Published Oct 17, 2025 3 min read

Winter is the season when your fridge needs extra care. Too cold, and vegetables or milk may freeze; too warm, and fresh food spoils quickly. Maintaining the right fridge temperature helps your food stay fresh, prevents wastage, and even saves energy. Whether you are a busy parent storing daily groceries, a student keeping snacks fresh, or a small family managing weekly shopping, the correct fridge settings make a real difference.


You do not have to worry about stretching your savings to buy the perfect fridge. Visit any of Bajaj Finserv’s 1.5 lakh partner stores across 4,000 cities in India, choose your preferred fridge model, and fund it with an Easy EMI Loan of up to Rs. 5 lakh. Convert the cost into Easy EMIs that suit your monthly budget, enjoy zero down payment on select models, and take your appliance home without any upfront payment. You can even check your loan eligibility online in minutes to know exactly what you can get before stepping into the store.

Why adjust fridge temperature in winters

Even in winter, your fridge needs the right temperature to keep food fresh and appliances energy-efficient. Improper settings can spoil perishables and increase electricity bills. Learn how to optimise it.


Benefits of adjusting fridge temperature in winters:

  • Preserve freshness: Maintain fruits, vegetables, dairy, and leftovers at optimal conditions.
  • Save energy: Correct temperature reduces electricity consumption and lowers bills.
  • Prevent ice formation: Avoid unwanted frost in the freezer and fridge compartments.
  • Extend appliance life: Proper settings reduce compressor strain and wear.
  • Ensure food safety: Keep milk, meat, and cooked meals safe from spoilage.

For more guidance, explore the best refrigerators in India to choose models that offer smart temperature control and energy efficiency.


You can now make your purchase even more affordable with the Maha Bachat Calculator. Bring down the cost of electronics and appliances by combining brand discounts, dealer offers, and EMI deals—all in one place. Calculate your extra savings instantly and shop smarter today.

What is the ideal fridge temperature in winters

Maintaining the right fridge temperature in winters ensures freshness, safety, and energy efficiency. Use these guidelines to optimise cooling without wasting electricity:


  • Refrigerator compartment: 3–5-degree celsius keeps fruits, vegetables, and dairy fresh.
  • Freezer compartment: -18-degree celsius safely stores frozen items.
  • Smart fridges: Use winter mode or automatic temperature adjustment for consistent cooling.
  • Avoid overloading: Proper air circulation ensures even cooling and prevents spoilage.

For more detailed guidance, check the fridge buying guide to select models with advanced cooling features and energy-efficient operation.

Easy steps to adjust fridge temperature in winter

Adjusting your fridge temperature in winter is simple and helps keep food fresh while saving energy. Follow these practical steps to maintain optimal cooling and avoid spoilage.


Step-by-step guide to adjust fridge temperature:

  • Check current settings: Verify the fridge and freezer temperatures using the built-in thermostat or digital display.
  • Set refrigerator compartment: Adjust to 3–5-degree celsius for fresh fruits, vegetables, and dairy.
  • Set freezer compartment: Maintain -18-degree celsius to store frozen foods safely.
  • Avoid frequent door opening: Minimises cold air loss and keeps temperature stable.
  • Do not overload: Proper airflow ensures even cooling across shelves.
  • Use smart features: Activate winter mode or automatic adjustment if available.
  • Regular maintenance: Clean coils and check seals to improve efficiency.

These easy steps ensure your fridge works efficiently in winter.

Common mistakes while setting fridge temperature in winter

Setting the wrong fridge temperature in winter can spoil food, waste energy, and reduce appliance life. Avoid these common errors to keep your fridge running efficiently and your food fresh throughout the season.


Mistakes to avoid:

  • Setting temperatures too low: Freezing vegetables, fruits, or milk unnecessarily.
  • Setting freezer too high: Frozen foods may thaw and spoil quickly.
  • Overloading the fridge: Blocks airflow, causing uneven cooling.
  • Frequent door opening: Cold air escapes, forcing the compressor to work harder.
  • Ignoring smart features: Not using winter mode or auto adjustment in smart fridges.
  • Neglecting maintenance: Dirty coils or loose seals reduce cooling efficiency.
  • Using old or faulty thermometers: Leads to inaccurate temperature settings.

Avoid these mistakes and ensure optimal cooling.

Tips to maintain fridge performance in Indian winters

Winter can affect fridge efficiency and food preservation if not maintained properly. Follow these practical tips to keep your refrigerator running smoothly, save energy, and extend its life during the colder months.


Key maintenance tips:

  • Keep fridge away from heat sources: Avoid placing near heaters or direct sunlight.
  • Clean coils regularly: Dust and dirt reduce cooling efficiency.
  • Check door seals: Ensure tight seals to prevent cold air loss.
  • Defrost manually if required: Avoid ice buildup in non-frost-free models.
  • Do not overload: Maintain proper airflow inside the fridge and freezer.
  • Monitor temperature: Use a thermometer or smart features for consistent cooling.
  • Store food properly: Cover liquids and wrap vegetables to retain freshness.

For more guidance, refer to these refrigerator maintenance tips to keep your fridge performing optimally. 


You can also explore the latest offers on a wide range of electronics and home appliances including refrigerators, making sure you get the best deal on every purchase.

How winter temperature affects food preservation and energy efficiency

Winter temperatures can impact how your fridge works, affecting both food freshness and electricity consumption. Understanding these effects helps you optimise settings for safe storage and lower energy bills throughout the season.

Impact of winter temperature on fridge performance:

  • Slower spoilage: Proper winter settings prevent fruits, vegetables, and dairy from freezing or spoiling.
  • Reduced energy usage: Cooler ambient temperatures lower compressor workload, saving electricity.
  • Ice formation risks: Extremely low settings can cause frost buildup, affecting storage space.
  • Uneven cooling: Overloaded or improperly adjusted fridges may have cold spots and warm spots.
  • Compressor efficiency: Maintaining ideal temperatures prevents unnecessary wear and tear.
  • Food safety: Correct settings protect meat, milk, and cooked meals from bacterial growth.
  • Smart fridges help: Automatic winter modes adjust temperature to balance freshness and energy use.

You can also explore the latest offers on a wide range of electronics and home appliances, making sure you get the best deal on every purchase.

Get refrigerators on Easy EMIs with Bajaj Finserv

Upgrading your home with a new refrigerator is now simple and affordable with Bajaj Finserv’s flexible financing options. You can also save more using the Maha Bachat Savings Calculator, which combines brand offers, dealer discounts, and EMI deals—helping you lower the overall cost while paying in small, manageable instalments.

Follow these steps to get started:

  • Explore products on Bajaj Mall: Browse a wide range of refrigerators from trusted brands. Compare features such as capacity, energy efficiency, cooling technology, and storage compartments to find the perfect model for your home.
  • Visit a partner store: Once you select a model, visit any of Bajaj Finserv’s 1.5 lakh partner stores across 4,000 cities in India. See the product in person, speak to experts, and make an informed choice.
  • Choose the Easy EMI Loan option: At checkout, select the Bajaj Finserv Easy EMI Loan. Finance up to Rs. 5 lakh and pay in convenient monthly instalments. Some refrigerators also come with a zero down payment option.
  • Check your loan eligibility online: Plan better by checking your eligibility in minutes. Enter your mobile number and OTP to know your pre-approved limit instantly.
  • Use the EMI Network Card for instant purchases: Already have the Bajaj Finserv EMI Network Card? Convert purchases of up to Rs. 3 lakh into Easy EMIs for a fast, paperless checkout.

FAQ

Can I get a refrigerator on EMI?

Yes, you can easily bring home a refrigerator using Bajaj Finserv’s EMI options. Whether you already have the EMI Network Card or are new, here is how to get started:

If you have the Bajaj Finserv EMI Network Card:

  • Explore refrigerators on Bajaj Mall: Choose from a wide range of models with features like inverter compressors, smart cooling, and adjustable storage.
  • Visit a partner store: See the product in person at any of 1.5 lakh partner stores across 4,000 cities.
  • Use your EMI Network Card at checkout: Convert the cost into Easy EMIs that suit your monthly budget.
  • Zero down payment on select models: Take your refrigerator home without paying anything upfront.

If you do not have an EMI Network Card:
Check your Insta EMI Card eligibility online with your mobile number and OTP. If you are eligible, you can apply instantly and enjoy a smarter, more affordable way to shop for your refrigerator.

What is the best fridge temperature in winter?

The ideal fridge temperature in winter is 2°C to 5°C for the refrigerator compartment and -17°C to -20°C for the freezer. Maintaining these temperatures keeps food fresh, prevents spoilage, and ensures your fridge works efficiently even in cooler months.

Which temperature is colder - 23°C or 15°C?

A temperature of 15°C is colder than 23°C. For refrigerators, keeping the fridge compartment between 2°C and 5°C ensures proper cooling, while the freezer should be much colder, around -17°C to -20°C, for safe storage of frozen food.

Which is colder in a fridge - 1°C or 7°C?

A fridge set to 1°C is colder than 7°C. For optimal freshness, most refrigerators perform best between 2°C and 5°C, ensuring vegetables, dairy, and beverages stay fresh without freezing.

Is 37°C too warm for a fridge?

Yes, 37°C is far too warm for a refrigerator. Such temperatures cannot preserve food safely. The recommended fridge temperature in summers is 2°C to 5°C, with the freezer between -17°C and -20°C, to keep food fresh and safe.

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