The ideal temperature for a household freezer is 0°F (-18°C) or lower. This temperature ensures that food is safely stored for extended periods without compromising quality and prevents bacterial growth, although it does not kill bacteria outright
. Some additional points about freezer temperature:
- Freezers can be set anywhere between about -16°C to -24°C (-1°F to -11°F), but -18°C (0°F) is the recommended standard for optimal food preservation
- Keeping the freezer full but not overpacked (around 75-80% full) helps maintain a consistent cold temperature by retaining cold air circulation
- Lowering the temperature below 0°F is safe and may keep food even better, but it can increase energy consumption without significant food safety benefits
- Temperatures above 0°F are less reliable for long-term storage and food safety
In summary, set your freezer temperature to 0°F (-18°C) or colder for best results in food safety and quality preservation.
