many sources recommend setting the fridge around 3°C (38°F) as optimal, with some variation depending on specific models and conditions
. Key points:
- Samsung suggests a default fridge temperature of 3°C (38°F)
- The FDA and food safety experts advise keeping the fridge at or below 40°F (4.4°C) to prevent bacterial growth
- The UK Food Standards Agency recommends 5°C or below for safety
- Temperatures above 40°F (4.4°C) risk entering the "danger zone" where bacteria multiply quickly
For the freezer, the ideal temperature is around -18°C (0°F) to keep food properly frozen
. Using a refrigerator thermometer is advised to ensure your fridge maintains the correct temperature, as built-in controls may not always reflect the actual internal temperature accurately
. In summary:
- Set fridge temperature between 1°C and 5°C (34°F to 40°F), ideally around 3°C (38°F).
- Keep freezer temperature at about -18°C (0°F).
- Use a thermometer to monitor and adjust settings as needed.
