How cold should your fridge be?

Your fridge is indispensable, but do you know how cold it should actually be? Many people just turn on the fridge without looking at the temperature. Yet this is very important. A fridge that is too hot will make your food spoil faster, while a fridge that is too cold will use a lot of energy unnecessarily. Find out here what the ideal temperature is and why it is important for your food and your energy bill.

What is the ideal temperature?

The best temperature for your fridge is between 3 and 4 degrees Celsius. This temperature slows the growth of bacteria and keeps your food fresh for longer. It is also energy-efficient. If you turn your fridge colder, you waste energy without keeping your food safer. That costs money and is bad for the environment. So pay attention to the temperature and make sure your fridge works optimally.

Why is the right temperature so important?

The temperature in your fridge directly affects the freshness of your food. Bacteria multiply quickly between 5 and 60 degrees Celsius. If your fridge is warmer than 4 degrees, bacteria stand a better chance. This means meat, dairy and leftovers spoil faster. You don’t want to risk food poisoning. A fridge that is too cold is not good either. Products like vegetables, fruit and dairy can freeze. This affects quality. Think frozen cucumbers that become limp or milk that starts to curdle. So make sure the temperature is right, neither too hot nor too cold.

How do you check the temperature?

Many modern fridges have a built-in thermometer. Is that not the case? Don’t worry, you can easily buy a thermometer. Place it in the middle of the fridge. Don’t measure near the back wall or the door, that’s where the temperature deviates. The middle will give you a good idea of the actual temperature. Check regularly, especially if you add a lot of products or open and close the fridge often.

Save energy with the right temperature

Not only will your food last longer, your energy consumption will also decrease if you set your fridge to the right temperature. For every degree colder, you use 5% more energy. That adds up, especially since your fridge is always on. Setting the right temperature will save you energy and money. Want to save even more? Look for fridges with a good energy label. The latest models use less power, which is good for your wallet and the environment.

4 tips for a sustainable fridge

Not too full: Make sure your fridge is not too full. A full fridge cannot allow air to circulate properly, making the temperature uneven. This makes it harder to maintain the temperature.

Let hot products cool first: Don’t place hot food directly in the fridge. This increases the temperature and the fridge has to work harder to cool everything down again.

Clean your fridge:  A dirty fridge works less efficiently. Regular cleaning prevents bacteria build-up and improves cooling.

Defrost your freezer compartment: A thick layer of ice in the freezer compartment increases energy consumption. Defrost it regularly for more efficient operation.

Fridge layout

Did you know that the temperature in your fridge is not the same everywhere? The top is usually warmest, while the bottom and the back wall are coldest. So fresh products like meat and dairy are best kept at the bottom or in the middle. Products that spoil less quickly, such as jars or bottles, are fine at the top.

The perfect temperature

Keep your fridge between 3 and 4 degrees Celsius for a good balance between food safety and energy saving. Checking regularly and using your fridge properly will ensure fresh food and lower energy costs. 

So set your fridge to the right temperature and benefit from fresher food for longer and lower energy bills!