At a Glance:
How Cold Should a Refrigerator Be?
How Long Does It Take a Refrigerator to Get Cold?
Tips on How to Keep a Fridge Cold
Why Is My Refrigerator Not Cooling?
Top Refrigerators to Keep Your Foods Cold
Wondering how long does it take a refrigerator to get cold? Whether you’re just plugging in your new refrigerator for the first time or your old refrigerator isn’t cooling as well as it used to, this guide will help you figure out what to do next. We’ll break down the cooling process of refrigerators, discuss the ideal refrigerator temperature for keeping your items cool, and explain how long it takes a new refrigerator to get cold. Then, we’ll offer tips on how to keep your fridge cold, troubleshoot why your fridge may not be cooling, and recommend our top 6 refrigerators from Bekins in case it’s time to replace your fridge.
Explore Your Refrigerator Options at Bekins
If your refrigerator is not cooling properly or you are experiencing other issues, consider choosing your next refrigerator from Bekins. We offer a wide selection of brands and styles to accommodate any home.
Refrigerator Options at BekinsHow Does a Refrigerator Cool?
The refrigerator cooling process operates through a cycle of compressing and expanding refrigerant gas to transfer heat from inside to outside. The compressor pressurizes the refrigerant, turning it into a high-pressure liquid that flows through condenser coils, releasing heat. After passing through an expansion valve, the refrigerant evaporates inside the refrigerator, absorbing heat and cooling the air.
Several factors contribute to the cooling efficiency of a refrigerator. Effective insulation, such as thick gaskets and well-insulated metal wall panels, helps to maintain a consistent temperature inside the refrigerator by minimizing heat transfer between the interior and exterior environments. Additionally, features like door-in-door designs and multiple cooling zones allow for better organization of food items and reduce the frequency of door openings. This minimizes temperature fluctuations. Furthermore, advanced technologies such as variable-speed compressors and adaptive defrost systems optimize energy usage and cooling performance, ensuring efficient operation while preserving food freshness.
How Cold Should a Refrigerator Be?
To keep your food extra cool, Real Simple recommends keeping your normal refrigerator temperature between 35° and 38°F. This is slightly lower than the U.S. Food and Drug Administration’s (FDA) recommendation of setting your fridge temp at or below 40°F. You can also refer to your appliance's manual for specific temperature recommendations as they may vary slightly depending on the model.
Several factors can affect temperature settings in a refrigerator. Placing the appliance near heat sources such as cooking appliances or direct sunlight can lead to temperature fluctuations, impacting your fridge’s ability to maintain consistent temperatures. Additionally, living in areas with high ambient temperatures can strain the refrigerator's cooling system, requiring users to adjust temperature settings accordingly. The size of the refrigerator and the frequency of door openings also play a role, as larger appliances may require more energy to maintain optimal temperatures, while frequent door openings can cause temperature fluctuations.
Using a refrigerator that isn't at the optimum temperature poses risks to food safety and quality. Inadequate cooling can lead to bacterial growth and spoilage of perishable items, increasing the risk of foodborne illnesses. Moreover, temperature fluctuations can accelerate food deterioration, resulting in loss of freshness, flavor, and nutritional value. For frozen foods, inconsistent temperatures can cause thawing and refreezing cycles, leading to changes in texture and taste, as well as potential food safety concerns. Overall, maintaining the refrigerator at the recommended temperature is essential for preserving food quality and ensuring safety.
Learn more: Best French Door Refrigerator Recommendations for Your Kitchen
How Long Does It Take a Refrigerator to Get Cold?
Typically, a running refrigerator will start to cool within a few hours after being turned on for the first time, but it may take up to 24 hours to reach its optimal temperature range. Owners should wait at least 24 hours for a new refrigerator to fully cool down before loading it with perishable items. In the meantime, homeowners can store perishable items in a cooler with ice packs or bags of ice to keep them cold. You can temporarily store frozen items in a freezer-safe cooler with dry ice or transfer your items to a neighbor's or friend's freezer until the refrigerator is ready for use.
Tips on How to Keep a Fridge Cold
If you’ve been wondering how long does it take a refrigerator to get cold because you want yours to cool down faster, here are 6 tips for keeping your fridge cold:
1. Let Your Leftovers Cool Down
Instead of sticking your leftovers in the fridge right away, let them cool down first for two hours (or one on a hot day).
2. Check the Door Seals
Check to make sure your door seals are sealing properly. Look for tears, damage, or debris. A simple way to test the seals is by inserting a piece of paper and closing the door; if the paper can be easily pulled out, it may indicate a need for replacement.
3. Clean the Coils
Every now and then, make sure to pull the fridge away from the wall and clean the dirt and grime out of the coils.
4. Keep the Door Closed
Whenever you open the door, you let the cold air out and the warm air in. It’s easy to get lost in thought standing in front of the fridge or hunting for a snack. Next time, make sure you know what you’re looking for before you open your fridge.
5. Keep the Fridge and Freezer Compartments Full
Fridges are designed to be full of food, so potentially the best way to keep your fridge cool is to keep the shelves and drawers full of yummy food. According to Real Simple, you should aim to keep 20% of the space open and 80% full.
6. Utilize Storage Drawers and Containers
Did you know that free-floating items in your fridge give off moisture and make your fridge work harder to stay cool? Make sure you’re boxing up your leftovers and putting away your produce in the crisper drawers.
Why Is My Refrigerator Not Cooling?
Here are a few common reasons why your refrigerator might not be cooling:
- Old Door Gaskets: Worn-out seals can lead to air leaks, causing the refrigerator to lose its cooling efficiency.
- Faulty Refrigerator Thermistor/Thermometer: Inaccurate temperature readings can result in the refrigerator not cooling to the desired level.
- Bad Motor: A malfunctioning motor may fail to circulate the refrigerant effectively, leading to inadequate cooling performance.
- Blocked Vents: Blocked vents inside the refrigerator can restrict airflow, preventing cold air from circulating properly and causing uneven cooling. Regularly check and clear any obstructions to ensure efficient airflow and optimal cooling performance.
You may be able to DIY some of these repairs, but you should always exercise caution and consult the manufacturer's instructions or seek professional assistance, especially for complex issues involving electrical components or refrigerant systems.
Top Refrigerators to Keep Your Foods Cool
LG 26.2 Cu. Ft. PrintProof Stainless Steel French Door Refrigerator
LG PrintProof French Door Refrigerator
With 26 cubic feet of storage space, you’ll have room for all your favorites. From fresh fruit to crisp veggies and snacks galore, everything will stay cool and fresh with the Smart Cooling system. This fridge also stands out for its dual ice makers, which is great for those who want their beverages to feel as cold as their fridge.
What Customers Are Saying:
Love this refrigerator! The space layout is great. We can fit so much more in this unit compared to our old side by side refrigerator.
Signature Kitchen Suite 23.5 Cu. Ft. Stainless Steel Counter Depth French Door Refrigerator
Signature Kitchen Suite French Door Refrigerator
With sleek pro style handles, this Signature Kitchen Suite french door refrigerator is perfect for a modern kitchen makeover. Cocktail lovers and at-home baristas will love the Craft Ice spheres while those who meal prep will love the 3-tier organization in the freezer. In terms of cooling, the Smart Cooling Plus System is designed to keep your food fresher for longer.
Sub-Zero Classic Series 20.5 Cu. Ft. Panel Ready French Door Refrigerator
Sub-Zero Panel Ready French Door Refrigerator
For a modern kitchen renovation, this panel ready refrigerator allows you to customize your fridge to create a seamless design. The inside is just as sleek with the Split Climate intelligent cooling system, stainless steel accents, and NASA-inspired air purification system. If advanced technology features at the top of your must-have list for a new fridge, this Sub-Zero French door refrigerator is an excellent option.
Learn more: Sub-Zero Refrigerators: Comparing Features & Benefits
Bosch 800 Series 36 in. 20.5 Cu. Ft. Stainless Steel Counter Depth French Door Refrigerator
Bosch 800 Counter Depth French Door Refrigerator
With the touch of a button, you can activate the SuperCool function to rapidly drop the temperature of this fridge. Then, after 6 hours, this function switches off. This is perfect for when you’ve just unloaded a carload of groceries or you’re cooking an elaborate meal where you know you’ll be in and out of the fridge. This ENERGY STAR certified Bosch refrigerator’s Holiday Mode is another temperature-conscious feature, allowing you to cool your fridge and freezer properly while you’re away.
What Customers Are Saying:
Have had this refrigerator for over 2 months now. Works great and makes plenty of ice cubes. Very quiet and maintains a constant temperature of 37 degrees F in upper unit and zero degrees F in freezer. Fruit and vegetables temps are selected by user and maintained as set. Would highly recommend this Bosch refrigerator.
Whirlpool 24.6 Cu. Ft. Fingerprint Resistant Stainless Steel Side-by-Side Refrigerator
Whirlpool Side by Side Refrigerator
This side-by-side refrigerator from Whirlpool was designed with storage in mind, complete with a can caddy, frameless glass shelves, and adjustable door bins. In terms of keeping your fridge cool, electronic temperature controls allow you to easily adjust the fridge to your ideal temperature. In the freezer, adaptive defrost kicks in only when it’s needed.
What Customers Are Saying:
My new whirlpool refrigerator has been in service for approximately two months. It's performance has been flawless. It maintains consistent temperatures in the freezer (0 degrees F) and refrigerator (35 degrees F) compartment of the appliance. I am very pleased with the new Whirlpool refrigerator.
Learn more: GE vs Whirlpool Refrigerators
GE 25.3 Cu. Ft. Fingerprint Resistant Stainless Steel Side by Side Refrigerator
Available in four modern finishes (fingerprint resistant stainless steel, black, slate, and white), this GE side-by-side refrigerator is a spacious fridge with plenty of storage options. In the freezer, the slide-out freezer basket and bonus freezer shelf make it easy to stay organized. The door alarm keeps you from letting cold air out, and FrostGuard technology defrosts your freezer only when it’s needed, which leads to less freezer burn and more energy savings.
What Customers Are Saying:
We purchased a GE refrigerator 18 years ago, finally went out and we purchased this one which is almost identical. Loved it so much we had to have the same.
FAQ
How long can a fridge door be open?
A fridge door should ideally be open for no more than a few minutes at a time to minimize temperature fluctuations and energy loss.
How long for a new refrigerator to cool?
A new refrigerator typically takes about 24 hours to cool down completely after being plugged in for the first time.
How do you reset a refrigerator after a power outage?
To reset a refrigerator after a power outage, simply unplug the appliance for a few minutes, then plug it back in.
What keeps a fridge cold?
A combination of the refrigeration cycle, insulation, and airtight seals helps to keep a fridge cold by removing heat from the interior and maintaining a consistent temperature.
How to cool down a fridge faster?
To cool down a fridge faster, you can set the temperature to the coldest setting, avoid overloading the refrigerator with warm items, and leave space for air circulation around the shelves.
Have you been stuck, wondering, how long does it take a refrigerator to get cold? Understanding the cooling process of your refrigerator and maintaining it at the ideal temperature is essential for preserving food freshness and safety. It typically takes a new refrigerator up to 24 hours to fully cool down, and in the meantime, owners can utilize temporary storage solutions to keep perishable items cool. By following tips to optimize cooling efficiency and addressing common issues such as worn door gaskets or faulty thermistors, homeowners can ensure their refrigerator operates reliably and efficiently. However, for complex repairs, it's advisable to seek professional assistance to avoid any safety risks.
If it’s time to replace your old refrigerator with a new model from a top brand like Bosch or Sub-Zero, Bekins is the best place to shop for a refrigerator in the Grand Rapids area. Stop by one of our locations today to browse fridges in person.
Why Trust Bekins Appliances and Electronics?
Bekins is a local, family-owned, internationally acclaimed appliance and electronics company in West Michigan. It started as a service company in 1975 when Harvey and Barbara Bekins started their own appliance repair business out of their home in Grand Haven. We still view ourselves as a service company today, but now we also sell, install, and service both appliances and electronics across West Michigan.
Scott started in the business as an 8-year-old holding the flashlight for his father. Scott rolled in the first appliances when Harvey and Barb opened our Grand Haven showroom in 1982. After Scott bought the company from his parents, Bekins started offering custom electronic services and then expanded with another state-of-the-art, interactive showroom in Grand Rapids.
In all, Bekins has earned more than 21 national and international honors. That does not include their Better Business Bureau Torch Award for Ethics or their Grand Haven Tribune People’s Choice Award for Best Appliances (17 years and counting!).
Shop Top-Rated Refrigerators at Bekins
Stop by Bekins Grand Haven location to see what a difference buying locally with an experienced staff can make. Or shop for refrigerators online! Our friendly experts are always happy to help you answer how long does it take a refrigerator to get cold and more — whether you call us at 616-288-1020, use our online chat feature, or visit us in person.
Learn More: How Much Does It Cost to Repair a Refrigerator?