There was a time when I thought it would be a good idea to check the temperature of refrigerators and freezers for my buyers in the course of the home inspection. I no longer do this due to too many false readings that are common with laser thermometers. Different surfaces will read differently. Now I simply recommend that the user of the refrigerator maintain proper temperatures and recommend that they obtain refrigerator/freezer thermometers that can be placed inside the units.
For food safety it is recommended that refrigerators be kept at approximately 38 degrees Fahrenheit and that freezers be kept at around 0 degrees Fahrenheit.
I frequently find temperatures much warmer than these recommended temperatures. Freezers are less often inadequate because people can judge temperature by how hard the ice-cream is. If the ice-cream digs out without breaking the spoon it is probably too warm.
Some of the newer refrigerators come with digital read-outs that keep track of the freezer and refrigerator temperatures—-even these read-outs should be checked periodically with an actual thermometer.
OK—-now go and check the temperatures of your refrigerator and Freezer.
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Charles Buell, Real Estate Inspections in Seattle
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Reuben Saltzman says
I’ve seen you post photos using a digital thermometer. What about sticking that thing in the fridge or freezer for five minutes?
Charles Buell says
Reuben, the digital type I have won’t stay “on” unless I hold the button down and being inside the freezer for 5 minutes would be too painful 🙂