Temperature recommendations for Samsung refrigerators

Last Update date : May 16. 2025
Fridge display showing 38°F on a Samsung French door refrigerator.

Proper refrigerator and freezer temperatures are essential to keep your food fresh and safe. If leftovers spoil quickly or ice cream changes texture, it's time to adjust the settings. Use the recommended temperatures below to keep your groceries at their best.

Note: The recommendations in this guide apply to Samsung refrigerators sold in Canada. Settings and options may vary by model and country.

 • Refrigerator: 3 °C (38 °F)


 • Freezer: -19 °C (-2 °F)


 • Safe range: Keep fridge below 4 °C (40 °F) and freezer at or below -18 °C (0 °F)

Samsung refrigerator with the fridge door open, showing organized and chilled food inside. Samsung refrigerator with the fridge door open, showing organized and chilled food inside.

Maintaining the right temperature helps prevent food spoilage, preserves flavor and ensures safety. If leftovers spoil quickly or ice cream hardens or melts unevenly, it's a sign your temperature settings may need adjustment.

Interior of a Samsung fridge showing neatly organized fresh and packaged food. Interior of a Samsung fridge showing neatly organized fresh and packaged food.

Health Canada recommends:

  • Refrigerated food: below 4 °C (40 °F)
  • Frozen food: below -18 °C (0 °F)
Fresh food organized inside a Samsung refrigerator with a Health Canada logo.

Samsung's ideal settings:

  • Refrigerator: 3 °C (38 °F)
  • Freezer: -19 °C (-2 °F)

Models with bar displays: If your model shows temperature bars instead of numbers, use three (3) bars lit for both compartments as the standard setting.

Family Hub models

  • Open the Fridge Manager app to adjust settings easily.

Models with touch screens

  • Find the temperature options in the settings menu.

Models without touch screens

Hand selecting the fridge temperature on a Samsung control panel.
  • Press the Fridge or Freezer button repeatedly to cycle through temperature options.
  • Each press usually lowers the temperature by 1 °C (or one bar).
  • After reaching the lowest setting, the cycle restarts at the highest temperature.

Important:

  • After adjusting, the display will show the new setting briefly before returning to the current interior temperature.
  • For the most accurate instructions, always refer to your refrigerator's user manual, as steps may vary by model.

 • It may take up to 4 hours for the displayed temperature to update following a temperature adjustment.


 • It can take up to 28 hours for the actual interior temperature to stabilize if the doors remain closed.


 • Minimize door openings during this period for faster results.

Hand adjusting the temperature settings on a Samsung refrigerator control panel. Hand adjusting the temperature settings on a Samsung refrigerator control panel.

Because temperature can vary inside the fridge (cooler near the back and bottom, warmer near the door), a simple thermometer test gives the most reliable reading.

For the fridge

1 Use a basic thermometer placed in a glass of water. If you have a refrigerator-specific thermometer, you can place it directly on a shelf.
2 Set it in the center of the refrigerator.
Refrigerator thermometer placed among fresh food items inside a Samsung fridge.
3 Check after 8 hours without opening the door too often.

For the freezer

1 Insert the thermometer among frozen items.
2 Check after 8 hours without opening the door too often.

Note: If the temperature reads warmer than 4 °C (40 °F) for the fridge or -18 °C (0 °F) for the freezer, adjust settings lower and wait 28 hours before rechecking.

Achieving perfect ice cream texture depends on fat and sugar content, but storage location matters too:

  • For firmer ice cream: Lower the freezer temperature slightly.
  • To soften ice cream: Ensure the freezer stays no colder than -18 °C (0 °F).
Opened freezer drawer with ice cream containers and frozen treats inside a Samsung refrigerator.
  • Storage tip: Keep ice cream away from the freezer door, where warm air enters during opening.
  • Extra freshness: Press plastic wrap against the surface of the ice cream before sealing the lid to prevent freezer burn.

If your refrigerator still feels too warm even after adjusting:

  • Check that the doors are fully sealing and not blocked.
  • Avoid overcrowding shelves, which can block airflow.
  • Clean the condenser coils and ventilation areas if dusty.
  • If problems continue, consult your user manual or contact Samsung support.

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