recommended freezer temp
Olivia Hensley
Updated on June 23, 2026
The recommended freezer temperature to keep your food safe is at or below 0°F (-18°C), but your freezer may need to be set higher or lower depending on its environment and other factors. The typical freezer factory setting on Whirlpool® refrigerators is a great starting point at the recommended 0°F (-18°C).
Is 10 degrees cold enough for a freezer?
10 degrees is not cold enough for a freezer. It is recommended to keep the freezer set at 0 degrees to ensure the food stays in good condition and the freezer works the way it is designed to. If necessary, you can adjust the temperature up or down.
Can your freezer be too cold?
Too Much Ice in the Freezer
Yes, a freezer should be icy. However, if you’re finding that you have to scrape ice off of items, or if there is a layer of ice covering the inside, your freezer is definitely too cold. Try defrosting your freezer by taking everything out and unplugging the fridge.
Is 34 too cold for refrigerator?
The temperature inside your refrigerator needs to be cold enough to inhibit bacterial growth, and warm enough so the food doesn’t freeze. Refrigerators should be set to 40 degrees F (4 degrees C) or colder. A good temperature range for a refrigerator is between 34-38 degrees F (1-3 degrees C).
What is the best temperature for a freezer and refrigerator Frigidaire?
For refrigerators with electronic controls (most Side-by-Side and French-Door refrigerators) – Fresh food compartment should be set for 37 degrees Fahrenheit and the freezer should be set for 0 degrees Fahrenheit.
Is 5 degrees OK for freezer?
Most freezers should be kept between zero and 5 degrees; refrigerators, between 38 and 42 degrees. If both of these settings are only 10 degrees lower, you could be using up to 25 percent more energy. If the ice cream gets soft at the recommended settings, your freezer may need servicing.
Is 15 degrees cold enough for a freezer?
↑ Is minus 15 cold enough for a freezer? It’s pretty easy to remember: Your freezer temperature should be set to a chilly 0° Fahrenheit or below (-18° Celsius or below). Food stored at 0° Fahrenheit or below is safe to eat indefinitely (although quality and taste may be compromised as time passes).
Why does everything in my freezer have freezer burn?
What causes freezer burn? Improper packaging or temperature, and sometimes too long in the freezer, are the most common culprits that lead to freezer burn. Cold, dry air is more likely to permeate foods that aren’t tightly wrapped, left open or stored in frequently fluctuating temperatures.
Should a freezer be kept full?
A full freezer retains cold better than an empty one. When you open the door, the mass of frozen food will help keep in the cold, and the unit won’t have to work as hard to cool empty space. But don’t jam pack the freezer either; you need air to circulate.
Is 37 too cold for refrigerator?
The ideal refrigerator temperature is 40 degrees Fahrenheit or below in the main part of the fridge. The optimal temperature for keeping foods cold is 37 degrees Fahrenheit. If you’re wondering what temperature should a refrigerator be, put a thermometer inside your fridge.
Will meat freeze at 32 degrees?
Meat starts to freeze at 26-28 degrees F, but traditionally has been considered to be frozen when the core temperature reaches 0 degrees.
What is the lowest temperature of a freezer?
The Ideal Freezer Temperature
It’s pretty easy to remember: Your freezer temperature should be set to a chilly 0° Fahrenheit or below (-18° Celsius or below). Food stored at 0° Fahrenheit or below is safe to eat indefinitely (although quality and taste may be compromised as time passes).
What should my fridge and freezer be set at?
Is there a “correct” temperature for refrigerators and freezers? Yep: A fridge temperature of 37° F will keep fresh food good for as long as possible—with no ice crystals on lettuce or bacteria breeding in raw meats. As for the freezer, a temperature of 0° F will keep foods thoroughly frozen.
What number should freezer be set at 1 9?
If you have the 1 to 9 format on your freezer, set it to 4. The ideal temperature settings for the refrigerator and freezer are 34 degrees F to 38 degrees F, or 1 degrees C to 3 degrees C.