What should my refrigerator temperature be

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All email addresses you provide will be used just for sending this story. By Daniel Wroclawski. Published November 11, Updated September 13, Photo: Getty Images.

More on Refrigerators. A good thermometer will give you an accurate reading within degrees, so you can trust your fridge is actually out of the danger zone. Close the refrigerator door and wait a couple of hours for the most accurate read. Adjust the temperature controls accordingly. Different parts of the refrigerator run a little cooler than others. The back and bottom of the refrigerator are the coolest, while the upper shelves are a little warmer. The door shelves run the warmest.

Here's what to store where:. Upper shelves : Leftovers and snacks should be stored on the upper shelves. Not only is the temperature more consistent on these shelves, but food is more easily accessible, making it harder to forget about that extra pasta Bolognese.

Fridge door: Condiments — not milk and eggs! That's because condiments have more preservatives in them, which make them more shelf stable and less sensitive to changes in temperature. Butter compartment : If you store butter in the door, use the butter compartment. The little door helps keep that area cool even if you open the refrigerator door a lot. The lower temperatures are responsible for slowing the growth of bacteria and preventing them from multiplying rapidly, which helps keep your meat fresher, longer.

This also helps avoid cross contamination if your meat happens to leak. Once the temperature rises above 40 degrees F, the food should be thrown away. Do you want an easy way to remember how to set your refrigerator and freezer temperatures?

Click here to download your free printable cheat sheet! Take the temperature reading from the thermometer inside the freezer. What is the temperature reading inside the freezer? I have some frozen pizzas, meals, and veggies still in the freezer. I made room in another freezer to move the meats to yesterday. Will the food left on the freezer still be okay?

Thanks for your input!! Freezers should be kept at 0 degrees F degrees C or lower. Some freezers have a digital temperature setting. Yes, most marinades have an acidic base. You need to keep your marinating foods in the refrigerator, below 40 degrees Fahrenheit. You must be logged in to post a comment.