Hi,

The *air* temperatures in both compartments will fluctuate. The refrigerator is designed to cool *food* which will maintain a more even overall temperature longer than just short fluctuations of air temperature will be able affect.

** I thought the fridge should keep it there within a couple of degrees **

It should be able to keep food at almost constant temperature, the compartment's *air* temperature will however vary with the running of the compressor and the periodic defrost cycles.

** My understanding was that food should be kept at -18 or lower, but the fridge doesn't seem to be doing that. **

The freezer should be capable of getting to below 0°F. If it isn't, the fridge may not be installed properly (no room around it for it to 'breath') or there may be a problem with it. In the latter case, I suggest you call to have it looked into.

This how Amana (whom is now owned by Maytag) suggests measuring the freezer compartment temperature:

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To check the freezer temperature, place a thermometer that reads temperatures below zero in the center of the freezer, surrounded by frozen packages, or place the thermometer in a container of cooking oil in the freezer. Wait 5 to 8 hours, then check the thermometer reading. If the temperature is not within the 0°F to 2°F range, adjust the control up or down as needed, one number at a time, and repeat the temperature check after 4 to 6 hours.

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JFYI

Dan O.

www.Appliance411.com/parts/?ref411=Maytag+Fridge

The Appliance Information Site

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Dan,

Makes sense. Thanks very much for the reply!

Phil

I bought a brand new Whirlpool model WRB322DMBM with bottom freezer. I put a thermometer ( with external read, so that I could check temp without opening the doors) and loaded refer and freezer to half capacity. On third day I started watching thermometer read out and I observed the freezer temp fluctuate every 10 minutes from -8 degrees to 0 degrees. Every ten minutes or so I would check it and it would change 8 degrees back and forth.

This does not seem right. I wonder if the defrost switch or something is defective. Anyone?