Every day we use refrigerators in everyday life, but we think little about what the temperature in the refrigerator should be. But this is very important for the products inside it.

In addition, each product has its own place in the refrigerator!

Temperature standards and reasons for their use

It is impossible to arbitrarily set the temperature in new refrigerators Lg, Indesit, Samsung and others.

Modern manufacturers offer several standard modes in the device set and for obvious reasons.

Products purchased in a store and needing proper storage should not be placed in the refrigerator compartment at a temperature higher than +5°C.

This is why the optimal temperature in the refrigerator and freezer compartment is set by default. A very convenient mode is used in some models in case the owners leave. IN in this case, the freezer turns off completely and only the refrigerator compartment is used.

Temperature distribution across shelves

If you see the number +5°C on the display, it is not at all necessary that this temperature in a household refrigerator corresponds to all the shelves inside. The temperature ranges from 0°C to +8°C.

The cold is distributed as follows: closer to freezer- colder, further from it - warmer.

Products, in accordance with this state of affairs, are best distributed as follows:

1. On the shelf closest to the freezer, the temperature in the refrigerator should be from +2°C to +4°C. This optimal place storage of sausage, milk, cheese and vegetables. The shelf on the door for eggs is most often also located close to the freezer.
2. The normal temperature in the refrigerator on the middle shelves is from +3°C to +6°C. This is the best place to store soups and sauces, ready-made main courses, baby food, bread.
3. Whatever the temperature on the remaining shelves, in the part as far as possible from the freezer it should not be more than +8°C. This is an excellent place for fruits, hoods and juices, and other products that do not require much refrigeration.

Normal temperature for freezer

To understand what temperature should be in your freezer, you need to inspect everything that is stored in it.

• If you plan to preserve vitamins in vegetables, meat and fish for a long time, then deep freezing is required. In this case, we select the maximum mode of most refrigerators, which is -24°C for the freezer. Many experts believe that with deep freezing, almost all vitamins and nutrients are preserved better.
• If you want to know what the optimal temperature is for freezers in which food is often placed and not frozen for a long time, then choose the medium mode -18°C. It will be an unmistakable choice for storing meat and fish for about one month.
• The minimum temperature in the freezer is -6°C. At this temperature, meat cannot be stored for more than 3 days! This mode is rarely used as frozen foods require a colder environment.

Department - freshness zone

This compartment is not present in all refrigerator models.

To determine how many degrees the freshness zone should have, it is enough to understand that the shelf is intended for products stored on the verge of freezing.

An ideal place to store fresh meat and fish, semi-finished meat and confectionery products, sausages, hard cheese and similar products.

What else you need to know about refrigerators

A significant difference for users is the difference between refrigerators based on the defrosting principle.

Previously, we actively used refrigeration equipment that needed defrosting. Now, their predecessors have been replaced by refrigerators with the No Frost system.

Refusing to defrost brought with it many pleasant moments, but at the same time, how to rid the refrigerator of unpleasant odors? Periodically, even modern models refrigerators Atlant, Bosch, Stinol and others need careful cleaning.

Of course, the process cannot be called defrosting, but this folk remedy, like cleaning the refrigerator and freezer with a solution of hydrogen peroxide, has become more relevant than ever.

There are several signs that your refrigerator temperature is not set correctly:

• Food in the refrigerator freezes slightly or is partially frozen;
• Products just removed from the chamber seem warm to you;
• Food spoils quickly;
• Condensation forms on the walls of the refrigerator chamber;
• Ice is melting in the freezer.

If you notice any of these signs, the first thing you need to do is check if the temperature setting is correct and, if necessary, use a thermometer to check if the device really supports the specified settings.

Basic principles

What temperature should the refrigerator and freezer be?

• The ideal overall refrigerator temperature should be between +3 and +5°C.
• The freezer must maintain a temperature of -18° C or lower.
• In the freshness zone (if there is one), set the temperature to about 0-1° C.

After adjusting the thermostat, the desired climate will be established in 6-8 hours

These standards are suitable for storing most products, but still not for all - some supplies need to be stored at zero temperature, while others need to be stored at 5-10 degrees Celsius. Moreover, in different zones chambers, the cold is distributed differently, despite the given general mode. Somewhere the climate is warmer, and somewhere noticeably colder.

• So it turns out that even after adjusting the thermostat correctly, we can find milk with ice in the refrigerator, unexpectedly rotten eggs or lettuce leaves that for some reason have turned into a jelly-like slurry.

Of course, the average consumer does not need to know the intricacies of storage conditions for all types of products, but there are some recommendations that are not difficult to remember and apply in life. Our little guide will help you with this in the next section of the article.

How to properly store food in the refrigerator?

So, the refrigerator compartment can be divided into warm and cold zones.

• Cold zones are for storing perishable foods, and warm zones are for vegetables, fruits and everything else.

And now more details.

Warm zones

• The door is one of the warmest places in the chamber; the temperature is set here at 10° C on the upper shelves and 5° C on the lower ones.

What to store: sauces, mayonnaise, ketchup, soft or processed cheese s, butter, drinks (foods remain slightly soft and ready to eat).

What you should not store: perishable food, for example, milk and eggs (despite the fact that manufacturers designate doors for their storage).

• Top and middle shelves(except for those located under the freezer) - it is always a little warmer here (about 7 ° C) than on the lower shelves, since heat tends to rise upward.

What to store: honey, sausages, confectionery, baked goods, soft or processed cheeses, butter, fruits, vegetables.

What you should not store: eggs, meat, fish, poultry, milk, ripe fruits and vegetables.

• Area for fruits and vegetables– such a compartment with a temperature of 8° C is found in almost all modern refrigerators.

What to Store: Most fruits and vegetables (except those pictured in the infographic below).

Cold zones

• The fresh zone is the coldest part of the refrigerator (about 0-1° C), which is provided in many modern refrigerators.
• Rear - after the freshness zone, the back of the refrigerator is the coldest, as it is located closest to the cooling elements.
• Bottom shelves - because warm air tends to rise upward, then this zone of the refrigeration chamber is also one of the coldest (2° C).

What to store: meat and meat products, fish, milk, cheese, kefir, light cottage cheese and sour cream, vegetables and herbs. This area can also be used for fast cooling drinks).

What you should not store: fruits, salads, butter, soft and processed cheese (here they will become hard as a rock).

This infographic will help you remember tips for storing food in the refrigerator.

With the advent of refrigerators, the equipment became indispensable in production and at home. It is almost impossible to do without this device, since it preserves the freshness of many products. You just need to properly regulate the temperature, which should be low.

The device will be useful when the operating mode is normal. But the equipment of each manufacturer may differ in performance. Still, there are standards by which it is installed in the freezer.

Why are the indicators different everywhere?

By technical standards The equipment has temperature standards used by all manufacturers. It turns out that the consumer can independently set the modes, but only within reasonable parameters. Everywhere there is a minimum and a maximum within which the regulator does not work. What temperature will be in the refrigerator freezer is determined by the brand of equipment.

Why is this necessary? This is due to the fact that each product has its own temperature at which it will remain fresh for a long period. In this case, the regime should not be violated. Any product has its own suitable atmosphere, so the temperature in the refrigerator and freezer is different everywhere. As an example, we can take the following products:

• milk: from +2 to +6 degrees;
• eggs: from +2 to +4;
• vegetables: from +4 to +6;
• fish: from -4 to -8;
• meat: from +1 to +3.

Each product has its own characteristics and storage temperature. This will keep it fresh for a long time. Manufacturers equip refrigerators with various departments, where each has its own mode.

Freezer temperature

What temperature can be in the freezer of a home refrigerator? Depending on the type of equipment, this indicator is from -6 to -25 degrees. That is why products for long-term storage are placed in the department. The minimum temperature in the refrigerator freezer is used for deep freezing. The optimal indicator is within -18 degrees, so it is practically set by manufacturers.

What temperature is set in the refrigerator freezer depends on what will be there. It is not difficult to identify the lowest possible indicator. Almost every equipment has snowflakes or stars on the regulator panel, with the help of which the temperature is recorded. Each of them has an indicator of 6 degrees. By counting the number of snowflakes, you can determine what temperature it might be.

Freshness zone

This department is not present in every refrigerator; it is usually present in new equipment. The freshness zone is located in the cooling chamber. There the temperature is set at about zero, which makes it possible to slow down the development of microorganisms in products. Therefore, they last much longer.

There are 2 types of freshness zone:

• box;
• a chamber in which there is its own temperature and humidity.

Usually there is no more than +1 degree, which is why the products do not freeze, but retain their valuable properties. Fish, meat, cheese, sausage, and milk are placed here. This department is intended for cooling drinks, except beer and kvass, as they are stored at high temperatures.

Other departments

The upper shelves and the section near the freshness zone have a temperature from +2 to +4. They are used for storing eggs, pastries, cakes, semi-finished products, and dairy products. Meat and fish can also remain there, but not more than 36 hours.

The average shelf has an indicator from +3 to +6. It is used for soups, sauces, and ready-made dishes. The bottom compartment is for vegetables. There it is set from +6 to +8 degrees. The compartment is used for short-term storage.

Types of equipment adjustment

All refrigeration equipment has control methods. Depending on the brand, such devices can be divided into:

• electronic: the refrigerator compartment has a touch panel that serves to set the required indicators;
• mechanical: inside any camera there is a switch knob that is turned to obtain the required mode.

If you are not sure what temperature should be set in the refrigerator (freezer), then you need to look at this information in the equipment passport. There are all the modes necessary for a specific brand of equipment.

Proper use of the refrigerator

Once the temperature in the refrigerator (freezer) is set, there is no need to switch anything. The modes indicated in the equipment documentation are supported automatically. If the indicators change independently, this indicates a malfunction of the equipment. To prevent this from happening, you must follow simple rules equipment applications:

• Warm and hot foods should not be placed, they must cool to room temperature;
• it is necessary to regularly wash the equipment, so that germs will not grow inside;
• Products in open bags should be used faster;
• you should pay attention to the expiration date of products;
• you need to close the doors of the device tightly, and also control the quality of the seal that is located around the perimeter of the doors;
• You should not put a lot of food at once, since air circulation should be free;
• It is advisable to place packaged products in the equipment, which will protect against unpleasant odors and drying out, and even better, use plastic or glass containers.

Following the rules for setting the temperature will avoid food spoilage. The equipment will operate normally, which will ensure its long-term operation.

The refrigerator allows you to continue the life of food, enjoy its taste and get the most out of it. useful substances. And in winter you can enjoy as if you just picked berries or vegetables yesterday.

However, to have this opportunity, you need to know what temperature should be in the refrigerator and freezer and be able to select optimal mode for storage.

If you forget to put meat or fish in the refrigerator and leave it for several hours under the influence of high temperatures, you can say goodbye to it - a bad smell will appear, which will force you to throw the failed dish in the trash. But why do foods spoil faster when exposed to heat?

The main reason is the proliferation of bacteria. Due to an increase in their quantity and activity, the release of gases, acids and other chemical compounds. The lion's share of the waste products of microorganisms remains in the product, and a smaller share ends up in the environment.

Dangerous bacteria such as salmonella, clostridium perfringens, campylobacter, E. coli, listeria and toxoplasma can enter the body with spoiled food.

Some odors caused by bacteria are difficult to get rid of. And it is not recommended to consume supplies in which microorganisms have managed to build entire “megacities”. It is better to forget about the money spent on food and not neglect your health.

Bacteria are found on any food product. Getting rid of them 100% is unrealistic. However, refrigeration equipment reduces the intensity or even stops their vital activity.

As a result, the shelf life increases and practically does not decrease. nutritional value provisions. Consumers save money, take care of their health and enjoy their favorite foods.

Low temperature prevents the proliferation of bacteria on the surface of products and inside them, as a result, shelf life is significantly extended, quality practically does not deteriorate, and nutritional and beneficial properties

Cooling in the main chamber

In most cases, the packaging of the product contains information about what the optimal temperature should be in the refrigerator in order to preserve its nutritional value.

To select the right shelf, you can use the instructions for the equipment - manufacturers indicate the operating temperature of a particular unit, which can differ significantly for different models.

For example, this is relevant for Samsung and Atlant refrigerators. Average temperature the refrigerator compartment is in the range of 2 ºС…5 ºС.

Manufacturers of refrigeration units, in the instructions attached to the product, clearly indicate areas for storing various products, taking into account their specific qualities

Areas for placing products

The refrigerators are equipped with several shelves, side compartments and 1-2 vegetable drawers. Sometimes there is another reservoir - a freshness chamber.

The latter has the lowest temperature in the tank and is used for storing food that quickly deteriorates.

Don't forget about simple but effective rules refrigerator usage:

1. Do not place hot food.
2. Doors should be closed tightly.
3. Place products in the refrigerator compartment in accordance with storage areas.

Each zone of the refrigerator compartment has the same temperature. This is incorrect, because for some products optimal indicator close to zero, while others “freeze” at +7 ºС.

The refrigerating chamber, in turn, can be divided into several zones that differ in temperature indicators, which must be taken into account when installing products into the equipment

Vegetables and fruits are stored at a temperature of 3 °C...7 °C. They are placed in special boxes on the bottom shelf of the refrigerator. Some modern models are equipped with the No Frost system.

Seafood, meat, sausage, milk, cheese belong to the group of goods that quickly deteriorate. Their environment is very favorable for the rapid proliferation of bacteria. The desired storage conditions are 0°C…2°C.

Bread should not be stored in the refrigerator tropical fruits, in the freezer - apples, pears, onions, garlic, beets, carrots, potatoes and many other food products

If the refrigerator is equipped with a freshness chamber, it is better to use it. If there is no, then put the food on the top shelf. It is advisable to place alcoholic drinks here.

You should also not store other dairy products for a long time. The optimal temperatures for them are 0 °C...6 °C, which corresponds to the second or third shelf. Given the large range, read the storage conditions on the packaging. At 0 °C ... 3 °C you should store semi-finished products that you are going to cook soon, and cakes.

For chicken eggs, salads with sour cream or mayonnaise, bread, soups, the optimal temperature regime is 3 °C...6 °C. This is the middle part of the refrigerator compartment, usually the third shelf.

The lower compartment is designed to store food at a temperature of 6 °C...10 °C, which is optimal for pickles. Place vegetables and fruits in special drawers.

If you are cooking, use ingredients that are already in the refrigerator. You can save a lot and literally not throw money away

The compartments on the doors are the part of the refrigerator with the most high temperature. Store various sauces and juices here.

The freezer can be located at the top or bottom of the unit. But in any case, the rule is valid: the farther from the freezer, the warmer.

Each food product has special approach for storage. Consumers are afraid or simply do not know that they can change temperature conditions. A conscientious seller will ask what exactly will be in the refrigerator most often and make the necessary adjustments.

Refrigerators latest generation easily adjusted to the required temperature conditions. The setup can be performed by the seller at the request and recommendations of the buyer or by the owner of the equipment himself

However, using a special panel, you can and should set the temperature yourself if meat, salads and other products do not fit in the appropriate zones. Then you'll pay less for electricity and be able to buy more goodies.

Storing food in the freezer

A refrigerator is a solution to the problem of short-term food storage. Today they put it in, tomorrow or the day after tomorrow they took it away. Sometimes you need to keep a product fresh not for a few days, but for a couple of weeks.

Freezer compartment design

The issue of freshness is solved with the help of a freezer. It is an integral part of almost any refrigerator. It can have different volumes: from 40 to 100 liters. and more. Manufacturers also offer separate options for several hundred liters.

Regular plastic bags and cling film are not suitable for storage in the freezer. They will crumble and break from the cold. We need dense polyethylene

Most often, seafood, meat, vegetables and fruits are stored in this department. It is also a haven for ice cream that saves you in the terrible heat.

On average, the temperature in the refrigerator freezer drawers/compartments ranges from -17 °C...-18 °C. Depending on the filling of products, the indicator changes:

• if most of the chamber is free, then -14 °C;
• when storing meat or when filling the freezer more than 50% - this is -20 °C...-24 °C;
• The fast freezing mode is valid for several hours - temperature -30 °C.

The freezer is equipped with special drawers or shelves. The first ones are available if the cold compartment is located at the bottom of the refrigerator. But you will have to limit yourself to others in the upper position.

For easy storage in the freezer and dividing food into portions or batches, freezers are equipped with shelves or containers

European approach to freezing

According to European standards, freezers are divided into several classes. Thanks to the latter, there are different temperature conditions. This approach allows you to save energy, reduce wear on the refrigerator and prevent deterioration in the quality of products.

If you freeze some foods, they will become unfit for consumption. For example, the recommended storage temperature for mayonnaise is 0 ºС…+18 ºС. Feel free to place it on any shelf or even the side compartment of the refrigerator.

It is advisable to defrost freezer 1-2 times a year to ensure normal working conditions. If indoors increased level moisture - more often possible

Storage conditions for margarine differ significantly. At a temperature of +11 ºС…+15 ºС it is edible for 30-15 days, at +5 ºС….+10 ºС - 20-45 days, at 0 ºС…+4 ºС - 60-35 days, at -9 ºС…0 ºС -75-45 days, at -10 ºС…-20 ºС - 60-90 days.

Margarine in the freezer is good for 6 times longer than in the refrigerator. If you purchased a lot of this product, store it at subzero temperatures.

European laboratories conducted a similar analysis, taking into account dozens of other products. They created universal designations for ordinary consumers.

On temperature control panels manufactured in accordance with European standards for refrigerators, you will find the following symbols:

• no asterisk - several degrees below zero Celsius;
• 1 star - -6 ºС;
• 2 stars - -12 ºС;
• 3 stars - -18 ºС;
• 4 stars - also -18 ºС, but for a different group of devices.

The lower the temperature in the refrigerator freezer, the more electricity it consumes. The cost of devices with such regulation is slightly higher. But the panel allows you to reduce energy costs.

Control panel manufactured in recent years units allows you to select the temperature conditions required for storing specific products. If high temperatures are not necessary, lowering the temperature will save energy

Rules for storing meat

Of course, buying margarine in reserve is a dubious saving. And even if one or two packs of product spoil, it’s a small problem. But purchasing several kilograms of meat 2-3 weeks before the New Year is an opportunity to avoid becoming a victim of pre-holiday price hikes.

The dependence of the duration of meat storage on temperature is as follows.

1. Fresh meat at -14 ºС…-18 ºС - 5-6 months.
2. Fresh meat at -8 ºС…-12 ºС - a week.
3. Meat products at -18 ºС…-22 ºС - 3 months.

It seems that a difference of a few degrees Celsius is not that much. However, the shelf life may change several times at once. So the choice is: pay a little more for electricity or, if the temperature is not low enough, throw away the meat.

Do not eat food prepared from meat that has not been stored properly. Food poisoning can damage the kidneys, lungs, spleen and vascular system

From school physics lessons we know that thermal insulation is provided by the flow of energy. But the potential is formed as a result of temperature differences. Therefore, in parallel with the “cooling” in the freezer, energy costs increase.

Features of storing chicken eggs

As the temperature in the freezer decreases, the shelf life of most products also increases. But there are also exceptions.

For example, chicken eggs do not spoil for a long time when exposed to low temperatures. At 0 ºС… -2 ºС in the freezer they will be suitable for up to 3 months. Not a bad way to forget about rotten eggs, isn't it?

What will happen if the temperature drops even further to -3 ºС...-5 ºС? The embryo dies even at -4 ºС. As a result, the density of the yolk and white will decrease. Since the temperature embossing coefficient of liquids is greater than solids, the shell will burst.

There is a widespread belief among people that chicken eggs do not spoil for 2-3 weeks at room temperature. But it is worth taking into account the standards of GOST 51121. The document notes that at 0 ºС...+20 ºС the following should be stored:

• dietary eggs - a week;
• table eggs - 25 days;
• washed eggs - 12 days.

In the mentioned regulatory document The timing is clearly indicated, but a fairly large temperature range is given. Therefore, the people are more likely to be right than wrong. Humidity of about 45% and temperature up to 20 ºС are good storage conditions. However, a freezer with a few degrees below zero is the best option.

Food in the freezer compartment must lie freely to ensure air circulation. Otherwise, it will be difficult to cool the devices

The right approach to fish

Fish is much healthier than meat. It is rich in protein, valuable for the body, making up as much as 20% of the mass. It contains fatty acids that prevent heart disease and vascular problems, vitamins A, D and E, which are responsible for cell growth, strong bones and muscles. When properly stored, fish pulp does not lose most of its beneficial substances.

According to GOST 1168, Far Eastern salmon, perch, carp, whitefish, pike perch, pike, catfish and other representatives of freshwater bodies of water are stored at -18 ºС for up to 6 months. But cod, sea bass and other inhabitants of the seas and oceans at the same temperature - up to 4 months. If the temperature in the freezer is less than 10 ºС, the storage duration is divided by two.

For effective cooling of fish products and meat, Samsung refrigerators, for example, are equipped with Fresh Zone - a freshness zone that ensures optimal storage of fresh fish

To prevent medicine from becoming poison...

For medicines manufacturers household appliances invented special refrigerators. The latter are distinguished by high control accuracy, the presence of light or sound messages in case of deviations from the optimal temperature range, and special operating modes.

Such devices are more expensive than conventional household analogues. However, when life is at stake, there is no choice.

In the freezer compartment the maximum negative temperature should not fall below -30 ºС, although in new models this indicator can be controlled by the user

When purchasing a refrigerator for medicines, pay attention to the compliance of its operating temperature conditions with the types of medicines that will be stored. Such models are protected from hacking. In fact, in addition to its main job, the refrigerator also serves as a safe.

In most cases, lower temperatures have a positive effect on the shelf life of the product. However, if the optimal value for chicken eggs is a few degrees below zero, then mayonnaise should only be placed in the refrigerator.

On domestic market Mostly freezers with operating temperature at -18 ºС…-24 ºС. Manufacturers are willing to save money by depriving the buyer of the opportunity to adjust the temperature regime.

However, if we look at it in the long term, it is better to purchase a freezer with a control panel today in order to save on electricity tomorrow

Benefits of Equipment Zoning

Modern refrigerators are manufactured according to the zonal principle. All countries or their individual territories are classified according to climate characteristics.

For example, for a group of Scandinavian countries, models with a slightly lower thermal insulation rating are relevant. The compressor is also somewhat deformed. And for countries in the hot tropics, more powerful and wear-resistant devices are needed.

It is logical that if the average annual temperature in the room is several degrees higher, the refrigerator will work more intensively. Therefore, a device model for hot countries costs more than a similar one for the Scandinavians.

Follow the instructions for using the refrigerator. If they are violated, the actual temperature reading will not be equal to the nominal one for the selected operating mode

Often the compressor runs almost continuously in tropical countries. However, even under such conditions it is difficult for him to provide the temperature corresponding to the selected mode. Which is not surprising when warm air with a conventional temperature of 40 ºС heats the device from all sides.

Refrigerators for tropical countries are slightly more expensive than their counterparts for cold countries. It is difficult to find them in our market, but for the majority technical characteristics they look more convincing.

Two main temperature functions

Fierce competition is forcing manufacturers of household appliances to come up with more and more new ways to attract the attention of buyers.

They are no longer limited to marketing moves, but are introducing interesting technological innovations into the operation of refrigeration and freezer compartments. As a result, consumers get interesting opportunities.

The “Super Cooling” option allows you to lower the temperature in all zones of the refrigerator compartment to a minimum of 1 ºС…2 ºС for a short period of time. You can quickly cool food from several bags at once.

Set aside a shelf in the refrigerator for foods with expiration dates. This way you will know what to cook first.

The “Super Freeze” mode is relevant for the freezer compartment. Temperatures drop to -24°C. You can freeze a chamber overflowing with food in a few tens of minutes.

Be sure to set your equipment to normal operation to avoid wasting energy and keep supplies at the optimal temperature.

Conclusions and useful video on the topic

The basic rules for storing provisions are discussed in the video:

How to organize storage of supplies in the freezer:

Rules for storing fruits, vegetables and berries:

Shelf life of food in the refrigerator:

Each food product has its own storage characteristics. This information can be found in a few seconds on the packaging or, if it is not available, on the Internet.

Don't forget to post food products in appropriate areas of the refrigerator compartment. Temperature conditions allow you to create optimal conditions storage, do not wear out the device in vain and do not overpay for electricity.

The topic of food storage has always occupied the minds of mankind. With the advent of refrigerators, everything became much simpler. We can stock up on food for future use and not worry about it going bad. But for proper storage you just need to know what the optimal temperature in the refrigerator is, how to set it, how to measure it, etc. In this article we will try to cover all these issues and teach you how to use refrigerators to the greatest benefit.

Modern refrigerators are complex automated systems, providing best storage products. Typically they include:

• freezer;
• refrigeration chamber;
• freshness zone.

The freshness zone is located at the bottom of the refrigerator compartment. Correctly selected optimal temperature in the refrigerator and freezer is the key to preserving all the beneficial properties of products and increasing their shelf life.

Freezer

The freezer can be located under the same door as the refrigerator compartment or under a separate one. Its main characteristic is the minimum temperature that you can set. The ideal refrigerator-freezer temperature is -18°C.

The more often you use it and the more loaded it is, the lower the temperature should be. Down to -20°C and below. If there are few products in it and you hardly open it, setting it to -15 degrees is enough.

When using special options designed for quick freezing of fresh food, the freezer is set to the maximum low temperatures from -25°C to -30°C. This process takes several hours. With this method of freezing, products retain their beneficial properties and taste as much as possible.

Refrigerator

The temperature in the refrigerator compartment is distributed unevenly across the shelves. As a rule, the closer the shelf is to the freezer, the cooler it is. The average temperature of the refrigerator compartment ranges from +3 degrees to +6°C. It is not recommended to set it above 6 degrees, although some models have an upper limit of up to +9°C.

If you set it to +4 degrees, the temperature distribution will be as follows. The coldest place - against the wall on the shelf closest to the freezer - maintains a temperature of approximately +2 - + 3°C. On the middle shelves - +3 - +5°C.

The most warm place– the shelf and door of the refrigerator farthest from the freezer. Here it can reach up to +10 and depends on how often you look into the refrigerator compartment. Optimal temperature in the refrigerator for a freshness zone from + 4 to + 8 ° C. If you do not open the door for a long time, the temperature inside the chamber will gradually equalize. In the freshness zone it usually does not rise above +1°C.

In the coldest zone, sausages, sweets with cream, meat and semi-finished products, fish, milk, etc. are stored. The middle shelves are designed for storing soups, sauces, vegetables, main courses, etc. The topmost ones store fruits, root vegetables, pickles, etc. The freshness zone is designed for storing herbs, vegetables, fresh fish, meat, minced meat, etc.

Temperature measurement

It is quite natural that users want to know the exact temperature on the shelves of the unit. Sometimes this is caused by the need to check its serviceability or the requirements to comply with strict temperature regime from the product side or medicine. Some modern models are equipped with displays showing the current temperature level. But, as you already know, it is different on the shelves of the refrigerator compartment.

You can measure your temperature with a special device that can be found and bought at any hardware store, or with a regular thermometer designed to measure body temperature. In the latter case, place the thermometer in a container of water before placing it on the shelf. For a more accurate measurement, empty the chamber of food. Only the most perishable ones can be left. Place the container with the thermometer in the approximate center of the shelf and leave until the morning. It is advisable not to open the door during the temperature measurement period. This method cannot be used in the freezer.

To measure the temperature in the freezer, an outdoor thermometer with a scale of at least -35°C is suitable. It is especially important to know to what division the bar drops in super freezing mode. After all, the quality of frozen products depends on its level. The lower it is, the better.

Food storage table

Products should be stored at the temperature recommended by the manufacturer in strict accordance with established deadlines. You can find this information on the product packaging or label. For the most popular products, we provide a table indicating the shelf life at various temperatures:

Products	Shelf life
	0 to +4	0 to +6	Up to +8	-12 and below
Eggs	No more than 20 days
Meat, poultry		3 days		3 months
Butter			Up to 10 days	3 months
By-products		3 days
Minced meat	12 o'clock
Milk		24 hours
Sour cream		3 days
Cream			12 o'clock
Cottage cheese		3 days
Vegetables		7 days
Cheese		7 – 15 days
Salads, vinaigrettes	12 o'clock		6 hours
Fish	2 days
Ketchup, mayonnaise, sauce		from 15 to 120 days

To maintain the set temperature, follow the rules described in the operating instructions. To be supported normal temperature follow simple rules:

• Place only cold food in the refrigerator compartment. Even if the soup is lukewarm, first place it in cold water and refrigerate completely.
• Try to always use packaging. It is better if these are sealed bags or containers.
• To ensure uniform cooling, do not fill the chamber to capacity.
• If you load a lot of food into the refrigerator and the door remains open for a long time, set the temperature to the minimum. After loading, return the regulator to your normal value.
• Always close doors tightly. Some models are equipped with sound signals in case the door does not slam shut. Otherwise, it's better to double-check. A poorly closed door will result in unreasonably high energy consumption, loss of temperature and possible spoilage of food.

Proper operation and adherence to temperature conditions will allow your refrigerator to serve for a long time, and you will always enjoy fresh food.