How long should a freezer last?

Author: Dr. Shanel Flatley III  |  Last update: Saturday, June 7, 2025

Freezers typically last anywhere from 12 to 20 years. Along with gas and electric ranges, freezers tend to be the longest-lasting kitchen appliances. But that's not a guarantee! Many factors influence how long freezers last, including maintenance and environmental factors.

How do I know if my freezer is dying?

Signs that Your Freezer is Dying

Spoilage – A properly functional freezer will keep the foods in good condition for a long time. If the food starts rotting before its expiration date, the freezer isn't working efficiently and needs repairs.

What is the life expectancy of an upright freezer?

Both upright and chest freezers can last an average of 10 to 15 years. To make your freezer last longer and live its best life make sure the unit gets proper ventilation, don't overload it with food and keep it set at a consistent temperature.

Is it worth fixing a freezer?

As you may find when using the tool, it often makes economic sense to repair a refrigerator, even as far as 10 years into ownership. The only exceptions are budget top-freezers and side-by-sides. For a top-freezer that costs less than $800, you'll want to consider replacing it if it's 8 years old or older.

How do I know when I need a new freezer?

Once you start noticing freezer burn, frost build up or clumps of ice in your freezer, then you should know that your freezer is no longer functioning properly. Your fridge may have an issue with the temperature. It may be getting too cold or may be warming up and then cooling down.

How long can food stay in your freezer?

How do you tell if your freezer is going out?

Food that won't stay frozen may be an obvious sign of a faulty freezer, but signs like excessive frost build-up on the walls or freezer-burnt food can also indicate unstable freezer temperatures. You may also notice your freezer making unusually loud humming, clicking or buzzing noises as parts struggle to operate.

How often should I replace my freezer?

The average lifespan of a fridge freezer is around 10 years. However, with proper maintenance and careful usage, it can last even longer. Regular cleaning, ensuring adequate ventilation, and avoiding overloading the fridge can help extend its life well beyond the decade-long expectancy.

How long before freezer goes bad?

Frozen Food and Power Outages: When to Save It and When to Throw It Out. A full freezer will hold a safe temperature for approximately 48 hours (24 hours if it is half full and the door remains closed).

Is it worth repairing a 10 year old freezer?

Specific Appliance Considerations

For refrigerators, it is advisable to repair if they are less than 10 years old and the repair cost is reasonable. However, if they are over 10 years old, inefficient, or have a major component failure like the compressor, replacement is the better option.

How can I test my freezer is working properly?

The easiest way to diagnose a problem with your freezer's compressor is by listening for its routine humming sound. Pay attention to your freezer for at least 30 minutes. If the humming sound doesn't kick in within that time, the compressor may not be working correctly. Schedule a visit with a technician for more help.

What lasts longest in freezer?

How Long Food Lasts in the Freezer
  • Bacon: 1 month.
  • Chicken, raw: 9 to 12 months.
  • Chicken or turkey, cooked: 4 to 6 months.
  • Cold cuts: 2 months.
  • Fish fillets: 6 months.
  • Ground meat: 4 months.
  • Ham, cooked: 1 to 2 months.
  • Hot dogs: 1 to 2 months.

What to check when buying a freezer?

Features To Look For When Buying a Freezer
  1. Capacity. Freezers are measured by their interior capacity, which will be listed in cubic feet of space. ...
  2. Defrost Drain. ...
  3. Energy- Efficient Rating (Energy Guide Label) ...
  4. Defrost Features. ...
  5. Self-Defrosting Freezers. ...
  6. Manual Defrost Freezers. ...
  7. Shelves, Storage Baskets, and Drawers. ...
  8. Door Locks.

What is the life expectancy of a freezer compressor?

On average, they can last between 8-10 years, which still varies. There are many variables such as the type of compressor and maintenance schedules that can affect compressor failure rates.

At what temperature does a freezer stop working?

Temperature Too Warm

If the freezer is freezing but your ice cream seems to soft, check the temperature setting is correct. The recommended setting for a freezer is 0°F (-18°C). The freezer should be operated in an environment between 55°F (13°C) and 110°F (43°C).

What to do when your freezer dies?

Locate an ice source or alternate freezer site.

Locate a source of ice or dry ice or a friend or local store with freezer space available for your use, if needed. If you locate these sources in advance, your stress will be lower if your freezer is out of operation for a few days.

What goes bad first in a fridge?

Milk has been named the item most likely to expire in the fridge, according to new research. A survey of 2,000 Americans has revealed that 46 percent say they've been caught by a sour scent in their bottle or carton.

What is the average lifespan of an upright freezer?

According to Gifam, a household freezer has an average lifespan of about 13 years. However, with regular maintenance, it can last even longer.

How do you know when to replace your freezer?

  1. Your Fridge Freezer is Getting Old. ...
  2. Your Energy Bills are Too High. ...
  3. It's Not Getting Cold Enough. ...
  4. Food Spoils Before Its Use-By-Date. ...
  5. You've Noticed Some Condensation. ...
  6. You Have Excessive Frost Build-Up. ...
  7. It's Making Strange Noises. ...
  8. There's a Funny Smell.

Can a freezer last 30 years?

Freezers typically last anywhere from 12 to 20 years. Along with gas and electric ranges, freezers tend to be the longest-lasting kitchen appliances. But that's not a guarantee! Many factors influence how long freezers last, including maintenance and environmental factors.

Do eggs need to be refrigerated?

To reduce Salmonella growth, eggs gathered from laying hens should be refrigerated as soon as possible. After eggs are refrigerated, they need to stay that way. A cold egg left out at room temperature can sweat, facilitating the movement of bacteria into the egg.

Is 2 year old frozen chicken still good?

Per FSIS-USDA guidelines, if kept frozen continuously, chicken will be safe indefinitely, so after freezing, it's not important if any package dates expire. For best quality, taste and texture, keep whole raw chicken in the freezer up to one year; parts, 9 months; and giblets or ground chicken, 3 to 4 months.

Is it better to keep a freezer full or empty?

Echoing this recommendation by appliance manufacturer Whirlpool, the representative told us, “75-80% full as a best operating condition seems reasonable, though it'd really depend on the air flow and spacing.” That is, in order to keep your freezer working properly, you need to keep food from blocking the air vents, ...

Which brand of refrigerator lasts the longest?

Which refrigerator brand is most reliable? All three of the appliance experts we spoke to for this roundup said Whirlpool and LG were the most reliable refrigerator brands due to their durability, reliability and ease of repairs. Samsung and GE were also mentioned by our experts as high-quality fridges.

Is it worth fixing a 15 year old freezer?

If it's more than fifteen years old, it may not be worth repairing because the cost of parts and labor may be more than that of a new fridge. However, if your fridge is under the fifteen-year mark, it's almost always worth the cost of repair.

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