Ad-free. Influence-free. Powered by consumers.
Skip to Main ContentThe payment for your account couldn't be processed or you've canceled your account with us.
Re-activate
Sgt. Olivia Benson, played by Mariska Hargitay, has been a stalwart character during the 48-, er, 15-year run of the NBC drama "Law & Order: Special Victims Unit." This SVU member is almost always on her game, and her police skills are top-notch—not much gets past her.
So it was a bit surprising to notice during the "Downloaded Child" episode broadcast on April 2 that the Frigidaire refrigerator in the apartment Benson shares with her boyfriend, Brian Cassidy (Dean Winters), had improper temperature settings—5° F for the freezer and 33° F for the refrigerator (see photo above).
Running the fridge at 33° F isn't a big deal, though it does waste energy to keep it that cold. But the 5° F freezer is too warm for safe food storage. Consumer Reports recommends that you keep your freezer compartment at 0° F, and the refrigerator at 37° or 38° F.
To ensure that your refrigerator is maintaining proper temperatures, use a refrigerator thermometer. And when you're ready to buy a new refrigerator, check our buying guide and Ratings for refrigerators—we've rated more than 270 models.
Anti-spoiler alert: Here's hoping that Benson doesn't get food poisoning from improperly stored food. (Watch our video on food poisoning below.) "SVU" wouldn't be the same without her.
—Steven H. Saltzman
"How Ellen DeGeneres' Oscar Selfie Could Have Included More Celebrities"
"Don't Fall for the Celebrity Hype on Dietary Supplements"
"Kim and Kanye Make a Clear Choice for Their New Baby's Crib"
"Real Kids Should Always Wear Their Bike Helmets"
"Even Mobsters Like to Be Tidy"
"Why Jessica Biel Is a Threat to Your Computer"
"Baby Seats: Don't Pull a Britney"
Build & Buy Car Buying Service
Save thousands off MSRP with upfront dealer pricing information and a transparent car buying experience.
Get Ratings on the go and compare
while you shop
