At what temperature should a freezer be set?

A freezer should be set at zero degrees Fahrenheit to ensure food safety and maintain the quality of stored frozen items. This temperature greatly slows down the growth of bacteria and preserves the texture and taste of food. At zero degrees, food can be safely stored for extended periods without significant deterioration.

Setting a freezer at temperatures warmer than this, such as 10 degrees Fahrenheit or 20 degrees Fahrenheit, may not effectively halt bacterial growth and could lead to spoilage or freezer burn. Similarly, a temperature of 32 degrees Fahrenheit is equivalent to the freezing point of water, meaning items in the freezer may not remain adequately frozen, thus compromising both safety and quality. Therefore, maintaining a temperature of zero degrees is optimal for food preservation and safety.