How cold should a freezer be?

A freezer is an indispensable appliance in your kitchen. Whether you regularly freeze meals for later or want to store your groceries well, a freezer plays an important role in your household. But how cold should a freezer be? And why is the right temperature so important for the quality of your frozen food? In this blog, we answer all your questions about the right temperature and give tips on how to get the most out of your freezer.

How cold should a freezer be? The ideal temperature

The ideal temperature for a freezer is -18°C. This is the temperature at which your food can be stored in the safest way. At this temperature, your frozen products will last longer without deteriorating in quality. Flavour, texture and nutritional value are preserved.

Why is -18°C just the right temperature? The answer is simple: at this temperature, the spoilage process virtually stops. Microorganisms such as bacteria and moulds can no longer reproduce, keeping your food safe. So the question ‘how cold should a freezer be?’ is answered with -18°C as the ideal value.

What happens when the temperature in your freezer is too high?

If the temperature in your freezer is too high, say above -18°C, your food may not freeze properly. At higher temperatures, bacteria can still reproduce slowly, leading to spoilage. The taste and texture of your food may also deteriorate. Moreover, your food will defrost faster when you open the freezer door, which does not help the quality of your products.

Too high a temperature also increases your energy consumption. Your freezer has to work harder to maintain the temperature, resulting in higher energy costs. So it is important to keep your freezer properly adjusted to the right temperature.

What happens when the temperature in your freezer is too low?

Too low a temperature in your freezer isn’t ideal either. If the temperature is below -18°C, the freezer needs more energy to maintain that low temperature. This causes higher energy consumption and increases your energy costs.

In addition, certain foods like fruits and vegetables can be damaged if they are stored too cold. This is because they freeze at the cellular level, which negatively affects their taste and texture after thawing. So the answer to the question ‘how cold should a freezer be?’ is clear: -18°C is the ideal temperature, not colder.

How do you check the temperature of your freezer?

It is important to check the temperature of your freezer regularly. Most freezers have a built-in thermostat system, but it doesn’t hurt to use a separate freezer thermometer. These thermometers are easily available and give you peace of mind that your freezer is at the right temperature.

Place the thermometer in the centre of your freezer for the most accurate reading. This will ensure that your food is kept at the optimal temperature.

The tips at a glance

• Set the temperature to -18°C. This is the best temperature for storing your food.
• Check regularly that your freezer is working properly and maintaining the right temperature.
• Don’t open your freezer door too often. Opening the door increases the temperature inside the freezer, which is not good for the quality of your food.
• Make sure your freezer is not overloaded. Too many items in the freezer can interfere with air circulation, reducing its efficiency.

Is renting a freezer an option?

If you need a freezer temporarily or don’t use a freezer often, renting could be a smart solution. At Homie, you can easily rent a freezer from just €9.99 per month. Maintenance is included, so you don’t have to worry about temperature settings or replacing your freezer.

By renting a freezer, you not only save costs, but also benefit from a well-maintained, energy-efficient appliance. This way, you will always have a working freezer without any extra worries about maintenance or repairs.