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Thread: Acceptable Refrigerator temps
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08-05-2022, 03:06 PM #1
Acceptable Refrigerator temps
With all the recent posts of issues with the 12vdc Furrion fridges, as well as many past posts of absorption type fridges maintaining acceptable operating temps, I was wondering what temperature is *acceptable* for safe storage of foods?
My research shows that 37-39 degrees F is the optimal operating temp. I use a Accurite wireless thermometer to watch my fridge temps closely. In hot humid weather it is really tough to keep fridge temps in the 38 degree range, especially during cooking time when the door is being opened and closed. At times I've seen the internal temp get up to 45, and then it might take 2-3 hours for it to get back down. I've seen days I couldn't get the temp down below 40 all day long.
With all this said, we have never had food spoil. I bet 90% of trailer owners have never even looked at the fridge's temp. Amazing that more folks don't get food poisoning.2020 Reflection 273MK
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08-05-2022, 03:37 PM #2
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I try to keep mine in the 37-38 degree range, both at home and in the RV. The 12V twin compressor mod that I had done to my Norcold makes that not only possible, but reliably possible.
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08-05-2022, 06:37 PM #3
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08-05-2022, 08:51 PM #4
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08-06-2022, 01:47 PM #5
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08-17-2022, 07:48 PM #6
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A lot depends on what time of the day you turn your refrigerator "on". The first defrost cycle on the Dometic refrigerator kicks in 36 hrs after the unit is first powered up and then every 24 hrs after the first defrost time. Turning the fridge on at 1pm results in the fridge defrost cycle starting 36 hrs later at 1am and then at 1am each night after. This nightime defrost cycle is optimal because the fridge isn't being opened during that time. That being said my Dometic 4 door refrigerator keeps my stuff really cold and temps are almost always in the lower 30's... even in 90° weather. I get concerned when it occasionally gets up to 37-38° during dinner prep because the DW likes to stand there with both doors open and stare at the contents inside. Here's a picture of my built-in Temp sensor that I have verified with an infrared gun.
Last edited by IBEW Sparky; 08-18-2022 at 07:01 AM.
Bill & Colleen ~ Schwenksville, Pa
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08-05-2022, 03:50 PM #7
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There was a good thread on food safety some years back. One of the former moderators did an experiment and found some good sources and data. You can read the thread here:
https://www.mygrandrv.com/forum/show...812#post179812
RobU.S. Army Retired
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08-06-2022, 07:35 AM #8
Thanks, those are interesting experiments. I would never question the data that addresses which foods should be discarded when left above 40 degrees for 2 hours, but unless my thermometers are off calibration (I've used several) I know I've been in that situation. Maybe I've just been lucky.
I've done all the fan mods, interior and exterior. I doubt most folks buying RV's today have any idea what are the temps their fridges, and have no clue as to how to modify one. Can you imagine a family with several kids getting in and out of the fridge multiple times a day, and they are parked on the beach in 100 degree weather? I think @Scott'n'Wendy is right on with "ignorance is bliss".
I think back to something that amazes me. When I was a kid my Mom would get up early on Sunday morning and fry chicken. She would leave it well covered on the countertop, and we would eat it when we got home from church. Believe it or not we never got sick. Who knows??2020 Reflection 273MK
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08-17-2022, 08:49 PM #9
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08-05-2022, 05:32 PM #10
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There is a lot of food that doesn't really need to be in the fridge as well as well......
But as North Americans that's where we put it anyway...2018 Dodge 3500 6.7 Cummins SRW w/Aisin
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