Many new refrigerators take about 8–12 hours to approach their set temperature and up to 24 hours to stabilize. The exact time depends on the model, room temperature, installation, and how often the doors are opened. Check your owner’s manual; some manufacturers advise waiting 24 hours before loading food.
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How to tell when it is cold enough
- Install the refrigerator according to its manual, including required clearance for airflow.
- Set the controls to the manufacturer’s recommended settings. Turning the controls to the coldest setting usually does not make a new refrigerator cool faster.
- Keep the doors closed while it cools and avoid adding a large grocery load right away.
- Place an appliance thermometer in the refrigerator and check it after several hours, then again as the unit stabilizes.
- Load perishable food when the refrigerator is holding at or below 40°F (4°C), or after the manufacturer’s recommended wait period—whichever is later.
Whirlpool’s product guidance says cooling time varies by model and conditions, and recommends waiting 24 hours before adding food in applicable models. Read the manufacturer’s guidance and follow the instructions for your specific refrigerator.
If it is still warm after 24 hours
Check that the appliance is plugged in, cooling mode is on, vents are clear, and the doors seal properly. Confirm that the unit has the clearance the manual requires. Do not keep lowering the set temperature; first allow time for the change to take effect and recheck with the thermometer. If the compartment remains above 40°F or the compressor does not seem to run, contact the manufacturer or an appliance technician.
A refrigerator/freezer thermometer is a simple way to verify the actual temperature. If the refrigerator is already cold but ice production is the question, see how long a new ice maker takes to make ice. Our guide to checking a refrigerator thermostat covers another common cooling question.
FoodSafety.gov recommends keeping the refrigerator at or below 40°F (4°C). See its food-safety temperature guidance.
