How cold is a funeral home freezer?

Author: Derick Zieme  |  Last update: Thursday, November 20, 2025

Bodies are kept between 2 °C (36 °F) and 4 °C (39 °F). While this is usually used for keeping bodies for up to several weeks, it does not prevent decomposition, which continues at a slower rate than at room temperature. Bodies are kept at between −10 °C (14 °F) and −50 °C (−58 °F).

How cold does a home freezer get?

To store frozen foods at best quality, keep the freezer set to maintain zero (0 °F or -17.8 °C). Some combination refrigerator-freezers cannot keep the freezer air that cold. As long as foods are solidly frozen, they will stay safe.

What is the temperature in a morgue refrigerator?

In conclusion, morgue freezers are set to maintain a temperature range of -10 to -20 degrees Celsius (14 to -4 degrees Fahrenheit). This cold environment helps slow down decomposition, preserve the bodies, and facilitate forensic examinations.

Do funeral homes have freezers?

Mortuary coolers are an essential tool for not only preserving bodies but also for keeping internal organs preserved for transplants. Designed specifically to meet the demanding needs of funeral homes, crematoriums, and morgues, Polar King mortuary coolers and freezers help increase operational performance.

What is the temperature of a body freezer?

These cabinets are also called by other names such as morgue freezer, dead body storage refrigerator and mortuary fridge. Usually the temperature of mortuary cabinet remains between 2°C to 5°C but in some cases freezing temperature up to 0°C, -10°C and -15°C can also be achieved.

Mortuary refrigerator with 1 ,2,3,4,6 chambers

How cold are mortuary freezers?

Bodies are kept at between −10 °C (14 °F) and −50 °C (−58 °F). Usually used at forensic institutes, particularly when a body has not been identified. At these temperatures the body is completely frozen, and decomposition is significantly reduced, but not prevented.

How cold is a medical freezer?

What is the acceptable temperature range for a freezer? The acceptable temperature range for a medical freezer is between -58 to 5 degrees F.

How do funeral homes keep bodies cold?

Most mortuary coolers operate at temperatures between 36°F and 39°F to slow decomposition. While this range is suitable for most mortuary needs, some facilities, such as forensic institutes, may require freezers capable of maintaining temperatures below freezing for long-term preservation.

What is the temperature in a mortuary cold room?

Usually the temperature of mortuary storage cabinet remains between 1°C to 5°C but in some cases it may go freezing side such as 0°C, -10°C and even -20°C that can also be designed as an option. We are mortuary refrigerator manufacturers in Delhi, NCR India.

How long can a funeral home keep a body on ice?

If you don't want to embalm at all, most mortuaries offer short-term refrigeration, which can allow you to delay the funeral for up to two weeks. Always check with your state law to be sure that refrigeration is considered a suitable alternative to embalming and will allow you to delay the burial or cremation process.

What is a morgue freezer called?

Freezers used in a morgue are commonly referred to as mortuary refrigerators or morgue refrigeration units. These specialized refrigeration systems are designed to provide cold storage for deceased individuals, preserving their bodies until further procedures or arrangements can be made.

How long can a funeral home refrigerate a body?

Refrigeration is an alternative option, which lasts longer than embalming. Morticians will keep the body in a fridge at two degrees Celsius instead of preparing the body with chemicals. However, you need to keep in mind that a refrigerated corpse will only last for three to four weeks.

Why are morgues in the basement?

As a result, they are usually kept in the basement of hospitals to keep them at the lowest possible constant temperature and minimize humidity. Although most people won't want to think about it, the morgue is usually near the cafeteria.

Is 20 degrees cold enough for a freezer?

The ideal temperature for freezing meat is between -18 and -23 degrees Celsius (0 to -9 degrees Fahrenheit), as recommended by the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) for safe and optimal storage. At 20 degrees Fahrenheit, the meat will not be at a safe temperature for storage.

Do Eskimos keep their food in a fridge to stop it from freezing True or false?

Food will actually get freezer burned if left out in the elements, so most modern Eskimos have refrigerators to keep their food at optimal, above freezing temperatures.

What temperature does beer freeze at?

Beer usually freezes between 28°F and 26°F (-2°C and -3°C). This range varies because of the alcohol content in most beers, which is 5-7% ABV. Lower temperatures are needed to freeze beers with higher alcohol content.

What temperature is a morgue freezer?

The temperature within a morgue freeze is typically set between -10 to -20 degrees Celsius (14 to -4 degrees Fahrenheit). This low temperature helps inhibit bacterial growth and slows down decomposition. Maintaining proper temperature control is crucial for preserving the body effectively.

Are funeral homes usually cold?

Funeral homes are often perceived as colder places. But not for the reason you think. It is simply because we anticipate crowds, which can make rooms warm. We do not crank the thermostat down for the bodies, but for the grieving loved ones.

How cold are mortuary fridges?

Mortuary Cold Rooms maintain a consistent temperature typically between 2°C and 5°C to slow the decomposition process. This ensures that the body remains in a stable state for an extended period, allowing families ample time to make funeral arrangements.

How do morticians keep bodies from smelling?

Powders (especially baby powder) are applied to the body to eliminate odors, and it is also applied to the face to achieve a matte and fresh effect to prevent oiliness of the corpse.

Can you have an open casket 3 weeks after death?

An open casket funeral typically has to take place within a few days or a week after the person's death.

How do funeral homes keep their mouth closed?

Facial features are set by putting cotton in the nose, eye caps below the eyelids, and a mouth-former in the mouth, with cotton or gauze in the throat to absorb purging fluids. The mouth is then tied shut with wire or sutures. Glue may be used on the eyelids or lips to keep them closed in an appropriate pose.

What is the temperature of a hospital freezer?

Most medical refrigerators can maintain a temperature between 36 and 46 degrees Fahrenheit. Medical freezers will have a temperature range between 5 and -58 degrees Fahrenheit.

What is the coldest a freezer can get?

“Most freezers do have a lower limit of around -10°F (-23°C).” Being extra cold may only mean it takes longer for your ice cream to soften up. Fink adds that “a freezer set below 0°F (-18°C) will not make food unsafe to eat [or harm your food], though it may raise your energy bill due to using extra power.”

How cold is the inside of a freezer?

Freezer Temperatures

The temperature of a freezer should be set at 0 degrees Fahrenheit so everything stays very cold. A freezer should be cold enough to keep food frozen and preserve it until they are ready to be cooked or reheated.

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