With temperatures across the UK soaring to 35°C in some areas, appliance experts are urging households to check their fridge settings to prevent food spoilage and appliance strain. Hisense appliance expert Matthew Glynn explained that during a heatwave, the fridge must work harder to maintain a stable internal temperature because the surrounding air is warmer.
Why Your Fridge Struggles in a Heatwave
Glynn noted: "When temperatures rise during a heatwave, your fridge has to work harder to keep the inside temperature stable because the surrounding air is warmer. The surrounding warmer air also means the internal temperature of your fridge is likely to warm up quicker when the door is open, meaning food can spoil much more easily."
Official guidance recommends keeping fridges between 0°C and 5°C. Glynn advises temporarily reducing the setting to around 2°C if the appliance allows, giving the fridge more capacity to cope with the warmer ambient temperature and preventing internal temperature spikes when the door is opened.
Additional Tips to Keep Food Safe
Beyond adjusting the temperature, experts recommend several practices to help your fridge cope during a heatwave:
- Keep the fridge closed as much as possible to prevent warm air from entering and cold air from escaping.
- Do not overcrowd the fridge; leave space for cold air to circulate freely.
- Let leftovers cool completely before placing them in the fridge to avoid raising the overall temperature.
- Organise shelves to improve air circulation and ensure easy access, reducing the time the door is open.
If the fridge struggles to maintain coolness, the risk of food spoilage increases significantly. Using a fridge thermometer can help verify the temperature is within the safe range of 0°C to 5°C.
