Where Is The Coldest Part Of The Refrigerator

Have you ever wondered where is the coldest part of the refrigerator and why it matters? Knowing the temperature zones of your refrigerator can help you store your food properly and keep it fresh and safe for longer. Different foods have different optimal storage temperatures, and placing them in the wrong spot can affect their quality, taste, and shelf life.

In this post, we’ll explain where is the coldest part of the refrigerator and what to keep in it. We’ll also give you some tips on how to organize your fridge and adjust the temperature settings to suit your needs.

The coldest part of the refrigerator is usually the bottom shelf or the back of the fridge, depending on the model and type of your fridge. The bottom shelf is the coldest because cold air sinks, while the back of the fridge is the coldest because it is farthest from the warm air that enters when you open the door.

The Temperature Zones of Your Refrigerator

Your refrigerator is not uniformly cold throughout. There are different temperature zones that vary depending on several factors, such as:

• The design and layout of your fridge
• The location and size of the cooling element or vent
• The frequency and duration of opening and closing the door
• The amount and type of food you store in your fridge
• The external temperature and humidity

Generally, most refrigerators have four main temperature zones: the freezer section, the cooling plate or chiller compartment, the upper shelves, and the lower shelves or drawers. Here’s a brief overview of each zone and its typical temperature range:

• The freezer section. This is the coldest part of the refrigerator, as the name suggests. It is typically set at a temperature of 0 degrees Fahrenheit (-18 degrees Celsius) or below. This extremely low temperature is necessary to freeze and preserve perishable items such as meat, poultry, frozen fruits and vegetables, ice cream, and ice cubes.
• The cooling plate or chiller compartment. This is located above the refrigerator section and below the freezer section. It is also known as the chiller compartment or meat drawer. It is usually slightly colder than the rest of the refrigerator section, with a temperature range of 28 to 32 degrees Fahrenheit (-2 to 0 degrees Celsius). This is ideal for storing items that need to be kept very cold but not frozen, such as raw meat, fish, eggs, dairy products, and deli meats.
• The upper shelves. These are usually constant in temperature, with a range of 37 to 40 degrees Fahrenheit (3 to 4 degrees Celsius). This is suitable for storing items that are already cooked or don’t need to be very cold, such as leftovers, drinks, condiments, sauces, jams, and cheese.
• The lower shelves or drawers. These are usually the coldest part of the refrigerator section, with a range of 35 to 38 degrees Fahrenheit (2 to 3 degrees Celsius). This is because cold air sinks to the bottom of the fridge. However, some fridges have crisper drawers that are designed to retain some moisture and prevent wilting. These drawers may have adjustable vents that allow you to control the humidity level inside them. These are ideal for storing fresh fruits and vegetables that need some moisture to stay crisp and fresh.

What to Keep in Each Zone

To make the most of your refrigerator’s temperature zones, you should store your food items according to their optimal storage temperatures. Here are some general guidelines on what to keep in each zone:

• The freezer section. Store items that need to be frozen for long-term storage or that are already frozen when you buy them. Examples include meat, poultry, fish, seafood, frozen fruits and vegetables, ice cream, ice cubes, bread, pastries, soups, stews, casseroles, and leftovers that you don’t plan to eat within a few days.
• The cooling plate or chiller compartment. Store items that need to be kept very cold but not frozen for short-term storage or that are highly perishable. Examples include raw meat, fish, eggs, dairy products (milk, yogurt, cream), deli meats (ham, salami), cheese (soft cheese), tofu (silken tofu), and fresh pasta.
• The upper shelves. Store items that are already cooked or don’t need to be very cold for short-term storage or that are not highly perishable. Examples include leftovers (cooked meat, rice), drinks (water, juice), condiments (ketchup, mustard), sauces (soy sauce), jams (strawberry jam), cheese (hard cheese), tofu (firm tofu), and butter.
• The lower shelves or drawers. Store items that need some moisture to stay fresh and crisp for short-term storage or that are not highly perishable. Examples include fresh fruits and vegetables (lettuce, spinach, carrots, apples, oranges), herbs (basil, parsley), and mushrooms.

How to Organize Your Fridge and Adjust the Temperature Settings

To keep your food fresh and safe for longer, you should also organize your fridge and adjust the temperature settings according to your needs. Here are some tips on how to do that:

• Clean your fridge regularly. This will help prevent the growth of bacteria, mold, and odors that can spoil your food and affect its quality and taste. You should wipe down the shelves, drawers, and door seals with a damp cloth and a mild detergent at least once a month. You should also discard any expired or spoiled food items and check the dates on your food packages.
• Don’t overfill your fridge. This will help maintain good air circulation and even temperature distribution in your fridge. You should leave some space between your food items and the walls of the fridge. You should also avoid blocking the cooling element or vent with tall or bulky items. You should also avoid opening and closing the door too frequently or for too long, as this can let warm air in and cold air out.
• Use containers and labels. This will help keep your food organized and easy to find. You should use clear containers with tight-fitting lids to store your food items. You should also label your containers with the name and date of the food, especially for leftovers and frozen items. This will help you avoid confusion and waste.
• Adjust the temperature settings. This will help keep your food at the right temperature for optimal freshness and safety. You should check the temperature of your fridge with a thermometer regularly and adjust the settings accordingly. The ideal temperature for your fridge is between 35 to 40 degrees Fahrenheit (2 to 4 degrees Celsius). The ideal temperature for your freezer is 0 degrees Fahrenheit (-18 degrees Celsius) or below.

FAQs

Q: Where is the coldest part of the fridge in a side-by-side model?

A: In a side-by-side model, where the freezer section is on one side and the refrigerator section is on the other side, the coldest part of the fridge is usually the bottom shelf or drawer of the refrigerator section. This is because cold air sinks to the bottom of the fridge. However, some models may have different temperature zones depending on their design and features.

Q: Where is the coldest part of the fridge in a top-freezer model?

A: In a top-freezer model, where the freezer section is on top and the refrigerator section is below, the coldest part of the fridge is usually the back of the refrigerator section. This is because it is farthest from the warm air that enters when you open the door. However, some models may have different temperature zones depending on their design and features.

Q: Where is the coldest part of the fridge in a bottom-freezer model?

A: In a bottom-freezer model, where the freezer section is at the bottom and the refrigerator section is above, the coldest part of the fridge is usually the back of the refrigerator section. This is because it is farthest from the warm air that enters when you open the door. However, some models may have different temperature zones depending on their design and features.

Conclusion

The coldest part of the refrigerator is usually the bottom shelf or drawer or the back of the fridge, depending on your model and type of fridge. Knowing where is the coldest part of your refrigerator can help you store your food properly and keep it fresh and safe for longer. You should also organize your fridge and adjust the temperature settings according to your needs.