Quick answer: -18°C (0°F) is the ideal freezer temperature. This is cold enough to keep your food safe to eat, preserve freshness, and reduce the risk of bacterial growth, whether you’re storing frozen peas at home or bulk stock in a commercial kitchen.
In this blog, we’ll dive deeper into the correct freezer temperature, why it matters, how to check and maintain it, and common misconceptions around settings like “1 or 5?”. We’ll also explain how poor temperature control can affect food safety, electricity bills, and even the condition of your freezer door seals.
Why Does Freezer Temperature Matter?
Whether you’re a restaurant owner or running a household, maintaining the correct freezer temperature is essential for:
- Food safety – Freezing at or below -18°C stops bacteria from growing.
- Food quality – A stable, cold environment keeps frozen foods fresh for longer.
- Energy efficiency – Overcooling wastes energy, while undercooling puts food at risk.
- Freezer lifespan – The right setting reduces strain on your appliance.
- Freezer Seals and performance – Fluctuating temperatures can compromise your freezer door seals, leading to the seals not sealing properly and subsequently causing cold air leaks and ice build-up.
If you’re also unsure whether your fridge is running at the right temperature, our guide to fridge temperature settings can help you get that right too.
Recommended Freezer Temperature: The Ideal Setting
The recommended freezer temperature in the UK is -18°C (0°F). This is the standard set by the Food Standards Agency and aligns with most manufacturer guidelines.
Tip: If you’re storing ice cream, this is cold enough to keep it firm without becoming icy or crystallised.
Is Minus 22°C Too Cold for a Freezer?
It depends on what you’re storing. Some commercial freezers run as low as -22°C to -25°C to store large volumes or highly sensitive goods like pharmaceuticals.
For most domestic and commercial food storage, however:
- Below -20°C is unnecessary.
- It increases electricity bills.
- It may stress the compressor or cause frost build-up, especially if you’re not using a frost-free unit.
Unless you’re running a deep freeze warehouse, -22°C is colder than needed.
What Should a Freezer Be Set At?
Getting your freezer settings right is crucial for keeping food safe and your appliance running efficiently but not all freezers make this easy. Some models use digital temperature displays, while others rely on simple dial thermostats, which don’t show the exact temperature in degrees.
If you’re unsure what your freezer should be set at, here’s a quick guide to help you match your controls to the recommended -18°C (0°F) target:
| Setting Type | Recommended Setting |
| Digital temperature display | Set to -18°C |
| Dial setting (1–5 or 1–7) | Usually 3 or 4 |
| Smart freezers | Select “Frozen” or “Deep Freeze” depending on stock |
Dial Thermostats: Should My Fridge Be on 1 or 5?
This is one of the most common questions for appliances with dial thermostats, where the temperature isn’t shown digitally.
In most models:
- 1 = warmest
- 5 or 7 = coldest
So if your fridge or freezer feels too warm, increasing the dial number will lower the temperature. Although this is the case for most models, if you can, it’s always bes to refer to the manufacturer’s manual.
Don’t forget to keep in mind that external factors can affect performance, even if your setting is technically correct:
- Overloading your freezer or leaving the door open frequently lets in warm air.
- Poor door seal condition can trick you into thinking your settings are wrong, when in fact, cold air is escaping and warm air is creeping in.
How to Check Freezer Temperature Accurately
You can’t always rely on the built-in display. Here’s how to get a true reading:
- Place a fridge/freezer thermometer inside for 24 hours.
- Position it in the centre, not near the door or vents.
- Check the reading first thing in the morning before the door has been opened any other times.
If it’s reading above -18°C, adjust your settings or check for common issues, including:
- Blocked air vents – These restrict cold air circulation and can cause uneven cooling.
- Overstocked or nearly empty freezer – Both extremes disrupt airflow and cooling performance.
- Damaged door seals – This is one of the most common causes of cold air loss and temperature fluctuations.
Worn or damaged door seals allow warm room air to seep in, which not only makes your freezer work harder but also leads to frost build-up, rising electricity bills, and spoiled food. If you’ve noticed ice forming around the edges, your freezer constantly running, or rubber that’s cracked or loose, it might be time to act.
Check out our guide for signs it’s time for a new fridge or freezer door seal.
Signs Your Freezer Isn’t Cold Enough
Even if your settings seem correct, there are physical signs that your freezer isn’t maintaining the ideal temperature. Keep an eye out for the following:
- Ice cream is too soft or runny
- Frozen foods feel flexible
- Build-up of frost near the door seal
- Water droplets or thawed patches
- Unusual smells, this could mean bacteria growth
Check your temperature settings and consider replacing your freezer seals if issues persist.
Summary of Tips for Freezer Temperature Management
- Keep your freezer 70-85% full for consistent temperature.
- Minimise door opening time.
- Avoid placing hot foods directly inside.
- Regularly defrost if it’s not a frost-free model.
- Maintain and clean your freezer door seals regularly to ensure longevity and efficiency.
- Check and replace door seals to prevent cold air leaks if damaged.
Final Thoughts
Understanding and maintaining the correct freezer temperature isn’t just about energy efficiency, it directly affects food safety, storage costs, and the performance of your appliance.
Whether you manage a busy commercial kitchen or simply want to keep your frozen foods safe at home, keeping your freezer at -18°C and ensuring your door seals are doing their job is a great place to start.
If it’s time to replace your freezer door seals, explore our extensive range of seals from top brands such as Polar, Foster and Williams. Or perhaps you’re in need of a bespoke freezer seal. Whatever you need, our high quality freezer seals have got you covered.
If you’re unsure what you’re looking for, simply get in touch and we’ll help you choose the right solution for your specific requirements.
FAQs about Freezer Tempreture
What temperature should a freezer be in the UK?
-18°C (0°F) is the standard recommended temperature.
Is minus 22 too cold for a freezer?
Yes, for most domestic and commercial needs, it’s unnecessarily cold.
Is 0°F or -18°C safe for all frozen foods?
Yes, it’s safe and ideal for long-term food preservation.
What number should my freezer be on (1–5)?
Generally 3 or 4, but always check your appliance guide to confirm.
Why does my freezer not feel cold enough?
Check the temperature settings, inspect your door seals, and ensure the freezer isn’t too empty or overfilled—both can impact performance.
Should I replace my freezer door seal?
Yes, if it’s loose, cracked, or causing visible frost build-up. A faulty seal can lead to cold air escaping and higher energy usage.
Can a freezer be too cold?
Yes, freezers running below -20°C may waste energy, dry out food, and strain the compressor unnecessarily.
Is -15°C cold enough?
It’s borderline. While it will freeze food, it’s not ideal for long-term storage, especially for meat or fish. Aim for -18°C.
Is 3°C OK for a freezer?
No – 3°C is fridge temperature. Freezers need to be much colder to safely store frozen foods.
Is my freezer at 0°F or 18°F?
0°F (equivalent to -18°C) is perfect. 18°F (-8°C) is too warm and can lead to food spoilage.
