What is the Optimal Freezer Temperature?
Having the ability to freeze food for long-term storage is something that our ancestors would find astonishing. Freezing food is a great way to prevent food waste, expand meal choices and save money at the same time. But, a freezer needs to be set at the optimal temperature to retain flavor and prevent spoilage. This is equally true if you have an upright or a chest freezer to prevent frost build-up, food melt, and freezer burn. In this article, we will take a closer look at how you can set your freezer temperature to keep your food fresher for longer. What is the Optimal Temperature? Most experts agree that a freezer temperature of 0ºF (-18ºC) is the best environment for food preservation. At this temperature the food is free of bacteria, the risks of freezer burn are minimized, and the food will be safer to consume. It’s tempting to set the temperature lower because more or less in this case is always better, right? No, there are significant drawbacks if the freezer temperature is set too low. The compressor unit will need to work harder to maintain the lower temperature which has two consequences. First, when key components are overworked they tend to fail which can lead to an unexpected repair bill. Second, when the compressor is working harder it will consume more energy, and this will drive up the electric bill. How Do I Set the Optimal Temperature? To maintain food freshness, you need to set the freezer temperature