What Is the Ideal Freezer Temperature?

If you’re an ice cream fan, then you understand the importance of having a freezer working at optimum levels. But it’s about much more than avoiding the disappointment of half-melted or freezer-burnt treats. The ideal freezer temperature is necessary to ensure food is preserved properly. Let’s take a look at how cold your freezer should be, along with the right temperature for your refrigerator.

What Is the Ideal Temperature for a Freezer?

The ideal temperature for your freezer is 0ºF (-18ºC). This is what is recommended by the US Food & Drug Administration (FDA) for keeping food frozen and well-preserved until you are ready to consume it. 

You’ll notice that 0ºF is well below 32ºF, which is the freezing point of water. You’ll definitely need more than just a single degree as an insurance policy for your frozen food. But it’s more than just keeping those ice cubes solid; it’s about keeping food bacteria-free, which your freezer can do when it’s set to 0ºF.

What Is the Best Refrigerator Temperature?

The FDA recommends setting your refrigerator to 40ºF (4ºF) or below. It’s well above the frozen mark, but it’s still quite cold to keep your perishable food well-preserved.

But don’t just set your refrigerator temperature to 40ºF and call it a day. You’ll actually want it to register between 35° and 38°F (or 1.7 to 3.3°C) instead, just in case your refrigerator’s thermometer is a little off. It’s always better to have colder but not frozen food in your refrigerator to keep bacteria at bay.

How to Set Freezer Temperature

If you have a newer appliance, it might be as easy as setting a digital thermometer on the door of the freezer. (If it’s a smart appliance, you might have to download an app to do the same.) Older models might have a knob that allows you to adjust the temperature. 

Ultimately, your freezer’s brand and model design will determine the method of setting the proper temperature, so contact the manufacturer or appliance retailer directly if you have any issues.

How to Maintain Proper Temperature

If your freezer is working as it should, then you can trust the number you see on the thermometer gauge. But if you find that your food isn’t keeping well or is covered in ice crystals, you might want the backup of an appliance thermometer. 

You can purchase an appliance thermometer at an appliance store or your local home improvement store. Place one near the center of the freezer—aim for a spot right between a pair of already-frozen items—and leave it there for around eight hours (or overnight). To get the most accurate temperature reading, refrain from opening the freezer door. 

How Much Does It Cost to Repair a Freezer?

If you find that the appliance thermometer is registering a higher or lower temperature than what the freezer is supposedly set to, call a freezer repair pro near you to inspect and troubleshoot the freezer. It can cost anywhere between $90 and $500 to repair a freezer, depending on the extent of the issue. Depending on the cost of your freezer, this might be a bargain or the encouragement you need to purchase a new appliance.

Keep in mind that if your freezer can’t maintain the proper temperature, your food is at risk of freezer burn at best and bacteria growth at worst. While freezer burn might negatively affect the taste of your food, it won’t harm you—but bacteria growth can.