The ideal temperature for a refrigerator is 40°F (4.4°C) or below, according to the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) . This temperature inhibits the growth of microorganisms that can cause foodborne illnesses, such as salmonella, listeria, and E. coli. However, its important to note that 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. Therefore, its recommended to use a refrigerator thermometer to ensure that the temperature is set to the ideal range.

While some sources suggest setting the temperature slightly lower, such as 35°F (1.6°C) , its important to avoid setting the temperature too low, as this can cause food to freeze when you dont want it to. Additionally, if the temperature is too low, it can cause the fridge to work harder than necessary, leading to higher energy bills.

In summary, the ideal temperature for a refrigerator is 40°F (4.4°C) or below, but its important to use a thermometer to ensure that the temperature is set to the correct range.