The ideal temperature for a refrigerator is between 35-38°F (1.6-3.3°C) according to most experts. The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) recommends that your refrigerator temperature should be at or below 40°F (4.4°C) . This temperature range ensures food safety by giving a 2-5 degree buffer in case the temperature gauge isnt wholly accurate. A fridge temperature of 37°F (2.8°C) will keep fresh food good for as long as possible, with no ice crystals on lettuce or bacteria breeding in raw meats.

Its important to note that anything too much lower than 35°F (1.6°C) can cause your food to freeze when you dont want it to. Setting the temperature too low can also cause some items to show frost on them. If your refrigerator doesn’t have a digital gauge, you can use an appliance thermometer to check the temperature.

To set the ideal temperature of your refrigerator, it’s important to understand your refrigerator’s temperature controls. Every model is different, so the location of the controls may vary. The temperature controls on many fridges only allow you to choose from a series of numbers, usually 1 through 5, with 1 being the coldest and 5 being the warmest.