Setting the freezer temperature in winter seems like a detail, but instead it hides a few more tricks. Energy saving, food conservation, paying attention to bills: everything depends on those extra or minus degrees.
There are those who adjust the freezer only once, those who ignore it all year round. Yet, among the small gestures that make the difference in the kitchen, understanding how to set the right freezer temperature, especially in winter, can really reduce food waste and consumption. In fact, many do not realize that the cold season allows for some adjustments: it is colder outside, the kitchen cools down quickly, and the freezer works less, consuming less electricity.
The question arises spontaneously, then. But do we really need to change anything in winter? The short answer is yes, but with a little attention to detail. Especially if you live in a house that is not too isolated or perhaps you leave the kitchen window slightly open for air, a choice that also makes a difference on bills. A small practical example: a variation of 1–2 degrees is enough to save a few euros in a year. And even if the figure doesn’t seem high, in times like these, every detail counts.
What is the ideal freezer temperature in winter
According to most guidelines and manufacturers, the ideal freezer temperature it should be around -18 degrees Celsius. This threshold is considered a good compromise between food safety and savings. However, in winter, especially if the freezer is positioned in cold environments (perhaps in the garage, or on a closed balcony), you can afford to raise the temperature slightly, bringing it to -16 degrees without risking compromising food preservation.
Some freezer models have a digital display. Others, just a wheel with numbers. In the latter case, the rule of thumb is this: the central position almost always corresponds to a temperature close to -18 degrees. If the temperature drops a lot outside, you can move the dial towards the minimum, but never exceed -15 degrees.
Not everyone thinks about it, but the amount of food stored also makes a difference. A full freezer keeps the cold better, while an empty one consumes more. If you keep it half empty, consider adding a few half-filled water bottles (old trick, but still works now).
How to regulate the temperature without risks
The operation is simple, but not trivial. First of all, check the user manual for your model: some brands do not recommend frequent changes. If you have a combined freezer and fridge, be careful not to alter the balance, especially on very cold days. And then, remember to measure the real temperature: freezer thermometers are cheap and help you understand if the set threshold really corresponds to the actual one.
When adjusting the temperature in winter, it’s best to wait a few hours before checking again. The changes are felt slowly, especially if the freezer is very full. And if you notice frost or ice on the walls, perhaps you have exaggerated with the cold: in that case, immediately return to the recommended temperature.
A detail that often escapes: avoid opening the freezer too often, especially when the room is cold. Any opening lets in air, increases humidity and can lead to ice formation. Better to organize yourself in a practical way, perhaps preparing everything you need before taking out the ingredients.
Practical tips to avoid waste in winter
Winter brings advantages even in small daily gestures. For example, you can take advantage of low external temperatures to cool food before placing it in the freezer. A windowsill or balcony is enough: this way you reduce the effort on the appliance and save a few minutes of electricity. It also works with drinks, by the way.
If the freezer is located in poorly heated environments, remember to check that too much ice does not form on the walls. An excess of frost not only reduces useful space, but also increases consumption. If necessary, a quick defrost can solve everything.
And finally, there is a small precaution that few people follow: mark the freezing date on each food. In winter, we tend to stock up more (there are those who fill the freezer before Christmas or long weekends), but we risk forgetting something at the bottom. All you need is a marker and some labels. Small things, true, but when you open the freezer and find everything in order, the day already seems easier.
Certain habits don’t change from one day to the next, but sometimes a different look is enough, perhaps while the snow is falling or the wind is blowing outside, to rediscover that even routine has its hidden tricks.
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