What is the minimum safe freezer temperature?

Author: Hilda Langworth PhD  |  Last update: Saturday, February 28, 2026

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.

Is it okay if my freezer is at 20 degrees?

The recommended freezer temperature to keep food safe is at or below 0°F (-18°C), making higher temperatures less reliable for long-term freezer storage. However, freezer temperatures may need to be adjusted by a few degrees to account for factors like location, humidity or outside temperatures.

Is 10 degrees safe for a freezer?

No, 10 degrees Fahrenheit (-12 degrees Celsius) is not cold enough for a freezer. Freezers are typically set to 0 degrees Fahrenheit (-18 degrees Celsius) or lower to ensure that food remains frozen and safe for long-term storage.

Is a freezer okay at 15 degrees?

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.

Is minus 24 too cold for a freezer?

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.

What temperatures should I keep my refrigerator and freezer set at?

What happens if your freezer is too cold?

However, if your freezer is running too cold or there's a fluctuation in temperature, this may cause freezer burn. Check for ice crystals on the outside of food. While food with freezer burn is usually safe to eat, the food's flavor and texture may be compromised.

What minus should a freezer be?

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.

Why won't my freezer go below 20?

If your freezer is not cold, the problem may be caused by a broken condenser fan motor. The condenser fan draws cool air through the condenser and over your freezer's coils. If this fan is broken, your freezer's inner temperature will rise, and the compressor will overheat.

Is 14 F cold enough for a freezer?

This question had me curious about what temperature I should be setting the freezer to and if there's anything I can do to keep my food safe. Here's what I found out. According to the U.S. Food and Drug Administration, the best temperature for your freezer is 0°F (-18°C) or below.

What is the temperature danger zone in a freezer?

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.

Is minus 16 ok for a freezer?

The ideal temperature for most household freezers is 0°F (-18°C) or lower. At this temperature, food can be safely stored for an extended period without compromising its quality.

How warm can a freezer get before food goes bad?

Leave the freezer door closed. Frozen foods that have reached temperatures of 40 °F and above for more than two hours are not safe to eat. Discard these items.

What temperature does the FDA recommend for a freezer?

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.

What temperature is too low for a freezer?

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.

Is it OK if my freezer is at 10 degrees?

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.

What if my freezer was off for 3 days?

A full freezer will stay at a safe temperature for about 48 hours. Monitor temperatures with a thermometer. Bacteria in food grow rapidly at temperatures between 40 and 140°F and if you consume these foods, you can become very sick.

Is a freezer OK at 15 degrees?

Keep your freezer temperature at or below the recommended range of -18 degrees Celsius (0 degrees Fahrenheit) to ensure safe and proper food storage.

Why isn't the freezer cold enough?

Step 1: Check the setting controls. To be sure your appliance is set to the appropriate temperature, check your appliance's control settings. 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.

What is the acceptable temperature for a freezer?

Maintaining the proper freezer temperature of -18°C (0°F) is crucial for food safety, quality, and energy efficiency. By understanding the ideal temperature range and following the tips in this blog, you can ensure your frozen foods stay fresh and safe for consumption.

What happens if freezer is set too low?

Frost or ice build-up on freezer walls can be one of the signs your freezer is too cold. First, check the temperature setting to make sure it's within a degree of 0ºF (-18ºC) and adjust accordingly. If you notice ice crystals on frozen food, these items may be freezer burned due to colder or fluctuating temps.

What number is the coldest setting on a freezer?

The temperature selection on a Chest Freezer is made by setting the dial from ONE to SEVEN, with SEVEN being the coldest. The normal safe freezing level is obtained by setting the control on FOUR. Turning the temperature control all the way to the left to the OFF position will turn the power off to the compressor.

Why is my Frigidaire freezer not getting below 20 degrees?

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.

Is minus 30 too cold for a freezer?

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.

Can a freezer be too cold for an ice maker?

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.

Is it better to have more or less in your freezer?

The more cold food is in your freezer, the colder it will stay if the power goes out. If you don't open the freezer door at all, a full freezer will maintain its temperature for up to 48 hours before it starts to warm up—a half-full freezer will only last half as long.

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