What Is The Perfect Temperature For Your Refrigerator?

Refrigerators are here to keep your food cold, right? But can it be too cold? If your fridge temperature is set too low, those celery sticks will soon become celery popsicles. And if the temperature isn’t set low enough, your food can spoil and the risk of food related illness will greatly increase. The key, like most things in life, is finding the right balance. So what is the  ideal temperature for your refrigerator to be set to? Let us help!

What’s The Right Temperature?

When thinking of the ideal fridge temp, it helps to think in terms of Goldilocks’ principle: not too hot, yet not too cold. Bacteria growth starts to triple around the 40°F mark, yet freeze around 32°F, making the ideal temperature range between 35 to 38°F.

How Do I know If It’s At The Right Temperature?

A refrigerator thermometer is the most accurate way to get a temperature reading. Some newer fridge models come with a digital temperature display, but for older ones, a freestanding thermometer is crucial. Older models come equipped with a dial, but the numbers don’t translate to actual temperature, and are typically not too helpful.

**Added bonus of the freestanding thermometer--if the power goes out, you’ll still have an accurate gauge on if your food is safe to eat or not!

What Are Some Ways To Keep The Right Temperature?

We’re glad you asked! If you’re having trouble keeping your refrigerator's temperature consistent, these could be to blame:

• You open the door too often: Opening the door multiple times in a row can affect your fridge’s temperature. If you’re planning a recipe, try to grab all of your ingredients at once to avoid keeping the door open for a prolonged period of time.
• Your seal could be broken: The seal on your door should be airtight. Even the slightest opening can change the temperature. Check to make sure your gasket doesn’t need to be replaced.
• Your food is too hot to handle: Making sure your food is cooled down prior to putting it into the fridge will not only expand the life of the food, but will avoid heating up the fridge, making it unsafe for all of the other foods in there.

Worried that your refrigerator is too warm or too cold? The refrigeration experts at Speedy SubZero are here to help! Serving Long Island and New York City for more than 75 years, there is no make or model of refrigerator, freezer, ice maker, or wine cooler that we can’t fix. We guarantee one-hour service to Nassau County and Suffolk County, call us today at 866-782-9376 to schedule an appointment with one of our licensed technicians.

Pros & Cons of Refrigerator Ice Dispenser

There’s nothing better than reaching for an ice cold drink to cool off in the warm summer months. When it comes to purchasing a new refrigerator, ones with built-in ice dispensers may seem like a no brainer, providing luxury and instant refreshments. But could the bad possibly outweigh the good? Here are the pros and cons of having a refrigerator with a built-in ice dispenser.

                                       

Pros:  

Convenience: A built in ice/water dispenser makes it easier to fill up your glass with just the push of a button and stay hydrated throughout the day. Manufacturers are starting to offer sparkling water options and even dispensers that produce cold and hot water.  Many refrigerators also offer a crushed or cubed ice option, for added convenience.

Cleaner Water: Ice dispenser water is run through a built in filter to help remove mercury and unwanted minerals, leading to better tasting water.

Environmentally Conscious: Using a built in water dispenser will not only help eliminate the cost of constantly buying plastic water bottles, but is also much better for the environment.

Cons:

Cost: Refrigerators with an ice/water dispenser typically costs a few hundred dollars more to purchase. They require more energy to run, making your electric bills higher. And don’t forget the expense of replacing the filter, which is another added cost.

Repair Rates: According to Consumer Reports, refrigerators with ice dispensers tend to break down a lot and repairs can be very costly.

Reduced Storage: Depending on the make of your refrigerator, the ice/water dispenser can take up very valuable space in either your refrigerator or freezer side.

Is your refrigerator or ice-maker in need of repair? The refrigeration experts at Speedy SubZero are here to help! Serving Long Island and New York City for more than 75 years, there is no make or model of refrigerator, freezer, ice maker, or wine cooler that we can’t fix. We guarantee one-hour service to Nassau County and Suffolk County, call us today at 866-782-9376 to schedule an appointment with one of our licensed technicians.