The Big Question: What’s The Right Temperature For My Fridge & Freezer?

What Temperature Should My Fridge Be In Celsius?

“Your fridge temperature should be no warmer than 5°C and ideally it should be between 1°C and 4°C,” says Peter Simic, The Good Guys Buyer – Refrigeration.

The food temperature danger zone is between 5°C and 60°C – the perfect temperature range for food bacteria to breed.
“If those last numbers are worryingly familiar, food safety is an issue and it’s absolutely time to upgrade,” says Peter.

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Fisher & Paykel 494L Bottom Mount Refrigerator

Hisense 496L Top Mount Refrigerator

Signs Your Fridge Is Too Cold Or Too Warm

Does the milk smell a bit sour? Is the yoghurt a little icy? Are your fruit and veggies frozen solid? If you answered yes to any of these questions, it’s likely your fridge is having temperature issues.

When a fridge is too warm, dairy products go off faster and fresh produce can break down quickly or even freeze (when it’s not in the freezer!). These are warning signs that your refrigerator is on its way out.

Every fridge has a lifespan, depending on the make and model, and how well you take care of it.

Features To Look For In A New Fridge

So you’ve decided it’s time for a fridge update? Now the fun begins, with doing your homework to discover the best fridge for you. Rest assured, though, all new models excel at prolonging the life of your food.

“The latest fridges automatically adjust the internal temperature, airflow and humidity, no matter how many times you open the door, which means your food is always kept at safe chill levels,” says Peter Simic, The Good Guys Buyer – Refrigeration and Laundry.

The split-door design of French Door fridges minimises the cold air you let out on each opening, while the LG Instaview fridge range has done away with the need to even open it at all! Just knock twice and the inside lights up so you can peer through a glass window to see what’s inside, or use the smaller door-in-door to reduce temperature fluctuations.

Some fridges convert sections into freezers or chill zones for extra capacity and perfectly matched cooling for all produce. Cue the Fisher & Paykel 538L Quad Door Refrigerator.

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Samsung 640L Family Hub Refrigerator

Electrolux 609L French Door Refrigerator

LG 642L InstaView French Door Refrigerator

Is The Veggie Crisper The Best Spot For Veggies?

Yes! The unsung hero within refrigerators, the vegetable crisper has had a microclimate makeover in recent years. Now operating separately from the rest of the fridge, humidity-controlled crispers either seal to keep the moisture in (ideal for crisp lettuce and broccoli) or allow the air to flow, to slow the ripening process. 

“Moisture and humidity sealing technology in the crisper can actually save you money by extending the life of your fruit and vegetables, so you throw less away,” says Peter Simic.

How To Keep Your Fridge At The Perfect Temperature

Follow these tips to keep your fridge in good working order – and your food fresher for longer.

1. Upgrade your fridge before it starts to fail, taking advantage of increased energy efficiency (and cheaper running costs) and advanced cooling technology.

2. Store products in the right zones. That is, vegetables in the crisper, meat in the chill zone.

3. Keep the top of the fridge clear to prevent overheating. It’s not a storage shelf, so avoid placing items up there.

4. Check the door seals regularly and replace if necessary to prevent cool air escaping and forcing the fridge to work overtime.

5. Don’t overstuff the fridge and block the vents in the internal cavity, as this will reduce its cooling power.

What Temperature Should My Freezer Be?

So, you've optimised your fridge for the perfect temperature, but what about your freezer? The optimal temperature for your freezer is around -18°C. This temperature strikes the perfect balance between keeping your food safe from bacteria while maintaining its quality and flavour for longer term storage. 

Signs Your Freezer Is Too Cold Or Too Warm

Excessive frost on your frozen goods may be a sign that your freezer is set too cold. While a bit of frost is normal, an excess indicates that the temperature is too low. Likewise, if you're noticing freezer burn on your food—those white, dried-out patches—it's a clear signal that your freezer is colder than necessary. 

The easiest indicator that your freezer is too warm is if you're discovering thawed or spoiled food in your freezer. Subtler signs it might be running too warm include finding excess moisture or ice buildup inside your freezer, causing the existing ice to melt and then refreeze. If your ice cream is closer to soft-serve consistency, your freezer is not doing its job in keeping things chilly.

Freezer Features to Look For

If it's been a while since you've upgraded your freezer, you'll be delighted to discover modern freezers boast an array of innovations designed to keep your food fresher for longer.

Opt for a freezer with adjustable temperature controls, allowing you to fine-tune the chilling settings based on your needs.

Some freezers have a separate frost-free zone, which saves you from the hassle of manual defrosting, ensuring that your freezer maintains optimal performance over time.
Look for freezers with a a high Energy Star label. Not only will you be doing your part for the environment, but you may see the benefits in your energy bill. Remember, the more stars an appliance has, the more energy efficient it is. 

Most modern freezers come equipped with door alarms that notify you if the door has been left ajar, preventing temperature fluctuations and ensuring your food stays frozen.

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Haier 194L Hybrid Chest Freezer

CHiQ 142L Hybrid Chest Freezer

Hisense 155L Vertical Freezer

The Perks Of Upgrading With The Good Guys

Gold Service Extras! This is the must-have membership for stress-free product repairs and replacements, great rewards and savings galore. Benefits include a dedicated support team, a $100 Payment Card if food is spoiled as a result of a verified fault, and guaranteed replacement of your fridge if it requires more than two repairs during the life of the plan.

Need to upgrade? Visit us in-store or online to find your perfect fridge. Can’t decide between a French door or side-by-side model? Check out our handy Fridge Buying Guide.