Fridge thermometers are the low-cost and easy way to help you maintain safe temperatures throughout your refrigerator.

Get a scientist’s explanation of why you should be using a home fridge thermometer, what to look for and some best examples of affordable devices.

About Fridge Thermometers

Fridge thermometers are small devices for reading the temperature of fridges and freezers during use. You can get fridge thermometers to suit almost any situation - from basic temperature recording devices to models capable of very accurate measurements that also offer temperature alarms.

What is the Temperature Danger Zone?

You can control two things to ensure your household enjoys quality, safe food - cooking temperature and refrigeration temperature.

Monitoring your refrigeration temperature to ensure it is correct and consistent is crucial.

Here’s why:

Food kept between 5°C to 60°C is outside what experts advise are safe temperature limits. Temperatures beyond the safe zone create the perfect conditions for many types of food poisoning bacteria to flourish.

Table 1 (below) outlines the types of bacteria that can cause food poisoning with the corresponding ideal temperature range for growth and reproduction.

Table 1 Common examples of bacteria capable of causing food poisoning with their ideal temperature range

Four Factors Affecting Fridge Temperatures

1. Internal fridge temperature zones
   

   Fridges and freezers have warmer and cooler spots due to their cooling mechanisms and airflow. For example, the back and bottom walls tend to be cooler, while door shelves tend to be warmer by a few degrees.

2. Ambient temperature
   

   As summer approaches, it’s important to know that higher ambient temperatures can profoundly affect the cooling efficiency of a fridge or freezer.

3. Fridge use
   

   Frequent and prolonged opening of fridge or freezer doors can cause dangerous temperature fluctuations.

4. Fridge loading
   

   If you over-packed your fridge, you soon reduce its ability to circulate the cooling air it needs to work safely.

How To Choose A Fridge Thermometer

1. MIN/MAX temperature: A fridge thermometer that stores the MIN/MAX temperature recordings over time will show you whether your fridge temperatures have stayed within safe food zones.
2. Accuracy: Check that the accuracy of the device you seek matches your needs. Food Standards Australia New Zealand (FSANZ) recommends a thermometer that’s accurate to ±1°c to avoid unhealthy fridge temperature fluctuations.
3. Alarms: Some devices offer programmable or preset alarms to alert you whenever the fridge or freezer temperatures move outside acceptable limits.
4. External LCD: Because opening and closing fridge doors cause temperature fluctuations — fridge thermometers with internal sensors and external screens are recommended to limit excessive fridge access.

Fridge Thermometer Examples

IC7310TM - Jumbo Display In-Out Thermometer Product code: IC7310TM In a nutshell: The ultra-large, easy to read LCD of the IC7310TM simultaneously displays the fridge and room temperatures. The fridge sensor cable is three metres long. The large display can be placed on a desk using the kickstand or wall-mounted using the keyhole hook. Does the IC7310TM suit your needs? Min/Max Function: Yes Accuracy: ±1°C Alarms: No External LCD: Yes

Large Display Indoor/Outdoor Thermometer Product code: IC800015 In a nutshell: The best-selling IC800015 displays fridge temperature along with ambient temperature and humidity on a crisp, large 81 x 63 mm display. The LCD can free-stand using the built-in easel or be easily mounted to a wall. The accurate fridge temperature sensor is on the end of a 1.4-metre cable. Does the IC800015 suit your needs? Min/Max Function: Yes Accuracy: ±1°C Alarms: No External LCD: Yes

FlashCheck Min-Max Alarm Digital Thermometer Product code: IC-12217 In a nutshell: The economical IC-12217 Min-Max Alarm Digital Thermometer features audible and visual alarms, minimum/maximum memory, and a fast responding stainless steel probe at the end of a three-meter cable. Provides at-a-glance historical minimum and maximum temperatures together with the most recent measurement. Does the IC-12217 suit your needs? Min/Max Function: Yes Accuracy: ±0.5°C Alarms: Yes External LCD: Yes

Dual Display Digital Thermometer for Fridge Freezer with Dual Probes Product code: IC-QM7322 In a nutshell: The IC-QM7322 lets you monitor two separate zones within your fridge or monitor your fridge and freezer simultaneously. At the same time, you can set your maximum and minimum temperature alarm thresholds. The display unit features rear magnets for easy fridge attachment, while included suction cups will anchor the sensors. Does the IC-QM7322 suit your needs? Min/Max Function: Yes Accuracy: ±1°C Alarms: Yes External LCD: Yes

The Final Word

Investing in a fridge thermometer is like recruiting a guardian for your fridge! Any of the models in this article will monitor your fridge temperature around the clock to help you ensure constant, energy-efficient temperatures – and safe food. When temperatures breach safe limits, the right fridge thermometer will also provide the insights you’ll need to fix the problem.

Have questions or need some help finding the best fridge thermometer to keep your fridge or freezer safe? Speak with an Instrument Choice Scientist! Call 1300 737 871 or email [email protected].

Learn about safe cooking temperatures here.