Is a room thermometer suitable for refrigerator use as well?

Question

Let's say I have a cheap room thermometer, the kind that's hanged on the wall.

Can I put it in the refrigerator/freezer to check the temperature there?

I'm asking this because on the Internet one can find thermometers branded as "refrigerator/freezer thermometer". I'd like to understand if it's just a marketing gimmick or whether they have special traits that make them suitable for refrigerator use, traits that a room thermometer doesn't have. I'm talking only about cheap thermometers.

Another question: suppose I open the fridge door to read the temperature on the thermometer within. I guess that the reading won't be accurate because hot air now gets inside. Does a thermometer branded as "refrigerator/freezer thermometer" is less susceptible to this problem? (again, I'm only talking about cheap thermometers.)

RoyS · Accepted Answer

Refrigerator/freezer thermometers are typically small, with a foot and/or hanging clip. A wall thermometer would take up much more space. A wall thermometer will measure the ranges for both fridge and freezer; a fridge/freezer thermometer might not go much higher than 65*F.

Thermometers take time to react since they use a bi-metal coil to sense temperature. You don't need to 'be fast'. I usually glance at the thermometer when I open the door to get something.

Erika · Answer

Room Thermometer

? · Answer

Fridge Thermometer

pennybarr · Answer

Yes you can use a small room thermometer provided the reading go down below 30 degees.  Opening the fridge for a few seconds to read the thermometer should not effect the reading.  Refrigerator/freezer thermometers may be more accurate and convenient that a room thermometer.

Dee · Answer

I like to know if a fridge thermometer would work for a room

Chetak. · Answer

It will depend on whether the wall thermometre will measure the temp down that far but if it is just for a quick check then use it
Chetak

? · Answer

That's what I have...'ya gotta' read it fast, but so what?

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Is a room thermometer suitable for refrigerator use as well?

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