Content

• To step
• Method 1 of 4: Check the current temperature of your refrigerator
• Method 2 of 4: Adjust the temperature with a dial
• Method 3 of 4: Adjust the temperature with a slider
• Method 4 of 4: Adjust the temperature digitally
• Tips
• Warnings
• Necessities

If you set the temperature of your refrigerator correctly, you will prevent your food from spoiling and ensure that your refrigerator uses less electricity. Follow the steps in this article to check and properly adjust the temperature in your refrigerator.

To step

Method 1 of 4: Check the current temperature of your refrigerator

1. Buy a refrigerator thermometer, or a thermometer specifically designed for refrigerators and freezers.
2. Put the thermometer in a glass of water and place the glass on the middle shelf in your refrigerator.
3. Read the temperature on the refrigerator thermometer after 5 to 8 hours. The temperature should be between 2 and 4 degrees Celsius to keep the food safe in the refrigerator.
   • Make sure to use a thermometer that can withstand water. Not all thermometers are water resistant.
4. Adjust the temperature using the dial or the slide in your fridge. Adjust the temperature a little bit at a time instead of greatly reducing or increasing the temperature. If you can't find the turntable or if the temperature in your fridge is controlled differently, check the user manual.
5. Check the temperature again after 5 to 8 hours. If necessary, make further adjustments to make sure the temperature in your refrigerator is within the correct range.

Method 2 of 4: Adjust the temperature with a dial

1. Find the turntable or button. The turntable is usually set by default with an arrow pointing to the center. You may see the word "colder" on the right and the word "warmer" on the left.
2. Look left and right of the turntable. You may see a series of numbers next to the words "colder" and "warmer". By turning the disc one number to the colder side, the temperature in the refrigerator will drop slightly and by turning the disc one number to the warmer side, the temperature in the refrigerator will rise slightly.
3. Turn the dial one number to the correct side, depending on the temperature you just measured. Check the temperature again after 5 to 8 hours to see if the temperature adjustment has been effective. If you don't see much difference, turn the dial to the next digit.
4. Keep turning the dial and measuring the temperature until your fridge is at the ideal temperature.
5. Mark the dial to indicate the ideal position. If the disc turns when something hits you, you know exactly how to turn it back to the correct position.

Method 3 of 4: Adjust the temperature with a slider

1. Find the drawer in your fridge. You may see a series of numbers above or below the slider. "1" is usually the coldest setting, and the highest number is the hottest setting possible.
2. Move the slider 1 digit to the left to lower the temperature in the refrigerator. Move the slider 1 digit to the right if the temperature in the refrigerator is too low.
3. Measure the temperature after 5 to 8 hours. If the temperature is now correct, the slider is in the correct position. If the temperature is still not right, move the slider 1 digit to the left or to the right until the temperature in your refrigerator falls within the correct values.
4. Use a waterproof marker to mark the slider on the wall of your fridge to indicate the ideal position. You always know which position to set the slider when something hits and it shifts.

Method 4 of 4: Adjust the temperature digitally

1. Find your fridge's digital temperature display. This display can usually be found above the refrigerator door and under the freezer.
2. Use the arrow keys to adjust the temperature until it falls within 2 to 4 degrees Celsius. If you have a keyboard, enter the correct temperature.
3. After 5 to 8 hours, check the temperature with your refrigerator thermometer to see if the temperature is within the correct range.

Tips

• Adjust the temperature in your fridge during different seasons. In the summer you will usually have to turn the dial down and in the winter up.
• Keep the refrigerator door closed while taking the temperature to get the best possible measurement of the temperature.
• If the temperature in the refrigerator does not change after some adjustments, contact a refrigerator repairer, the manufacturer, or the store where you bought the refrigerator. If no solution can be found, you may have to buy a new refrigerator.

Warnings

• Even if your refrigerator has a digital display that shows the temperature, you still need to check the temperature once or twice a year with a separate refrigerator thermometer.

Necessities

• Refrigerator thermometer
• Glass of water