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    What do the numbers mean inside your fridge?

    Sarah Heaps, refrigeration expert explains what the numbers mean in your fridge.  

    Have you ever wondered what the numbers inside your fridge actually mean? Sarah Heaps, our refrigeration expert, breaks down what those settings do and how to use them for optimal freshness and food safety.

    What do the numbers mean inside fridges, and which are the coldest?

    Most fridges have a temperature dial or setting knob which ranges from 1 to 5 or 1 to 9, depending on your model. As a rule of thumb, the higher the number the colder the temperature and conversely the lower numbers are the warmest settings.

    What is the best number to have Your fridge on & why?

    The ideal temperature for your fridge is between 3°C and 4°C. This range will keep your food safe and fresh without the worry of freezing it. Most people find that setting their fridge at around 3 on a 1-5 scale or 4-5 on a 1-9 scale keeps things at this temperature.

    If you plan on setting your fridge at a lower temperature then be warned that setting it too low may cause your food to freeze. Too high and this has the opposite problem which can lead to your food spoiling faster.

    How can you tell if your fridge is too high or too low?

    If your fridge is too warm then you can spot some signs quickly as perishable foods like your milk, eggs, fruit and vegetables can turn bad faster due to the exposed heat. You may also notice that droplets of water are beginning to form inside your fridge, which may indicate that your fridge is struggling to maintain a cooler temperature.

    Should your fridge be set too low, then this is also very noticeable. Your food may freeze quickly and you may also notice ice build-up forming on the walls of your fridge. Try to make sure you set your fridge in the right temperature range gradually and give it 24 hours to stabilise.

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