One of the many best feelings in the world is when your fridge gets cold, and you can finally put away all of those leftovers. But how long does it take for a refrigerator to get cold? Users know that when it comes to the refrigerator, the temperature is everything. And wondering how long it takes your fridge to get cold may seem like a silly question, but we are going to try and answer anyway.
Besides, the question might look a bit awkward, but this is an essential question if you want your food to stay fresh and safe. There are many elements that go into this, so we’ll discuss each one in detail below.
Table of Contents
How Long Does it Take for a New Fridge to Get Cold
The best way to keep your refrigerator running smoothly and safely is by making sure it’s always at the right temperature. The new model takes 24 to 48 hours for optimum cooling. Once you get there, you can store all types of food without worrying about spoilage from bacteria or other microorganisms that thrive in warmer environments.
Once the refrigerator reaches 40 degrees and the freezer is at 0 degrees, it is advisable to store the food then inside your new fridge. If the fridge is at room temperature, then storing the food inside might make you fall sick.
How Long Does it Take a Refrigerator to Get Cold Once Plugged in?
All refrigerators have a compressor that should run smoothly so that you can get the most from it. According to various manufacturers, a new refrigerator needs to work for about 80 to 90 percent of the time.
Besides, not many people know that most of the refrigerator’s energy is consumed on the compressor cycle instead of running the compressor.
Therefore, you need to wait for at least two or four hours after plugging it in and before putting the food items and groceries.
Furthermore, there are various factors that affect the refrigerator’s run and cooling time. These factors are:
- Weather and room condition
- Amount of things stored in the fridge
- How many times is the door opened?
- Condition of the door gasket
- Blocked air vent
Refrigerator Cooling Times by Brand and Type
In the below-mentioned table, we have listed the cooling times of popular refrigerators brands for your convenience. We have covered different models such as:
- Side-by-Side Refrigerators
- Top-Freezer Refrigerators
- Mini Fridges Refrigerators
- Bottom Freezer Refrigerators
- French Door Refrigerators
The point here is to show you that the cooling time significantly varies from brand to brand, and it also depends on the refrigerator’s model and type. For example, it takes about 24 hours for Whirlpool refrigerators to reach optimum cool, while Samsung refrigerators only require 2 hours.
Note: The cooling times given in this table are applicable whether you are plugging in a refrigerator for the first time or starting it after a power outage.
Brand | Type | Cooling Time |
LG Electronics | Bottom Freezer | 2-3 hours |
Whirlpool | Bottom Freezer | 24 hours |
GE | Bottom Freezer | 24 hours |
Samsung | Bottom Freezer | 2 hours |
Samsung | French Door | 2 hours |
LG Electronics | French Door | 2-3 hours |
GE | French Door | 24 hours |
Samsung | Side by Side | 2 hours |
Frigidaire | Side by Side | 8-12 hours |
Whirlpool | Side by Side | 24 hours |
Magic Chef | Top Freezers | 4 hours |
Frigidaire | Top Freezers | 8 hours |
Whirlpool | Top Freezers | 24 hours |
Galanz | Mini Fridge | 4 hours |
Magic Chef | Mini Fridge | 4 hours |
Frigidaire | Mini Fridge | 4 hours |
How to Speed Up the Fridge’s Cooling Process
How can you speed up your refrigerator’s chilling time? Take a look at the following tips:
Give your Fridge some breathing space.
If one side of your refrigerator is close to the wall or window or is pressing against anything, the cooling will not be optimum as your fridge cannot breathe. Try to keep the refrigerator at some distance from a wall or door as it will help in dispersing heat and maintain air circulation. If the air behind the fridge cannot circulate, cooling efficiency will be compromised.
Place some Ice in the Freezer
It is evident that refrigerators will cool faster if there is more cold food. So, if you feel that your freezer is not cooling well, place some ice trays inside the freezer to speed up the cooling process.
Don’t Open the Doors Frequently.
If you find yourself opening the fridge door every so often just to check on your new appliance, resist that urge. It is fascinating when people open up their fridges and see what’s going inside, but they have got stop themselves from doing it because it will affect the fridge’s cooling and it will take too long to reach optimum temperature. If you want quick cooling from your fridge, keep the door shut as much as possible.
Surrounding Should be Cool
A perfect sunny and hot day seems nice to us, but it is not ideal for your refrigerator. Hot conditions in your home or kitchen mean that your fridge needs to work harder to reach and maintain ideal cooling temperatures.
So, if you want quick and the best cooling from your refrigerator, keep the surroundings cool. The best way is to install an air conditioner in the kitchen, and when your fridge reaches the desired temperature, you can turn off the a/c.
Cool Things Down Before Storing Them in the Fridge
To speed up the cooling process of your refrigerator, try to place cool items inside it. For example, if you want to store hot leftovers, ensure they are cooled off outside before storing them in the fridge.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the ideal temperature to store foodstuffs in a refrigerator?
As per FDA, the right temperature is around 40 degrees Fahrenheit for all sorts of food items. This is because it will maintain the ideal temperature inside and prevent bacterial growth in your food.
How much time does the refrigerator need to make ice?
It depends on a particular model and brand. Generally, it takes around 24 hours to make an ice. Similarly, the refrigerator’s internal temperature also plays a vital role here, and you can see ice cubes in only 6 to 12.
How long does it take a refrigerator to cool after an outage?
It can take up to 24 hours for your refrigerator to get cold again if you decide not to use it and let the power go out.
Can I use the new fridge immediately?
No, it is not recommended to use your new refrigerator immediately when it arrives. During the delivery, most refrigerators are shaken, and they demand some rest before working. Here we recommend you let it rest for at least an hour; then, you can plug it in.