Refrigerators are essential home items worldwide. Lowering and maintaining the temperature is the primary feature of such electronics. Today’s Refrigerators have many quick functions to reach your ideal weather fast. However, the cooling time depends on the brand and Refrigerator type. So, How Long Does It Take A Refrigerator To Get Cold Normally?
On average, a full-size refrigerator takes 12 hours to cool. Whereas the mini-fridge takes up to 4 hours due to its compact size. The food and drug administration recommended 40°F to preserve the food. However, the cooling time of fridges varies from 2-24 hours depending on the brand, type, size, and other factors.
In faster cooling, mini-fridges work best due to their compact size. The brand style is the factor that depends on most. So now you have a general idea about how long a refrigerator takes to Get Cold. However, we have this article to go more specifically to understand ideal cooling time depending on Refrigerator brands, type, size, and other factors.
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How Long Does It Take for a New Refrigerator to Cool?
For a new full-size refrigerator, its full cooling time is upto 24 hours. However, the cooling time can come to 4 hours if you have a single-door mini fridge. In case of standard fridge, it takes 12-24 hours. Things should be remembered that cooling time can differ in the same models. So don’t confuse, brand type is also a vital factor.
For example, Magic chef’s single-door mini-fridges take 2-3 hours to fully cool. On the other hand, Frigidaire mini-fridges take 4 hours to cool. So time can change according to brand refrigerators. The time can also be different if you want to reach a specific temperature.
These are the cooling duration when your fridge is turned. But, How Long Does It Take for a Refrigerator to Cool When Power is off? Based on the FDA report, the fridge remains cold up to 48 hours if door are not opened.
Listing of Refrigerator Cooling Times by Brand
There are several types of refrigerators available in the market. The most popular are
- Bottom Freezer
- French Door
- Side-by-Side
- Top-Freezer
- Mini Fridges
- Single Door
- 2 door
Besides, many brands are available that manufacture the following types of Refrigerators. Each one has a specific standard cooling time. Below we give you a listing of Refrigerator Cooling Times by Brand to give a idea.
Brand Name |
Refrigerator Type |
Cooling time |
LG Electronics |
Bottom Freezer |
2-3 hours |
Fridgeaire |
Bottom Freezer |
24 hours |
Whirlpool |
Bottom Freezer |
24 hours |
GE |
Bottom Freezer |
24 hours |
Fisher & Paykel |
Bottom Freezer |
2-3 hours |
Samsung |
Bottom Freezer |
2 hours |
Haier |
Bottom |
24 hours |
VISSANI |
Top Freezer |
2-4 hours |
LG |
Top Freezer |
2-3 hours |
Frigidaire |
Top Freezer |
8 hours |
Whirlpool |
Top Freezer |
24 hours |
GE |
Top Freezer |
24 hours |
LG Electronics |
French Door |
2-3 hours |
Dacor |
French Door |
24 hours |
Fridgeaire |
Side-by-Side |
8-12 hours |
Maytag |
Side-by-Side |
24 hours |
RCA |
Mini Fridges |
2-3 hours |
Magic Chef |
Single Door |
2-3 hours |
Insignia |
2 Door |
24 hours |
So, these are the popular list of Refrigerators with their time of standard cooling. We have more to go further.
How Can I Determine My Fridge Cooling Time?
A manual guide is the best option for Determine My Fridge’s Cooling Time. You can also google the brand and model number or check the review. Another great option is to visit popular retail sites like home depot. You can insert “ctrl+F” and type “hours” to quickly enable the cooling duration. It is vital because all manufacturers design their refrigerators differently.
Besides brand and Refrigerator type, outside / indoor temperature and climate class are also vital in fully cooling. Remember, climate affects your Fridge’s Cooling Time. Suppose you buy a Refrigerator in peak summer. This time, the machine takes more time to cool. The time will reduce if you purchase the same model in the final winter.
Remember, refrigerators’ fully cold temperature refers to 40 degrees Fahrenheit. It is the standard temperature to keep your foods safe. Lastly, you can put a thermometer in the fridge to ensure internal climate within a certain time if there is not inbuilt thermometer.
How Do I Get Fridges to Cool Faster?
Decreasing the Refrigerator’s cooling time helps to prepare and store our foods quickly. But is it possible to boost the cooling time for the user? Yes, possible to certain point, if we take care of some things. Keep reading to know.
Ensure The Fridge Surroundings Is Cool
As we mentioned, the climate is important to make Refrigerator cooling faster. High humidity and warm places can slow down the cooling process. So place these machines in safe and less warm areas. However, you don’t need to turn on the AC for better cooling. Normal room temperature and fewer humidity rooms are enough to complete the process faster. You can also put some ice cubes or blocks for better temperature control.
Keep The Door Closed While Cooling
It may sound simple, but it plays a vital role in the Refrigerator cooling process. When you open the door, warm air will enter and affect the internal climate. You can feel the rush of cold air left from the fridge while opening it. So avoid these steps to get your desired temperature quickly.
Fresh Coil Is Important
Coils are a vital part of the Refrigerator mechanism. These items help to keep cold inside the fridge. Dirty and clogged coils can eliminate cool air more quickly. As a result, your Refrigerator takes more time to reach your desired temperature. So it is recommended to clean your coils every six months.
Check Out The Air Flow
Coils are located on the back of the Refrigerator. So it’s better to place your machine far from the wall. It will ensure adequate airflow and make cooling faster.
Ensure The Secure Connection
A secure plug-in is also important for faster cooling. Do not plug the connection into third part outlets or appliances. It will damage the machine and interrupt the cooling process. Besides, the voltage rating should be matched with the Refrigerator rating plate.
What if My Fridge is Cooling Too Slow?
Even the best Refrigerator performs slowly sometimes. These are electronic machines that lose efficiency with time. So What If My Fridge Is Cooling Too Slowly? Check out the below points to resolve the issue.
- Poor installation can slow down the cooling process
- Temperature regulating part thermostat may not work properly
- Rough operating or usage
- Packed with bulk storage
- Continuously opening the door
- Internal issues or damage may be developed
- I-Regular air circulation
- The evaporator fan motor damaged
These e-points primarily depend on your slow-cooling refrigerator. Always follow the manual guide or service provider to maintain these electronic devices. Now comes the vital part of this article, What Factors Impacting The Cooling Time Of A Fridge? Discuss below.
Factors Impacting the Cooling Time of a Fridge
As mentioned, brand, Refrigerator type, and climate are the factors for a Refrigerator’s cooling speed. Here we discuss the topic in more detail.
Fridge size
Refrigerator size matters in their cooling time. A large-size fridge takes more time to cool than a mini one. We mentioned that single-door mini-fridges take 2-3 hours to cool fully. On the other hand, a large-size Refrigerator takes 24 hours to reach standard cooling temperature.
Age and Usage
A refrigerator is an electronic machine that loses efficiency with time. An older fridge takes more time than a new one. Indeed, the years of usage make coils clogged with dirt, debris, and other unwanted things. As a result, your Fridge doesn’t hold cooling air effectively. Besides, the damaged parts are also a vital factor that comes with age. The key components that lose efficiency after years of usage are the thermostat, air vents, door seal, and condenser fan.
Empty vs. packed Fridge.
Refrigerators are known to maintain the ideal temperature to keep food fresh. You can place different foods and vegetables in fridges. However, the problem comes when we put more products than their capacity. As a result, cold air doesn’t circulate to reach an ideal climate. So fridge cooling time starts increasing than normal.
Room Temperature
As we mentioned, your room type and placement can also affect the cooling process. High humidity and warm places slow down the cooling in the Refrigerator. So try to place your Fridge at standard room temperature.
Insulation
Strong Fridge construction makes them more insulated than others. It helps to store cold air for a long time. If your Refrigerator has strong insulation, it will reduce the cooling time.
FAQs Related to Cooling time of Refrigerator
Below are the most asked questions related to the topic. Drop down to get your quick answers.
How Long Should I Wait Before Plugging in a New Fridge?
After bringing a brand new Refrigerator, wait for 3 hours before plugin. Leave the machine for the whole night and insert the food for cooling.
How Long Does It Take for a Refrigerator to Cool When Power is Off?
How long the Refrigerator should maintain cooling after power off depends on the brand, insulation, and machine type. Generally, the duration varies between 2 hours to 6 hours. The FDA suggests an unopened Refrigerator will stay cold for 4 hours. On the other hand, a freezer will hold the cold for 48 hours if the door is not opened.
How Long Does It Take for a Refrigerator to Get to the Right Temperature?
What’s your desired temperature? Depending on that time will be determined. If you are looking for a standard temperature which is 40°F, the time will be 12-24 hours. More or less of that time depends on your Refrigerator type.
How Long After Plugging in a Fridge Can It Be Used?
After plugging in a fridge, it can be used within 2-4 hours. It can also depend on your machine type and climate. Always prepare the Refrigerator before inserting the food for cooling. It is helpful for both your machine and products.
Final Words
According to the FDA, the standard Refrigerator cooling temperature is 40 degrees Fahrenheit which is ideal for keeping foods safe. To reach the climate, most fridges take 24 hours to fully cool. However, the times can change if you have a mini fridge. Depending on the brand, the cooling duration can change in similar sizes. Brand, machine type, insulation, and room temperature can influence the cooling speed in Refrigerators. Always follow the manual guide for proper installation and usage. It helps to maintain the cooling process and make your Refrigerator long-lasting.