The temperature inside a refrigerator is typically higher than the temperature inside a freezer because of how these appliances are designed and how they work.
Cooling mechanism: Both refrigerators and freezers use the same basic cooling mechanism: a refrigerant is compressed and then allowed to expand, which cools it down. The refrigerant absorbs heat from the inside of the appliance, cooling the air. However, the cooling capacity in the freezer is generally greater than in the refrigerator.
Location of the cooling unit: In most refrigerators, the cooling unit (evaporator) is located in the freezer compartment. Cold air is then circulated from the freezer to the refrigerator section using fans or vents. As a result, the freezer cools down faster and reaches lower temperatures, and the refrigerator section receives colder air from the freezer.
Temperature control: Refrigerators and freezers have separate temperature controls. The freezer's temperature control is set lower to maintain sub-zero temperatures, while the refrigerator's temperature control is set higher to keep the compartment cool but above freezing temperatures.
Insulation and airflow: Freezers are typically better insulated than refrigerators to retain the cold temperature. The doors of freezers also have a tighter seal to minimize the inflow of warm air. This allows the freezer to maintain lower temperatures more efficiently.
Usage patterns: People tend to open the refrigerator more frequently than the freezer, which can lead to more warm air entering the refrigerator compartment. Frequent opening and closing of the refrigerator door can cause temperature fluctuations and make it harder for the refrigerator to maintain very low temperatures.
In summary, the freezer is colder than the refrigerator because it is designed to reach and maintain lower temperatures. The cooling unit is located in the freezer, and it provides cold air to both compartments. The refrigerator is designed to keep food cool but not frozen, while the freezer is designed to maintain sub-zero temperatures for long-term food storage.