A high score means the refrigerator and freezer accurately reaches and maintains the temperature you set, even as room temperatures change. A top-scoring model helps keep your food stored safely at ...

For the food in your refrigerator to stay fresh for as long as possible—no ice crystals on the lettuce or bacteria breeding in warm spots—the refrigerator temperature should hover right around 37° F.

However, the best temperature for food storage is actually a few degrees cooler to prevent bacteria growth. For the safest environment for your food, set the fridge to between 35°F and 38°F.