What Temperature Should a Freezer Be? 

Freezing food is one of the most efficient ways to prevent bacteria growth and keep food fresh for a long time. However, it isn’t enough to just freeze it at any temperature. You need to get it right in order to prevent any surprises and potential upset stomachs. 

Here’s what you need to know about your freezer’s temperature.

What Temperature Should a Freezer Be?

The optimal freezer temperature that stops or completely slows down bacteria growth is -18°C (0°F). However, note that your freezer temperature may need to be set higher or lower depending on your climate, storage factors, or manufacturer’s instructions.

Additionally, try not to overstock your freezer. If it is more than 80% full, food may block the air vents inside, which makes it harder to distribute cold air throughout the compartments, and consequently causes temperature variations.

If you live in a hot and humid area, you may need to set the temperature a bit lower. The same rule will apply if you’ve placed the freezer next to the oven. 

What Temperature Is Too High for a Freezer?

The temperature considered too high for a freezer is anything above -18 degrees Celsius (0 degrees Fahrenheit). If the temperature in the freezer rises above the said temperature, the risk of food thawing and spoiling increases, which can result in foodborne illnesses.

Note that freezer temperatures may need to be adjusted by a few degrees to account for factors like location, humidity, or outside temperatures.

Can a Freezer Be Too Cold?

A freezer can be too cold if you have set your temperature too low. A too-cold freezer doesn’t damage your food, but it can cause flavour loss, a higher electricity bill, and freezer burns characterised by greyish-brown patches on the food.

Some modern freezers can drop temperatures to their lowest point for 24 hours to help freeze food more quickly, and then set it back to the standard operating temperature afterwards.

How To Tell Your Freezer Is Set to the Right Temperature

The easiest way to check if your freezer is set to the right temperature is to use an appliance thermometer, which is usually inexpensive and easy to use. Check your freezer manual to see which temperature is the recommended one, wait 24 hours after making any changes to the operating temperature, and then read the thermometer.

If you don’t have an appliance thermometer, you can check for temperature signs on the food. For example, the temperature is right when:

●   There’s not too much frost on the food – if there’s a lot of frost, the temperature might be set too low, and your freezer cannot remove moisture.

●  Your ice cream is solid and not melted – the best way to store ice cream is to keep it at -18°C, which makes it solid. If it’s easy to scoop ice cream after taking it out of the freezer, the temperature may be higher than recommended.

●  There is no freezer burn on your items – freezer burn means the temperature is too low. It is caused by cold, dry air, which dehydrates food and causes frostbite. While it is safe to eat, freezer burn significantly impacts the flavour and texture of the affected food.

How To Check the Temperature of Your Freezer

The most accurate way of checking the freezer temperature is to use an appliance thermometer suitable for low temperatures. Place the thermometer in the freezer between two pieces of frozen food in the centre of the compartment. Close the door and wait at least 12 hours to allow the thermometer to get an accurate reading.

Any time you make an adjustment to the freezer operating temperature, wait at least 24 hours for the temperature to stabilise before taking another reading. Repeat the steps until you reach the desired temperature.

How To Maintain the Right Temperature in Your Freezer

Maintaining the right temperature in a freezer is crucial for keeping your food safe and preserving its quality. Follow the steps below to ensure your freezer stays at the correct temperature:

• Check the user manual – each freezer is different, so make sure to consult your freezer’s user manual for manufacturer-recommended temperature settings and any specific guidelines.
• Use a thermometer – the best way to monitor temperature in a freezer is to place an appliance thermometer in a central location of the compartment. That way you can monitor the temperature regularly and ensure that the temperature remains within the desired range.
• Avoid overstocking – overstocking the freezer with too much food can prevent proper air circulation, which can cause temperature fluctuations. Keep the freezer about 80% full for the best results.
• Keep doors closed – avoid opening the freezer door frequently and keeping it open for a long time. Open doors allow warm air to enter, which results in a temperature rise.
• Defrost regularly – defrost your freezer at least once a year to remove frost and prevent excessive ice buildup. Depending on your climate, you may need to defrost more or less often to keep the freezer functioning properly.
• Check door seals – if there is a lot of frost and it builds up frequently, inspect the door seals and gaskets for signs of damage. If necessary, have them replaced to ensure the door is properly sealed when closed, so warm air doesn’t enter the freezer compartment.
• Don’t put hot or warm food in the freezer – placing hot or warm food in the freezer before cooling it can lead to a temperature rise. Make sure to cool any items to room temperature before storing them in the freezer to keep the cooling system functioning efficiently.

By following these steps and taking proper care of your freezer, you can maintain the right temperature and ensure food safety and quality. Additionally, you will prolong the lifespan of your appliance and prevent unnecessary costly repairs.

Wrapping Up 

Now that you know the right temperature to set your freezer to, you can prevent unpleasant surprises. Your ice cream should no longer be too frozen or too runny, and all of your frozen foods should be perfectly safe to eat, as long as they haven’t been stored too long.