The Right Temperature for Your Freezer
An ice-cold freezer temperature protects your food and your appliance
Highlights
The ideal freezer temperature is 0 degrees Fahrenheit.
Use an appliance thermometer for an accurate reading.
Wait 24 hours after adjusting freezer temperature to check it.
Properly freezing food stops bacterial growth.
Freezer repairs can cost between $90 and $500.
The wrong freezer temperature can ruin your day — and your food. The consequences can range from scraping freezer burn off of ice cream to grabbing mushy, lukewarm chicken from the back. Keeping your freezer at the wrong temperature could also lead to unnecessary repairs or replacement of your freezer. Here’s what you need to know about freezer temperature and how to keep it at the ideal setting.
The Best Freezer Temperature
The U.S. Food & Drug Administration recommends keeping your freezer temperature at 0 degrees Fahrenheit (-17.778 degrees Celsius). This helps to keep your food frozen and preserve it until you’re ready to eat it. A temperature of 0 degrees Fahrenheit not only provides a safe environment for your frozen foods, but it also stops most bacteria from growing. Keep in mind, though, that the longer your food stays in the freezer, the more impact you will notice with flavor, aroma, and even tenderness.
How to Set Freezer Temperature
No matter what type of freezer you have, it’s best to check your manufacturer’s guide for directions on how to set the freezer temperature. The make and model of your freezer will determine how you set the temperature. For example, a freezer with electronic controls may have a touchpad where you adjust the temperature. While a manual-controlled freezer may have a knob that you turn to the desired setting.
How to Use a Freezer Thermometer
If you follow your manufacturer’s directions but are still unsure about your freezer temperature, you can try an appliance thermometer. Place the thermometer toward the center of the freezer, between two already-frozen items. Leave the thermometer in the freezer for 5 to 8 hours. For the most accurate temperature reading, don’t open the freezer door during this time.
This is an inexpensive and easy way to check your freezer’s temperature. You can buy a freezer thermometer in the housewares section of most department or appliance stores, and some grocery stores sell them, too.
My Freezer is Too Cold
It is possible for a freezer to be too cold. When this happens, it can cause freezer burn and for the appliance’s defrost heater to malfunction. The defrost heater keeps your freezer from being overrun with frost, which can lead to other problems such as frost build-up on the evaporator coil and decreased air circulation. Generally, a malfunctioning defrost heater is the answer to, “Why is my freezer frosting up?” Eventually, you’ll notice that your freezer is not freezing, which can lead to a freezer replacement or repair.
Repairing vs. Replacing a Freezer
Parting with a freezer you've relied on for years can be hard. However, there are some signs that it's time to get a replacement. First, prioritize your health by immediately stopping the use of a freezer with temperatures that are too low to keep meat and other items safely stored. In general, any repair that will cost half of the replacement cost justifies an upgrade when deciding to repair or replace a refrigerator or freezer. Additionally, it might be time to browse for deals on new freezers if your current freezer is at the halfway point of its life span when things start to go wrong. On average, freezers last around 15 years. It's not unheard of for an impeccably maintained freezer to run for 20 years. Generally, any serious issues that creep up after 10 to 12 years could justify a replacement.
DIY Appliance Repair Costs vs. Hiring a Pro
There are several reasons why your freezer temperature might fluctuate. A broken thermostat or loose or missing sealing around the freezer door are common refrigerator problems. If you’re wondering how to fix the seal on a refrigerator or freezer, you’re in luck. This is generally the easiest DIY task for refrigerator repair because a seal can often be fixed by cleaning, adjusting, or replacing the gasket.
If you tried setting your freezer temperature based on your manufacturer’s manual and fixing the seal and it’s still not working properly, it might be time to reach out to a local freezer service pro to see if they have any insight. For average appliance repair costs, a freezer can fluctuate between $90 and $500 to repair, depending on the severity of the issue.