The right temperature for your freezer
The temperature of a freezer seems like something only pensioners would fret about, but on this topic, they’re actually right on the money. Just a few degrees can have a noteworthy impact on our wallets and our well-being, so it’s well worth the time peruse some golden nuggets of wisdom on appropriate freezer temperatures and why they matter.
Why the temperature matters
It’s common knowledge that the temperature of a freezer is crucial to keeping food edible for long periods of time. But there’s a lot more to freezing food correctly that one would think, some of which may come as rather surprising, so keep reading!
- It preserves food quality: simply put, if the freezer isn’t freezing, food freshness, texture, and flavour will suffer, leading to unpleasant eating experiences. Whether cookies or vegetables, it’s also important to ensure everything is tightly wrapped before placing them in the freezer. Exposure to air causes water evaporation, resulting in dehydration. Once we sample this tough, dry food with no taste, we generally send it straight to the bin.
- It keeps food safe: a freezer that is not cold enough may cause bacterial enzymes to flourish. It’s best to throw any questionable frozen foods away even if it pinches the pocketbook, as lost days of work due to a stomach bug would definitely be dearer.
- It’s more economical: a freezer set too cold has no benefits - it consumes more energy than necessary, leading to higher energy bills and a higher carbon footprint. Modern freezers like those in Haier's Instaswitch freezer line consume less energy than older freezer models (plus have incomparable features), so upgrading may make meals tastier while saving you money.
The ideal freezer temperature
So what temperature should your freezer be set to? The ideal temperature for most household freezers is 0°F (-18°C) or lower. At this temperature, food can be safely stored for an extended period without compromising its quality. At the same time, a few products have specific temperature requirements:
- Ice cream and frozen desserts: for optimal texture and scoopability, store ice cream and other frozen desserts at slightly warmer temperatures, around -5°F (-20°C).
- Meats and seafood: these are best stored in the coldest part of the freezer, typically around -5°F to 0°F (-20°C to -18°C).
- Fruits and vegetables: most fruits and vegetables can be stored at the standard freezer temperature of 0°F (-18°C). However, some delicate fruits may benefit from slightly warmer temperatures to prevent damage.
Advice for adjusting and monitoring freezer temperature
Lastly, here are a few quick tips ensure your freezer maintains the correct temperature once it’s set:
- Use a freezer thermometer: place a specially-adapted freezer thermometer in the coldest part of your freezer to monitor the temperature accurately.
- Avoid overloading: overloading your freezer impedes airflow and causes temperature fluctuations, so arrange items in a way that allows for proper air circulation. If you tend to freeze a lot, don’t forget to carefully wrap and label foods to avoid waste!
- Check the seal: inspect the door seal regularly to ensure it is tight and free from damage. A loose or damaged seal allows warm air to enter the freezer, compromising its temperature.
- Defrost regularly: if your freezer is ‘frost-free’, it should automatically defrost as needed. However, manual defrost freezers (generally older models) may require periodic defrosting to maintain optimal temperature and efficiency.
With your newly acquired wisdom on the finer aspects of maintaining an efficient and effective freezer, you can rest assured that your food will stay fresh, safe, and delicious for longer periods, while decreasing your carbon footprint and monthly energy bills. Enjoy!
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