Fridge Temp

[peislander]

[font face="arial" size="3"]A few words on fridge operations and different settings. As with most small cooling devices, the thermostat (control) does not control the cooling power. It only controls when the device stops cooling. So the fridge is running a maximum power until it reaches the set temperature, then shuts off. On the Dometics in CLs the #5 setting is about 32F, the #4 about 37F, and so forth. Overnight, with little use and no solar loading, the fridge will usually reach these set points and go into a cycling mode.

At the start of day everything in the fridge is at the set temperature. But door openings, warm outside air, and the rising sun cause the fridge and its contents to warm up. The number of degrees it warms  is roughly the same regardless of the starting temperature within limits. So if your usage/environment causes a 5 degree warmup it will be the same 5 degrees starting at 32F or 37F. You will end up at 37F or 42F respectively, and so on.

The ammonia absorption system in the Dometics is, at best, weak. It will seldom recover during daytime with the opening and external heating present. So my point is start cold if you want to end cold and maintain suitable food temperature. General refrigeration practice recommends 40F or lower for food storage, though this is not a hard rule. IMO, letting the fridge cool to 32F at night gives more daytime margin than higher settings.  Some items near the cooling fins may occasionally freeze so placement is important. Don't put lettuce next to the fins. Yogurt, cheese, and 12oz cans of beverage, etc. will not be damaged. Also, do not over pack the fridge. It needs air circulation, natural and/or forced. [/font]

Thanks charliem! That explanation will help me better control my fridge. In the past I have had trouble knowing what setting to use.