Refrigerators, or fridges as they are more commonly known, are one of the most important inventions of the 20th century. With these cold cabinets, we can preserve food from days to several weeks with ease. Also, we need to worry far less about all sorts of illnesses caused by spoiled foods. Luckily, remote fridge temperature monitoring systems are available for everyone nowadays!
Most of us consider fridges to always be in the correct conditions for our food, which is most certainly not the case!
In this article, we will discuss what will happen to your food if your fridge is not running at the correct temperature. Or at least if something is not working as well as it should. Additionally, we are going to look at ways to measure and control your refrigerator’s temperature and humidity. In the end, I will give you some useful tips regarding food storage inside a fridge. If you’re interested in learning how a freezer could be utilized better, read our article about freezers here!
What is the best fridge/refrigerator temperature?
A correct fridge temperature is around 2 °C – 5 °C according to the FDA. Most foodstuffs are safe in these temperatures. The exception is with meat or fish products, which you must keep at a temperature below 3 °C as they spoil rather quickly. Most refrigerators have different temperature areas inside them, which helps to store different kinds of foodstuffs. More about this later.
Most fridges run above the threshold temperature of 5 °C, especially during summers when the ambient air is warm and the fridge is opened constantly.
What will happen if the temperature of a fridge is too high?
If the fridge temperature is above 5 °C, bacteria will start to grow much faster. Fridge’s main idea is to cool the foodstuffs so that bacteria can not grow on it. In temperatures above 5 °C these bacteria are growing exponentially faster compared to temperatures below 5 °C.
Not all bacteria are harmful to people, but you should still try to reduce their numbers on your food. Most common bacteria that may cause food poisoning are Salmonella and E. Coli.
Also, food will remain fresh for longer if kept in colder temperatures. With all of these concerns, a reliable fridge temperature control is in need.
Measuring fridge humidity – Is it necessary?
Correct air humidity is not as important as correct temperature inside a fridge, but excess moisture could lead to frost building up on the fridge’s inner walls. This frost can lead to other problems inside the refrigerator such as issues with cooling and excessive energy consumption.
Fresh foods such as vegetables and fruits like to stay in a more humid environment than other groceries. That is why most fridges have vegetable and fruit boxes on the bottom. Their aim is to capture these vegetables’ moisture inside the box to keep them in a nice humid environment.
It is still good to know your fridge’s moisture levels if you, for example, have frost building up quickly on the back-side of the fridge.
How to measure refrigerator temperature
Refrigerator’s temperatures may fluctuate much as the door is being opened and the cooling is working. This is why an analogue thermometer is not the most reliable device, as you cannot know the temperature at all times. Also, as mentioned before, the temperatures inside the fridge vary according to the location. Generally, the back of the fridge is colder than the door and the front.
Almost all commercial fridge temperatures are being monitored, as companies must ensure proper food quality to their customers. If restaurant fridge temperatures are too high, the risk is that all of the customers could have food poisoning.
But their fridge temperature monitoring devices have not made their way to the customers to be used in the past.
How to check fridge temperature
Luckily, there are smart, wireless sensors that can measure the conditions constantly and transfer these readings seamlessly to your mobile phone. Bluetooth refrigerator thermometers are superior compared to older analogue fridge temperature readers.
Checklist
- Purchase a high-quality thermometer.
Make sure you can read the thermometer when the door is closed. The temperature fluctuates as the door is opened and closed.
- Place the thermometer carefully in the fridge.
The temperatures inside the fridge vary according to the location. Generally, the back of the fridge is colder than the door and the front.
- Set alerts for the thermometer
Set alerts to make sure the temperature stays at the correct levels
- Keep right temperature
Keep the fridge temperature at or around 4° C (40° F)
Fridge temperature monitoring in flower fridges
The optimum flower fridge temperature celsius should be 2-8 °C. In this temperature, the flowers will stay in the best possible shape for the longest period of time. Flowers can also spoil rather quickly so that a fridge temperature monitoring system is a good way to reduce waste.
Wireless Bluetooth fridge temperature monitor at its finest
One of the best sensors on the market currently is the RuuviTag. It is small, works with Bluetooth and has a convenient mobile application. This application, RuuviStation, can be turned into a Bluetooth refrigerator thermometer Iphone or Android app in no time.
In addition to being a Bluetooth fridge temperature sensor, RuuviTag also measures air humidity, air pressure, as well as movement inside the fridge making it an all around refrigerator monitoring system.
The RuuviTag also has the function to alert you if a measurement falls outside the preferred parameters. For example, you can set the sensor to alert you if the temperature inside your fridge reaches above 5 °C and you can instantly inspect what could be causing this and set the thermostat to correct levels. RuuviTag makes remote fridge temperature monitoring easy and accessible for everyone!
Remote fridge temperature monitoring system
RuuviTags work with the RuuviGateway, which is a router designed to allow you to monitor environmental conditions remotely. RuuviGateway receives RuuviTags’ data via Bluetooth, and uploads the measurement data into the Ruuvi Cloud service and can support multiple sensors at the same time.
Ruuvi Gateway transforms RuuviTags into remote refrigerator thermometers and gives you the power to check on your fridge’s conditions when you are not at home. With Ruuvi’s products, you can make a perfect remote fridge temperature monitoring system for a professional kitchen or a basic household fridge.
Why is my fridge temperature too high?
Usually, thermostats in refrigerators cannot be set to exact temperatures, but rather have a fridge temperature scale of 1 to 5. That is why it is important to measure the real temperature inside the fridge so that you can adjust the thermostat correctly. More modern fridges have digital thermostats that allow you to set the target temperature you want, but even then it is useful to measure the actual temperature inside your fridge.
You can also find out the differences between the temperatures in different areas inside the fridge. The RuuviStation app displays easy-to-read graphs so you can easily compare these differences. And you can use the Ruuvi Station app to check refrigerator temperature quickly.
Other similar sensors currently on the market are Netatmo’s and Govee’s environmental sensors which measure temperature and humidity values.
Automating fridge temperature checks
Consumer fridges should be checked briefly whenever you use the fridge. The ambient temperature should be checked a few times a month so that the thermostat works properly. For professional kitchens, temperatures of fridges must be checked regularly to ensure safe food storing. Hence, having a wireless temperature sensor inside the fridge measuring the temperature at all times makes the control process much easier.
As mentioned earlier, the RuuviStation app can give you a fridge temperature alert if conditions are not optimal. This function is also available with the Ruuvi Gateway as well! If you link your fridge’s RuuviTag to your Ruuvi Gateway, you will have a refrigerator temperature alarm system that works via WiFi and you do not have to worry about constant fridge temperature checks Read more about Ruuvi Gateway here.
This wireless fridge temperature monitor could be used, for example, to monitor your fridge during a vacation. If your fridge breaks down, you will be notified as the temperature rises. You can then ask your relatives/friends to check the situation before the fridge could cause any electrical or water related problems to your house. A WiFi fridge temperature monitor in the form of a RuuviTag is a cheap way to prevent more expensive problems in your house.
Using fridge temperature tracking to find out the differences in temperatures inside a fridge
I kept my RuuviTag in my fridge and switched its location from the back of the fridge to the door of the fridge. The fridge temperature measurement is in the top graph. Here we can see the measurement data for three consecutive days Here you can clearly see how fridge temperature works differently in different parts of the fridge.
As you can see, my fridge is a bit too warm. Although, the back of my fridge remains at correct temperatures at all times. When the temperature reaches 6 °C, it drops to 2 °C fairly quickly.
Can you tell when I moved the RuuviTag to the front of the fridge? Or when I placed warm soup in the fridge?
As you can see, the temperature in the door is nowhere near the required temperature for dairy products, for example. This is why it is so important not to keep dairy products in the door!
Useful tips for storing food in a fridge
As mentioned above, meat and fish products need special attention in storing. Also, even when kept in low temperatures, they cannot be stored for a longer period of time. Dairy products are also a good medium for bacteria to grow on. They should be kept in the colder parts of the fridge. This means that they should not be in the fridge door, as it is one the warmest places inside a fridge!
Vegetables and fruits should be kept in the boxes inside the fridge. Typically, the air inside the fridge is dry, as the air is constantly cooled down. That is why they should always be in these boxes so they can remain fresh for longer. Keep in mind to not place fruits right next to vegetables as most fruits contain ethylene which helps them to ripen faster. If fruits are stored with vegetables, ethylene will also cause the vegetables to ripen sooner than you have planned.
The top shelf should be left for leftovers as its temperature is usually the most stable.
The fridge door should be for foods with preservatives in them. As the door opens, outside air will warm up the door area immediately.
Caravan fridge thermometer and temperature gauge
Fridge is one the most important parts of a functioning caravan. Caravan fridges come in all shapes and sizes. But their main purpose is to keep food safe to eat. Fridges in caravans can be fragile against power outages. Car batteries or fridge’s gas can run out causing food to spoil quickly.
Without proper monitoring, spoiled food starts to stink rather quickly. The stink of spoiled food can stay in the van for an extended period which will hamper the joy of living in a campervan. Also, you need to replenish the spoiled food. And proper stores can be far away if you are in the middle of nature.
Ruuvi’s products are perfect for monitoring fridges in caravans. Just place a Tag inside the fridge and you have a precise monitoring system installed. You will be alerted if perfect fridge temperature is not reached. You can also examine the range of temperature the fridge operates.
Read more about using RuuviTag in a caravan here.
Ruuvin and Victron – collaboration for better van life
Did you know that Ruuvi’s and one of the best battery solutions company Victron’s products are compatible with each other? This means that if you have a Victron battery monitoring system, you can easily integrate Ruuvi’s sensors to be read through the same display. Pretty nifty, wouldn’t you say?
With Ruuvi’s sensors, you can easily monitor the temperature in which your batteries are. Also, as mentioned early, you can receive the information about your fridge’s inside temperature on the same control panel.
Vicrton recommends adding a Bluetooth dongle to the Victron Cerbo GX. This is because the original Bluetooth receiver in the Cerbo GX is not strong enough to receive all the Ruuvi’s measurements.
In Summary
As great an invention as a fridge is, it is not the foolproof tool for food storage. By paying attention to your fridge’s temperature centigrade, you can avoid food diseases such as Salmonella. With correct temperatures you can also store food for longer periods of time and prevent unnecessary food waste. Food waste is a big problem in our modern society and reducing it is good for our planet. Keep the optimal fridge temperature in restaurants and stores with 24/7 temperature monitoring.
Smart fridge temperature sensors give you the possibility to scrutinise your fridge’s conditions round the clock. And with a smart refrigerator temperature control, you can save energy!
Buy RuuviTag to Your Fridge Now
Monitoring fridge has never been easier
39,90€
Ruuvi is based in Finland. If you’re an EU consumer, VAT is included. If you’re a non-EU customer, you don't pay VAT. If you're an EU business, insert your VAT ID at checkout.
In stock
RuuviTag Sensor (4in1)
| Quantity | Unit Price(€) |
|---|---|
| 1 | 39,90 |
| 2 | 37,40 |
| 3-5 | 36,90 |
| 6-8 | 35,90 |
| 9-12 | 34,90 |
| 13-25 | 33,90 |
| 26-99 | 32,90 |
Are you looking for bigger quantities? Contact us for pricing.
Made in Europe, Finland.
Worldwide free shipping on orders over 100 €.
RuuviTag is a Bluetooth sensor that monitors environmental conditions and sends the data directly to your mobile device. The Ruuvi Station mobile app allows you to view real-time accurate measurements and historical graphs. The app also provides customisable alerts to notify you of critical conditions, such as a melting freezer, excessively high bedroom temperatures that could disrupt sleep, or elevated humidity levels in your basement.
Onboard Sensors (4-in-1)
Temperature: °C, °F, K; typical accuracy ±0,2 °C @ 5-60 °C (±0.36 °F @ 41-140 °F).
Air humidity: RH-%, g/m3, dew point; typical accuracy ±3 RH-% @ 20…80 %. Range: 0-95 %.
Air pressure: Pa, hPa, mmHg, inHg; typical accuracy ±1 hPa. Range: 500-1155 hPa.
Motion: Movement counter. Counter is incremented when acceleration exceeds the threshold on any axis.
Operational Conditions
Operating temperature (with stock battery): -20 °C to +70 °C (-4 °F to 158 °F).
Absolute maximum operating temperature: -40 °C to +85 °C (-40 °F to +185 °F).
Housing: IP67, splash-proof, non-condensing location.
Battery: User-replaceable CR2477 (included). Supports extended operating temperature range battery CR2477T.
Battery lifespan: Estimated 12 to 24 months.
Certifications: CE, FCC, ISED, TELEC, IFETEL, NOM, RTCA DO-160 category H, RoHS, IC, HVIN, IMDA, OFCA, ICASA, POTRAZ.
Bluetooth range: 5-20 meters (indoor), 20-100 meters (outdoor). The sensitivity of the receiving mobile device’s antenna, obstacles and wall materials affect the range. For increased range, use the Ruuvi Gateway router as a receiver.
App Features
Free and easy: User-friendly free app, signing in is optional.
Platforms: Android and iOS.
Alerts: Configurable Bluetooth push alerts with customisable messages.
Real-time measurements: Track data in real time.
Historical data: Detailed historical graphs available for up to 10 days (offline).
History export: 10-day history export.
Dashboard: See all your sensors at a glance.
Personalise sensors: Use custom backgrounds and names.
Multilingual: Available in English, Finnish, Swedish, French, and German.
Compatibility
Integrations: Victron Energy, Home Assistant, Homey, and more.
Remote monitoring: When not within Bluetooth range, online remote monitoring is available with the Ruuvi Gateway and Ruuvi Cloud, both sold separately.
Technical Specifications
Data sheet: Download (pdf)
Read more info below:
FAQ
What should be the fridge temperature in my house?
According to the FDA, correct temperature in a fridge is between 2 °C and 6 °C.
What problems stem from a fridge that is too warm?
Food will spoil quickly in a warm fridge as the bacteria grow faster than in a colder fridge.
How will you know if your fridge is too cold?
You can measure your fridge’s temperature easily by using inexpensive smart temperature sensors such as RuuviTag.
How to measure fridge temperature in general?
Inexpensive smart sensors, such as RuuviTag, are by far the most convenient and reliable way to measure fridge temperature. In addition to being good fridge temperature thermometers, smart sensors can help out a lot in your house, garden or boat!
Do I need a fridge humidity sensor?
A fridge humidity sensor is useful but not necessary. Too moist fridges can cause the back of the fridge to freeze quickly which will harm the fridges thermostat. By keeping an eye on the optimal humidity level, you can save energy. Most convenient way to measure frigde’s humidity is by using a thermometer which is equipped with a humidity sensor.
How to use Ruuvi as a fridge temperature monitor?
Place a RuuviTag inside your fridge in a desired place. Then you can just simply download the Ruuvi Station application and start monitoring right away. If you have multiple fridges, you can place a RuuviTag in all of them and monitor them at the same time. You can also set alerts to different parameters and the application tells you exactly which fridge is not functioning properly.
How often should fridge temperature checks be taken?
Industrial fridge temperatures should be checked at least twice per day. Consumer fridges should be checked briefly whenever you use the fridge. The ambient temperature should be checked a few times a month so that the thermostat works properly.
