fridge temperature

[corrideo]

How cold should a fridge be? Mine feels cold, items seem OK, but thermometer test (two separate thermometers) read between 11 and 15C. Surely this is too warm, as some foods say 2C-5C on the labels? Do I have a problem?

[chijiki]

Your fridge should be between 0 and 5 degrees C measured on the top shelf near the door.

[corrideo]

thanks everso. better get an engineer out... ;-(

[KARL]

This may be a bit late to be of use, but habits vary and specifications with them. In countries where temperatures are not as low indoors as in the UK you will find that people do not demand near freezing fridges so your temperature range would be at the high end of what they accept. Food hygiene has traditionally been a weak point in the UK and it may be because of this that people are now being urged by authorities and the media to adopt higher (if not very high) standards. Running a fridge with 2-5 degrees as a target is of course more expensive than nearer 10 degrees. Also, persuading you to condemn/scrap a fridge which does not go down below 5 degrees is also a very attractive proposition for another group of people.

[corrideo]

thanks Karl that makes a lot of sense. Actually it seems the outside ambient temp also has an impact on how cold the inside runs, and I was advised to vac the grid at the back to make sure it is as efficient as poss. No further food spoilage even tho temp still around 10C - so you are right!!