How to check fridge temperature

[GrandmaSunshine]

I was convinced that my new Bosch under counter fridge wasn’t getting cold enough so bought 2 different (to be on the safe side) internal fridge thermometers. These showed that the temp was roughly 6 degrees if I have the setting on full all the time. The engineer, who has previously changed the thermostat, now says that fridge thermometers only measure the air in the fridge. He has suggested that I put two glasses of water in the fridge with normal thermometers in them and check the temperatures over a few days. He say this will give the internal temp of food. What I basically want to know – is he correct in this presumption, or am I right to ask for a new fridge.

[electrofix]

Re: How to check fridge temperature

no he is right. the air temp goes up and down as the door is open and closed, also hot air rises so you can assume a temp difference from top to bottom. on top of that there cooling plate is at the rear so the closer you are to that the colder it gets

what you are after is your food being at the correct temp. putting the thermometer in water means the temp wont start to rise the minute you open the door and it mimics your food

try it and see if you get 4 degrees you know the average temp is around that and therefore safe. if its over 6 you need to ask questions unless you are opening the door a lot. try checking first thing in the morning

Dave

[GrandmaSunshine]

Re: How to check fridge temperature

Thanks for that Dave, wasn’t sure if he was spinning me a line or not. will check it out over a couple of days.

[kwatt]

Re: How to check fridge temperature

To do it properly you really need to use a data logger and get an average temperature.

There are of course various flavours but the basic principle is the same as you’re trying to read an average and not an instantaneous temperature.

That’s what he is trying to do with the glass of water, a kinda poor man’s data logger for the actual food temp which, as Dave says, is the important thing.

The “hang it on the shelf” fridge thermometers are not the most reliable of things by any stretch ordinarily.

K.

[GrandmaSunshine]

Re: How to check fridge temperature

Thanks for that K
It’s good to get two concurring views on this.
Feel more confident with my dealings with the engineer and company now

[Author]

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