What Are Ideal Fridge and Freezer Temperatures?
What Are Ideal Fridge and Freezer Temperatures?
Discovering that your food is either half-frozen or lukewarm is an indication that your fridge or freezer is not at the ideal temperature. The main purpose of a fridge is to inhibit the growth of bacteria, while the purpose of a freezer is to freeze food to slow down the growth of bacteria further. Therefore, if these appliances are not maintaining the correct temperature, they are not fulfilling their intended purpose.
All food contains bacteria, but there are good and bad types. Good bacteria enhances the taste of food, and is commonly found in items such as beer, yoghurt, and sourdough bread. Bad bacteria, on the other hand, is identified by the presence of mould, and food with mould is unsafe to eat. Refrigerating food slows down bacterial growth, and according to the UK food standards agency, the ideal fridge temperature for food is 8°C and below. However, considering the temperature drop that occurs when the fridge door is opened and closed, the fridge should be set between 1-5°C.
Some fridges do not display temperature, but instead, use a setting that ranges from 1 to 5 to indicate refrigeration power, with 5 being the coolest setting. To measure the temperature accurately, it is recommended to use a thermometer on the middle shelf of the fridge.
Contrary to popular belief, freezing food does not stop bacterial growth, it just slows it down. Freezing food at lower temperatures will further slow down bacterial growth, and preserve the Vitamin C content in frozen vegetables. The accepted standard for freezing food is -18°C.
Ideal Freezer Temperature
Poor organisation of the fridge can cause some parts to be colder than others, due to improper airflow. The seal around the fridge door must be checked to ensure that cold air is not escaping. A broken thermostat can also result in the wrong fridge temperature. If you suspect a fault in your fridge that causes it to be too cold or too warm, it is recommended to call for fridge repair services.
We offer specialist services that cover all aspects related to repairs, installation and servicing throughout the year. We guarantee complete satisfaction and provide our customers with peace of mind!
Why Use Repair Giant to Fix Your Fridge Freezer
When your fridge freezer is broken, you need someone that you can trust to fix it. Below are just a few of the reasons to trust Repair Giant.
- We repair all major brands, including AEG, Beko, Samsung, LG, and Bosch, and many more.
- Repairs are cheaper and better for the planet than replacements
- We have excellent reviews and testimonials
- Same or next-day appointments
- Fixed fees and one-off labour charges, with clear, easy to understand pricing
- We’re local engineers with over 15 years of experience
- Friendly and knowledgeable staff
- Fast and reliable service
- Six months guarantee on all repairs performed
If you need your fridge freezer repaired or have any further questions, get in touch with us on 0207 267 7230 or fill in our online form for a FREE quote today.