The Importance of Setting Your Fridge Temperature Correctly
Summer is here and it is heating up in the kitchen, but hopefully not in the fridge. In this blog, Just Fridge looks at the importance of not only setting your fridge temperature correctly but maintaining a steady fridge temperature. In the warmer months, it’s a good idea to turn the temperature on your fridge down a bit to compensate for warmer air coming in, and vice versa in winter. However, there’s a lot more to getting the temperature just right in your fridge.
One of the main ways to prevent the meat from being spoiled is by making sure that your refrigerator and freezer have the correct temperature, particularly when they’re situated in hot working kitchens.
What is the Correct Setting for Your Commercial Fridge?
The recommended temperature is below 5℃, as at this temperature bacterial growth is slowed and food quality can be maintained. A lower temperature could cause freezing in the fridge, which might lead to spoilage of the food. If a refrigerator has a temperature higher than 5℃ then it is considered to be a danger because when food is stored above 5℃, this causes the harmful bacterium to spread quickly and can lead to E. coli, salmonella or listeria.
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Maintaining the correct temperature is essential for safe storage of food products and to eliminate waste. The best setting for the fridge is 3°C. However, this might vary depending on types of food, and produce stored in the fridge.
Certain areas of the fridge are colder than others, so think about which food products you want to put where:
Fridge Door
The fridge door is typically the warmest part of the fridge – largely because it’s the area exposed to the outside when the door is opened – and in particular the top shelf of the door will be warmest. The products you store in the door can easily get up to as high as 15°C.
Top Shelf
The top shelf of the fridge itself is slightly warmer compared to the sections below since of course, heat rises.
Middle Shelf
The middle shelf is a colder section compared to the top. There is less temperature fluctuation in this area and it provides well-circulated air.
Bottom Shelf
This is the coldest section of the fridge and often has its own drawer.
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Bacterial Warfare
The low temperature in your fridge slows down the growth of most bacteria and mould. They aren’t destroyed; they just slow down till it warms up again. If you put in some already rotten food, it isn’t going to magically be okay when it’s cooled down. And not all bacteria stop growing below 4°C. Listeria, for example, can happily continue thriving below that temperature. Some foods are considered risky and/or highly perishable. These foods are best stored just above the freezing temperature in your fridge’s chiller or the bottom shelf.
Safety Standards
Any business that deals in food services operate under a heavily regulated scope. Maintaining the appropriate temperature inside your commercial refrigerator is essential to keeping your food and your customers safe, you need to know the regulations for your commercial refrigerator. Temperature settings will depend on the items you are selling. Meat, dairy and deli items will require different levels of refrigeration in order to remain safe for public consumption.
Just Fridge is Your Reliable Partner in Optimal Commercial Refrigeration
The correct function of your refrigerator is our business, and whatever your needs, contact us today to keep your foods cool this summer.
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The importance of maintaining a steady fridge temperature
