Abstract: A single evaporator refrigerator-freezer is controlled for operation in three modes, wherein cooling of the refrigerator compartment is initiated in a first mode by operating only an evaporator fan to cool the compartment. During the first mode, the rate of temperature change within the refrigerator compartment is calculated at predetermined time intervals and if the calculated rate is positive for at least a minimum number of time intervals, a second mode is initiated by operating a compressor to cool the refrigerator compartment. A third mode, wherein the compressor is operated to cool the freezer compartment, is initiated only after the refrigerator compartment has been adequately cooled. Means are further provided for modulating the flow of refrigerant to the evaporator to allow the evaporator to be operated at a higher temperature and pressure during cooling of the refrigerator than during cooling of the freezer.