A system for displaying a temperature of a refrigerator compartment including at least one temperature sensor is provided that emulates the function and behavior of a thermostat to control and display refrigerator compartment temperature in a simple and intuitive manner. The system includes a controller including a processor and a memory and operatively coupled to the temperature sensor. A human machine interface board includes a display and is coupled to the controller and configured for receiving user input of a refrigerator compartment setting. The controller is configured to accept a set temperature of the at least one compartment, monitor actual temperature of the compartment; and display a damped temperature value based on operating conditions of the refrigerator.