A Whirlpool® refrigerator loaded with a variety of foods

The Correct Refrigerator Temperature for Fresh Food

If you often store fresh food, it’s important to understand proper refrigerator temperature.  

 

The recommended refrigerator temperature is about 37°F (3°C). That said, a range between 33–40°F (0–4°C) is often considered safe for most purposes. Temperatures below 33°F could freeze foods, while temperatures above 40°F may result in food spoilage.

 

For most Whirlpool® refrigerators, the typical factory setting is 37°F (3°C). However, temperatures on certain models may need to be set higher or lower depending on your fridge's environment, among other factors. 

 

This article should answer many of your questions about refrigerator temperatures.

Why does food need to be kept at a specific cold temperature?

Storing food to ensure it’s cold enough helps it stay fresh and flavourful for longer. It can also help prevent the likelihood of bacterial growth. Raising your refrigerator’s temperature above 40°F (4°C) could create a harmful environment for dairy, eggs, meat, and produce, which may contain foodborne germs. Furthermore, you should make sure to refrigerate any leftovers within two hours. Keeping foods stored within the correct temperature range may also help prevent your refrigerator’s environment from becoming similar to typical freezer temperatures, which can cause fresh foods to ice over. 

Refrigerator interior with a variety of items

Is your refrigerator set to the correct temperature?

Firstly, confirm that your model is set to the recommended temperature outlined in your user manual. Then, wait for about 24 hours and check inside. You’ll know the temperature is correct if the following have occurred:

Beverages icon

Your juice and milk are cold enough

Keeping your drinks on a lower shelf or towards the back of the refrigerator can help them stay colder and the way you like them. Learn more about how to organize and store food in your refrigerator and how to organize a side-by-side refrigerator to help keep your food fresh and accessible and avoid food spoilage. Remember, certain beverages, such as wine, may benefit from long-term storage in a specific wine refrigerator or beverage centre.

No ice icon

Your food doesn’t have ice on it

Your temperature might be too low if ice is present on your food. Also, a relatively empty fridge could mean cold air sinks to the bottom rather than being absorbed by items. Learn more about how to stop food from freezing in your refrigerator.

Expiration date icon

Your fresh food stays fresh for longer

When considering your fridge’s ideal temperature, remember that a higher temperature can cause food to spoil faster. Maintaining a cooler fridge environment can help preserve its contents. Learn how to adjust the humidity in your fridge to help keep produce like broccoli and mushrooms fresh for longer.

Usage tip:

Keep your fridge cool by not leaving the doors open for longer than necessary, keeping it fully stocked, and ensuring that nothing is blocking the air vents. Learn more about keeping temperatures consistent in your refrigerator.

Temperature controls on a Whirlpool® refrigerator

Is it safe to keep my fridge set to 45 degrees?

Keeping your fridge at 45°F is typically not ideal for storing food fresh. According to the Canadian Food Inspection Agency, bacteria are prone to form quicker in temperatures ranging from 40°F to 140°F. Furthermore, fresh foods can spoil if they’re kept at temperatures above 40°F for more than two hours. If your refrigerator is strictly meant for wine storage and soda, then you can enjoy more flexible storage temperatures. Discover the history of refrigerators and how the appliance has evolved to keep food fresh and safe to eat.

When should you adjust your refrigerator temperature?

The environment around your fridge may affect how cold your refrigerator should be. If you installed your model in a basement or garage, you should confirm whether you need to adjust the temperature to account for humidity or outside temperatures. If so, only make minor adjustments and wait at least 24 hours between changes to allow your refrigerator to adjust.

Close-up of refrigerator temperature control panel.

How do you adjust your refrigerator’s temperature?

This varies based on your model. Typically, controls are located on one of the following parts of a refrigerator:

  • The inner sides

  • On the edge of the door

  • At the top centre

Some refrigerators allow you to adjust the temperature by degrees, while others have numbers depicting general temperature ranges. To adjust, you might have to press the up and down arrow keys or turn a dial. Always review your user manual for specific instructions.

Shop for Whirlpool® refrigerators

Available in a range of sizes and styles, Whirlpool® refrigerators help you care for your family with purposeful spaces that fit your food storage, meal prep, and cooking needs. Whether you choose a French door or top- or bottom-freezer option, refrigerators by Whirlpool brand offer convenience with organizational features like Tiered Freezer Storage and Spill-Proof Glass Shelves on select models.

Explore more from Whirlpool brand