Investigation of Internal Temperature Distribution in Domestic Refrigerators and Freezers

This study surveyed and compared the temperature distribution in domestic refrigerators and freezers used in Korea to determine whether temperature varied according to the location of food storage. We selected 50 people to collect temperature data; among them, 25 measured the temperature of refrigerators, while the remaining measured the temperature of freezers. Consequently, the lowest and highest temperatures measured in domestic refrigerators were found to be -8.2℃ and 15.8℃, respectively, with an average temperature of 3.73℃. The temperature distribution based on internal location was: 5.06±1.69℃ for the door storage compartment, 4.18±1.19℃ for the inside wall surface, and 3.41±1.36℃ for the inner storage box. Significant temperature differences between the top and bottom were only identified at the door storage compartment (P<0.01). Further, the minimum and maximum temperatures measured in the freezer was -30.3℃ and 0.7℃, respectively, with an average temperature of -17.95℃. The temperature distribution based on location was: -17.19±1.68℃ for the door storage compartment, -17.81±1.07℃ for the inside wall surface, and -18.78±1.72℃ for the inside storage box. The results were similar to that of the refrigerator, with the lowest temperature in the inside storage box, and a significant temperature difference between the top and bottom noted only at the door (P<0.01). The maximum temperature difference (between locations) within the refrigerator and freezer was found to be 2.18 and 2.02℃, respectively. In conclusion, the temperature in the entire space was not constant; there were significant deviations at different storage locations. Therefore, public authorities should actively advise customers on the recommended storage locations for each food type. People will benefit from awareness about storage management, including avoiding storage of temperature-sensitive foods in door compartment.