Whether you’re running a restaurant, café, pub, or any kind of food business, keeping chilled and frozen food at safe temperatures is a daily essential.
Monitoring fridge and freezer temperatures isn’t just about ticking a box for compliance – it’s about protecting your customers, your reputation, and your stock.
So how do food businesses monitor their cold storage the right way? Here’s a breakdown of the most common methods – and the tools that make it easier.
Probe thermometers
Probe thermometers are a simple but reliable option. They give you an instant temperature reading and can be used in a few different ways:
- Penetration checks: Insert the probe into a food item that’s been stored in the fridge or freezer. This gives you an accurate idea of the product’s internal temperature – not just the air around it.
- Standing probes: Some probes are designed to be left in the fridge, allowing you to check ambient air temperature without opening the door.
- Bottle of water method: Another practical option is to leave a bottle of water in the fridge and insert the probe into it. Since water retains temperature better than air, it gives a good indication of whether the fridge is consistently cold enough.
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Data loggers with alarms and Wi-Fi connectivity
For more advanced monitoring, data loggers are a great fit. These devices typically have a sensor that sits inside the fridge or freezer and a logging/display unit on the outside.
Key features:
- Continuous monitoring of internal temperature.
- Alarms to alert you when temperatures go outside of the safe range.
- Wi-Fi connectivity to upload real-time data to the cloud.
- Perfect for teams who want to reduce manual checks and improve traceability.
These are especially helpful for larger kitchens, multi-site operations, or any food business looking to streamline their food safety checks.
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Fridge and freezer thermometers with external displays
These specialist thermometers are designed with convenience in mind. The sensor lives inside your fridge or freezer, while the display stays on the outside.
That means staff can check the temperature without having to open the door – saving time and helping maintain a stable internal environment.
Features to look out for:
- High/low alarms to alert you to any issues.
- Easy-to-read displays for quick checks.
- Often battery operated and simple to install.
They’re a low-effort, high-impact addition to your daily routine.
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Why consistent monitoring matters
UK food safety guidance recommends that chilled food should be stored below 5°C and frozen food at -18°C or below. But fridges and freezers don’t always stay within those boundaries – whether it’s due to overloading, power issues, or just a faulty seal.
That’s why it’s essential to have a reliable method for tracking temperatures. Whether you’re using a simple probe, a smart logger, or a dedicated fridge thermometer, regular checks help you:
- Stay compliant with EHO standards.
- Avoid costly food waste.
- Protect your customers and staff.
- Keep your kitchen running smoothly.
There’s no one-size-fits-all approach to fridge temperature monitoring – but there is a right tool for every setup.
Whether you want something manual and flexible, or automated and always-on, you’ll find reliable solutions in our temperature monitoring range.
If you need help picking the right device, just get in touch – we’re here to help.
Stay safe. Stay cold. Stay compliant.
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