What number should my Whirlpool refrigerator be set at?

For optimal food safety and energy efficiency, your Whirlpool refrigerator should be set at 37 degrees Fahrenheit for the fresh food compartment and 0 degrees Fahrenheit for the freezer compartment, which corresponds to a setting of 3 or 4 on models that use a 1 to 5 dial, or 38F on digital models. The FDA recommends keeping refrigerator at or below 40 degrees Fahrenheit to prevent bacterial growth, and freezer at 0 degrees to keep food frozen solid. Whirlpool models with digital controls display actual temperature, so set fridge to 37F and freezer to 0F. For models with a dial numbered 1 to 5, where 1 is warmest and 5 is coldest, setting 3 is normal, setting 4 if kitchen is warm or fridge is frequently opened, and setting 5 only if you need colder for short periods. Avoid setting fridge below 34 degrees as food may freeze. After changing setting, allow 24 hours for temperature to stabilize before checking with an appliance thermometer placed in center of fridge. Factors that affect temperature include door opening frequency, amount of food inside, ambient kitchen temperature, and dirty condenser coils. Ensure vents inside fridge are not blocked by food containers. If you have a water filter, replace every 6 months. Keep fridge 75 percent full for best efficiency and airflow.