Refrigerator Settings
Have you ever wondered about those refrigerator settings? Most people have no idea where how to set the ideal temperature, though it is really quite simple when you think about it.
You will have to change your refrigerator settings depending on the temperature outside. When it is really hot outside, your fridge may have to work a bit harder. When those winter winds start to blow, your fridge may be set back a bit. Still, there are some temperatures that will make your foods spoil, and some that will freeze everything in sight.
Chances are that you have gone through the freezing process inside of your fridge at least once. Those that set the temperature too high often pay for this with frozen milk and food. Then again, setting it too low will cause your meats to rot. Generally 1-2 should never be used (too low) and 9-10 should never be used (too high). Also, the amount of food inside of your fridge will affect the temperature. For example, if your fridge is stuffed with food, the temperature inside may be a bit lower due to lack of air space. In this case, setting the temperature higher is ideal. Of course, the opposite is also true.
Basically, you want to keep that temperature somewhere in the middle. Around 5-6 is usually a good plan, though you can push it up to 7-8 when it is hot outside, and 3-4 when it is cold outside. As far as refrigerator settings inside the vegetable crisper go, that’s a different story (did you know that your crisper had a setting?). All crispers come with some type of slide on the front of the box. This slide is used in order to control humidity levels within your vegetable compartment.
If your crisper is labeled, you can simply slide it to either the fruit or the veggie side – fruits and vegetables should never be stored together. If you want to store only your veggies inside of this box, it is best to set the crisper somewhere in the middle. Though the crisper will help to keep fresh veggie, well, crisp, it won’t bring life back to wilted vegetables. The trick is to try not to overstuff this compartment, this way the air can move freely around the drawer.
Check those refrigerator settings every time you open your fridge door. You’ll soon find out that the temperature outside has a lot to do with the temperature inside of your fridge.