The recommended freezer temperature is typically around 0 degrees Fahrenheit (-18 degrees Celsius). This temperature is cold enough to keep food frozen and prevent bacteria growth and spoilage, ensuring your frozen food stays safe and maintains its quality.
It is recommended to keep your freezer at 0°F (-18°C). A too-cold freezer might not negatively affect your food, but it could raise your electricity bill. Lower temperatures matter most when you're adding new food, since fast freezing helps reduce texture and taste changes.
At 20F, your food (and the water in it) is frozen. Frozen solid is frozen solid, and thus the food is definitely safe to store for longer periods because those few bacteria left in cooked food are locked up tight in the ice.
In the freezer compartment, temperatures should ideally be set at -18°C or lower to halt the growth of bacteria and microorganisms. This process not only preserves the quality of frozen foods but also supports their long-term storage without compromising taste or texture.
You can always err on the safe side and lower the temperature below 0°F—your freezer can never be too cold. “Most recommendations are for a range of temperatures but in reality, there is no temperature that is too low for freezers,” says Tetro. “Most freezers do have a lower limit of around -10°F (-23°C).”
CAN YOUR FREEZER BE TOO COLD? Yes, your freezer can be too cold. If this is the case, you may need to adjust the temperature to 0ºF (-18ºC) or shift frozen items around to help encourage proper airflow. Parts of your freezer may also have worn out over time, affecting your appliance's freezing capabilities.
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.
Whilst it is recommended to keep your freezer below -18 degrees Celsius, it is important to not drop the temperature too low. Although 4-star freezers can operate down to -25°C, over time foods frozen at this temperature may start to dry out, causing freezer burn or a loss in quality.
Food can still be frozen when the freezer is set warmer than -18°C. In fact, food will begin to freeze at 0°C (the well-known freezing point). However, food that's kept frozen between 0°C and -17°C will sacrifice safety and quality.
A freezer may not be cold enough due to user error, such as packing in too much food or not properly closing the door. However, sometimes parts to your freezer wear out over time and may affect your appliance's freezing capabilities. Some parts are simple to install as DIY fixes, but others need professional help.
It illustrates that any food with an internal temperature of 40 °F to 140°F is in the temperature danger zone. Refrigerator temperature should be at or below 40 °F and freezer temperature should be zero degrees.
Body tissues can actually freeze when they are exposed to extended extreme cold conditions causing physical injury and permanent changes in the skin. It takes only minutes for exposed skin to become frostbitten if the temperature is below 20 degrees F and wind chill values of 18 below zero or lower.
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.
Is It OK for Your Freezer To Be Set at 10 Degrees? Setting your freezer to 10 degrees Fahrenheit is generally not recommended for long-term food storage. Food stored at this temperature is at a higher risk of spoilage and freezer burn, as well as the growth of bacteria and other pathogens.
However, if your freezer is cold but not freezing, it may be time to inspect the thermostat. Try changing the thermostat from the lowest setting to the highest setting. If you don't hear a click sound, then a professional replacement is recommended.
Avoiding Freezer Burn
The ideal temperature for a commercial freezer is between 0°F / -18°C and -20°F / -29°C. If the temperature in your freezer fluctuates, it will cause ice crystals to form on your food. These ice crystals will dry out your food and cause freezer burn.
Does Freezing Destroy Bacteria & Parasites? Freezing to 0 °F inactivates any microbes — bacteria, yeasts and molds — present in food. Once thawed, however, these microbes can again become active, multiplying under the right conditions to levels that can lead to foodborne illness.
If you suspect your freezer is too cold, check the temperature. Most newer freezers have a built-in thermometer, or you can buy one and place it in the freezer. The ideal temperature for your freezer is 0 degrees Fahrenheit, but -10 to -20 degrees Fahrenheit should be fine.
The magic number is -18°C – not too warm to protect the food from harmful bacteria and not too cold to make the food tasteless. In other words, it's the optimum freezer temperature.
Temperature Affects Ice Production
The Refrigerator and icemaker must be at proper temperature. The recommended fresh food temperature is 37° Fahrenheit; the freezer recommended temperature is 0° Fahrenheit. The icemaker must reach about 16°Fahrenheit before a cycle will begin.
How cold should it be, and how can you tell if yours is cold enough? According to the U.S. Department of Agriculture(FDA), food in the freezer should be stored at 0° F (-18° C) or below to prevent bacterial growth.
While -18°C is the ideal, a freezer can still function effectively within a small range. The appropriate freezer temperature range is generally between -16°C to -22°C (3°F to -7°F). However, it's best to aim for -18°C for optimal food preservation and energy efficiency.
The freezer temperature should be 0° F (-18° C). Check temperatures periodically. Appliance thermometers are the best way of knowing these temperatures and are generally inexpensive.
A Frigidaire freezer not freezing is most often caused by dirty condenser coils, a worn-down gasket, or a faulty thermostat, which result in higher temperatures inside the refrigerator and inadequate airflow.