Adjust the Temperature Settings Give the refrigerator at least 24 hours to stabilise its internal temperature after turning it on for the first time. We recommend not adding any food before the temperature has fully settled.
After plugging the refrigerator in, wait two to four hours and verify that the unit is cooling before putting food inside. Only add food to the freezer once the freezer temperature is below 0°F (-18°C).
Step 1: Let It Settle
If you power it up too soon, that oil may not have returned to its correct place, which could impact performance, or worse, damage the appliance. At Hotpoint our recommendation is to wait 2 hours before plugging in your new fridge freezer.
To keep your fridge or freezer working properly, it's recommended to wait a few hours, at least 4-6 hours, before plugging it in after it's been moved. This allows the compressor oil, which lubricates the internal components, to settle back into place.
Once the unit is in the house you should: Leave the appliance to sit for 3 hours. Then plug it in and switch it on. It should then be left overnight to stabilize before putting any fresh food into it.
If it was on its side for more than a day, leave it standing upright for 24 hours before running the refrigerator. If laying on its side just briefly to service, clean or adjust, just a few minutes of stand time will be enough.
Non-profit organisation Love Food, Hate Waste recommends the 2:2:2 rule. Two hours to get them in the fridge. Two days to eat them once they're in there. Or freeze them for up to two months.
Let it stand
In transit, your appliance gets shaken around, so it's best to let everything settle before you plug it in. If it was transported upright, give it at least an hour before you plug it in. If it was transported on its side, turn it the right way up and leave it for at least four hours.
Because you're going to be storing food in it, it's a good idea to clean it before you use it. Clean the interior before use. Wash down with warm water and dishwashing liquid in each compartment. Ensure everything is completely dry before placing the compartments back in.
Things You Should Not Do After Buying a New Fridge
After you have installed your refrigerator it will take 6 to 12 hours for the fridge-freezer's ice maker to produce ice. You should throw away the first three batches of ice cubes that the ice maker dispenses (approximately 30 cubes) to ensure that all the ice cubes you use are made from clean water.
Set the temperature for the fresh food compartment to 37-40°F (3-4°C) and the freezer to 0°F (-18°C). These settings are generally ideal for keeping food fresh without overburdening the compressor. Give the refrigerator at least 24 hours to stabilise its internal temperature after turning it on for the first time.
As a rule of thumb, wait until the refrigerator is at or below 37°F and the freezer is at or below 0°F before adding a full load of groceries. If you need to know how long it takes a new refrigerator to get cold, plan for at least several hours and up to a full day for complete stabilization.
Once your fridge has been safely moved into the kitchen of your new home and is in the desired position, you should let it stand unplugged, in an upright position, for at least 4 hours to allow its compressor oil to settle.
As a general rule, we recommend waiting at least 12 hours before turning the fridge on to be on the safe side, but it's best to follow the manual. This waiting period allows any residual oil to settle, ensuring your fridge operates at its best once powered up.
Common Mistakes To Avoid When Moving a Fridge
Avoid these common fridge-moving mistakes: Moving alone: Attempting to move a fridge by yourself is dangerous and can lead to personal injury or damage to the appliance. Always have at least one helper.
If your fridge or upright freezer was transported standing up, Ashley says you can turn it on straight away. But if it took a trip on its back or side, you need to give it time to stand up and let the refrigerant settle. If you don't do this, you risk damaging your fridge.
How to organize a refrigerator
In general, a new fridge takes about 12 to 24 hours to fully get cold and reach a stable, safe temperature for food storage. Although it may begin cooling within a few hours, it is best to wait until it is completely stabilized before loading it with perishable items.
Food which has been displayed for less than four hours can be put back in the fridge and kept at 8°C or below until it is used. If it has been out for more than four hours it must be thrown away. If you do take food out of chilled storage to display it, remove a small amount at a time.
Many foods don't expire as quickly as you think and are more about quality than safety. Storing pantry staples like bottled water and canned goods in cool, dark places can ensure longer freshness. Some items, like honey and sugar, can last almost indefinitely if stored correctly.
What vegetables should not be refrigerated? Vegetables that should not be refrigerated include avocados, bell peppers, onions and potatoes.