The ideal freezer temperature is not just a question of science, it also takes into account efficient freezing. After all, no one wants to find their vegetables frozen in a block of ice. The magic number is -18°C – not too warm to protect the food from harmful bacteria and not too cold to make the food tasteless. In other words, it’s the optimum freezer temperature.

When setting the freezer temperature, it’s important to remember: it’s all about consistency. You should avoid temperature fluctuations in particular, as otherwise there is a risk of minced meat first being shock frozen and then slowly thawing, for example. This would be rather problematic for food preparation later. If the freezer is somewhat retro and showing its years, it’s recommended to buy a new appliance. Energy efficiency is an essential topic today and is much better than just a few years ago.

That’s a good question. And indeed: yes, it can. When the temperature is set to -20°C or colder, this only results in a higher electricity bill. What’s more: an extra-cold freezer does not keep vegetables any crunchier or meat more tender. The lower temperatures only result in large frozen clumps and high energy costs. So, set your appliance to -18°C to keep your food fresh, but not icy.

To summarise: the optimum temperature in the freezer is about -18°C – a low enough temperature that keeps food safe and fresh, without putting a strain on your finances with excessive energy consumption.

When setting the freezer temperature, it’s a good idea to check the appliance regularly, as fluctuations in the temperature can have an adverse effect on the quality of frozen products. A constant temperature is therefore important. Modern freezers often have a digital display that makes it easy to set the precise temperature. If a freezer does not feature a display, it’s advisable using a separate thermometer to ensure the optimum temperature in the freezer.

Regularly defrosting the freezer is rather like spring cleaning – although it’s not fun, it really is important. Why? Because every piece of ice that forms in a freezer appliance or the freezer compartment of a refrigerator only pushes up electricity consumption. A thick layer of ice in the freezer is unnecessary and a drain on energy. For this reason, a freezer should be defrosted at least once per year – or perhaps more often if frost accumulates.

The defrosting process is simple: pull the plug, open the door and wait for the ice to melt. You can also use a pot of hot water to speed up the process if you’re in a hurry. The freezer will thank you afterwards by consuming less energy.

Allow me to summarise: regular defrosting not only keeps your freezer working effectively, it also saves you money on electricity bills. However, when freezing food it is important to ensure the right packaging and placement in the freezer. This way, everything stays fresh and your freezer doesn’t become an inefficient energy drain.

There are two golden rules for freezing food: pack air-tight and don’t overfill the freezer. Having a full freezer might feel good, but too much is simply too much. The freezer temperature will fluctuate if air can’t circulate – so make sure you leave some space.