The ideal temperature for a refrigerator is generally between 1°C and 5°C (34°F to 41°F) to keep food fresh and safe by slowing bacterial growth. More specifically:

• Samsung recommends setting the fridge compartment to around 3°C (38°F) and the freezer to -19°C (-2°F) for optimal cooling

• The US FDA advises keeping the refrigerator at or below 40°F (4.4°C)

• Coolblue suggests 4°C as the ideal fridge temperature, balancing food preservation and energy efficiency

• The UK Food Standards Agency advises 5°C or below to prevent harmful bacteria growth

• Appliance City states the ideal range as 0°C to 5°C, noting many fridges are often set too warm at around 7°C

• Beko recommends 3°C to 5°C for the fridge and -18°C or lower for the freezer to maintain food quality and safety

• Consumer Reports finds 37°F (about 3°C) ideal for fresh food, with 0°F (-18°C) for freezers

• Reddit cooking community consensus aligns with 34°F to 40°F (1°C to 4°C) for safe food storage

In summary, setting your refrigerator temperature around 3°C to 4°C (37°F to 39°F) is optimal for food safety and freshness, while freezer temperatures should be at or below -18°C (0°F). Using a fridge thermometer can help ensure your appliance maintains these ideal temperatures accurately.