The recommended temperature for your freezer to keep food safe and well- preserved is 0°F (-18°C) or below. This temperature effectively stops bacterial growth and helps maintain food quality for extended periods
. Key points about freezer temperature:
- Food stored at 0°F (-18°C) or lower is safe indefinitely, though quality may decline over very long storage due to freezer burn
- Freezers can function effectively within a range of about -16°C to -22°C (3°F to -7°F), but -18°C is optimal for safety and energy efficiency
- Setting the freezer warmer than 0°F (-18°C) is less reliable for long-term storage and food safety
- It is generally safe to set the freezer colder than 0°F; there is no temperature that is too low for a freezer, but lower temperatures may increase energy use without significant food safety benefits
Maintaining the freezer around 75-80% full helps retain cold air and consistent temperature distribution
. In summary, set your freezer to 0°F (-18°C) or lower to ensure food safety, quality, and energy efficiency.
