The ideal refrigerator temperature is between 35°F and 38°F (1.7°C to 3.3°C)
. This temperature range ensures that food remains fresh and preserved for as long as possible. The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) recommends holding all perishable foods at a temperature between 33°F and 41°F (1°C and 5°C)
. However, setting the temperature closer to 35°F (1.6°C) provides a safer margin from the danger zone without causing items to freeze
. To maintain the optimal refrigerator temperature, consider the following tips:
- Use a thermometer to monitor the temperature inside your fridge. Many newer fridges come with built-in digital thermometers, but a separate thermometer can provide a double check
- Place thermometers in different sections of the fridge to ensure a uniform temperature throughout
- Avoid leaving perishable foods out of refrigeration for more than two hours. If the ambient temperature is over 90°F (32°C), the limit is one hour
- Discard any food that has been held for more than two hours above 40°F (4°C)
Remember that the temperature settings on many fridges may not always be accurate, so it's essential to monitor the actual temperature inside the fridge to ensure food safety
