What temperature should I set in the freezer?

Impact of ambient temperature on freezer operation

Often, in order to save space, the refrigerator is placed on the balcony or loggia. It is undesirable to do this, especially in the winter season.

Refrigerator manufacturers give the following recommendation - the device should be operated at temperatures from +10 to +32 degrees Celsius. At lower temperatures, freezers will work for a period of time, but will soon encounter the following problems:

• thickening of the lubricant;
• disabling the No Frost function and freezing the evaporator;
• decreased elasticity of the seal;
• depressurization of the device.

The key function of the freezer is to create conditions for long-term storage of food. At the same time, the duration of preservation of their taste and nutritional properties directly depends on the temperature set in it. We will explain later in the article what the mode should be in the subzero chamber so that food does not spoil ahead of time, and you do not have to pay huge electricity bills.

Why is it so important to monitor your temperature?

First of all, how long the food will remain fresh and tasty depends on what mode is set in your refrigerator. You can understand that the temperature is not normal by the following signs:

1. Food spoils quickly.
2. Traces of rot and mold appear on vegetables and fruits.
3. There is an unpleasant odor inside the camera that quickly returns despite your efforts.
4. The compressor does not stop working (this may be evidence of a breakdown, but incorrect operation is also possible).
5. Frost forms quickly and you have to defrost the device frequently.

These unpleasant symptoms indicate the presence of certain problems in the operation of the unit. The first step is to make sure the settings are correct.

Possible temperature options inside the freezer

In modern refrigerators intended for household use, the freezer compartment can maintain a temperature from -6˚С to -25˚С. However, the range of indicators varies slightly between different manufacturers:

• Atlant brand devices have 3 freezing modes: low level with an indicator of -14˚С for a small load of the compartment, medium level with a range of -20...-24 degrees and fast freezing - from -24 to -30 degrees Celsius.
• In LG brand refrigerators, the indicators depend on the class of the device. In single-chamber models, the freezer compartment maintains a temperature of -6...-12 degrees Celsius. In dual-chamber models, the range increases to -26˚ Celsius.
• In Samsung refrigeration equipment, users can set the temperature within the range of -14˚С…-25˚С.
• Indesit household refrigerators allow you to set the temperature in the freezer from -18 to -26 degrees Celsius.

In free-standing chest freezers used at food retail outlets, temperatures can drop to -45 degrees Celsius.

Capabilities of modern refrigerators

Household refrigerators are divided into two groups: with mechanical and electronic regulation. With mechanical control, the temperature is set using a handle with a pointer. Electronic control is carried out through a touch panel, which allows you to set the temperature with an accuracy of 1 C. In many modern models, it is possible to separately set the temperature regime not only in the main compartments, but also on the shelves.

Many modern refrigerators have a thermometer that is installed in the refrigerator compartment or in the freezer (sometimes both). This thermometer is called a temperature indicator. With it you can adjust the temperature you need.

Choosing the optimal temperature

Most manufacturers of refrigeration equipment for domestic use indicate that the optimal temperature for the freezer is -18 degrees Celsius. As a rule, this indicator is the standard operating mode of most modern freezers.

Despite this, in some situations it makes sense to deviate more or less. To determine the optimal temperature for your freezer, pay attention to the following important points.

Workload level

The key factor when choosing the appropriate temperature setting for the freezer is the amount of food stored in it:

• If the compartment is less than half full, -12˚С…-14˚С is sufficient for freezing and long-term preservation of food. This will allow you to reduce the amount of electricity consumption without causing melting and spoilage of meat or berries.
• If most of the shelves in the freezer are filled, and the bulk of the products in it are meat products, the optimal temperature range will be -18˚С…-24˚С. In such conditions, products will be stored for several months without losing their quality.
• If you need to quickly freeze berries, fruits or other products, you should set the fast freezing mode, which corresponds to a temperature of -24...-30 degrees Celsius. The same mode should be set when turning on the freezer for the first time before loading food into it.

Type of products and storage duration

A change in temperature even by a few degrees can cause not only a deterioration in the taste of frozen foods and the loss of some nutrients, but also a decrease in shelf life. For example, at a temperature of -18 degrees Celsius, meat is stored for about 6 months, and when the indicator increases to -12, the duration of its suitability for consumption is reduced to one week. The shelf life of fish varies from a week to several months depending on the indicators.

For this reason, when setting the freezer mode, it is necessary to take into account the temperature ranges recommended by food product manufacturers.

Let's list the duration of storage of some food products in the freezer depending on the set temperature.

Fast freezing of food

Such a function of modern refrigerators as “quick freezing” makes life much easier. However, the option is not suitable for all products.

So, quick freezing is contraindicated for cottage cheese, eggs, boiled potatoes, milk and mayonnaise.

However, other products subjected to such freezing will remain juicy and tasty, and most importantly, healthy even after several months.

Freezing preserves the taste and quality, but does not improve it, so only fresh and high-quality products should be frozen.

Flash frozen vegetables

Packaging also plays a big role. Properly selected containers will help preserve freshness, taste, nutritional value and the required amount of moisture.

The container or package selected for storage must meet certain parameters:

• tightness: the bag should not allow air, moisture and foreign odors to pass through;
• durable material that will withstand sub-zero temperatures;
• should close and open easily.

Before freezing, it is necessary to inspect the products - they should not be rotten. Then peel, wash, cut and sort. Be sure to dry washed vegetables and fruits, and cool hot ones to 25 (room temperature).

Freezing must take place quickly so that ice does not form. If it appears, then all the juice will flow out, and this will lead to a deterioration in taste and a decrease in nutritional quality. Hence the temperature for freezing is –18°C.

Secrets of effective freezing:

• Packages of food prepared for freezing should be stacked vertically, leaving a gap for air circulation.
• It makes sense to cut large vegetables into smaller pieces. This will speed up the freezing process and make it better.
• The freezer compartment should not be overloaded. This will affect freezing efficiency and taste.

Frozen foods have their own expiration date:

• minced meat - up to two months;
• pork, chicken, beef - up to six months;
• game - up to 10 months;
• seafood - up to three months, pieces of large fish - up to 6 months;
• Vegetables, fruits and berries have the longest shelf life – a year or more.

Determining the correct temperature setting

If the freezer temperature is set correctly, containers or bags of food may become covered with a thin layer of frost. When removed from the minus compartment, droplets of melting frost form on them in a short time.

Signs of incorrect temperature range setting are the following:

• thawing of ice crust on frozen foods and containers in which they are stored;
• formation of a dense layer of ice and snow on the walls of the freezer compartment;
• melting the corners of ice cubes stored in the freezer.

If you detect any of the listed phenomena, find out what operating mode of your freezer is set. If there is a touch panel, the temperature indicator will be displayed on it.

In refrigerators with a mechanical type of regulation, to find out the exact value, you must use a thermometer with a large scale of negative values. Place the thermometer on the freezer shelf and leave it for 12 hours with the door closed. After determining the value, you can adjust the temperature set in the chamber in the desired direction.

Signs of malfunctions and their prevention

The appearance of one of the following symptoms indicates a malfunction in the operation of the household appliance:

• snow and ice accumulate on the walls faster than usual;
• the device is too noisy or, conversely, quieter than usual;
• frozen food is covered in condensation or puddles of water have formed inside the appliance.

If at least one of these signs is detected, then the freezer needs repair.

Timely prevention will help you avoid troubles:

1. Once every six months, unplug the camera and completely defrost it. After defrosting, wash and dry the device. This rule also applies to refrigerators with a No Frost system (they are defrosted once a year).
2. Check the serviceability of the rubber seals on the doors. Their wear leads to insufficiently tight closing of the doors, an increase in the temperature inside the chamber and the formation of condensation.
3. Avoid overloading the device with products and their uneven distribution inside the chamber. Fill the freezer so that there is free space inside.

How to change the temperature?

Depending on the type of refrigerator control, the temperature mode can be adjusted using electronic or mechanical regulators.

Changing the temperature range in devices with electronic push-button or touch control panels occurs by pressing the keys intended for this. The adjustment step may differ in models of different brands: in Samsung refrigerators it is 1˚C, in Comfort class models of the Liebherr brand it is 3˚C.

In models with mechanical control, everything happens a little differently. Such devices have a switch or rotary lever that is fixed in 2-4 positions. Each position allows you to reduce the temperature inside the freezer compartment by 6 degrees Celsius.

The quick freezing function involves switching the device to the maximum cold production mode, which allows you to freeze berries or vegetables placed in the freezer in a short period of time.

Please pay attention! It is necessary to turn on the fast freezing mode 3-4 hours before loading food, so that the freezer has time to cool down sufficiently.

Types of cooling systems

The most important part of any refrigerator is the cooling system. Depending on the design and operating principle, cooling systems are divided into compressor, absorption and thermoelectric. Let's talk in more detail about each type.

Compressor

This is the most common type, most often found in home appliances. It is distinguished by economy and efficiency. In compression cooling systems, the circulation of refrigerant is carried out through the operation of a compressor, when pumped into which the coolant is compressed.

Most refrigerators are equipped with one compressor, which is responsible for the temperature in both the refrigerator compartment and the freezer. But there are also two-compressor models with two cooling circuits. Such a device allows, if necessary, to turn off one of the cameras and set a certain temperature regime in it.

A significant disadvantage of devices with two compressors is their high price. Such devices do not have a No Frost system that controls the defrosting process to avoid ice accumulation.

Manufacturers of household appliances produce single-compressor models with a dual-circuit cooling system. It involves the presence of several evaporators and a special control system responsible for selective direction of refrigerant movement.

Absorption

The cold in the system is generated by the circulation and evaporation of refrigerant dissolved in the liquid. This type of device is not often found in a typical apartment. It is usually installed where there is no constant power supply.

Important! The advantage of an absorption device is the use of alternative energy sources and the absence of noise during operation.

Depending on the type of energy source, absorption refrigerators are divided into four types:

1. Electric - powered by electricity.
2. Gas - using energy from the combustion of liquefied gas. The most economical type of device. One 5 liter gas cylinder is enough for an average of 230 hours of continuous operation.
3. Kerosene - kerosene is used to produce energy.
4. Combined - gas and electricity.

Thermoelectric

In such a cooling system, the temperature decrease is carried out according to the principle of direct heat absorption. No refrigerant is used. Coolers are semiconductor wafers through which electric current passes. As a result, the inside of the element cools and the outside heats up. When the direction of the current changes, the processes occur in the reverse order.

Thermoelectric systems are used mainly in small-sized models. Their use in large-volume refrigerators is irrational due to increased energy consumption.

Let's sum it up

When setting the temperature in the freezer compartment of a home refrigerator, you first need to study the manufacturers' recommendations specified in the operating instructions. The document displays the minimum and maximum values ​​supported by the appliance, as well as the recommended temperature level for normal freezer loading.

It is important to focus on the number of products stored on the shelves of the minus compartment. For light loads, it is enough to set the temperature at -12 degrees Celsius. If the compartment is completely clogged, it is better to set a mode that cools meat or vegetables to a temperature of -18˚С...-20˚С.

Another important consideration is how long you plan to store frozen food. At minimum temperatures, the duration of preservation of the quality and taste of berries, fruits, fish and meat products can reach 6-12 months. But in the range of -6˚С…-12˚С their shelf life is reduced by almost half.

Video: where is the real temperature in the refrigerator

Where is the real temperature in the refrigerator, and why food can spoil.

Watch this video on YouTube

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Units with touch control

Liebherr

The model has separate regulation in the freezer and refrigerator compartments. In addition, it has special modes:

1. SmartFreeze. Allows you to quickly freeze food by turning on forced air circulation in the freezer. In this case, rapid freezing occurs even when the freezer is fully loaded.
2. CoolPlus. In this mode, the unit adapts to the ambient temperature. The lower it is, the longer the intervals between compressor starts.

Food storage table

To store food, the optimal temperature in the refrigerator must be set. Each category of food supplies has its own regime. Storage recommendations are contained on the packaging of any product. It indicates the shelf life of the product and the temperature parameters at which it should be stored. Most often, the specified range corresponds to the normal operation of the device.

The table shows the optimal parameters for storing main types of products in the refrigerator compartment.

Set the t°C mode

As a rule, the temperature regime has a mechanical or electronic type of control. It all depends on the model of the device and its cost.

The mechanical type of adjustment involves the use of various knobs and levers. Refrigerators with this type of control are easy to use. To do this, just move the slider to the desired mark.

The electronic type is the presence of a touch display on which you can enter the desired values ​​in each compartment of the refrigeration device. To do this, you need to enter the menu and select the desired digital values ​​that correspond to the instructions.

Main camera

At what temperature does the refrigerator operate? An uneven temperature level prevails inside the refrigeration device: more cold is concentrated in one compartment, and more heat in another. This makes it possible to maintain the quality of products that require different temperature conditions.

According to the factory settings, the device operates at +4°C. This value allows you to maintain a temperature of +6+8°C on the top shelf and door compartment. This allows you to store products that are resistant to temperature changes in the refrigerator door compartments.

Important! The cold spreads from the freezer compartment and moves upward. For this reason, the lowest t (+2°C) is automatically adjusted on the lower shelves and closer to the rear body of the refrigerator.

Indications in the freezer

The highest temperature here is -18°C. Lowest: -24°C. If the “Super Freeze” mode is set, then the indicators drop to -30°C.

The -30 degree mode is suitable for quick freezing of berries, semi-finished products and meat products.

Products in the freezer compartment last longer, but should not be left for more than a month: they lose their taste and nutritional qualities.

Why is it necessary to monitor the readings in the camera? To know when to raise or lower the temperature. Adjustment in a household refrigerator is carried out using a thermostat or on an electronic panel.

How many degrees should a home refrigerator be?

The standard temperature in the refrigerator compartment is +3-5°C. Norm for the freezer: -18-24 degrees.

Single-chamber ones have either a freezer or a refrigerator. Combination models may have a freezer compartment. It is equipped with a door, the climate in it is controlled separately. Two-chamber refrigerators "Indesit", "Stinol", "Bosch" have separate chambers.

How does cooling occur:

• The electronic board sends a signal to the compressor to turn on.
• The motor creates pressure, driving the refrigerant into the condenser and then into the evaporator.
• It cools in the evaporator.
• If the LG, Ariston, Electrolux refrigerator is equipped with the No Frost system, the fan distributes cold air throughout the chamber.
• Once the system has reached the cut-out temperature, the compressor is switched off.
• The timer works in the evaporator and starts the defrost heating element.
• The grates are defrosted from ice, and the moisture is discharged into the drain. Then the cycle repeats.

Read about refrigerator cooling systems in a separate article.

Useful tips

• Do not place food that has not cooled down in the refrigerator (especially soups);
• It is undesirable to open the doors for a long time;
• Clean the freshness area regularly, as debris quickly accumulates there;
• do not abuse the use of maximum modes so that the compressor does not have to work continuously for a long time;
• for freezing vegetables, berries, fruits, it is better to use special bags so that they do not spread after defrosting;
• defrost the refrigerator at the frequency indicated in the instructions.

What is the operating temperature in refrigerators of various brands?

The instructions for each device indicate ideal indicators.

• "Indesit". Refrigerator compartment: +3-8°C. Freezing: -18°C, during “Super Freezing” -24°C.
• "Samsung". Main range: +3-7°C, freshness zone supports from -1 to +3 degrees. Freezing is carried out at -18-25°C.

• Bosch's performance is the same as Samsung's.
• Correct operation of Liebherr is possible at +8°C when cooling and -25°C when freezing.

To correctly set the operating mode, you need to take into account the manufacturer’s recommendations and pay attention to the climate class of the equipment. This directly affects the service life.

Signs of an incorrect temperature setting

As it turned out, in almost all cases the operating temperature of the refrigerator is within +2-5 degrees. If the t mode is adjusted incorrectly, the following symptoms may appear:

• rapid spoilage of food supplies;
• partial freezing and loss of taste properties of ready-made dishes;
• the condition of food removed from the refrigeration unit is warm to the touch;
• accumulation of condensation is visible on the inner shell of the refrigerator;
• melting ice in the freezer compartment.

If one of the above symptoms is detected, you need to check that the temperature values ​​are set correctly. If they are set incorrectly, they should be adjusted according to the instructions related to this model of refrigeration equipment.