What Temperature Should a Refrigerator and Freezer Be?
Updated
Short answer
The FDA says to keep the refrigerator at 40°F or below and the freezer at 0°F. Few refrigerator controls show the actual temperature, so use an inexpensive freestanding appliance thermometer and adjust from there.
The FDA's refrigerator thermometer guidance: keep the refrigerator at 40°F or below and the freezer at 0°F; because few refrigerator controls show actual temperatures, a freestanding appliance thermometer lets you monitor and adjust the setting (FDA).
How to check
- Put an appliance thermometer in the middle shelf of the fridge and one in the freezer.
- Read it after several hours with the doors closed.
- Adjust one step and wait 24 hours, which is Whirlpool's advice after a control change (Whirlpool).
If it will not reach 40°F with the control turned colder, start with the not-cooling checklist.
Quick answers
What temperature should my refrigerator be?
40°F or below, and the freezer 0°F, according to the FDA.
Is the number on my fridge dial a temperature?
Usually not. The FDA notes few controls show actual temperatures, which is why it recommends an appliance thermometer.
Rather have someone fix it?
Tell us the appliance, the brand, the model number and what it is doing. A local technician calls back with a time and a price before any work starts.