Is Your Freezer Set To the Right Temperature? Here’s What To Know

We all learned in school that water freezes at 32 degrees Fahrenheit. So, the logic would follow that a freezer only needs to be set at 32 degrees, right? But the reality is, to safely freeze food, you’ll need temperatures much lower than 32 degrees. While that temperature may be great for ice cubes, it’s dangerous when freezing food, as it allows bacteria and mold to proliferate on food surfaces.

Read on to learn about ideal freezer temperatures and tips to optimize freezer performance with advice from two appliance experts: Doo Young Jin from LG and Ryan Post from Whirlpool.

What Temperature Should a Freezer Be?

The optimal freezer temperature is 0 degrees Fahrenheit. Both the United States Food and Drug Association (FDA) and the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) have determined this as the ideal temperature to freeze food safely. “0 degrees Fahrenheit effectively prevents the growth of harmful bacteria and microorganisms in food, ensuring its safety while maintaining quality,” Jin says.

0 degrees is also the recommended manufacturer setting on all major brands. This allows for optimal freezer operation while conserving energy and extending appliance life. Keeping food any colder than 0 degrees offers little benefit when weighed against energy requirements. “It is possible to have a freezer’s temperature set too low,” Post says. “Although this may not negatively affect the food stored inside, it could raise your electricity bill.”

Tips For Optimal Freezer Performance

Follow these tips to keep your freezer cold while also conserving energy.

• Maintain an ambient indoor temperature: Modern freezers/refrigerators do not perform well in settings that get too hot or cold. Their external gauges check the outside air of the unit and adjust accordingly. According to Jin, you want to aim for ambient room temperatures of 70 to 80 degrees.
• Don’t pack food too tightly, but keep it well stocked: “All air vents and fans should be kept clear to ensure optimal airflow and temperature regulation,” Post says. “To do so, avoid overpacking the freezer and storing only as much food as the dimensions of your appliance will allow.” Conversely, empty space in a freezer makes the unit work harder to maintain temperatures. Consider adding bags of frozen water to fill empty spaces in your freezer to optimize performance.
• Check and clean gaskets: Periodically clean door gaskets and check for wear and tear. According to Post, make sure the doors create a tight seal when closed. If not, clean or replace the gaskets to ensure optimal internal freezer temperatures.
• Clean condenser coils: Condenser coils on the outside of the unit work less efficiently when covered with dust and pet hair. “These are usually accessible from the bottom or back of the appliance and can be cleaned with a vacuum,” Post says.
• Level freestanding units: Sitting level helps the compressor work efficiently, leading to better overall freezer performance.
• Stay organized: Group similar items for quicker access and shorter open-door times. Arrange high-use items near the top.
• Use the right freezer for your needs: Free-standing freezers are best for long-term food storage, while refrigerator/freezer combination appliances are best for short-term frozen foods. With frequent door openings, it’s harder to maintain a constant temperature of 0 degrees.

FAQ

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Is freezer burn caused by the freezer being too cold?

No, low freezer temperatures are not usually the culprit behind freezer burn. “The main cause of freezer burn is improper temperature and packaging, and when food spends too much time in the freezer,” Post says. Foods that are not tightly packaged with freezer-grade materials will lose moisture over time. This leads to the dehydrated, whitish-colored appearance of food that has become freezer burned. While not unsafe, it is generally not appetizing to eat.

Why isn’t my food freezing in the freezer even though it’s set at the right temp?

This could be due to a malfunctioning freezer thermostat, compromised door seal or frequent door openings. “If the door is opened for too long or too often,” Doo says, this could lead to food not freezing. Check and clean the door seal, and try to reduce the amount of time the freezer door is opened. If food is still not freezing properly, even when set to the correct temperature, Post recommends inspecting the freezer’s thermostat. “Change the temperature from the lowest to the highest setting and listen for a ‘click’ sound. If this does not occur, then a professional replacement is likely required,” Post says.

About the Experts

• Doo Young Jin is a Part Leader and Quality Engineer at LG Electronics, where he has contributed his expertise for over three years.
• Ryan Post has been with Whirlpool Corporation for over twelve years, specializing as a refrigeration engineer. He currently holds the position of Lead Refrigeration Engineer.