The lower you go in number, the warmer the freezer is set. Make sure all the food you put in the freezer isn't blocking the vents in the lower back area of the freezer or that will cause some cooling issues for sure.
This ensures any bacteria present in the food will not grow and multiply, keeping the food safe to eat for longer periods of time. However, most freezer manufacturers recommend keeping the appliance between 0 and 5 degrees Fahrenheit for optimal performance.
Some fridges have a temperature reading, but most have a numbered dial. This usually goes from 1 to 5, with 5 being the coldest. To make sure your fridge is at the right temperature, turn it to 5, the coldest setting, first, then check the temperature (we'll tell you the best way to do this below).
Setting the Temperature
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.
The temperature of a freezer should be set at 0 degrees Fahrenheit so everything stays very cold. A freezer should be cold enough to keep food frozen and preserve it until they are ready to be cooked or reheated.
So on a refrigerator what setting is coldest (1 to 5)?
On every fridge the rules for the coldest settings are always the following: The numbers on the fridge's temperature dial indicate refrigerant power. The higher the number goes the colder the fridge will maintain. Setting it to 5 will make your fridge the coldest.
There should be an adjustable thermostat control somewhere. If it's a fridge/freezer, it's usually in the fridge. If it's a standalone freezer, it's usually outside the cooling area, maybe above the door. Turn the knob in the direction that increases cooling.
To store frozen foods at best quality, keep the freezer set to maintain zero (0 °F or -17.8 °C).
For the fridge compartment, we recommend maintaining a temperature between 3°C to 5°C to slow bacterial growth and preserve perishable items effectively. Similarly, for the freezer compartment, it is best to set the temperature at -18°C or lower to freeze food solid and maintain its quality over longer periods.
Be sure to check the electrical outlet, thermostat and airflow around vents. Cooling problems can also be caused by dust on condenser coils, faulty gaskets, clearance space around the refrigerator, a broken or stuck condenser fan or a faulty circuit board.
Learn more. Is there a “correct” temperature for refrigerators and freezers? Yep: A fridge temperature of 37° F will keep fresh food good for as long as possible—with no ice crystals on lettuce or bacteria breeding in raw meats. As for the freezer, a temperature of 0° F will keep foods thoroughly frozen.
1 is the warmest and 7 is the coldest. It is recommended that unless you have some special (and rational) reason to mess with the setting, just leave them at the factory settings. All the settings do is divert resources away from either the freezer or the refrigerator.
Some fridges don't show the temperature but work on a setting that is listed from 1 to 5. 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.
Yes, your freezer can be too cold. If this is the case, you may need to adjust the temperature to 0ºF (-18ºC) or shift frozen items around to help encourage proper airflow. Parts of your freezer may also have worn out over time, affecting your appliance's freezing capabilities.
After trials we found that if the icon shows five bars, the resulting temperature is the coldest.
Freezer frosting is the build-up of frost on the walls and shelves inside a freezer. This can happen when there are fluctuations in temperature or when too much moisture gets into the freezer. The frost can also be caused by air coming into the freezer, which brings humidity and causes it to freeze.
What's the best temperature for your fridge freezer? The ideal fridge temperature is between 37°F (3°C) and 40°F (5°C). And your freezer temperature should be at 0°F (-18°C).
Your freezer will automatically maintain the temperature level you select. The temperature control dial has 7 settings, plus OFF. "1" is the warmest, "7" is the coldest, and turning the temperature dial to OFF shuts down the compressor.
The recommended freezer temperature to keep food safe is at or below 0°F (-18°C), making higher temperatures less reliable for long-term freezer storage.
Is It OK for Your Freezer To Be Set at 10 Degrees? Setting your freezer to 10 degrees Fahrenheit is generally not recommended for long-term food storage. Food stored at this temperature is at a higher risk of spoilage and freezer burn, as well as the growth of bacteria and other pathogens.
Turn knobs to lower numbers for warmer temperatures and to higher numbers for colder temperatures. The setting of 5 for both the fresh food and freezer section is the recommended setting for most environments.
Dusty condenser coils can't release heat efficiently. Cleaning them can improve your freezer's ability to cool. First, unplug your freezer. Move the unit away from the wall, then use a vacuum or brush to clean the coils, which are usually on the back of your unit or its side panels.
The optimal temperature for freezer food storage is 0° F or below. If the temperature is any higher, then you may be experiencing freezer problems.