A Refrigerator Thermometer Is Key for Food Safety

While training in culinary school, I was required to pay attention to our kitchens’ walk-in freezer and refrigerator temperatures. It’s a key aspect of food safety: You must keep foods stored in the refrigerator away from “the danger zone,” a temperature range between 40°F and 140°F. Whenever food falls within this range, it’s prone to bacteria growth, including the pathogenic bacteria that cause food-borne illnesses like Salmonella and E.coli. This sentiment applies to our refrigerators at home, too.

A 2024 European study by scientists at the French Agency for Food, Environmental and Occupational Health and Safety (ANSES) found that the average refrigerator was above the typical European recommended temperature of 41°F, even higher than what the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) advises in the United States, which is 40°F or below, with an optimal range of 35°F and 38°F. While the study solely focused on home refrigerators in Europe, that doesn’t mean the refrigerators in the U.S. aren’t susceptible to off temperatures. 

As the weather heats up, it’s increasingly important to know your internal refrigerator temperature. After all, you don’t want to waste expensive groceries. So what can we do? Well, apart from not overpacking the refrigerator, the FDA recommends a handy thermometer to be sure our appliance is operating at the right degree. 

Taylor Classic Refrigerator and Freezer Thermometer 

This classic analog model can be hung from its built-in hook or sat on a shelf thanks to its slim, flat bottom. The brand conveniently marked the interface with colored sections for easy gauging. Temperatures 40°F and above have a thick red line labeled “danger,” while the section between 30°F and 40°F has a simple label with blue accents to indicate the best range for your refrigerator. The dial even includes markings for your freezer if you place it there. At $6, this tool ensures food safety and keeps you from tossing danger-zone-exposed ingredients away. 

Riy Digital Refrigerator and Freezer Thermometer 

If you want to be more exact and read the gauge instantaneously, this digital thermometer is a popular option. The kitchen tool is compact, measuring 2.95 x 3.15 x 1.14 inches, and its screen reports three important numbers. The largest is the actual temperature of your refrigerator. On the top right is the maximum temperature, and on the bottom right is the minimum temperature, so you can accurately track how cold it is over time. This thermometer has a nifty hook that can also flip to act like a stand (similar to a picture frame) so you can hang it or put it on a shelf. It even has a built-in magnet. With thousands of positive ratings and a $9 price, this is another must-buy ahead of summer. 

Shop More Refrigerator Thermometers 

Pecula Refrigerator and Freezer Thermometer, 2-Pack

Taylor Large Dial Refrigerator and Freezer Thermometer with Suction Cups, 2-Pack

Winco Refrigerator and Freezer Thermometer with Suction Cups, 2-Pack

Rubbermaid Refrigerator and Freezer Thermometer 

AcuRite Digital Refrigerator and Freezer Thermometer with Alarm