Your fridge has a 1-7 temperature range, and you are confused about which one from 1 to 7 is the coldest. Such confusion is common, and you are not alone in this confusion. So what is the coldest setting on a fridge 1-7?
In general, 7 is the coldest, and 1 is the warmest. 0 is totally off. However, this is true when the indicator numbers are marked clockwise, and the dial goes from 1 on the left and 7 on the right. In some fridges, the numbers are marked in degrees Centigrade. In such cases, 1 is the coldest, and 7 is the warmest. Do a real test to understand which one is colder.
You can use a fridge thermometer to test it. Set the dial 7 and wait for 10 minutes, then set the dial 1 and wait for 10 minutes to see the result in the fridge thermometer. We will explain everything in detail. Hold on tight.
Table Of Contents
What Is the Coldest Setting on a Fridge 1-7?
Understanding the fridge temperature can help you determine the accurate temperature setting.
1-2 Temperature Range
This is the warmest internal temperature for a fridge. You should use it for a new fridge or one with nothing inside. Set it to level 2 for a small thing to be cool.
3-5 Temperature Range
This range is suitable for a regular family. You keep daily things and open them when needed. Keep it 5 for items such as raw meat or poultry. However, some fridges come with the maximum 5 range. In such cases, consider 3 as the middle point.
5+ Temperature Range
For heavy stuffing or other foods that spoil quickly, use this range. It is the highest level of a fridge. But try to avoid it unless necessary. It will prevent the food from getting frozen. It is also not recommended by manufacturers.
Recommended Temperature Range for Optimal Food Storage
FDA suggests keeping the temperature below 40 degrees F or 4 degrees Celsius. Keep the freezer temperature 0° F (-18° C). This temperature prevents or slows the growth of bacteria that make the food unsafe or spoil.
However, remember that some specific foods, such as raw meat and poultry, require lower temperature to slow down the growth of those harmful microbes. Also, eating those perishable foods as soon as possible is recommended without storing them for too long.
Check out the temperature chart for a better understanding.
| Item | Recommended Temperature |
|---|---|
| Fresh meat/poultry/fish | Below 41°F or 5°C |
| Live shellfish | Below 45°F or 7°C |
| Eggs | Below 45°F or 7°C |
| Milk and other Dairies | Below 41°F or 5°C |
| Ice cream | 6-10°F (-14°C -12°C) |
| ROP food | Below 41°F or 5°C |
| Dry food | 50-70°F (10°C -21°C) |
Use the thermometer to set the temperature to the desired level. The dial should also have the temperature markup for easy navigation.
How to Choose a Refrigerator Temperature Setting?
Now you know, ‘is 1 or 7 the coldest setting on a fridge?’ But which temperature to pick? When choosing the temperature, consider the factors below.
Types of foods: Some raw foods, such as poultry or meat, should be kept at colder temperatures to prevent germ buildup. The temp will be warmer for fruits for sure. Check your manual for each food type to choose the right temp.
Amount of foods: If you stuff too many foods, lowering the temperature is important to maintain the optimal temperature. Too many foods consume more temperature to be cool.
Room temperature: Your room temperature plays a vital role in cooling down the food in the fridge. Lower the temp if the room temperature is higher and vice versa.
Frequency of opening and closing the door: Do you open and close the fridge door often? Opening the door, let the cool air come away from the fridge. If you often open and close the door, you need colder temperatures to cool the food.
How to Adjust the Temperature Setting on a Refrigerator?
Adjusting the temperature is easier. Your fridge has a dial thermostat, sliding gauge thermostat, or a digital display to control the temperature. Follow the steps below.
Dial Thermostat
The dial thermostat will have a 1-5, 1-6, 1-7, or even a 1-10 range. Start with the middle range according to the manufacturer’s recommendation.
- Dial the thermostat clockwise right to decrease the temperature.
- Dial it opposite to the clock to increase the temperature.
Of course, it may be the opposite, depending on the fridge setting. So check the manual.
Sliding Gauge Thermostats
You will find the cold or warm signs on the two sides of the gauge thermostat. Usually, cold is located to the right and warm to the left.
- Find the sliding gauge thermostat.
- Slide it right for a colder temperature and left for a warmer temperature.
- Adjust it to the optimal level. Look for the tick mark since that is the standard for that fridge.
Digital Display Control
The latest fridges come with digital display controls. These are easy to control. To do that,
- Go to the temperature control panel.
- You will see plus (+) and minus (-) signs.
- Click plus for warmer temperatures and minus for colder temperatures.
Follow the steps below for other digital panels, such as Whirlpool and others.
- Find the control panel.
- Press the cooling on/off button.
- Click multiple times to reach the recommended temperature.
Wrapping Up
Understanding the different temperature settings in your fridge is important to ensure optimal food storage and preservation temperature. I believe you have the answer to the question, “What is the coldest setting on a fridge 1-7? “
Check manually to be sure since different fridges may have different temperature settings. Make sure you know when to use which temperature. Consider the amount of food stored in the fridge while adjusting the temperature. Remember that using the right temperature will keep your food fresh and safe. It also prevents the food from spoiling and extends the fridge’s life.