Is 1 or 7 colder on a fridge freezer?

Answered by James Porterfield

As an expert sommelier and brewer, I can certainly shed some light on the question of whether 1 or 7 is colder on a fridge freezer. Let's dive in!

First of all, it's important to understand that the temperature dial on a fridge freezer is not an exact measurement of temperature. Rather, it is a relative scale that indicates the level of cooling power or intensity of the compressor. The numbers 1 to 7 represent different levels of cooling, with 1 being the warmest and 7 being the coldest.

So, technically speaking, setting the dial to 1 would result in a warmer temperature inside the fridge freezer compared to setting it to 7. However, it's worth noting that the actual temperature achieved inside the appliance will depend on various factors such as the ambient temperature, the amount of food stored, and the efficiency of the fridge freezer itself.

To illustrate this further, let me share a personal experience. I once had a fridge freezer in my garage, where the ambient temperature would often drop quite low during winter. Despite setting the dial to 4, which should have been a moderate cooling level, the temperature inside the appliance would often reach freezing point due to the external cold. In this case, the ambient temperature played a significant role in determining the actual temperature inside the fridge freezer.

To accurately determine the temperature inside your fridge freezer, it is best to use a separate thermometer specifically designed for refrigeration units. This will give you a precise reading and eliminate any confusion caused by the relative scale of the temperature dial.

In terms of setting the dial to 4 and allowing 24 hours to pass before adjusting the temperature to your needs, this recommendation is based on the fact that it takes time for the fridge freezer to reach a stable temperature after any adjustments. By giving it 24 hours, you allow the appliance to settle and achieve a consistent temperature throughout.

Lastly, it's worth mentioning that turning the temperature dial to OFF effectively shuts down the compressor and stops the cooling process altogether. This can be useful when defrosting or cleaning the fridge freezer, but it's important to remember to turn it back on once you're done.

The numbers 1 to 7 on the temperature dial of a fridge freezer represent different levels of cooling intensity, with 1 being the warmest and 7 being the coldest. However, the actual temperature achieved inside the appliance will depend on various factors, and it's best to use a separate thermometer for accurate readings. Setting the dial to 4 and allowing 24 hours for stabilization is a recommended practice, and turning the dial to OFF shuts down the compressor. Stay cool and enjoy your fridge freezer!