Whether you are buying a separate fridge and freezer or a combined fridge/freezer, you need to make sure that the temperatures inside remain constant and at the right level.
Some models (but very few) have built-in thermometers.
For those that do not, get a fridge thermometer (they are available in most hardware stores) to give yourself an idea of the fridge temperature.
Do not forget: in summer, you will need to alter the thermostat to keep the fridge cool as the temperature outside it rises.
Fridges: There should be two different temperature levels.
The top shelf should be approximately 5 degree centigrade (41°F) or less.
If it is the cool section at the bottom of the fridge will be 1°C (34°F).
Leave the thermometer in the middle of the top shelf overnight.
Check the temperature in the morning without letting in too much warm air.
Use the top shelf for yoghurt, orange juice, butter or food that does not need to be cold.
Use the bottom, cooler area for raw meat, fish, poultry or vegetables.
Take care not to let raw meat juices run onto leftover foods.
Freezers: To be safe, freezer should be kept at a temperature of - 18°C (-0.
4°F).
A genuine freezer is marked with the freezer symbol.
Stand the thermometer on the edge of the top shelf or at the front of the top basket if it is a chest freezer) on the side the door opens.
Leave it for a couple of hours before reading it.
If it is higher than -18°C (-0.
4°F) food deteriorates quicker, so turn the temperature down.
If it is lower than that, you are wasting energy.
Try to keep the door closed as much as possible.
Warm air gets in very fast and raises the temperature.
Fridge/freezers: Most fridge/freezers have only one temperature control for both parts, and rarely include a thermometer.
This makes it difficult to maintain the correct temperatures.
If necessary, have the freezer slightly warmer, but get the correct temperature for the fridge - fresh food is more likely to spoil.
Shared control fridge/freezer are often not too good at freezing.
They may well take longer to freeze food than a separate freezer.
Look for a two-control fridge/freezer with warning lights.
It will give you the right temperature for both parts and show if the electricity and fast-freeze are on, are on, and if the freezer is too warm.
Some models (but very few) have built-in thermometers.
For those that do not, get a fridge thermometer (they are available in most hardware stores) to give yourself an idea of the fridge temperature.
Do not forget: in summer, you will need to alter the thermostat to keep the fridge cool as the temperature outside it rises.
Fridges: There should be two different temperature levels.
The top shelf should be approximately 5 degree centigrade (41°F) or less.
If it is the cool section at the bottom of the fridge will be 1°C (34°F).
Leave the thermometer in the middle of the top shelf overnight.
Check the temperature in the morning without letting in too much warm air.
Use the top shelf for yoghurt, orange juice, butter or food that does not need to be cold.
Use the bottom, cooler area for raw meat, fish, poultry or vegetables.
Take care not to let raw meat juices run onto leftover foods.
Freezers: To be safe, freezer should be kept at a temperature of - 18°C (-0.
4°F).
A genuine freezer is marked with the freezer symbol.
Stand the thermometer on the edge of the top shelf or at the front of the top basket if it is a chest freezer) on the side the door opens.
Leave it for a couple of hours before reading it.
If it is higher than -18°C (-0.
4°F) food deteriorates quicker, so turn the temperature down.
If it is lower than that, you are wasting energy.
Try to keep the door closed as much as possible.
Warm air gets in very fast and raises the temperature.
Fridge/freezers: Most fridge/freezers have only one temperature control for both parts, and rarely include a thermometer.
This makes it difficult to maintain the correct temperatures.
If necessary, have the freezer slightly warmer, but get the correct temperature for the fridge - fresh food is more likely to spoil.
Shared control fridge/freezer are often not too good at freezing.
They may well take longer to freeze food than a separate freezer.
Look for a two-control fridge/freezer with warning lights.
It will give you the right temperature for both parts and show if the electricity and fast-freeze are on, are on, and if the freezer is too warm.
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