Ideal frig-freezer set temperature

[PeteC]

Our electric just went out for a half minute, and I happened to be next to the frig when it came back on. The unit has a digital read out for settings and adjustments and when it came on it displayed the set temp of -13c for the freezer and 5c for the fridge. Is this considered ideal....too low....too high? I have to say our instances of spoilage has been little to none over the 3.5 years we've had it, but I wonder especially with the freezer of we can save some electric $$$ by setting at a higher temp. Pete

[Homer]

when it came on it displayed the set temp of -13c for the freezer and 5c for the fridge. Is this considered ideal....too low....too high? I have to say our instances of spoilage has been little to none over the 3.5 years we've had it, but I wonder especially with the freezer of we can save some electric $$$ by setting at a higher temp. Pete

Frozen food deteriorates slower when below Zero F (-18 C). Fresh food deteriorates rapidly when above 40 F (4.4 C).

[Nereus]

Chillers should be kept at 4 degrees C.
With commercial freezers we liked to keep them at -18 degrees C, but I guess a domestic unit where products are not in storage as long, then -15 degrees C is ok.

The best way to economise with running costs is the keep the bloody door closed! It also helps with freezers to keep them as full as possible.

[PeteC]

Thanks for that. Perhaps I'll bump things down to -15/4 just to be safe. The freezer is generally full. I hear ya Nereus concerning the doors. The little Miss 6 year old has now discovered she is tall enough to reach things in the fridge, in this freezer on the bottom unit. Luckily this thing has a beeper that's quite loud when doors left open more than about 30 seconds. Pete

[hhfarang]

Depends on what your keeping in there... I have three, one for food (which I keep at/near the above suggested temperatures), one for beer which I keep much colder (I like my beer ice cold unless it's a good dark beer then it goes in the wine fridge), and one primarily for (white wine) which is probably the least cold of them all.

[PeteC]

Mostly a few ex-house staff, a wife or two, and I think one neighbor. Pete

[hhfarang]

Mostly a few ex-house staff, a wife or two, and I think one neighbor. Pete

Then I understand your temperature concerns (especially through power outages)...