Guide to Setting Your Refrigerator Temperature

You've picked out top-notch ingredients, and naturally, you want them to stay fresh and taste great when it's time to use them. The right fridge temperature is crucial for keeping fruits and veggies crisp, meats and cheeses fresh, and frozen goods in perfect condition. Maximize the freshness of delicacies like thinly sliced prosciutto and freshly picked strawberries by following this guide to refrigerator temperature settings.

Refrigerator Temperature Settings: What Should They Be?

37°F is the factory setting on KitchenAid^® refrigerators. Remember that various areas inside your refrigerator have different temperatures. For instance, the door compartments are usually warmer because they are affected by the frequent opening and closing of the door. 

This makes them perfect for storing less perishable items like chutney or almond butter. On the other hand, the bottom shelf and the back of the fridge are typically the coldest spots, which are great for keeping meats and dairy products. Learn what to do if the back of your fridge is freezing food.

Select refrigerators from KitchenAid brand also feature 2 Soft-Close Drawers for optimized storage for specific items. The left drawer comes with five preset temperatures for specific needs: meat/fish, deli/cheese, greens/herbs, thaw/marinate, and drinks. The right drawer is perfectly suited for storing produce.

How to Set or Adjust Your Refrigerator's Temperature Control: A Guide

For refrigerators with a digital control panel, like this French door fridge from KitchenAid brand, use the (+) or (-) touch pads to adjust the temperature to your desired setting. Check your owner’s manual for exact details on where these controls are located and how to properly raise or lower your refrigerator’s temperature. After making any changes, remember to give your fridge 24 hours to stabilize at the new temperature.

Select KitchenAid^® refrigerators feature an ExtendFresh™ Temperature Management System, which includes sensors that independently track the temperatures in the refrigerator and freezer compartments. This ensures that fruit juices remain unfrozen and prawns are protected from freezer burn.

Ideal Freezer Temperature Range for Food Storage

The optimal temperature for storing frozen food is 0°F (-17°C). Maintaining your freezer at this temperature ensures that the quality of your favourite frozen foods is preserved. Whether it's fresh prawns, homemade tortellini, or espresso chip ice cream, keeping them at this setting guarantees they'll be delicious and ready to impress at your next dinner party.

KitchenAid brand offers dual evaporator refrigerators that feature separate cooling systems in the fridge and freezer compartments. This ensures the creation of ideal cooling environments, maintaining both fresh and frozen items at their best taste and quality. Select KitchenAid^® refrigerators are also equipped with a Preserva^® Food Care System that features two independent cooling systems to help keep food fresh longer—a dedicated refrigeration unit and a separate system for frozen food.

Does Refrigerator Temperature Vary by Food Storage Zone?

Each zone in your refrigerator is designed to deliver consistent and even cooling, helping you organize various types of food across both the fridge and freezer sections. The coldest temperatures are typically found at the bottom of the refrigerator. These lower shelves are perfect for maintaining the taste and texture of items like Chinook salmon or organic chicken. Deli drawers are specifically designed to keep perishable items like soft and savory cheeses at lower temperatures, ideal for your upcoming charcuterie board.

Humidity-controlled crisper drawers are key to maintaining the bold flavors and vibrant colors of your favorite fruits and vegetables. For the best storage conditions, leafy greens and ethylene-sensitive fruits should be kept in high humidity drawers, which retain more moisture, making them perfect for storing lettuce, oranges, and strawberries. Conversely, low humidity drawers are suited for ethylene-producing fruits that thrive in a drier setting, such as honeydew melons, papayas, and kiwis.

Store prepared meals on the upper shelves, where the temperatures are most consistent. Knowing where to store herbs in the refrigerator can also extend the freshness of tender cilantro and woody rosemary, adding vibrant flavors to dishes like your next chimichurri or pork tenderloin.

How Does the Right Refrigerator Temperature Ensure Food Safety?

Setting your refrigerator to 37°F is generally ideal for safely storing most foods. It's important to remember that you might need to tweak these settings based on different conditions and humidity levels, especially if your fridge is located in a basement or garage.

Explore KitchenAid® Refrigerators

KitchenAid^® refrigerators are crafted to blend effortlessly with your kitchen's layout and workflow. Their flexible storage solutions make it easy to store and keep your favourite ingredients fresh and within reach. Browse the complete collection of built-in, side by side and French door refrigerators from KitchenAid brand to find the one that complements the way you like to create.