This Is the Best Temperature To Keep Your Fridge At, According to 2 Experts

I gauge the refrigerator temperature by how the milk tastes. It should never be warm (gross), and it should certainly not have ice crystals. Obviously, there are much better ways to monitor your fridge temperature. And, according to two experts I spoke with, there’s a perfect temperature to keep your food fresh, safe, and tasty.

“Keeping the refrigerator at the proper temperature is essential for both food safety and quality. It prevents bacterial growth, reducing the risk of foodborne illness,” says Gabriela Swamy, PhD, professor at San Jose State University and member of the Institute of Food Technologists Refrigerated & Frozen Foods Division. “Additionally, it helps maintain freshness, texture, and flavor, preventing spoilage and waste. Proper refrigeration extends food shelf life effectively.”

She says the fridge should be kept below 40°F to keep food quality high and to prevent bacteria growth, though it shouldn’t hover very close to freezing, which is 32°F. The freezer, on the other hand, should be set to 0°F.

“These temperatures slow spoilage, reduce foodborne illness risks, and ensure optimal food quality and longevity,” Swamy says. “Always use a thermometer to verify settings.”

The Goldilocks Effect is Best for Fridge Temperatures

You don’t want your fridge to get too warm or too cold. Like Goldilocks, you want to be just right. “If a refrigerator is too cold and food begins to freeze, it will cause the moisture in most foods to begin to freeze,” says Michael Handal, chef at the Institute of Culinary Education’s New York City campus. “Cell structures in food begin to rupture, causing freezer burn, a condition where the uniformity and quality of stored food begin to deteriorate.” Fresh produce and dairy, in particular, can be damaged.

If your fridge temp is too warm, however, bacteria are more likely to grow, which can cause food to spoil and raise the risk of foodborne illness. “The idea is to keep food in a properly chilled environment, but not so cold as to induce the harmful effects of freezing,” says Handal.

There might be times, though, when you want to set your fridge temp a little colder. Swamy says you might want to do so during hot weather, when storing large amounts of food, or if you have a lot of foods that are easily perishable, like seafood or dairy. “It’s also useful after a power outage or if food is seeming to spoil quickly, as it ensures safety and freshness,” she says.

Another moment for turning down the temperature gauge is when you’re preparing a big meal, like at Thanksgiving. “If you were storing a large 18-pound turkey for a few days, a lower refrigerator temperature would help ensure a large piece of poultry is kept very cold until it is needed,” notes Handal.

The Coldest and Warmest Spots in the Fridge, According to the Experts

Be smart about where you store food in your refrigerator. The coldest places are the back of the fridge and on the bottom shelves because cold air falls, and there’s less circulation in these spots. “Storing raw meats, dairy, and perishable leftovers in these areas keeps them fresh longer,” Swamy says. “Avoid placing delicate produce here, as it may freeze or spoil more quickly.”

The warmest spots in the fridge are all the shelves in the door and the upper locations. They don’t stay consistently cold, especially when you open the refrigerator. “These areas experience temperature fluctuations, making them ideal for less-perishable items, like condiments, butter, soft drinks, and pasteurized juices,” Swamy says. “Avoid storing dairy, eggs, or raw meat here to prevent spoilage and foodborne illnesses.”

Do You Need a Refrigerator Thermometer?

Your refrigerator’s built-in thermometer might not always be accurate, mainly because of where it’s located. Swamy suggests buying a separate thermometer and placing it in the middle of the fridge, away from walls or vents.

“Double-checking the temperature of your unit at home is always a good thing to do,” Handal says. “Moving the thermometer around to check each section of your refrigerator’s temperature will allow you to adjust it as necessary, and it will also give you the peace of mind that you are safely holding food products at their optimum temperatures.”

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