[header] How to set your refrigerator temperature [title] Purchase an appliance thermometer designed for refrigerators and freezers. [title] Place the thermometer inside a glass of water, and put the glass on your refrigerator's middle shelf. [title] Check the temperature on the appliance thermometer after 5 to 8 hours. 
[step] The temperature should register between 38 f and 40 f (2 c to 4 c) for safe food storage. [substeps] Make sure that your thermometer is safe to put in water; not all are.