Confused by the numbers on your fridge's temperature dial? The numbers relate to how much power the fridge is using. So the rule is always the same: the higher the number, the colder the fridge. Setting the dial to 5 will make the fridge coldest it can be.
Fridge temperature settings are generally numbered from 1 to 5, with 5 being the coldest. A fully stocked fridge may need to be set to a higher setting (around 3 or 4), whereas one with more space is best suited to temperature setting 2 or 3.
The numbers on the fridge's temperature dial indicate the refrigerating power. Therefore, the higher the setting, the cooler the fridge will be. Choosing setting 5 will make your fridge the coldest.
Some Refrigerator controls have a Snowflake symbol and a line that narrows as it curves around the control. Moving the dial or control to the Snowflake symbol makes the appliance COLDER. When adjusting the temperature control, clockwise is colder and counter-clockwise is warmer.
The ideal temperature for a refrigerator is 35 to 38 degrees Fahrenheit. Lower numbers on a dial thermostat are the coldest fridge temperatures.
Refrigerators work to keep your food at a cool—but not freezing—temperature. Overly frosty temperatures in your refrigerator can be due to a few possible causes, including blocked air vents, incorrect temperature settings, leaky door seals, issues with your built-in ice maker and more.
The temperature selection on a Chest Freezer is made by setting the dial from ONE to SEVEN, with SEVEN being the coldest. The normal safe freezing level is obtained by setting the control on FOUR. Turning the temperature control all the way to the left to the OFF position will turn the power off to the compressor.
It's best to set your temperature gauge a few degrees below that. Most experts recommend that the ideal temperature setting for a refrigerator is between 35-38°F (1.6-3.3°C). This temp ensures food safety by giving a 2-5 degree buffer in case the temperature gauge isn't wholly accurate.
1. Store raw food like meat, poultry, fish, sausages, bacon etc., in the bottom part of the fridge so that juices cannot drip on foods below. 2. Store ready-to-eat foods such as cooked meats, pies and dairy products such as cheese, butter, cream and yoghurt in the top part of the fridge.
If it's set too cold, set it higher and give it a day to adjust. Be sure to only adjust the temperature in relatively low increments, checking with a thermometer every 24 hours.
Based on these two factors here's the number your fridge should be set on: If you're always storing plenty of food you need the colder settings (3 to 4). If you're not storing as much choose between 2 and 3. If the temperature is very low, ice will form and it may prevent air circulation.
Operating temperatures are controlled by the thermostat knob (see diagram) located on the ceiling of the fridge compartment. Settings may be made from 1 to 5, 5 being the coldest position.
To keep food cold and fresh but not frozen, it should be set somewhere between 3-5°C (37-40°F). Some fridges have a temperature reading, but most have a numbered dial. This usually goes from 1 to 5, with 5 being the coldest.
There are several causes for a refrigerator that doesn't cool, including dirty condenser coils, poor ventilation, improper installation, faulty or dirty gasket seals, unorganized food storage, appliance location and malfunctioning internal parts.
According to the 23rd annual portrait of the U.S. appliance industry, standard refrigerators usually last anywhere from 10 to 18 years, with an average life expectancy of 14 years. Compact refrigerator lifespan is even shorter, ranging from 4 to 12 years with an average life expectancy of 8 years.
On a refrigerator with settings numbered from 0 to 7, 7 is the coldest setting. Setting the dial to 7 will lower the temperature, making it colder, ideal for preserving food safely and extending its freshness, especially in warmer conditions or when the fridge is fully stocked.
H or HI or High Temp
Indicates the freezer and/or refrigerator section of your appliance have exceeded the temperature threshold. This is usually caused by inadvertently not closing the door all the way or leaving the door open for an extended period of time.
To optimize refrigerator cooling in summer, position it correctly, avoid direct sunlight, and use power functions strategically. Maintain fridge at 3°C/37.4F and freezer at -19°C/-2.2F.
Reset your refrigerator
Follow the instructions below depending on your model and what you would like to reset: Reset your refrigerator: First, unplug it (or turn off the power at the circuit breaker), and then wait about five minutes for the electrical charge to clear out of it. Then, power it back on again.
Clear blocked air vents: Inspect the air vents inside the fridge and freezer compartments to ensure they are not obstructed by food or containers. Proper air circulation is vital for even cooling. Check the door seals: Inspect the rubber gaskets (door seals) around the refrigerator and freezer doors for damage.
Our Top Pick: LG produces excellent refrigerators that perform well in our tests and receive high satisfaction ratings from consumers, including our survey participants. The Smart French Door Refrigerator with Dual Ice Maker stands out for its simple, user-friendly design and customizable features.