Why is a Freezer Colder Than a Refrigerator?

Temperatures

• Refrigerators and freezers often come equipped with dials and thermostats that allow you to control and monitor the temperature of each; however, each has an ideal temperature as well. Freezers should maintain a temperature of about zero degrees Fahrenheit or less, while refrigerators should remain around 40 degrees Fahrenheit. Thus, a difference of 40 degrees ideally exists between a refrigerator and freezer.

Safe Refrigeration

• Though refrigerators and freezers serve different purposes when it comes to food preservation, both regulate temperature to prevent foods from spoiling. While a freezer can extend the shelf life of certain foods, it cannot do its job if its temperature is too high. Likewise, while a refrigerator can keep foods fresh at an ideal temperature, it can promote spoilage at too high a temperature.

Freezing Advantages

• Freezing allows you to store foods for longer periods. If you freeze any food beyond the recommended storage date, it may lose some of its quality and flavor but will still remain safe for consumption. Freezing also makes possible foods and liquids that require temperatures far below 40 degrees Fahrenheit, such as ice cream and ice. If you want to quickly cool a room temperature food or drink such as a soda, a freezer can also accelerate the cooling process.

When to Refrigerate

• Most foods cannot easily be consumed while frozen and therefore require thawing. For foods you plan to consume quickly, like deli meats, bread, produce, juices and milk, refrigeration can slow bacterial growth while still keeping the products fully accessible to you at a moment's notice.

Precautions

• Always keep frozen foods properly sealed. Failure to do so may result in freezer burn, a form of dehydration that can negatively affect the odor and taste. Do not attempt to refreeze any food that has thawed because excess bacteria may exist.