What's the coldest a freezer should be?

Author: Keira Leuschke  |  Last update: Wednesday, November 19, 2025

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 10 degrees cold enough for a freezer?

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.

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.

Is 20 degrees ok 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.

Is a freezer okay at 15 degrees?

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 temperatures should I keep my refrigerator and freezer set at?

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.

Why won't my freezer go below 20 degrees?

Be sure to check the electrical outlet, thermostat and airflow around vents. Cooling problems can also be caused by dust on condenser coils, faulty gaskets, clearance space around the refrigerator, a broken or stuck condenser fan or a faulty circuit board.

What if freezer is too cold?

If your freezer is too cold, there might be a simple fix, such as adjusting the temperature, resetting your freezer or reorganizing frozen food. Other causes may require the help of a professional or an appliance upgrade.

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.

What is the best temperature for a deep freezer?

It's pretty easy to remember: Your freezer temperature should be set to a chilly 0° Fahrenheit or below (-18° Celsius or below). Food stored at 0° Fahrenheit or below is safe to eat indefinitely (although quality and taste may be compromised as time passes).

Which is colder 15 or 23 in freezer?

Which is colder -15°c or -23°c in freezer? -23 °C is colder in a freezer than -15 °C. That is because with negative numbers, “higher” the number, lower the value.

What causes freezer burns?

Freezer burn happens when frozen foods are exposed to cold, dry air, which causes them to dehydrate as the outer layers lose moisture. One of the most commonly recognized signs of freezer burn is the formation of ice crystals on the outside of food, making it appear frost bitten.

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.

What temperature is too low for a freezer?

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).”

How to tell if a freezer is cold enough?

A freezer should be cold enough to keep food frozen and preserve it until they are ready to be cooked or reheated. Just as with a fridge, place an appliance thermometer in the freezer to make certain the temperature is optimally set and check it regularly to make sure it stays constant.

What number should my freezer be on?

The ideal freezer temperature is -18°C. Storing your food at the correct temperature will keep your produce fresh, delicious, and most importantly, safe. If the freezer temperature is too warm, then your food may spoil quicker and harmful bacteria may start to grow.

What temperature is a freeze risk?

Freeze occurs when the temperature drops to 32°-or-lower. A freeze will damage many unprotected plants, especially if the temperature remains at-or-below freezing for several hours.

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.

Is 8 degrees cold enough for a freezer?

To ensure that your refrigerator is doing its job, it's important to keep its temperature at 40 °F or below; the freezer should be at 0 °F.

How can I make my freezer colder faster?

Keep hot food out. Hot foods take a long time to cool down and an even longer time to freeze. They also disrupt other frozen items, raising their temperatures and causing them to thaw. Before putting hot foods in the freezer, let them cool down a bit and then place them in the freezer.

Is 10 below zero too cold for a freezer?

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.

Why is my freezer only 32 degrees?

To fix a freezer that's not freezing, you'll need to identify the root cause. Common issues include frost buildup, a faulty temperature sensor, or a broken compressor. For accurate diagnosis and repair, it's recommended to hire a service professional.

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.

How do I reset a deep freezer?

First, cut power to your freezer by unplugging it from the wall or shutting off power to the proper control panel switch. Then reset the freezer's control panel by lowering it to zero or using a shut-off switch. Consult your user manual for specifics on navigating the control panel.

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