A refrigerator is an important appliance in every household. It is never unplugged and used constantly with food going in and out of it. It also stores the food that we want to preserve, from leftovers to fresh veggies. At the right temperature, the food can be stored for days or weeks. Freezers can do the same sometimes for months, sometimes indefinitely. Read on to find out the temperatures your refrigerator and freezer should be at to slow down the growth of bacteria and keep your food fresh for longer.
The Refrigerator Temperature
For an ideal refrigerator temperature, stay between 35 and 38 degrees Fahrenheit, or 1.7 to 3.3 degrees celsius. 40 degrees Fahrenheit is the point where bacterias start to multiply, hence it is important to not get any closer to that temperature. Higher temperatures can lead to bacteria such as Salmonella and E.Coli spoiling the food.
The Freezer Temperature
Since the freezer is mainly used for freezing purposes, whether food or ice, it is best to keep it as close to 0 degrees Fahrenheit as possible. However, if your freezer has sizeable ice built up in it, it indicates that the temperature is too cold. This can lead to extremely high utility bills, as well as cause the food to lose flavor and moisture. You can decrease the temperature for a few hours, but remember to increase it back again!
How to Maintain Your Refrigerator’s Cooling
Sometimes, your appliance might be having trouble keeping its cool, and constantly have an increasing temperature. In this case, there are several steps you can take. Firstly, always cool the food before you store it. Putting in a piping hot bowl of soup is cause for trouble. Also, avoid opening and closing the door too much, so maybe decide what you want beforehand instead of checking constantly. Lastly, keep your fridge and freezer well-stocked as a full fridge cools better and longer than an empty one.