We needed to get a new refrigerator. The wife decided on a double door
style, so off to Sears we went. Got the new fridge (Kenmore ) delivered
on 12/18. Since I was unable to get the freezer and refrigerator
temperature levels where they should be (-15 to -20 on freezer and 34 -
36 for fridge ) called the service number and a "tech" came out.

According to the tech AND the factory rep, the new refrigerators ARE
DESIGNED TO OPERATE AT 0 DEGREES FOR THE FREEZER AND 38 - 40 (!!!!!) FOR
THE REFRIGERATOR !!!

I have since checked with several different manufacturers and, unless
you go with a dual compressor commercial unit, this is "supposedly" the
way the refrigerators are designed to operate today. (Amana, GE, Magic
Chef, etc. )

Did the "rules" on food safety change ? I had been taught in the
military that the freezer was to be at 15 - 20 below zero and the fridge
part at 34 - 36 degrees. Several people I know that own/operate/manage
restaurants have confirmed that these are the temperatures food is to be
stored at for safety and/or minimal bacteria growth. They have stated
that 0 in the freezer is still "safe", but they would not be happy with
that temperature.

I can "live with" 0 in the freezer, but 38 - 40 in the refrigerator
part ?

Ted Campanelli wrote:
> We needed to get a new refrigerator. The wife decided on a double door
> style, so off to Sears we went. Got the new fridge (Kenmore ) delivered
> on 12/18. Since I was unable to get the freezer and refrigerator
> temperature levels where they should be (-15 to -20 on freezer and 34 -
> 36 for fridge ) called the service number and a "tech" came out.
>
> According to the tech AND the factory rep, the new refrigerators ARE
> DESIGNED TO OPERATE AT 0 DEGREES FOR THE FREEZER AND 38 - 40 (!!!!!) FOR
> THE REFRIGERATOR !!!
>
> I have since checked with several different manufacturers and, unless
> you go with a dual compressor commercial unit, this is "supposedly" the
> way the refrigerators are designed to operate today. (Amana, GE, Magic
> Chef, etc. )
>
> Did the "rules" on food safety change ? I had been taught in the
> military that the freezer was to be at 15 - 20 below zero and the fridge
> part at 34 - 36 degrees. Several people I know that own/operate/manage
> restaurants have confirmed that these are the temperatures food is to be
> stored at for safety and/or minimal bacteria growth. They have stated
> that 0 in the freezer is still "safe", but they would not be happy with
> that temperature.
>
> I can "live with" 0 in the freezer, but 38 - 40 in the refrigerator
> part ?
>

hm. The Maytag top freezer model we bought about 5 years ago will freeze
things in the refrigerator section if I turn it down too much and I
really don't know about the freezer. I have that adjusted to be at zero
intentionally. I use that freezer for short term storage. The long term
storage stuff is in the commercial freezer in the basement. That thing
will keep things at -20 without even breaking a sweat.

Assuming that the tech was giving you the straight scoop it sounds like
things have changed in the last few years.

Write GE or any of the companies a note and ask. I'm sure that they'll
answer you.

--
Steve

Did you ever notice that when you blow in a dogs face they get mad at
you but when you take them for a ride in the car they stick their head
out of the window?

On 22-Dec-2004, Ted Campanelli > wrote:

> We needed to get a new refrigerator. The wife decided on a double door
> style, so off to Sears we went. Got the new fridge (Kenmore ) delivered
> on 12/18. Since I was unable to get the freezer and refrigerator
> temperature levels where they should be (-15 to -20 on freezer and 34 -
> 36 for fridge ) called the service number and a "tech" came out.
>
> According to the tech AND the factory rep, the new refrigerators ARE
> DESIGNED TO OPERATE AT 0 DEGREES FOR THE FREEZER AND 38 - 40 (!!!!!) FOR
> THE REFRIGERATOR !!!
>
> I have since checked with several different manufacturers and, unless
> you go with a dual compressor commercial unit, this is "supposedly" the
> way the refrigerators are designed to operate today. (Amana, GE, Magic
> Chef, etc. )
>
> Did the "rules" on food safety change ? I had been taught in the
> military that the freezer was to be at 15 - 20 below zero and the fridge
> part at 34 - 36 degrees. Several people I know that own/operate/manage
> restaurants have confirmed that these are the temperatures food is to be
> stored at for safety and/or minimal bacteria growth. They have stated
> that 0 in the freezer is still "safe", but they would not be happy with
> that temperature.
>
> I can "live with" 0 in the freezer, but 38 - 40 in the refrigerator
> part ?

I feel your pain. I have a late model Whirlpool side by side. Forget
achieving optimum temps in both freezer and frig. My freezer will
go to -10°, but then the bottom crisper draw in the frig freezes shut.
Given that I want a 45° difference between freezer and frig, I'm doomed
to frustration. Minus 20 in the freezer and +34 in the frig is a pipe
dream for my model.
--
Brick(DL5BF, WA7ERO, HS4ADI)


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>Ted Campanelli writes:
>
>We needed to get a new refrigerator. The wife decided on a double door
>style, so off to Sears we went. Got the new fridge (Kenmore ) delivered
>on 12/18. Since I was unable to get the freezer and refrigerator
>temperature levels where they should be (-15 to -20 on freezer and 34 -
>36 for fridge ) called the service number and a "tech" came out.
>
>According to the tech AND the factory rep, the new refrigerators ARE
>DESIGNED TO OPERATE AT 0 DEGREES FOR THE FREEZER AND 38 - 40 (!!!!!) FOR
>THE REFRIGERATOR !!!
>
>I have since checked with several different manufacturers and, unless
>you go with a dual compressor commercial unit, this is "supposedly" the
>way the refrigerators are designed to operate today. (Amana, GE, Magic
>Chef, etc. )

My 7 year old 24 cu ft GE Profile top freezer has no problem attaining -20º F
but I keep it set at -10º F. The fridge section maintains whatever level I set
it for, but I keep it at 34º F. And it maintains these temperatures winter and
summer without any readjusting... but to be honest my home has central air and
so it's ambient temperature is reasonably constant. And I keep a fridge
thermometer in the freezer and another inside the fridge section, so I know the
temperatures at a glance. I also have an older 18 cu ft Whirlpool top freezer
unit in the basement (a bottom of the line model left here by the previous
owner, was in the kitchen), it also has fridge thermometers in each section and
it too maintains the same temperatures; -10º F. freezer and 34º F. fridge...
and my basement is not air conditioned, yet it still maintains temps with no
readjusting... I never tried to see how low a temperature it would achieve and
maintain in its freezer but I'm sure it will go lower that the -10º F. setting.

Sears Kenmore is in actuallity Whirlpool, and Whirlpool makes a pretty good
product. You never mentioned a word about how you checked your temperatures,
not a word about using fridge thermometers... you don't mention the size or
model number of your unit... you make a lot of claims but offer nothing
varifiable... and I'm kind of a suspicious/devil's advocate person when it
comes to these technical matters, and your story makes no sense and storys that
make no sense tend not to be true, and so I didn't believe your fercocktah
story, and so I did a little delving....

And here's how I know with ABSOLUTE certainty, and can PROVE, that your story
about what you say the Tech people told you is a friggin' LIE:

This from the Whirlpool side by side fridge page (all 17 models):

http://www.whirlpool.com/catalog/faq...onId=319#three

What should the temperatures be inside my refrigerator and freezer?

The factory presets your temperatures to the *MID / MID* setting of 0º for the
freezer and 37º for the refrigerator. *Refrigerator adjustment range is -15º to
+15º in the freezer and 33º to 47º in the refrigerator.*
----

I'm not going to expend energy checking but I'm pretty positive that the above
is an industry standard.

The Whirlpool fridge FAQ says a lot more on setting/checking temps (easy to
check) but that's all is needed to indicate that you're a PINHEADED LIAR.

---= BOYCOTT FRANCE (belgium) GERMANY--SPAIN =---
---= Move UNITED NATIONS To Paris =---
*********
"Life would be devoid of all meaning were it without tribulation."
Sheldon
````````````

On 12/22/2004 10:05 AM Ted shuffled out of his cave and grunted these
great (and sometimes not so great) words of knowledge:

>>Ted Campanelli writes:
>>
>>We needed to get a new refrigerator. The wife decided on a double door
>>style, so off to Sears we went. Got the new fridge (Kenmore ) delivered
>>on 12/18. Since I was unable to get the freezer and refrigerator
>>temperature levels where they should be (-15 to -20 on freezer and 34 -
>>36 for fridge ) called the service number and a "tech" came out.
>>
>>According to the tech AND the factory rep, the new refrigerators ARE
>>DESIGNED TO OPERATE AT 0 DEGREES FOR THE FREEZER AND 38 - 40 (!!!!!) FOR
>>THE REFRIGERATOR !!!
>>
>>I have since checked with several different manufacturers and, unless
>>you go with a dual compressor commercial unit, this is "supposedly" the
>>way the refrigerators are designed to operate today. (Amana, GE, Magic
>>Chef, etc. )
>
> My 7 year old 24 cu ft GE Profile top freezer has no problem attaining -20º F
> but I keep it set at -10º F. The fridge section maintains whatever level I set
> it for, but I keep it at 34º F. And it maintains these temperatures winter and
> summer without any readjusting... but to be honest my home has central air and
> so it's ambient temperature is reasonably constant. And I keep a fridge
> thermometer in the freezer and another inside the fridge section, so I know the
> temperatures at a glance. I also have an older 18 cu ft Whirlpool top freezer
> unit in the basement (a bottom of the line model left here by the previous
> owner, was in the kitchen), it also has fridge thermometers in each section and
> it too maintains the same temperatures; -10º F. freezer and 34º F. fridge...
> and my basement is not air conditioned, yet it still maintains temps with no
> readjusting... I never tried to see how low a temperature it would achieve and
> maintain in its freezer but I'm sure it will go lower that the -10º F. setting.
>
> Sears Kenmore is in actuallity Whirlpool, and Whirlpool makes a pretty good
> product. You never mentioned a word about how you checked your temperatures,
> not a word about using fridge thermometers... you don't mention the size or
> model number of your unit... you make a lot of claims but offer nothing
> varifiable... and I'm kind of a suspicious/devil's advocate person when it
> comes to these technical matters, and your story makes no sense and storys that
> make no sense tend not to be true, and so I didn't believe your fercocktah
> story, and so I did a little delving....
>
> And here's how I know with ABSOLUTE certainty, and can PROVE, that your story
> about what you say the Tech people told you is a friggin' LIE:
>
> This from the Whirlpool side by side fridge page (all 17 models):
>
> http://www.whirlpool.com/catalog/faq...onId=319#three
>
> What should the temperatures be inside my refrigerator and freezer?
>
> The factory presets your temperatures to the *MID / MID* setting of 0º for the
> freezer and 37º for the refrigerator. *Refrigerator adjustment range is -15º to
> +15º in the freezer and 33º to 47º in the refrigerator.*
> ----
>
> I'm not going to expend energy checking but I'm pretty positive that the above
> is an industry standard.
>
> The Whirlpool fridge FAQ says a lot more on setting/checking temps (easy to
> check) but that's all is needed to indicate that you're a PINHEADED LIAR.
>
> ---= BOYCOTT FRANCE (belgium) GERMANY--SPAIN =---
> ---= Move UNITED NATIONS To Paris =---
> *********
> "Life would be devoid of all meaning were it without tribulation."
> Sheldon
> ````````````

To answer your questions, I have a 22 cubic foot side by side w/o the
door water dispenser and w/o the ice maker. I have thermometers for the
fridge and freezer parts - in fact I even went and bought 2 new ones in
case the old ones were not accurate. The thermometers are the air read
type and are within 1 1/2 - 2 degrees of the old ones (the old ones read
a warmer temp than the new ones.

Penmart/Sheldon, I really do not appreciate being called a "PINHEAD
LIAR". I know what the Whirpool/Kenmore site states for temperatures.
That research was done BEFORE any purchases were made.

I am just repeating what the tech AND the factory rep from
Whirpool/Kenmore stated. In short, they said "The unit WILL NOT obtain
those temperatures. The unit is not designed for those temperatures.
The unit is designed for 0 degrees on the freezer and 38 - 40 for the
refrigerator part irreguardless of what other information you may have
read or been told."

Ted Campanelli wrote:
<snip>
>> This from the Whirlpool side by side fridge page (all 17 models):
>>
>> http://www.whirlpool.com/catalog/faq...onId=319#three
>>
>> What should the temperatures be inside my refrigerator and freezer?
>>
>> The factory presets your temperatures to the *MID / MID* setting of 0º
>> for the
>> freezer and 37º for the refrigerator. *Refrigerator adjustment range
>> is -15º to
>> +15º in the freezer and 33º to 47º in the refrigerator.* ----
>>
<snip>

> I know what the Whirpool/Kenmore site states for temperatures.
> That research was done BEFORE any purchases were made.
>
> I am just repeating what the tech AND the factory rep from
> Whirpool/Kenmore stated. In short, they said "The unit WILL NOT obtain
> those temperatures. The unit is not designed for those temperatures.
> The unit is designed for 0 degrees on the freezer and 38 - 40 for the
> refrigerator part irreguardless of what other information you may have
> read or been told."
>


If their site says one thing and the reps say another it would seem to
me that you have a first class case for returning it for a full refund.

--
Steve

Did you ever notice that when you blow in a dogs face they get mad at
you but when you take them for a ride in the car they stick their head
out of the window?

> Steve Calvin writes:
>
>Ted Campanelli wrote:
><snip>
>>> This from the Whirlpool side by side fridge page (all 17 models):
>>>
>>> http://www.whirlpool.com/catalog/faq...onId=319#three
>>>
>>> What should the temperatures be inside my refrigerator and freezer?
>>>
>>> The factory presets your temperatures to the *MID / MID* setting of 0º
>>> for the
>>> freezer and 37º for the refrigerator. *Refrigerator adjustment range
>>> is -15º to
>>> +15º in the freezer and 33º to 47º in the refrigerator.* ----
>>>
><snip>
>
>> I know what the Whirpool/Kenmore site states for temperatures.
>> That research was done BEFORE any purchases were made.
>>
>> I am just repeating what the tech AND the factory rep from
>> Whirpool/Kenmore stated. In short, they said "The unit WILL NOT obtain
>> those temperatures. The unit is not designed for those temperatures.
>> The unit is designed for 0 degrees on the freezer and 38 - 40 for the
>> refrigerator part irreguardless of what other information you may have
>> read or been told."
>>
>
>
>If their site says one thing and the reps say another it would seem to
>me that you have a first class case for returning it for a full refund.

I just now got off the phone with Whirlpool Customer Service (1-800-253-1301)
and was informed that the information at their web site is up to date and
correct. I was informed that the temperature ratings on their FAQ apply all
their residential units, and when I asked the representitive did indeed confirm
that those specs are an industry wide standard. I was also informed that the
same information is printed in the users manual that acompanies the units and
that any in-home service tech would know the preset factory settings and the
ranges possible. I was also told that they don't recommend the -15º F freezer
setting at the higher ambient temperatures but that the unit will operate well
at the -10º F freezer setting at ambient temperatures below 100º F. I actually
spoke to two Service Reps, both seemed well informed. I still maintain that
Ted is full of BS.

---= BOYCOTT FRANCE (belgium) GERMANY--SPAIN =---
---= Move UNITED NATIONS To Paris =---
*********
"Life would be devoid of all meaning were it without tribulation."
Sheldon
````````````

PENMART01 wrote:
<snip>
>>
>>If their site says one thing and the reps say another it would seem to
>>me that you have a first class case for returning it for a full refund.
>
>
> I just now got off the phone with Whirlpool Customer Service (1-800-253-1301)
> and was informed that the information at their web site is up to date and
> correct. I was informed that the temperature ratings on their FAQ apply all
> their residential units, and when I asked the representitive did indeed confirm
> that those specs are an industry wide standard. I was also informed that the
> same information is printed in the users manual that acompanies the units and
> that any in-home service tech would know the preset factory settings and the
> ranges possible. I was also told that they don't recommend the -15º F freezer
> setting at the higher ambient temperatures but that the unit will operate well
> at the -10º F freezer setting at ambient temperatures below 100º F. I actually
> spoke to two Service Reps, both seemed well informed. I still maintain that
> Ted is full of BS.
>
> ---= BOYCOTT FRANCE (belgium) GERMANY--SPAIN =---
> ---= Move UNITED NATIONS To Paris =---
> *********
> "Life would be devoid of all meaning were it without tribulation."
> Sheldon
> ````````````

Bored today Shel? ;-) Well, if he was told that by service/tech reps
then they obviously had their heads up their _____. (Fill in the blank
however you wish)

--
Steve

Did you ever notice that when you blow in a dogs face they get mad at
you but when you take them for a ride in the car they stick their head
out of the window?

PENMART01 wrote:
<snip>
>>
>>If their site says one thing and the reps say another it would seem to
>>me that you have a first class case for returning it for a full refund.
>
>
> I just now got off the phone with Whirlpool Customer Service (1-800-253-1301)
> and was informed that the information at their web site is up to date and
> correct. I was informed that the temperature ratings on their FAQ apply all
> their residential units, and when I asked the representitive did indeed confirm
> that those specs are an industry wide standard. I was also informed that the
> same information is printed in the users manual that acompanies the units and
> that any in-home service tech would know the preset factory settings and the
> ranges possible. I was also told that they don't recommend the -15º F freezer
> setting at the higher ambient temperatures but that the unit will operate well
> at the -10º F freezer setting at ambient temperatures below 100º F. I actually
> spoke to two Service Reps, both seemed well informed. I still maintain that
> Ted is full of BS.
>
> ---= BOYCOTT FRANCE (belgium) GERMANY--SPAIN =---
> ---= Move UNITED NATIONS To Paris =---
> *********
> "Life would be devoid of all meaning were it without tribulation."
> Sheldon
> ````````````

Bored today Shel? ;-) Well, if he was told that by service/tech reps
then they obviously had their heads up their _____. (Fill in the blank
however you wish)

--
Steve

Did you ever notice that when you blow in a dogs face they get mad at
you but when you take them for a ride in the car they stick their head
out of the window?

Steve Calvin writes:

>Bored today Shel? ;-)

Actually I find speaking with customer service reps quite entertaining, almost
always pleasant, and highly educational. I call customer service for many
products very often. I find the vast majority are very pleasant and
knowlegable, and often engage in long conversations, over a whole range of
relevant topics, and some not so relevant. The reps at Weber Grill are
extremely accomodating and not at all in any rush to get rid of you, I've had
very nice chats with them lasting about an hour. The Reps at Delta faucet are
also very nice... and when they say their products come with a lifetime
warranty they mean it. The customer reps at Lowes are extremely helpful, in
fact just recently one confirmed availability and arranged for a FREE delivery
of a large steel garden cart (17cu ft) to my home, saved me a 50 mile round
trip to the store or having to pay a $70 delivery fee. Lowes is far more
accomodating than Home Depot. And don't even think of calling True Value
Hardware, friggin' bitchy **** answers the phone.

>Well, if he was told that by service/tech reps
>then they obviously had their heads up their _____. (Fill in the blank
>however you wish)

The one with his head up is ass is Ted.


---= BOYCOTT FRANCE (belgium) GERMANY--SPAIN =---
---= Move UNITED NATIONS To Paris =---
*********
"Life would be devoid of all meaning were it without tribulation."
Sheldon
````````````

In article >,
Ted Campanelli > wrote:

> We needed to get a new refrigerator. The wife decided on a double door
> style, so off to Sears we went. Got the new fridge (Kenmore ) delivered
> on 12/18. Since I was unable to get the freezer and refrigerator
> temperature levels where they should be (-15 to -20 on freezer and 34 -
> 36 for fridge ) called the service number and a "tech" came out.
>
> According to the tech AND the factory rep, the new refrigerators ARE
> DESIGNED TO OPERATE AT 0 DEGREES FOR THE FREEZER AND 38 - 40 (!!!!!) FOR
> THE REFRIGERATOR !!!
>
> I have since checked with several different manufacturers and, unless
> you go with a dual compressor commercial unit, this is "supposedly" the
> way the refrigerators are designed to operate today. (Amana, GE, Magic
> Chef, etc. )
>
> Did the "rules" on food safety change ? I had been taught in the
> military that the freezer was to be at 15 - 20 below zero and the fridge
> part at 34 - 36 degrees. Several people I know that own/operate/manage
> restaurants have confirmed that these are the temperatures food is to be
> stored at for safety and/or minimal bacteria growth. They have stated
> that 0 in the freezer is still "safe", but they would not be happy with
> that temperature.
>
> I can "live with" 0 in the freezer, but 38 - 40 in the refrigerator
> part ?
>

I have a double glass door commercial Hobart. I could adjust the
thermostat lower, but I run mine at 40 degrees. It fluctuates between 38
and 42. It has a temp. guage on the outside so I can monitor it.

I get VERY satisfactory storage of fresh produce at that temperature.

Do you really need it any lower???

As for the freezer, 32 is freezing.
0 sounds good to me...

--
K.

Sprout the Mung Bean to reply...

>,,<Cat's Haven Hobby Farm>,,<Katraatcenturyteldotnet>,,<

http://cgi6.ebay.com/ws/eBayISAPI.dl...user id=katra

Katra wrote:
>
> As for the freezer, 32 is freezing.
> 0 sounds good to me...
>
For short term storage it is. For longer term storage which is what I
run my big freezer for, I keep the temp at -15 or -20. Things keep
better for longer periods at those temperatures.

--
Steve

Did you ever notice that when you blow in a dogs face they get mad at
you but when you take them for a ride in the car they stick their head
out of the window?

In article >,
Steve Calvin > wrote:

> Katra wrote:
> >
> > As for the freezer, 32 is freezing.
> > 0 sounds good to me...
> >
> For short term storage it is. For longer term storage which is what I
> run my big freezer for, I keep the temp at -15 or -20. Things keep
> better for longer periods at those temperatures.

Do you have any problems with freezer burn?
Stuff I store for more than 6 months tends to have that problem which is
why I've gotten to be pretty good about writing dates on stuff I put
into the big chest freezer. :-)

I'm not sure how cold that thing really stays. It's very old. I need to
borrow a temp. guage from work and check it out I guess. It's a hyooge
GE chest freezer.
--
K.

In article >,
Steve Calvin > wrote:

> Katra wrote:
> >
> > As for the freezer, 32 is freezing.
> > 0 sounds good to me...
> >
> For short term storage it is. For longer term storage which is what I
> run my big freezer for, I keep the temp at -15 or -20. Things keep
> better for longer periods at those temperatures.

Do you have any problems with freezer burn?
Stuff I store for more than 6 months tends to have that problem which is
why I've gotten to be pretty good about writing dates on stuff I put
into the big chest freezer. :-)

I'm not sure how cold that thing really stays. It's very old. I need to
borrow a temp. guage from work and check it out I guess. It's a hyooge
GE chest freezer.
--
K.

>Steve Calvin writes:
>
>Katra wrote:
>>
>> As for the freezer, 32 is freezing.
>> 0 sounds good to me...
>>
>For short term storage it is. For longer term storage which is what I
>run my big freezer for, I keep the temp at -15 or -20. Things keep
>better for longer periods at those temperatures.

Especially products high in salt like bacon and ice cream. I find -10º F works
for me, I don't freeze bacon and ice cream never lasts long enough to spoil.
And I very rarely freeze tender beef cuts, don't see the point unless I happen
to run into an exceptionally low price, which doesn't happen anymore. If I'm
going to pay the price of tender beef I'm going to eat it that day, I'm not
going to ruin say a porterhouse by freezing, because upon thawing most of the
juices run out and the texture changes from tender to mushy.


---= BOYCOTT FRANCE (belgium) GERMANY--SPAIN =---
---= Move UNITED NATIONS To Paris =---
*********
"Life would be devoid of all meaning were it without tribulation."
Sheldon
````````````

Katra wrote:
> In article >,
> Steve Calvin > wrote:
>
>
>>Katra wrote:
>>
>>>As for the freezer, 32 is freezing.
>>>0 sounds good to me...
>>>
>>
>>For short term storage it is. For longer term storage which is what I
>>run my big freezer for, I keep the temp at -15 or -20. Things keep
>>better for longer periods at those temperatures.
>
>
> Do you have any problems with freezer burn?
> Stuff I store for more than 6 months tends to have that problem which is
> why I've gotten to be pretty good about writing dates on stuff I put
> into the big chest freezer. :-)
>
> I'm not sure how cold that thing really stays. It's very old. I need to
> borrow a temp. guage from work and check it out I guess. It's a hyooge
> GE chest freezer.

Not since buying the Tilia vacuum sealer. I did prior to that but
haven't lost one thing since.

--
Steve

Did you ever notice that when you blow in a dogs face they get mad at
you but when you take them for a ride in the car they stick their head
out of the window?

Katra wrote:
> In article >,
> Steve Calvin > wrote:
>
>
>>Katra wrote:
>>
>>>As for the freezer, 32 is freezing.
>>>0 sounds good to me...
>>>
>>
>>For short term storage it is. For longer term storage which is what I
>>run my big freezer for, I keep the temp at -15 or -20. Things keep
>>better for longer periods at those temperatures.
>
>
> Do you have any problems with freezer burn?
> Stuff I store for more than 6 months tends to have that problem which is
> why I've gotten to be pretty good about writing dates on stuff I put
> into the big chest freezer. :-)
>
> I'm not sure how cold that thing really stays. It's very old. I need to
> borrow a temp. guage from work and check it out I guess. It's a hyooge
> GE chest freezer.

Not since buying the Tilia vacuum sealer. I did prior to that but
haven't lost one thing since.

--
Steve

Did you ever notice that when you blow in a dogs face they get mad at
you but when you take them for a ride in the car they stick their head
out of the window?

PENMART01 wrote:

>>Steve Calvin writes:
>>
>>Katra wrote:
>>
>>
>>>As for the freezer, 32 is freezing.
>>>0 sounds good to me...
>>>
>>>
>>>
>>For short term storage it is. For longer term storage which is what I
>>run my big freezer for, I keep the temp at -15 or -20. Things keep
>>better for longer periods at those temperatures.
>>
>>
>
>Especially products high in salt like bacon and ice cream. I find -10º F works
>for me, I don't freeze bacon and ice cream never lasts long enough to spoil.
>And I very rarely freeze tender beef cuts, don't see the point unless I happen
>to run into an exceptionally low price, which doesn't happen anymore. If I'm
>going to pay the price of tender beef I'm going to eat it that day, I'm not
>going to ruin say a porterhouse by freezing, because upon thawing most of the
>juices run out and the texture changes from tender to mushy.
>
>
>---= BOYCOTT FRANCE (belgium) GERMANY--SPAIN =---
> ---= Move UNITED NATIONS To Paris =---
> *********
>"Life would be devoid of all meaning were it without tribulation."
>Sheldon
>````````````
>
>
Ice cream is high in salt???


--
You wanna measure, or you wanna cook?

In article >,
Steve Calvin > wrote:

> Katra wrote:
> > In article >,
> > Steve Calvin > wrote:
> >
> >
> >>Katra wrote:
> >>
> >>>As for the freezer, 32 is freezing.
> >>>0 sounds good to me...
> >>>
> >>
> >>For short term storage it is. For longer term storage which is what I
> >>run my big freezer for, I keep the temp at -15 or -20. Things keep
> >>better for longer periods at those temperatures.
> >
> >
> > Do you have any problems with freezer burn?
> > Stuff I store for more than 6 months tends to have that problem which is
> > why I've gotten to be pretty good about writing dates on stuff I put
> > into the big chest freezer. :-)
> >
> > I'm not sure how cold that thing really stays. It's very old. I need to
> > borrow a temp. guage from work and check it out I guess. It's a hyooge
> > GE chest freezer.
>
> Not since buying the Tilia vacuum sealer. I did prior to that but
> haven't lost one thing since.
>
> --
> Steve

Hmmmmmmm.... Those things are starting to look better and better.

Especially if I decide to invest in another Range veal.

Best beef I've ever had!

Weanling calves right off of graze.

--
K.

Sprout the Mung Bean to reply...

>,,<Cat's Haven Hobby Farm>,,<Katraatcenturyteldotnet>,,<

http://cgi6.ebay.com/ws/eBayISAPI.dl...user id=katra

In article >,
Bubba > wrote:

> PENMART01 wrote:
>
> >>Steve Calvin writes:
> >>
> >>Katra wrote:
> >>
> >>
> >>>As for the freezer, 32 is freezing.
> >>>0 sounds good to me...
> >>>
> >>>
> >>>
> >>For short term storage it is. For longer term storage which is what I
> >>run my big freezer for, I keep the temp at -15 or -20. Things keep
> >>better for longer periods at those temperatures.
> >>
> >>
> >
> >Especially products high in salt like bacon and ice cream. I find -10º F
> >works
> >for me, I don't freeze bacon and ice cream never lasts long enough to spoil.
> >And I very rarely freeze tender beef cuts, don't see the point unless I
> >happen
> >to run into an exceptionally low price, which doesn't happen anymore. If
> >I'm
> >going to pay the price of tender beef I'm going to eat it that day, I'm not
> >going to ruin say a porterhouse by freezing, because upon thawing most of
> >the
> >juices run out and the texture changes from tender to mushy.
> >
> >
> >---= BOYCOTT FRANCE (belgium) GERMANY--SPAIN =---
> > ---= Move UNITED NATIONS To Paris =---
> > *********
> >"Life would be devoid of all meaning were it without tribulation."
> >Sheldon
> >````````````
> >
> >
> Ice cream is high in salt???


Some people put salt on EVERYTHING! <grinz>

We recently ran a thread on another list about "things that need salt".

Might be interesting to start that one here! One guy put salt on
pepperoni pizza! :-P GAG!!!
--
K.

Katra wrote:
> In article >,
> Steve Calvin > wrote:
>
>
>>Katra wrote:
>>
>>>In article >,
>>> Steve Calvin > wrote:
>>>
>>>
>>>
>>>>Katra wrote:
>>>>
>>>>
>>>>>As for the freezer, 32 is freezing.
>>>>>0 sounds good to me...
>>>>>
>>>>
>>>>For short term storage it is. For longer term storage which is what I
>>>>run my big freezer for, I keep the temp at -15 or -20. Things keep
>>>>better for longer periods at those temperatures.
>>>
>>>
>>>Do you have any problems with freezer burn?
>>>Stuff I store for more than 6 months tends to have that problem which is
>>>why I've gotten to be pretty good about writing dates on stuff I put
>>>into the big chest freezer. :-)
>>>
>>>I'm not sure how cold that thing really stays. It's very old. I need to
>>>borrow a temp. guage from work and check it out I guess. It's a hyooge
>>>GE chest freezer.
>>
>>Not since buying the Tilia vacuum sealer. I did prior to that but
>>haven't lost one thing since.
>>
>>--
>>Steve
>
>
> Hmmmmmmm.... Those things are starting to look better and better.
>
> Especially if I decide to invest in another Range veal.
>
> Best beef I've ever had!
>
> Weanling calves right off of graze.
>

Buy one, you won't regret it.

--
Steve

Did you ever notice that when you blow in a dogs face they get mad at
you but when you take them for a ride in the car they stick their head
out of the window?

Katra wrote:
> In article >,
> Steve Calvin > wrote:
>
>
>>Katra wrote:
>>
>>>In article >,
>>> Steve Calvin > wrote:
>>>
>>>
>>>
>>>>Katra wrote:
>>>>
>>>>
>>>>>As for the freezer, 32 is freezing.
>>>>>0 sounds good to me...
>>>>>
>>>>
>>>>For short term storage it is. For longer term storage which is what I
>>>>run my big freezer for, I keep the temp at -15 or -20. Things keep
>>>>better for longer periods at those temperatures.
>>>
>>>
>>>Do you have any problems with freezer burn?
>>>Stuff I store for more than 6 months tends to have that problem which is
>>>why I've gotten to be pretty good about writing dates on stuff I put
>>>into the big chest freezer. :-)
>>>
>>>I'm not sure how cold that thing really stays. It's very old. I need to
>>>borrow a temp. guage from work and check it out I guess. It's a hyooge
>>>GE chest freezer.
>>
>>Not since buying the Tilia vacuum sealer. I did prior to that but
>>haven't lost one thing since.
>>
>>--
>>Steve
>
>
> Hmmmmmmm.... Those things are starting to look better and better.
>
> Especially if I decide to invest in another Range veal.
>
> Best beef I've ever had!
>
> Weanling calves right off of graze.
>

Buy one, you won't regret it.

--
Steve

Did you ever notice that when you blow in a dogs face they get mad at
you but when you take them for a ride in the car they stick their head
out of the window?

In article >,
Steve Calvin > wrote:

> Katra wrote:
> > In article >,
> > Steve Calvin > wrote:
> >
> >
> >>Katra wrote:
> >>
> >>>In article >,
> >>> Steve Calvin > wrote:
> >>>
> >>>
> >>>
> >>>>Katra wrote:
> >>>>
> >>>>
> >>>>>As for the freezer, 32 is freezing.
> >>>>>0 sounds good to me...
> >>>>>
> >>>>
> >>>>For short term storage it is. For longer term storage which is what I
> >>>>run my big freezer for, I keep the temp at -15 or -20. Things keep
> >>>>better for longer periods at those temperatures.
> >>>
> >>>
> >>>Do you have any problems with freezer burn?
> >>>Stuff I store for more than 6 months tends to have that problem which is
> >>>why I've gotten to be pretty good about writing dates on stuff I put
> >>>into the big chest freezer. :-)
> >>>
> >>>I'm not sure how cold that thing really stays. It's very old. I need to
> >>>borrow a temp. guage from work and check it out I guess. It's a hyooge
> >>>GE chest freezer.
> >>
> >>Not since buying the Tilia vacuum sealer. I did prior to that but
> >>haven't lost one thing since.
> >>
> >>--
> >>Steve
> >
> >
> > Hmmmmmmm.... Those things are starting to look better and better.
> >
> > Especially if I decide to invest in another Range veal.
> >
> > Best beef I've ever had!
> >
> > Weanling calves right off of graze.
> >
>
> Buy one, you won't regret it.

Thanks for the heads up.... :-)
I've read a lot about them here.

This years Christmas gift to me tho' was a digital camera.
First one I've ever owned, and I'm finding it to be very addicting,
especially since I like to do digital art using photoshop.

Photographs are the best subjects for art filters.

Here are some examples:

http://home.centurytel.net/Katraslin...heAncients.jpg
http://home.centurytel.net/Katraslink/DawnMiracle.jpg
http://home.centurytel.net/Katraslink/DragonDream.jpg
http://home.centurytel.net/Katraslink/FrostInSpace.jpg
http://home.centurytel.net/Katraslin...mersNebula.jpg
http://home.centurytel.net/Katraslin...oticDragon.jpg
http://home.centurytel.net/Katraslin...ButterflyS.jpg
http://home.centurytel.net/Katraslink/RabbitHole.jpg
http://home.centurytel.net/Katraslink/SnowMan.jpg

I have a few more.

These are all photomanipulation using photoshop...

DawnMiracle is a recent one and the first one I did from a picture I
took with my new camera. ;-) Trees against the dawn sky.
SnowMan is interesting, it's called that because the original picture
was a pic of a Marijuana bud from a variety called "snow". An e-mail
buddy of mine sent it to me from plants growing in Israel...

The colors and textures in the picture were just too interesting not to
play with!

--
K.

Sprout the Mung Bean to reply...

>,,<Cat's Haven Hobby Farm>,,<Katraatcenturyteldotnet>,,<

http://cgi6.ebay.com/ws/eBayISAPI.dl...user id=katra

Katra wrote:

<snip>
> This years Christmas gift to me tho' was a digital camera.
> First one I've ever owned, and I'm finding it to be very addicting,
> especially since I like to do digital art using photoshop.
>
> Photographs are the best subjects for art filters.
>
> Here are some examples:
>
> http://home.centurytel.net/Katraslin...heAncients.jpg
> http://home.centurytel.net/Katraslink/DawnMiracle.jpg
> http://home.centurytel.net/Katraslink/DragonDream.jpg
> http://home.centurytel.net/Katraslink/FrostInSpace.jpg
> http://home.centurytel.net/Katraslin...mersNebula.jpg
> http://home.centurytel.net/Katraslin...oticDragon.jpg
> http://home.centurytel.net/Katraslin...ButterflyS.jpg
> http://home.centurytel.net/Katraslink/RabbitHole.jpg
> http://home.centurytel.net/Katraslink/SnowMan.jpg

REALLY cool pics!

>
> I have a few more.
>
> These are all photomanipulation using photoshop...
>
> DawnMiracle is a recent one and the first one I did from a picture I
> took with my new camera. ;-) Trees against the dawn sky.
> SnowMan is interesting, it's called that because the original picture
> was a pic of a Marijuana bud from a variety called "snow". An e-mail
> buddy of mine sent it to me from plants growing in Israel...

yeah, yeah... sure Kat... ah huh... I believe you... ;-)
>
> The colors and textures in the picture were just too interesting not to
> play with!
>

And it looks like you do it very well. I went to your site and started
poking around. You and my "better half" (Nancy) are appearently into at
least one hobby (well, a side business for her). Making beaded jewelery.

She's got more freekin' beads and semi-precious gem stones around here
than you can shake a stick at. She's currently using two rooms of the
house! Geeze. Actually, it's not all jewelry. She's into most any kind
of crafty thingie that you could name. If you would like to check out
her website send me an email and I'll send you the URL.

--
Steve

Did you ever notice that when you blow in a dogs face they get mad at
you but when you take them for a ride in the car they stick their head
out of the window?

In article >,
Steve Calvin > wrote:

> Katra wrote:
>
> <snip>
> > This years Christmas gift to me tho' was a digital camera.
> > First one I've ever owned, and I'm finding it to be very addicting,
> > especially since I like to do digital art using photoshop.
> >
> > Photographs are the best subjects for art filters.
> >
> > Here are some examples:
> >
> > http://home.centurytel.net/Katraslin...heAncients.jpg
> > http://home.centurytel.net/Katraslink/DawnMiracle.jpg
> > http://home.centurytel.net/Katraslink/DragonDream.jpg
> > http://home.centurytel.net/Katraslink/FrostInSpace.jpg
> > http://home.centurytel.net/Katraslin...mersNebula.jpg
> > http://home.centurytel.net/Katraslin...oticDragon.jpg
> > http://home.centurytel.net/Katraslin...ButterflyS.jpg
> > http://home.centurytel.net/Katraslink/RabbitHole.jpg
> > http://home.centurytel.net/Katraslink/SnowMan.jpg
>
> REALLY cool pics!

Thank you! :-)
Digital art is fun...

>
> >
> > I have a few more.
> >
> > These are all photomanipulation using photoshop...
> >
> > DawnMiracle is a recent one and the first one I did from a picture I
> > took with my new camera. ;-) Trees against the dawn sky.
> > SnowMan is interesting, it's called that because the original picture
> > was a pic of a Marijuana bud from a variety called "snow". An e-mail
> > buddy of mine sent it to me from plants growing in Israel...
>
> yeah, yeah... sure Kat... ah huh... I believe you... ;-)

<grinz> Can't smoke dope... Been working at the same career now for 17
years and they tag for random drug tests from time to time. <sigh>
My career or a joint? Do the math...

Here is what I grow:

http://home.centurytel.net/Katraslin...SanPedros3.jpg

Trichocereus pachanoi. Valuable as a landscaping plant and for, uh,
other purposes... <smirk>

> >
> > The colors and textures in the picture were just too interesting not to
> > play with!
> >
>
> And it looks like you do it very well. I went to your site and started
> poking around. You and my "better half" (Nancy) are appearently into at
> least one hobby (well, a side business for her). Making beaded jewelery.

Ah yes...
I use that index for the picture links for my ebay bead auctions.
Selling beads and findings on ebay helps to support my bead addiction!

>
> She's got more freekin' beads and semi-precious gem stones around here
> than you can shake a stick at. She's currently using two rooms of the
> house! Geeze. Actually, it's not all jewelry. She's into most any kind
> of crafty thingie that you could name. If you would like to check out
> her website send me an email and I'll send you the URL.

Yes, I would very much like to see her stuff!

Has she ever sold on ebay? If nothing else, it can increase website hits
if you do it right.

--
K.

Sprout the Mung Bean to reply...

>,,<Cat's Haven Hobby Farm>,,<Katraatcenturyteldotnet>,,<

http://cgi6.ebay.com/ws/eBayISAPI.dl...user id=katra

Katra wrote:
<snip>
> Here is what I grow:
>
> http://home.centurytel.net/Katraslin...SanPedros3.jpg
>
> Trichocereus pachanoi. Valuable as a landscaping plant and for, uh,
> other purposes... <smirk>

Ah yes... the forbidden fruit. Of course you just grow it for
landscaping. <cough> ;-)

>
>
> Yes, I would very much like to see her stuff!
>
> Has she ever sold on ebay? If nothing else, it can increase website hits
> if you do it right.
>

Naw, she tried it but she says that there's so much overseas el cheapo
stuff out there that she doesn't bother. Word of mouth only. I'll send
ya her url.

--
Steve

Did you ever notice that when you blow in a dogs face they get mad at
you but when you take them for a ride in the car they stick their head
out of the window?

In article >,
Steve Calvin > wrote:

> Katra wrote:
> <snip>
> > Here is what I grow:
> >
> > http://home.centurytel.net/Katraslin...SanPedros3.jpg
> >
> > Trichocereus pachanoi. Valuable as a landscaping plant and for, uh,
> > other purposes... <smirk>
>
> Ah yes... the forbidden fruit. Of course you just grow it for
> landscaping. <cough> ;-)

Nacherally! ;-D

>
> >
> >
> > Yes, I would very much like to see her stuff!
> >
> > Has she ever sold on ebay? If nothing else, it can increase website hits
> > if you do it right.
> >
>
> Naw, she tried it but she says that there's so much overseas el cheapo
> stuff out there that she doesn't bother. Word of mouth only. I'll send
> ya her url.

This is true... but if you use sterling silver or a good gold fill and
make "unusual" stuff like fantasy and religious jewelry, you can
actually compete.

But, there is a reason now that I sell more beads than made up jewelry.
<G>

Remove "mungbean" from the e-mail. That is my spam proofing.

Thanks!!!

--
K.

Sprout the Mung Bean to reply...

>,,<Cat's Haven Hobby Farm>,,<Katraatcenturyteldotnet>,,<

http://cgi6.ebay.com/ws/eBayISAPI.dl...user id=katra

Katra wrote:

> Remove "mungbean" from the e-mail. That is my spam proofing.
>
> Thanks!!!
>

Should already be in your inbox.

--
Steve

Did you ever notice that when you blow in a dogs face they get mad at
you but when you take them for a ride in the car they stick their head
out of the window?

Far as I can tell, someone wrote:
>> > As for the freezer, 32 is freezing.
>> > 0 sounds good to me...

32 is the freezing temp for pure water. Anything added to it changes
that. Salt water freezes at a lower temp.

Far as I can tell, someone wrote:
>> > As for the freezer, 32 is freezing.
>> > 0 sounds good to me...

32 is the freezing temp for pure water. Anything added to it changes
that. Salt water freezes at a lower temp.

Far as I can tell, someone wrote:
>Did the "rules" on food safety change ? I had been taught in the
>military that the freezer was to be at 15 - 20 below zero and the fridge
>part at 34 - 36 degrees.

FWIW...

The government rules for commercial restaurant type reefers is 33 - 42.
This is the bottom of the "safety zone where germs have a really hard
time existing.

32-34 is just too much accuracy to demand, especially considering that a
free standing thermometer may well show a different reading than
another.

For freezers, zero is the safe temp for long term storage. Below that
is better, but not required by most state codes.

>baldycotton2 writes:
>
>>Far as I can tell, someone (Ted) wrote:
>>
>>Did the "rules" on food safety change ? I had been taught in the
>>military that the freezer was to be at 15 - 20 below zero and the fridge
>>part at 34 - 36 degrees.
>
>FWIW...
>
>The government rules for commercial restaurant type reefers is 33 - 42.
>This is the bottom of the "safety zone where germs have a really hard
>time existing.

"germs" exist quite well in that temperature range, most just have a more
difficult time proliferating as rapidly as at higher temperatures such as
normal room temperature.... germs exist quite well at freezer temperatures too,
in fact the freezer is a great place to storing yeast to extend its usable
life.

>32-34 is just too much accuracy to demand, especially considering that a
>free standing thermometer may well show a different reading than
>another.

Modern thermometers are extremely accurate and reliable for repeatability...
+/- .01º F accuracy is common with electronic units. Btw, the correct method
for checking refrigerator temperature is to place the thermometer probe into a
glass of water.. far less fluctuation, especially when the door is opened.

>For freezers, zero is the safe temp for long term storage.

"long term" is a meaningless expression... how long and for which foods.

---= BOYCOTT FRANCE (belgium) GERMANY--SPAIN =---
---= Move UNITED NATIONS To Paris =---
*********
"Life would be devoid of all meaning were it without tribulation."
Sheldon
````````````

>baldycotton2 writes:
>
>>Far as I can tell, someone (Ted) wrote:
>>
>>Did the "rules" on food safety change ? I had been taught in the
>>military that the freezer was to be at 15 - 20 below zero and the fridge
>>part at 34 - 36 degrees.
>
>FWIW...
>
>The government rules for commercial restaurant type reefers is 33 - 42.
>This is the bottom of the "safety zone where germs have a really hard
>time existing.

"germs" exist quite well in that temperature range, most just have a more
difficult time proliferating as rapidly as at higher temperatures such as
normal room temperature.... germs exist quite well at freezer temperatures too,
in fact the freezer is a great place to storing yeast to extend its usable
life.

>32-34 is just too much accuracy to demand, especially considering that a
>free standing thermometer may well show a different reading than
>another.

Modern thermometers are extremely accurate and reliable for repeatability...
+/- .01º F accuracy is common with electronic units. Btw, the correct method
for checking refrigerator temperature is to place the thermometer probe into a
glass of water.. far less fluctuation, especially when the door is opened.

>For freezers, zero is the safe temp for long term storage.

"long term" is a meaningless expression... how long and for which foods.

---= BOYCOTT FRANCE (belgium) GERMANY--SPAIN =---
---= Move UNITED NATIONS To Paris =---
*********
"Life would be devoid of all meaning were it without tribulation."
Sheldon
````````````

On Wed, 22 Dec 2004 17:34:58 -0600, Katra
> wrote:

> http://home.centurytel.net/Katraslin...ButterflyS.jpg
> http://home.centurytel.net/Katraslink/RabbitHole.jpg
> http://home.centurytel.net/Katraslink/SnowMan.jpg

LOVE the butterflies and the others are very good too!



sf
Practice safe eating - always use condiments

On Wed, 22 Dec 2004 17:34:58 -0600, Katra
> wrote:

> http://home.centurytel.net/Katraslin...ButterflyS.jpg
> http://home.centurytel.net/Katraslink/RabbitHole.jpg
> http://home.centurytel.net/Katraslink/SnowMan.jpg

LOVE the butterflies and the others are very good too!



sf
Practice safe eating - always use condiments

In article >,
sf > wrote:

> On Wed, 22 Dec 2004 17:34:58 -0600, Katra
> > wrote:
>
> > http://home.centurytel.net/Katraslin...ButterflyS.jpg
> > http://home.centurytel.net/Katraslink/RabbitHole.jpg
> > http://home.centurytel.net/Katraslink/SnowMan.jpg
>
> LOVE the butterflies and the others are very good too!
>
>
>
> sf
> Practice safe eating - always use condiments

Thank you! :-)
Plan is to eventually offer a digital art/desktop art CD on ebay.

Did I include DawnMiracle?
It's my most recent, created from some photos I took with my new
digicam. Yeah, I finally gave in and got one. <lol> I took some pictures
of trees against the dawn sky at about 06:30 am. Very nice effect:

http://home.centurytel.net/Katraslink/DawnMiracle.jpg
--
K.

In article >,
sf > wrote:

> On Wed, 22 Dec 2004 17:34:58 -0600, Katra
> > wrote:
>
> > http://home.centurytel.net/Katraslin...ButterflyS.jpg
> > http://home.centurytel.net/Katraslink/RabbitHole.jpg
> > http://home.centurytel.net/Katraslink/SnowMan.jpg
>
> LOVE the butterflies and the others are very good too!
>
>
>
> sf
> Practice safe eating - always use condiments

Thank you! :-)
Plan is to eventually offer a digital art/desktop art CD on ebay.

Did I include DawnMiracle?
It's my most recent, created from some photos I took with my new
digicam. Yeah, I finally gave in and got one. <lol> I took some pictures
of trees against the dawn sky at about 06:30 am. Very nice effect:

http://home.centurytel.net/Katraslink/DawnMiracle.jpg
--
K.

Far as I can tell, someone wrote:

>>The government rules for commercial restaurant type reefers is 33 - 42.
>>This is the bottom of the "safety zone where germs have a really hard
>>time existing.
>
>"germs" exist quite well in that temperature range, most just have a more
>difficult time proliferating as rapidly as at higher temperatures such as
>normal room temperature.... germs exist quite well at freezer temperatures too,
>in fact the freezer is a great place to storing yeast to extend its usable
>life.

Exactly. that's why a "reasonable" range had to be decided.
It's also very important to get to the safe temp with some expediency to
prevent excess comfort for germs to proliferate.

>>For freezers, zero is the safe temp for long term storage.

>"long term" is a meaningless expression... how long and for which foods.

Of course it is. I'll make an extensive spreadsheet and post it
Christmas morning.

Obviously there are as many variables as there are foods and opinions.

Ted Campanelli >
> wrote:
>
>>We needed to get a new refrigerator. The wife decided on a double door
>>style, so off to Sears we went. Got the new fridge (Kenmore ) delivered
>>on 12/18. Since I was unable to get the freezer and refrigerator
>>temperature levels where they should be (-15 to -20 on freezer and 34 -
>>36 for fridge ) called the service number and a "tech" came out.
>>
>>According to the tech AND the factory rep, the new refrigerators ARE
>>DESIGNED TO OPERATE AT 0 DEGREES FOR THE FREEZER AND 38 - 40 (!!!!!) FOR
>>THE REFRIGERATOR !!!

>>
>>Did the "rules" on food safety change ? I had been taught in the
>>military that the freezer was to be at 15 - 20 below zero and the fridge
>>part at 34 - 36 degrees.

You aren't in the military any more. For my entire life, zero is an
acceptable temperature for a home freezer. Perhaps the military keeps
things for years and wants the lower temperatures, but for normal household
food inventory turnover, we have been getting by for decades in millions of
households at zero. I've had things for two years, vacuum sealed, and they
were in perfect condition.

As for te refrigerated part, mine runs about 34 to 35 degrees. It is
adjustab le and I sometimes corn beef in it or cure hams, so I must know the
exact temperature to be sure I get the right timing. Modern units hold very
steady. Below 40 is the main thrust of food safety.


>>
>>I can "live with" 0 in the freezer, but 38 - 40 in the refrigerator
>>part ?

You can probably do better with no real effort, just a slight adjustment of
the settings. Manufacturers use the upper limit.
--
Ed
http://pages.cthome.net/edhome/