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.
But the temperature controls on many fridges only allow you to choose from a series of numbers, usually 1 through 5, with 1 being the coldest and 5 being the warmest.
And to further complicate matters, even when refrigerators have digital controls for setting precise temperatures, our tests have found that the settings aren’t always accurate.
The temperature-measuring equipment Consumer Reports uses in its lab tests is extremely precise, down to a fraction of a degree. As a result, we can tell you exactly where to set your refrigerator temperature to achieve optimal freshness.
When a new batch of refrigerators comes into our labs, we start by setting the ambient temperature in our climate-controlled chambers to 70° F to simulate conditions in most home kitchens.
Then we determine which thermostat setting on each refrigerator will get the internal temperature in the center of the unit to between 36° F and 38° F. We do the same thing in the freezer, experimenting until we get the freezer temperature to between -1° F and 1° F.
“Some refrigerators are spot-on, but others are wide off the mark,” says Larry Ciufo, CR’s test engineer for refrigerators. “I’ve seen a few refrigerators be off by as much as 5° F, which can be the difference between fresh food and spoiled food.”
It’s important to note that we don’t penalize refrigerators for inaccurate settings. Most are capable of maintaining consistent temperatures once they reach the optimal level. The point is that you need to know how to get them to the 37° F and 0° F marks. And that’s why we include this information in the Features & Specs tab of our refrigerator ratings chart. You’ll find the ideal temperature setting for refrigerators with digital controls and the ideal numeric value for models with that type of thermostat.
What if your fridge isn’t one of our tested models? Your best bet is to buy a refrigerator thermometer, available online and at home centers for a few bucks, and conduct your own experiment. It won’t be as exact as the sensitive thermocouples we use in our lab, but it should get you within a degree or so of the perfect refrigerator temperature to keep your food fresh, tasty, and safe for as long as possible.
If you’re in the market for a new refrigerator, see our comprehensive refrigerator ratings and buying guide. Here are five impressive options, all of which excel in our test for thermostat control.
Daniel Wroclawski
I'm obsessed with smart home tech and channel my obsession into new stories for Consumer Reports. When I'm not writing about products, I spend time either outside hiking and skiing or up in the air in small airplanes. For my latest obsessions, follow me on Facebook and Twitter (@danwroc).
We rely on our refrigerator to keep food cold, so much so that any cooling issue can have us considering a replacement. But before buying a new one, is there anything you can do if your Frigidaire refrigerator isn’t getting cold enough? Try these troubleshooting tips when you find your Frigidaire refrigerator not cooling properly to fix the problem yourself.
Frigidaire Refrigerator Not Cooling Properly? This Could Be Why
As alarming as it can be, a Frigidaire refrigerator not cooling properly can often be resolved with a simple fix or adjustment. These common causes can determine if a DIY solution or professional repair will resolve cooling concerns.
1) Need to Adjust Refrigerator Temperature
If your Frigidaire refrigerator doesn’t get cold enough, first check the temperature to make sure it’s set correctly. Shifting items or someone mistakenly touching the thermostat controls can result in changed settings that make the temperature warmer. Similarly, if you’re experiencing ice production issues, our ice maker troubleshooting tips recommend checking the temperature settings in your freezer.
What temperature should my refrigerator be set at for optimum cooling? It’s recommended that most be set between 35-37℉. However, refer to your user manual to determine the right temperature settings for your model refrigerator.
2) Exceeding Refrigerator Storage Capacity
Keeping enough cold items in the refrigerator can help it maintain its temperature. However, crowding it with too much food can block air vents that bring cool air from the freezer. A packed refrigerator can also limit airflow between items, causing temperatures to rise.
When placing items in the refrigerator, be sure to keep them away from air vents that provide cold air. Keep the refrigerator ¾ of the way full to help maintain its internal temperature and allow for airflow between items.
Photo Credit: OctoClean3) Refrigerator Condenser Coils Require Cleaning
A refrigerator’s condenser coils cool refrigerant, producing cool air for the refrigerator. If the coils get dirty, they won’t be able to cool the refrigerant sufficiently and the internal temperature can rise. We suggest a refrigerator coil cleaning every 6 months to ensure the coils function properly to cool the refrigerator.
Here’s how to clean Frigidaire refrigerator coils quickly and easily:
- Refer to your user manual to locate the condenser coils on your model refrigerator. Many are behind an access panel on the rear of the refrigerator or behind a front grille at the bottom.
- Unplug the refrigerator.
- Remove the panel or grille to access the coils.
- Clean the coils and the area around them with a narrow hose vacuum attachment.
- Use an appliance brush to remove lingering dirt and debris.
- Vacuum any remaining dust and dirt on the floor.
- Replace the panel or grille and restore the refrigerator’s power.
4) Refrigerator Door Not Sealing Properly
Most refrigerators have a rubber seal along the door’s perimeter that provides airtight closure when the door is shut. This keeps cold air inside and prevents warm air from entering. A Frigidaire refrigerator not cooling properly may have a dirty or damaged seal, allowing cold air to escape and warm air to enter.
Assess the door seal for dirt and debris or signs of damage like rips or tears. While a refrigerator door seal cleaning with a damp cloth can restore cool temperatures, a damaged seal requires replacement.
5) Frigidaire Refrigerator Part Failure
Is your Frigidaire refrigerator not cooling even after these troubleshooting tips? It’s possible an internal component failure is responsible.
These part malfunctions can result in refrigerator cooling problems and require professional replacement:
- Failed evaporator or condenser fan motors: These fans help cool refrigerant as it flows through the evaporator or condenser coils. If the fans fail, the refrigerant may not cool properly.
- Malfunctioning thermostat: If the refrigerator thermostat malfunctions, it won’t be able to signal the compressor for additional cool air.
- Faulty start capacitor: This component provides the electrical voltage needed to start the compressor’s production of cool air. Without it, the compressor won’t start and the refrigerator won’t cool.
The team at Moore Appliance Service can provide expert refrigerator service and repair. Call us for any cooling concerns!