Refrigerator thermometers guarantee food safety by helping you maintain an exact cold temperature inside your fridge or freezer.
Without an accurate refrigerator thermometer, you could end up with frozen food that doesn’t taste fresh once prepared, or produce that goes bad too quickly. Failure to control your refrigerator’s temperature accurately could also result in dangerous food contamination.
In this article, you will find top recommendations for the best refrigerator thermometers currently on the market. These thermometers are the most reliable and dependable products of their kind, according to customer reviews and ratings.
Our Selection of the Best Thermometers for Your Refrigerator
Whether you are a professional chef or simply love to cook at home, you need a reliable stainless steel refrigerator thermometer to ensure that your food is kept safe inside the refrigerator and always at the right temperature. These dial and digital refrigerator thermometers listed below are some of the best options in the industry.
* Taylor Classic Series Large Dial Fridge/Freezer Thermometer
Made by Taylor Precision Products, the Taylor Classic Series Large Dial Fridge/Freezer Thermometer is a great buy for anyone who wants to keep their perishable food safe. Available in a single pack or a convenient two-pack, this freezer/fridge thermometer will accurately provide you with the internal temperature of your appliance.
This freezer / refrigerator thermometer measures temperature between -20 and 80 degrees Fahrenheit. The yellow and blue safe zone indicators on the dial allow you to quickly check if your food is within a safe temperature range. This extra-large dial is 3.25”.
It has a glass lens and a red pointer that allows for exact readings.
The Taylor Series Large Dial digital thermometers are constructed with strong and durable stainless steel material for its casing. This helps with corrosion resistance. This appliance classic thermometer has a unique design, allowing you to hang it from a shelf or stand it up on its own.
Pros
- Large dial
- Easy to use
- Simple
- Minimalistic
Cons
- Some reviewers have stated that it is not correct at times
* Wrenwane Digital Refrigerator Freezer/Room Thermometer
The Wrenwane Digital Refrigerator Freezer/Room Thermometer is a basic, no frills digital thermometer that provides the information you need in a clear and accurate format.
This easy-to-use commercial refrigerator thermometer has a modern yet simple design that isn’t too over-complicated. It assists you to keep your food safe by displaying an accurate temperature that you can check quickly at any time. The thermometer is white with silver trim around the edges and will not look out of place in your fridge or freezer.
This unit features big digits so that you can check your temperature at a glance, even from across the room. The bold digital display makes it easy for anyone to read the digits accurately. It is perfect for anyone with poor eyesight and with no dial to figure out you will get accurate temperature readings every time.
The Wrenware Digital Freezer and Fridge Thermometer feature a magnetic back for easy display. It also includes a hook for hanging if needed. The temperature range for this unit is from -20°C/-4°F to 60°C/140°F. This allows you to use the classic thermometer in the fridge, freezer, or even for general room temperature use.
Pros
- Compact size
- Large digital display
- Easy to use
- Accurate
Cons
- The hook used for hanging the thermometer is weak
* Rubbermaid Commercial Steel Refrigerator/Freezer Thermometer for Kitchen Use
This Rubbermaid Commercial Steel Refrigerator/Freezer Thermometer is a great option when you want a strong and durable thermometer that will get the job done. This thermometer has a basic dial design that is simple and easy to read.
It can hang in your fridge or stand for easy installation and use.
The commercial refrigerator freezer thermometer features both Fahrenheit and Celsius readings. It ranges from -20 to 80 degrees Fahrenheit. This product is from a brand that chefs and home cooks have trusted for many years to keep their food sealed and protected.
The Rubbermaid Commercial Steel Freezer Refrigerator Thermometer offers that same level of reliability so that you will always keep your food at the ideal safe temperature.
Pros
- Affordable
- Easy to use
- Compact
Cons
- Temperature numbers are smaller than those on similar dial thermometers
* Unigear Refrigerator Fridge Thermometer Digital Freezer Room Thermometer
The Unigear Refrigerator Fridge Thermometer is a multi-functional unit that has several modern features for you to use. This digital refrigerator and freezer thermometer can also be used as a functional room thermometer. It is waterproof and features a large LCD display which makes it easy to read from a distance.
This thermometer features the temperature in both Fahrenheit and Celsius.
The display can also show the minimum and maximum, as well as the current temperature, reading all at the same time. It can also record these levels for reference if needed.
This thermometer can display temperatures that range between -20℃～50℃(-4℉~122℉). This allows you to use it in your fridge or freezer as well as for a room thermometer.
It features a hook that can be used for hanging display on a fridge or freezer rack. Or it can be free-standing. The large buttons on the side allow you to switch between Fahrenheit and Celsius, or turn the unit on and off.
Pros
- Large digital display
- Multi-functional
- Easy to use interface
- Large buttons
Cons
- Some users have reported they are not always accurate
What are the Benefits of a Great Fridge Thermometer?
Refrigerators are one of the greatest inventions of our time. Yet with all their modern features, there is one thing that most of today’s refrigerators and freezers do not have, and that is a built-in thermometer. You may be able to adjust your fridge’s temperature, but most appliances will not have a thermometer available that alerts you if the internal temperature is too high or low.
Knowing what the temperature is inside your fridge and freezer can have many exceptional benefits. The best refrigerator thermometer can help to guarantee that your food is stored safely. It can help to cut down on your overall energy costs, and a thermometer can even alert you of a recent power outage.
This can help to prevent costly and potentially harmful food spoilage.
If you have concerns about food storage and safety, you should consider installing a refrigerator or freezer thermometer.
Why Refrigerator and Freezer Thermometers are so Important
Refrigerator thermometers serve a great purpose, but did you know that there’s more than one benefit to these useful devices?
Here are a few reasons why you should purchase a high-quality freezer and refrigerator thermometer.
Food Safety
The USDA FSIS (Food Safety and Inspection Service states that temperatures between 40°F and 140°F are the danger zone when it comes to food safety. They recommend that you should always do the following to ensure that you and your family aren’t harmed by eating spoiled food.
- You should always cook food to a temperature of at least 140°F.
- You should always refrigerate your food at or below 40°F.
- You should always freeze food at or below 0°F.
To prevent food from ending up in the danger zone you should use a reliable and accurate refrigerator thermometer for your fridge and freezer.
Energy-Saving
Another benefit to using a refrigerator or freezer thermometer is energy savings.
The main reason behind monitoring temperature in your refrigerator and freezer is not to simply ensure that your food is safe and edible. Keeping track of your fridge’s internal temperature can also help you cut down on your average energy costs each year.
For example, if your refrigerator thermometer shows an internal temperature of 32°F, and you only need to store your food right below 40°F, your refrigerator doesn’t need to work that hard. You can adjust the thermostat and keep your food at a safe temperature all while reducing your overall energy costs at the same time.
Keep in mind that refrigerator temperatures often fluctuate throughout the day, so you will want to check your temperature often if you choose to set the thermostat above 32°F. Doing so will help to ensure your highly-perishable items do not end up in the danger zone.
Refrigerator Thermometers with Temperature Alerts Can Prevent Food Spoilage
A few modern refrigerator thermometers feature temperature alerts that can prevent food from spoiling during a power outage. An alarm will sound once the temperature rises above or falls below your preset range.
If you are home while this alert sounds, you can take action by moving the food to another location or adding several bags of ice if the situation is only temporary. The alerts will also let you know that your food was subjected to unsafe temperatures if you were gone during a power outage. This could prevent you and your family from accidently eating spoiled food.
How to Read a Refrigerator Thermometer
Using the best refrigerator thermometer is relatively easy, depending on what kind you have. While most allow you to simply set the unit inside your refrigerator or freezer and go, others that have been introduced in recent years may require a few more steps.
To use a simple dial or digital refrigerator thermometer you will need to place it either in your fridge or freezer and then wait a few hours with the door closed.
This will help you get the most accurate reading.
The best time to check your refrigerator’s temperature is early in the morning. That’s because the temperature inside will fluctuate throughout the day, due to the temperature of the house and the consistent opening and closing of the freezer door.
Both refrigerators and freezers will have warm and cold spots. The back and the bottom area of these appliances will often be much colder while the door area and shelves are often warmer. This is especially true if the door is open often.
You should try to find a good balance between these warm and cold spots for your food and store items that need to be cooler in the cold areas, while those that can be stored at a warmer temperature without spoiling should be placed in the warm spots. Use this information when you adjust and test out your fridge and freezer thermostat settings.
The Recommended Refrigerator Temperature and Freezer Temperature is between 35 and 38 degrees Fahrenheit or 4 to 5 degrees Celsius. This temperature range will keep your food out of the danger zone. It will keep your food that shouldn’t be frozen at the right chilled temperature to keep it fresh while also slowing down the growth of bacteria.
The optimal freezer temperature is suggested at 0° Fahrenheit or below, which is -18° Celsius or lower. This temperature is ideal for long-term storage and prevents bacteria growth until the food is either thawed or cooked.
Food that is stored at 0° F or below is safe to eat for an indefinite period, however, the taste and quality of the food may diminish over an extended time. While most foods will freeze at 32° F, they must be stored at 0° F to slow down the deterioration.
Therefore the colder your freezer is, the better.
A thermometer for your freezer is the best way to ensure that your food will remain at the correct temperature and prevent spoilage or deterioration. This will also let you know if your freezer is running efficiently.
What to Look for When Buying a Thermometer for Your Fridge
There are several factors to consider when buying a new thermometer for your fridge or freezer.
Do you want to buy a simple device or do you want something that has modern features?
Is a dial thermostat a good option for you, or will you have difficulty reading this kind of thermometer?
There are a few different types of refrigerator thermometers out there for you to choose from.
Here are the different types for you to consider.
Stainless Steel or Plastic
Refrigerator thermometers that are made from stainless steel and plastic materials are excellent choices. That’s because you don’t have to worry about rust or corrosion over the years. Glass thermometers are also a good choice, but be aware that they can break easily.
Most thermometers are made from quality materials that can withstand freezing temperatures, so this shouldn’t be a big concern unless you have a strong preference between stainless steel or plastic. If long-lasting durability is your primary concern, stainless-steel is the way to go. Simply because it will be less susceptible to breakage than plastic.
Mercury-Free
Most of today’s refrigerator thermometers do not contain mercury. And if you can purchase a mercury-free thermometer, then you are doing your part to reduce your carbon footprint and save the planet. Also, if you happen to break a thermometer that contains mercury, it could be hazardous.
And that is not something you want to have around your food. Mercury vapors are toxic if inhaled. However, the risk of poisoning due to touching or swallowing mercury from a broken thermometer are low if the issue is taken care of in time.
With or Without an Alarm
Some of today’s advanced refrigerator thermometers feature alarms that are built in. The alarms will sound when the temperature gets higher or lower than the programmed range. This is a good feature if you live in an area where your power goes out frequently, or if you are concerned about the refrigerator door not being closed properly.
You can find thermometers with an alarm that can even work with your wireless or Bluetooth devices. Some wireless refrigerator thermometers will connect to an app that works with your smartphone. This alerts the user of any issues or if the alarm sounds while they are away from home.
But if fluctuating temperatures aren’t a major concern for you, it is still possible to keep your food at the right temperature the old-fashioned way utilizing a simple dial or digital refrigerator thermometer. These basic devices are also much more affordable.
Thermometers that have an alarm are a good option for food-service or restaurants where drastic changes in temperature could be devastating to your business.
Digital or Dial
Both types of refrigerator thermometers work just fine. And while it may seem that the large dial thermometer is outdated, there are still several best refrigerator thermometers on the market today that work just as well, if not better, than their modern counterparts.
It all comes down to which type is easier for you to read. If you have poor eyesight, a digital refrigerator thermometer with a large display would be a better choice for you than the dial. While both perform exactly the same, there are many people who will say that a digital thermometer is often more accurate than a dial refrigerator thermometer.
Final Thoughts
Our recommendations for the best refrigerator thermometer can help to ensure that your food stays safe and out of the danger zone. It’s important to keep your food stored at the correct temperature to prevent illness. But you should also maintain the right temperature for your fridge and freezer to ensure that your food stays fresh and delicious for as long as possible.
You will need to make sure the style and features of the thermometer you have in mind before you buy to ensure that you get the best product for the job.
