Facility & Building
Daily
Refrigerator Temperature Log (Free Excel Template)
A refrigerator temperature log for one cooler or freezer, with a morning and an afternoon reading for every day of the month. When a reading is out of range, the same row records the food temperature, what was done, and who was told.
Excel (.xlsx) · 4 sheets · Updated 2026-10-21
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Who is this refrigerator temperature log for?
- Restaurants, cafes, and food trucks that need a daily cooler and freezer record
- Schools, child care centers, and senior living kitchens
- Offices, labs, and pharmacies that keep a temperature log for a fridge
When to use it
Use one sheet per unit per month. Read the thermometer twice a day, for example before opening and in the afternoon, and write the reading in °F. Post the printed sheet on or next to the unit, and file it at the end of the month.
What's included
The template includes the following. Delete anything you do not need.
- Header for location, unit name, temperature limit, and month
- 31 rows, one per day, with AM and PM temperature in °F and who checked
- Within limit Yes / No / N/A drop-down
- Food temperature column for out-of-range readings
- Action taken column: what was done and who was told
- Manager check column and a sign-off for recorded by and reviewed by
- Rules for recording and for out-of-range readings on the Instructions sheet
- A filled-in sample sheet and a print layout for US Letter
Preview the Excel file
This is the actual file. Use the tabs below to switch between the 4 sheets. How to mark each result is explained on the "Instructions" sheet.
| A | |
|---|---|
| 1 | Refrigerator Temperature Log (Fridge and Freezer, °F) |
| 2 | |
| 3 | ■ Source |
| 4 | Worker Library https://worker-library.com/templates/refrigerator-temperature-log/ |
| 5 | Request a template or an extra item: https://worker-library.com/contact/ |
| 6 | |
| 7 | ■ Sheets in this workbook |
| 8 | "Entry Sheet" … The sheet you fill in on a computer. Landscape layout. |
| 9 | "Sample (Filled In)" … A filled-in example. Use it as a guide to how each column is written. |
| 10 | "Print (Letter)" … For printing and filling in by hand. Taller rows, and the column headings repeat at the top of every page. Set up for US Letter. |
| 11 | |
| 12 | ■ How to use |
| 13 | 1. Write the location, unit, limit, and month at the top. Use one sheet for each cooler or freezer. |
| 14 | 2. Twice a day, read the thermometer inside the unit and write the temperature in °F with your name. |
| 15 | 3. Mark Yes if the reading is within the limit, No if it is not. |
| 16 | 4. For a No, fix the cause, read again after 30 minutes, check the food temperature, and write what you did and who you told. |
| 17 | 5. The manager checks the sheet each day or each week and signs at the end of the month. |
| 18 | |
| 19 | ■ How to record, and what to do when the temperature is out of range (read before you start) |
| 20 | Read the thermometer inside the unit, not only the outside display. Write the number in °F. Do not write just "OK". |
| 21 | Write the limit for this unit in the header (for example 41°F or below for a cooler, 0°F or below for a freezer). |
| 22 | Yes … The reading is at or within the limit. |
| 23 | No … The reading is out of range. Check the door and the seal, close it, and read again after 30 minutes. Tell the person in charge. |
| 24 | If the reading is still high, check the food temperature with a probe thermometer and write it down. Decide with the person in charge whether to keep, move, or throw out the food, following your food safety plan. |
| 25 | Do not leave a day blank. If the unit was empty or turned off, write that in the action column. |
| 26 | |
| 27 | ■ Adapting it to your site |
| 28 | • For a freezer, change the limit in the header to your freezer limit, for example 0°F or below. |
| 29 | • If you need Celsius, change the column headings to °C and the limit to 5°C. Use one unit only on each sheet. |
| 30 | • If you check more than twice a day, add columns for a third reading, or use one row per check instead of one row per day. |
| 31 | |
| 32 | ■ Things to watch |
| 33 | • This is a general temperature log. It is not an official form from a health department or any other agency. |
| 34 | • Many food safety programs keep cold-held food at 41°F (5°C) or below. Limits and record-keeping rules depend on your local health code, so check with your local health department. |
| 35 | • An air temperature reading is not the same as the food temperature. When a unit runs warm, check the food with a calibrated probe thermometer. |
| 36 | • Check that your thermometer reads correctly (for example with an ice water test) on a regular schedule. |
| 37 | |
| 38 | ■ About this template |
| 39 | A free inspection template from Worker Library. |
| 40 | You may copy, edit, and print it for use in your own organization. Add or delete items as you need. |
| 41 | Please do not redistribute or sell the template itself. |
| 42 | |
| 43 | ■ Important notice |
| 44 | This template organizes common inspection items for reference. It is not an official form issued by OSHA or any other authority, and using it does not by itself show compliance. |
| 45 | Which inspections are required, how often, and how long records must be kept depend on the equipment, industry, size of the operation, and location (federal, state, and local rules can all apply). |
| 46 | Check the regulations and standards that apply to you, the manufacturer's instructions, and a qualified or competent person. |
| 47 | Worker Library accepts no liability for any loss arising from the use of this template. |
| 48 | Regulations change. Check the source page above for the latest version. |
| 49 | |
| 50 | ■ Updated |
| 51 | 2026-10-21 (reviewed every 3 months) |
| 52 | |
| 53 | ■ About Worker Library |
| 54 | Worker Library publishes free Excel inspection checklists, logs, and forms for maintenance, safety, and quality teams. |
| 55 | All templates: https://worker-library.com/templates/ |
| A | B | C | D | E | F | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Refrigerator Temperature Log (Fridge and Freezer, °F) | |||||
| 2 | Location | Unit | ||||
| 3 | Month | |||||
| 4 | ||||||
| 5 | Day | AM temp (°F) | AM checked by | PM temp (°F) | PM checked by | Within limit? |
| 6 | ||||||
| 7 | ||||||
| 8 | ||||||
| 9 | ||||||
| 10 | (28 more blank rows) | |||||
| 11 | Recorded by | |||||
| 12 | ||||||
| 13 | ||||||
| 14 | Notice: This is a general-purpose inspection record. It is not an official government form and does not by itself show compliance with OSHA or any other regulation or standard. | |||||
| 15 | Which inspections you need, how often, and how long to keep records depend on your equipment, industry, and location. Check the regulations that apply to you, the manufacturer's instructions, and a qualified person. | |||||
| 16 | Worker Library accepts no liability for any loss arising from the use of this template. Regulations change; check the source page for the latest version. | |||||
| 17 | Worker Library https://worker-library.com/templates/refrigerator-temperature-log/ Updated 2026-10-21 | |||||
This preview shows the first 6 of 9 columns. The downloaded file contains everything.
| A | B | C | D | E | F | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Refrigerator Temperature Log (Fridge and Freezer, °F) [SAMPLE] | |||||
| 2 | Location | Main Street Cafe kitchen | Unit | Reach-in cooler #1 | ||
| 3 | Month | August 2026 | ||||
| 4 | ||||||
| 5 | Day | AM temp (°F) | AM checked by | PM temp (°F) | PM checked by | Within limit? |
| 6 | 1 | 38.8 | J. Davis | 39.6 | J. Davis | Yes |
| 7 | 2 | 39.4 | J. Davis | 39.2 | J. Davis | Yes |
| 8 | 3 | 39 | J. Davis | 39.7 | J. Davis | Yes |
| 9 | 4 | 46.8 | J. Davis | 39.4 | J. Davis | No |
| 10 | 5 | 39.2 | J. Davis | 38.8 | J. Davis | Yes |
| 11 | 6 | 38.7 | J. Davis | 39.2 | J. Davis | Yes |
| 12 | 7 | 39.6 | J. Davis | 39.4 | J. Davis | Yes |
| 13 | 8 | 39 | J. Davis | 39.2 | J. Davis | Yes |
| 14 | ||||||
| 15 | ||||||
| 16 | ||||||
| 17 | ||||||
| 18 | (20 more blank rows) | |||||
| 19 | Recorded by | |||||
| 20 | ||||||
| 21 | ||||||
| 22 | Notice: This is a general-purpose inspection record. It is not an official government form and does not by itself show compliance with OSHA or any other regulation or standard. | |||||
| 23 | Which inspections you need, how often, and how long to keep records depend on your equipment, industry, and location. Check the regulations that apply to you, the manufacturer's instructions, and a qualified person. | |||||
| 24 | Worker Library accepts no liability for any loss arising from the use of this template. Regulations change; check the source page for the latest version. | |||||
| 25 | Worker Library https://worker-library.com/templates/refrigerator-temperature-log/ Updated 2026-10-21 | |||||
This preview shows the first 6 of 9 columns. The downloaded file contains everything.
| A | B | C | D | E | F | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Refrigerator Temperature Log (Fridge and Freezer, °F) | |||||
| 2 | Location | Unit | ||||
| 3 | Month | |||||
| 4 | ||||||
| 5 | Day | AM temp (°F) | AM checked by | PM temp (°F) | PM checked by | Within limit? |
| 6 | ||||||
| 7 | ||||||
| 8 | ||||||
| 9 | ||||||
| 10 | (28 more blank rows) | |||||
| 11 | Recorded by | |||||
| 12 | ||||||
| 13 | ||||||
| 14 | Notice: This is a general-purpose inspection record. It is not an official government form and does not by itself show compliance with OSHA or any other regulation or standard. | |||||
| 15 | Which inspections you need, how often, and how long to keep records depend on your equipment, industry, and location. Check the regulations that apply to you, the manufacturer's instructions, and a qualified person. | |||||
| 16 | Worker Library accepts no liability for any loss arising from the use of this template. Regulations change; check the source page for the latest version. | |||||
| 17 | Worker Library https://worker-library.com/templates/refrigerator-temperature-log/ Updated 2026-10-21 | |||||
This preview shows the first 6 of 9 columns. The downloaded file contains everything.
Cells marked ▼ have a drop-down list. Lightly shaded rows are where you write.
File details
| Format | Excel (.xlsx) |
|---|---|
| Works with | Microsoft Excel 2016 or later, Excel for Microsoft 365, Google Sheets, LibreOffice Calc |
| Paper | Print areas set for US Letter |
| Sheets | Instructions / Entry Sheet / Sample (Filled In) / Print (Letter) |
| Macros | None |
| File size | About 16 KB |
| Updated | 2026-10-21 |
How to use the refrigerator temperature log
- Write the location, unit, limit, and month at the top. Use one sheet for each cooler or freezer.
- Twice a day, read the thermometer inside the unit and write the temperature in °F with your name.
- Mark Yes if the reading is within the limit, No if it is not.
- For a No, fix the cause, read again after 30 minutes, check the food temperature, and write what you did and who you told.
- The manager checks the sheet each day or each week and signs at the end of the month.
Adapting it to your site
- For a freezer, change the limit in the header to your freezer limit, for example 0°F or below.
- If you need Celsius, change the column headings to °C and the limit to 5°C. Use one unit only on each sheet.
- If you check more than twice a day, add columns for a third reading, or use one row per check instead of one row per day.
Before you use it
Please read
- This is a general temperature log. It is not an official form from a health department or any other agency.
- Many food safety programs keep cold-held food at 41°F (5°C) or below. Limits and record-keeping rules depend on your local health code, so check with your local health department.
- An air temperature reading is not the same as the food temperature. When a unit runs warm, check the food with a calibrated probe thermometer.
- Check that your thermometer reads correctly (for example with an ice water test) on a regular schedule.
- This template is provided as-is for reference. Worker Library is not liable for any loss arising from its use. Regulations change, so check the update date on this page.
Refrigerator Temperature Log FAQ
What temperature should a refrigerator be in Fahrenheit?
Many food safety programs keep refrigerators at 41°F (5°C) or below, and many home refrigerator guides say 40°F or below. Freezers are usually kept at 0°F (-18°C) or below. Check your local health code for the rules that apply to you.
How often should refrigerator temperatures be checked?
Many kitchens check at least twice a day, such as at opening and in the afternoon. Some health departments or food safety plans ask for more checks. This log has an AM and a PM reading per day.
Can I use this log in Celsius?
Yes. Change the column headings from °F to °C and set the limit, for example 5°C or below. Do not mix °F and °C on the same sheet.
What should I do if the fridge temperature is too high?
Check the door, seal, and thermostat, close the door, and read again after about 30 minutes. Check the food temperature with a probe thermometer, tell the person in charge, and follow your food safety plan to decide what to do with the food.