Food safety is an important component for all people who are concerned about their he alth. And the effect of the temperature inside the refrigerator on a particular food group can directly affect overall well-being.
To this day, experts in the field of home development do not have a specific number that indicates an acceptable temperature regime for storing food.
And all because the optimal temperature in the refrigerator is an individual value and norm for each manufacturer.
After reading the article to the end, you can find answers to exciting questions and determine the individual temperature level.
Modern household refrigerator
Designers of modern refrigerators have put a lot of effort into finally getting an appliance from the category of essentials that meets all requirements and is as easy to use as possible.
Notthe secret is that even in Soviet times, the refrigerator was a simple box with a minimum number of functions. Now this is an advanced technology that can independently defrost, "rest" and even make decisions. Undoubtedly, this greatly facilitates the operation process.
At the same time, using the most necessary functions, we often forget about hidden nuances that can be very useful in everyday life.
General Features
Agree, the optimal temperature in the refrigerator is a rather difficult and sometimes even ridiculous question for perception, which is inappropriate to talk about if you do not know the basic characteristics of the unit. It's like discussing the scent of a rose with absolutely no idea what it looks like. Most often, refrigerators are classified by type.
Fridge Freezers
These are standard models that can be found in almost every home.
Refrigerators without freezer
Such devices are distinguished by compact dimensions, and the correct temperature in a refrigerator of this type does not exceed 14 degrees, but does not fall below 2˚. As a rule, these are "mobile" models for various kinds of short trips. For example, on nature or a business trip to a neighboring city.
Besides the two most common, there is another type.
Fridge with wine cabinet
This is a model that, in addition to a conventional freezer (or even instead ofit) suggests the presence of a compartment (cabinet) for storing wine.
How to find out the temperature in the refrigerator
There is nothing wrong if you bought or have been using the unit for a long time, but do not know how to determine the temperature in the refrigerator. Low temperature or high? The age-old question of housewives.
The easiest way is to buy a refrigerator with a built-in thermometer that will independently and accurately measure it.
But what to do if there is no opportunity to purchase such a model, and compliance with strict temperature standards is a matter of particular importance? Don't panic. To solve the problem, you just need to install a special thermometer, which is easy to find in any specialized household store and attach it to one of the walls inside.
Plus by minus
It is generally accepted that in order for products to retain their original appearance, freshness and all useful properties for as long as possible, the optimum temperature in the refrigerator should be at a negative level. However, this is not entirely true.
Minus temperature is the best option for a freezer that stores meat, poultry and various kinds of prepared foods.
But for standard storage compartments, a high temperature in the refrigerator is most preferable. If it is observed, the products are not frozen, but stored, saving useful properties and vitamins.
What temperature in the refrigerator is needed
First thing to look atattention when choosing a refrigerator with a freezer, it is on its minimum temperature.
Remember the "ancient" refrigerators in grandparents' house. Their distinguishing feature was the snowflakes located on the sidebar. We knew that one snowflake is 6˚, and if we add up their total number, we could easily calculate the temperature in the refrigerator and freezer. The same principle has been preserved to this day.
Every modern refrigerator is equipped with a star-shaped indicator on the front panel. One star is 7 degrees Celsius. Therefore, 3 stars means that the freezer can be cooled down to -21˚, and the model from the manufacturer with four stars has a cooling degree below -21˚.
Temperature standards according to GOST
According to the state standard R 52307-2005 of 2005-01-07 (clause 3.5), the temperature in a household refrigerator with a volume of more than 40 m33 when fully loaded, depending on the ambient temperature, should be:
- at t˚ more than 32–40 degrees Celsius - from 6˚ to 10˚;
- at t˚ over 10˚, but not more than 32˚ - from 1˚ to 5˚.
The air temperature in the refrigerator up to 40 m33 depending on the ambient temperature should be:
- at t˚ over 32˚–40˚ - from 1˚ to 8˚;
- at t˚ over 10˚ but not more than 32˚ - from 1 degree to 5.
And the shelf life of products in such conditions should not be more than two days.
Normsdeviations from actual specifications
Caught in an unpleasant situation caused by a faulty refrigerator, every sane person seeks to "carry" it in for repair as soon as possible.
It is there that disputes arise based on the difference between the actual characteristics that are written in the owner's instructions and the real GOST.
It should be remembered that the ideal temperature in the refrigerator should be measured by the service center specialists in a fixed position at three different points, with a relative humidity of no more than 75% and no less than 45%, while the ambient temperature is 20˚ with a slight deviation to ±5˚.
Freshness Zone
"Fresh zone" is one of the latest technological developments in refrigeration and is a special place in the main refrigerator compartment that provides food with an air temperature close to zero.
This method is ideal for products that have an appropriate shelf life. At the same time, they remain protected from the loss of important taste and useful qualities of a particular ingredient.
In other words, the "freshness zone" is the normal temperature in the refrigerator, which remains constant.
The "fresh zone" comes in two varieties, each representing:
- A separate chamber with an autonomous system for maintaining a certain temperature and humidity,which is divided into 2 additional compartments with humidity up to 55% and 95% for fish and vegetables, respectively.
- Ordinary non-sealed drawer.
Temperature for different types of food
The temperature in the refrigerator must be observed according to the type of each individual product:
- Eggs are stored at t˚ from +2 to +4˚ no more than three weeks.
- Dairy products (cheese, sour cream, cottage cheese, butter, cream, kefir, etc.) are stored at t˚ from +2 to +6˚.
- Fish products should be stored at t˚ between -4 and -8˚.
- Seafood at t˚ not higher than –18˚.
If you are in doubt about whether a certain product corresponds to a particular category, and at what temperature to store it, you should refer to the instructions on the manufacturer's packaging.
What can not be stored in the refrigerator
Foods particularly susceptible to "cold" environments include coffee, potatoes, tomatoes, onions, garlic and hot sauces.
In the end, it should be added that the optimal temperature in the refrigerator is an important point for every housewife or single man.
Before direct operation of the device after purchase and installation, it is important to pay special attention to the study of the technical characteristics that are listed from "A" to "Z" in the manufacturer's instructions. This will not only avoid unwanted problems and breakdowns in the future, but also save you from a number of related issues.
