RECOMMENDED REFRIGERATOR AND FREEZER TEMPERATURE SETTINGS

WHAT TEMPERATURE SHOULD A REFRIGERATOR BE?

Your refrigerator temperature should stay between 33ºF and 40ºF (0ºC - 4.4ºC), with 37ºF being the ideal temperature for most foods. If your fridge dips below 33°F, you risk freezing items that aren't meant to be frozen, like fresh produce or dairy. But if it climbs above 40°F, this may increase the risk of food spoilage and waste.

Also, take into consideration where you’re placing items, since there are certain refrigerator compartments that may be cooler than others. Refrigerator doors tend to be slightly warmer, so items that have a longer shelf life—like condiments and soda—are great items to place in the door compartments. Your deli drawer and back of the fridge are typically the colder parts and should be used for items that are more perishable, like dairy products and cold cuts.

WHAT TEMPERATURE SHOULD A FREEZER BE?

Freezer temperatures should be set at 0ºF (-18ºC) to help conserve the quality of your frozen food. A range of -1ºF to 1ºF is still acceptable, though to help minimize freezer burn, it’s better to have your freezer on the colder end of the spectrum.

HOW TO ADJUST REFRIGERATOR AND FREEZER TEMPERATURE SETTINGS

To set or readjust the temperature on your fridge with electronic controls, use the touchpad buttons to update the settings. If you need to lower the temperature and your control pad is the kind that doesn't show temperature degrees, set the control a level higher. If you need to raise the temperature, set the control a level lower. 

If you’re not sure how to adjust your settings, refer to your manufacturer’s use and care guide for specifics on how to modify your temperature. Use an appliance thermometer to find the ideal temperature for your freezer, and update your settings accordingly.

Using the recommended refrigerator and freezer temperatures can help ensure your food items stay fresh. Knowing how long food lasts in the freezer and keeping it in the recommended range will help it taste better, and it can also help reduce unwanted fridge smells.

HOW DO YOU MAINTAIN IDEAL FRIDGE AND FREEZER TEMPERATURES?

Regularly check your refrigerator and freezer temperatures to make sure that they stay within the recommended range. If your fridge or freezer lists a number 1 through 5 instead of degrees, use an appliance thermometer to figure out the ideal setting.

Avoid cramming food into the fridge or blocking the air vents, since doing so can prevent the air from flowing freely between freezer and fridge compartments. Keep in mind that after restocking your fridge, it can take several hours for the temperature to go back to normal levels. Read more on how refrigerators and freezers work and learn how long food lasts in the freezer.

WHY ISN’T MY REFRIGERATOR STAYING COLD?

If you notice that your refrigerator isn’t staying as cool as it needs to, check your refrigerator settings. Use an appliance thermometer to make sure that the fridge temperature is below 40ºF. 

If the temperature is above 40ºF, try adjusting the settings, and wait 24 hours before checking again. However, if your fridge is already on its lowest temperature setting, or if adjusting the setting doesn’t fix the issue, read your owner’s manual for more detailed information and troubleshooting. 

For Maytag^® fridge and freezer owners, refer to the troubleshooting page for possible causes and fixes for your refrigerator or freezer not cooling properly, or place a service call instead.

REFRIGERATOR AND FREEZER TEMPERATURE TIPS

If your freezer or refrigerator isn’t cooling properly, a few simple adjustments can sometimes make a big difference. These tips can often help restore the right temperatures and help keep your food fresh. Explore the advice below to better manage fridge and freezer performance.

• Check temperatures regularly: It's easy for settings to get knocked out of place, whether by little hands reaching into the fridge or food bumping into the controls. Make a habit of checking the temperature often to be sure everything stays at a consistent level.

• Don’t overcrowd the compartment: Overloading the fridge or freezer can block air vents and disrupt airflow, leading to uneven cooling. Overcrowding can even cause some foods to freeze in the refrigerator.

• Defrost when needed: Frost buildup thicker than ¼ inch can interfere with vents, coils and temperature sensors. Defrost your freezer as needed to keep it running well and to help maintain a steady cold.

• Cool food before storing: Putting hot food straight into the fridge or freezer can raise the temperature in the compartment and make your appliance work harder. Let food cool down before storing it to help keep everything at a steady temperature.

• Limit door openings: Constantly opening the fridge or freezer—especially during snack hunts or grocery loading—lets cold air escape. Try to keep door openings brief. And when you do need to load up, the PowerCold^® Feature on select Maytag^® refrigerators helps get everything in your refrigerator back to nice and cold, nice and quick.