The ideal temperature for your freezer is 0°F (-18°C) or lower. This temperature ensures that food freezes thoroughly, stays safe by preventing bacterial growth, and maintains quality for long-term storage

Key points about freezer temperature:

• 0°F (-18°C) is the standard recommended setting for household freezers to keep food safe indefinitely, although texture and flavor may deteriorate over time

• Setting the freezer colder than 0°F (e.g., down to -10°F to -20°F) can be beneficial for long-term storage, especially for meats and seafood, but going too cold (below -25°C) can cause operational issues and higher energy costs

• Freezer burn is caused by exposure to air, not by colder temperatures, so wrapping food tightly is essential to prevent it

• Proper air circulation inside the freezer is important; avoid overcrowding to maintain even temperatures and prevent frost buildup

• Use a freezer thermometer to monitor and adjust the temperature, allowing several hours for the temperature to stabilize after changes

Summary:

Set your freezer to 0°F (-18°C) for optimal food safety and quality. You can adjust slightly colder if needed, but avoid extremely low settings to prevent mechanical issues and excessive energy use. Keep the freezer organized and wrapped food airtight to maintain quality and prevent freezer burn