Looking for the best refrigerator thermometer? Do you make artisan cheese or delicate French pastries? Maybe you have a wine refrigerator or a deep freezer in your home. Do you have a reliable thermometer that you can read in the cool, frosty cooler? Knowing the temperature at which you store your food and beverages is the best way to keep items fresh for as long as possible.
Why do you need a Refrigerator Thermometer?
Food must be stored at the correct temperature – usually no lower than 40 degrees Fahrenheit – to ensure that food stays fresh and bacteria-free. While most refrigerators have a built-in thermometer, some do not. If you don’t have a thermometer in your fridge or freezer, or you just want to keep a close eye on certain parts of the appliance (like the boiling or meat drawers), a separate thermometer can help.
Best Refrigerator Thermometer: Buyer’s Guide
Choosing a thermometer for your refrigerator is fairly simple when you look at how easy you can read the temperature and how well the device works. When looking for a refrigerator thermometer, consider the following:
- how it mounts (magnetic, hanging, clip, or freestanding),
- the type of display, and
- whether or not it’s waterproof.
The rest of the package like where the battery is and how to place the device is not as important as getting an accurate reading. Since most of the items on our list go into the cooling unit, you may want to choose an option with a large readout or waterproof feature.
Refrigerator Thermometer: Comparison Table
[amazon table=”576″]Refrigerator Thermometer: Main Features
1. Display Preference
How do you like your gauges and dials to look? Do you prefer digital or analog readouts? All of our models on this Top Seven have a digital display except for the Taylor Classic model. If you are a visual learner, then you might prefer the range markers on this thermometer. The Wrenwane thermometer has a digital readout that is as tall as the screen. Therefore, you might find it best for reading through glass doors.
2. Waterproof
When your unit has to sit in a cold environment, then condensation can build up on the display. For the best chance of keeping your unit dry, then we like the AcuRite external temperature display with wireless sensors that go inside the refrigerator. The Unigear and ORIA models are all waterproof helping you get a quick look at the temperature.
3. Ease of Use
Do you like technology with no instructions? Do you prefer items with push-button controls? We like the AcuRite, Unigear, and ORIA thermometers because they have all the controls on the front of the device. The ORIA brand features intelligent use push buttons with simple controls. Since the AcuRite model has internal sensors and sits on the outside of your refrigerator and freezer, then you can always get a quick look at the reading.
4. Temperature Range
If you are going to measure the temperature in different sections of the refrigerator or additionally use a thermometer for both the refrigerator and the freezer, then choose a thermometer with the maximum temperature range in Fahrenheit.
Calibrating Your Refrigerator Thermometer
Since your device comes with precise readings from the factory, you might find that your thermometer is very close to the actual temperature when you get it. The Unigear models are within one to two degrees Celsius. Therefore, they might be best for foods that need strict temperature control. The ORIA thermometer has the same accuracy rating, so you might find it helpful like we did when which is why we made it our Best Overall Thermometer for Refrigerator Pick.
Video: Refrigerator Thermometer Calibration
The Best Place To Put Your Refrigerator Thermometer
The United States Department of Agriculture Food Safety and Inspection Service, or USDA, says that when putting the thermometer in the refrigerator that you should place the device in the middle of the appliance. The temperature in the refrigerator should remain below 40 degrees Fahrenheit to preserve food the longest and keep it safe from bacterial growth.
For the freezer, the best way to test the temperature is to place the thermometer between two frozen packages near the center of the freezer. Anything below 32 degrees Fahrenheit is acceptable in a freezer that is a part of the refrigerator. Stand-alone units that are solely for deep freezing can go below zero to store items for top lengths. The Taylor Classic thermometer goes to -20 Fahrenheit where the ORIA, AcuRite, and Unigear brands only go to -4 degrees Fahrenheit.
To ensure that the reading is accurate, the U.S. Government says to check the temperature after five to eight hours. Many of the manufacturers state that the numbers change within a few minutes of placement.
Refrigerator Thermometer: FAQ
Can You Use Any Of The Thermometers To Track Room Temperature?
Believe it or not, most of the devices on our list will give you room temperature readings. Since the Taylor Classic measures 80 degrees Fahrenheit and the Unigear Refrigerator unit can detect up to 122 degrees Fahrenheit, we suggest that you choose one of these models if you want to use your item inside and outside of the cooler. Consequently, you might want to choose a thermometer like the Wrenwane model that specifically states that it is acceptable for freezer, refrigerator, and room temperature readings.
What Temperature Is a Safe Range To Store My Food?
The USDA says that you should store most refrigerator products under 40 degrees Fahrenheit. Furthermore, the agency says that when you freeze foods and beverages below zero degrees Fahrenheit, then the item is good for the maximum length of time, but some things can still get freezer burn to make them inedible with improper packaging. Wines are a finicky bunch, so we suggest that you check the temperature range for your favorite type on this wine list.
How Accurate Are The Thermometers?
When precision is everything, then we think that you will probably have the best experience with the Unigear models because they are within a degree or two Celsius of the actual temperature. The Franmara wine thermometer is an award-winner that is precise to within one degree Celsius should you need something extremely accurate.
Does My Thermometer Record Temperature Readings?
Some of the devices on our list do keep track of the changes in your refrigerator and freezer. For instance, the ORIA and AcuRite brands have minimum and maximum settings and record temperature changes. You can easily clear the ORIA device with a push of the button on the lower right of the face.
How Easy Is It to Change The Battery?
You might be asking yourself where the battery is on your thermometer. Most devices have a battery compartment on the back of the device. The Wrenwane model has an easy coin-access area on the back of the unit for battery changes. If you are not comfortable with removing screws and opening up the thermometer to change the battery, then we suggest that you steer clear of the Unigear models.
Video: 30 Foods You’ve Been Storing All Wrong
So, What Is The Best Refrigerator Thermometer?
Is the tiny thermometer in your new side-by-side refrigerator too hard to read? Do you own a restaurant or a nightclub? If you entertain a lot, then you might want a way to check the chill on your favorite bottle of rose champagne or chardonnay. Today says that the temperature of your wine cabinet depends on what you are drinking. Sparkling wines work best when kept between 50 and 55 degrees Fahrenheit where red wines age best a higher range between 63 and 68 degrees Fahrenheit and may not need a refrigerator if they are in a cool enough area.
Foods are much like wine preferring a specific temperature range where the products stay fresh longest. For instance, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration says that we should keep meat below zero degrees Fahrenheit when freezing because it remains edible until you choose to use it. In the refrigerator or cooler, produce eggs, and thawed meat will take longer to spoil if you keep them below 40 degrees Fahrenheit.
Top Six Thermometers – Review
We took the time to pour over the little details so that you can get the information you need to make the best thermometer choice for your cooling needs. If you have any reason to monitor refrigerator or freezer temperatures closely, then you might find our Top Seven Best Refrigerator Thermometer Reviews and Buyer’s Guide useful for picking out the right monitor.
1. Taylor Classic Series Large Dial Refrigerator and Freezer Thermometer – Best for Freezers
[amazon box=”B000BPE88E”]We like the simplicity of the Taylor large dial thermometer. The readout has bold, black letters set against a white background that may make it easy to see inside a frosty cooler. A glass front and stainless steel construction help this model hold up under wet and cold conditions. You can hang it from a rack or set it on a shelf.
Our favorite feature for this model is the color-coding. You may find the green and red temperature ranges easy to check. The large, red indicator for the temperature helps you spot the correct reading right away.
Pros
- Large, three and a quarter inch dial
- Can accurately detect temperatures between -20 and 80 degrees Fahrenheit
- Can stand alone
Cons
- Non-magnetic
Do you prefer multi-functional equipment? Do you constantly check the refrigerator and freezer temperatures to keep cheesecakes and frozen desserts at precisely the right degree? Perhaps you only have a second to peer into the cooling unit to make sure your appliances are holding in the right range. The correct temperature may be especially relevant if you have creme pies or other chilled desserts. We think the Taylor thermometer might work well for bakers and sweets lovers. Check price at Taylorusa.com, Sears.com, Walmart.com.
2. Pecula 2 Pack Refrigerator Thermometer – Accurate & Easy
[amazon box=”B089NLQ7SF”]Pecula Refrigerator Thermometer is suitable for traditional refrigerators, freezers, and other appliances. With its large dial with clear blue and red area indication on the surface of this fridge-friendly gadget you’ll be able to monitor your food’s temperature easily no matter where it sits in or attaches too!
It will measure the temperature of your fridge from -20°F to 80 °F. This is perfect for preserving food and making sure you’re not cooking or storing anything too warm! The large, clear display makes it easy to read even when placed in dim light conditions as well.
Pros
- For home and professional usage
- Easy to read
- Hook and panel design
- Accurate and convenient
Cons
- There is some calibration issue
This durable stainless steel refrigerator thermometer is the perfect way to ensure that your food stays at a safe temperature. This hook panel design can be hang or placed in different positions, reading instant with our mechanical design and no need for battery power! Check price at Homeappliancesusa.com, Sears.com.
3. AcuRite Wireless Thermometer – Best Wireless
[amazon box=”B004QJVU78″]When you own a business or entertain people all the time, then food safety is of utmost importance. Most of all, you cannot afford to lose the product because of costs and time constraints. The AcuRite Wireless Thermometer is long and thin with a large display. This unit attaches to the outside of your refrigerator or freezer so that you never have to open and close the cooler to check the temperature inside.
When you need to keep an extremely close eye on the foods in your refrigerator or freezer, then you might like that the AcuRite model has an alarm for both areas. Whenever the temperature goes too high or too low, then the thermometer will sound off alerting you to dangerous temperature levels.
Pros
- Updates every minute and a half
- NSF safe
- Quick and easy installation
Cons
- Only alerts after temperatures are out of range for longer than 15 minutes
Do you own a catering business? Is the holiday season your favorite time of year? If you have strict temperature guidelines to follow, then you might get the most benefit out of the Acurite thermometer versus the other six items on our list.
We like that the monitor is on the outside of the refrigerator with the sensors on the inside because there is no foggy lens to wipe off when we are in a rush. Check price at Acurite.com, Homedepot.com, Sears.com, Walmart.com.
4. VOULOIR Waterproof Refrigerator Fridge Thermometer – Best All-Purpose
[amazon box=”B07RPXTKMK”]With the enormous digital numbers on the VOULOIR thermometer, we feel that any person can probably see the temperature with or without glasses. This unit is extremely compact, and the numbers cover the entire face of the thermometer. The small rectangular face is easy to hang at the front of a shelf.
There is an off and on switch on the back of the thermometer. You can also choose to monitor your coolness in Celsius or Fahrenheit. You may find the battery easy to replace with the compartment sitting on the backside of the sensor as well.
Pros
- Simple operation with no instructions necessary
- Convenient size lets you place it practically anywhere you want
- Magnetic
- Can be used as a room thermometer
Cons
- Not found
When you need a small monitoring device because of space limitations, then the VOULOIR thermometer might work best in a residential or small office setting. While you could use this device in a commercial setting, it may only provide the basic readout without showing you the history of temperature ranges necessary for proper food handling. We think this model might be better suited to the home environment. Check price at Sears.com.
5. ORIA Digital Refrigerator Thermometer – Best Overall
[amazon box=”B07B9QF64N”]The ORIA digital thermometer is probably our favorite model on the entire Top Six list because it is so versatile. The white style and oval shape allow you to read the numbers on the device quickly. The controls are sunk down inside a side panel for easy access.
This thermometer is waterproof and resistant to condensation from sitting in the cool environment. The thermometer is precise to within two degrees Celsius.
Pros
- Suitable for refrigerators, coolers, and freezers
- Works for residential and commercial settings
- Easy access functions
Cons
- No magnets or external use
When you need a thermometer to keep your dinner party plates cool or something to monitor the fresh fish you bought this morning, the ORIA thermometer might be the best option to have in your kitchen. We like that the thermometer can record temperature readings. It also has a minimum and maximum setting that you can use to see if your food is safe. Check price at Sears.com.
6. Unigear Two Pack Digital Temperature Sensors – Wide Temperature Range
[amazon box=”B01KQAN1WM”]The large, rectangular, and black design of the Unigear Digital Thermometer makes it fit well in wine coolers and custom cabinets. Instead of sticking out like a sore thumb, you might find that this digital display unit blends right into your refrigerator. The dark color is easy to hide keeping your wine or food as the center of attention.
This device features a recording function that lets you track the history of temperature changes. The digital readout makes it easy to check when in a cooler or freezer. The thermometer can hang from a rack or coil, and it can stand on a shelf or fridge bottom giving you plenty of places to put it out of your way.
Pros
- Broad range between -20 and 50 degrees Celsius and -4 to 122 degrees Fahrenheit
- Minimum and maximum setting
- Extremely precise between one to two degrees Celsius
Cons
- Not magnetic
When you only have a second to glance at the temperature in your refrigerator, perhaps the Unigear black thermometer will be the size you need to check and move on. We like that the function buttons are on the front of this model instead of some of the other options on our list. We can simply change the setting without needing to flip over the device. Check price at Sears.com, Walmart.com.
What temperature should a refrigerator be? (video)
A Final Word About Refrigerator Thermometers
Buying a new compact refrigerator doesn’t need to be an overwhelming task. As long as you do the homework to understand your own needs, you’ll be able to find an appliance that does what you need while staying within your ideal price range. Choose the features that matter most to you, and make sure to work with an energy-efficient format.
Contents