4 SIGNS YOUR FREEZER IS TOO COLD & POSSIBLE SOLUTIONS

Struggling with rock-solid ice cream or finding ice buildup on your freezer walls might make you question your freezer’s temperature. This guide will help you understand the effects of a freezer that gets too cold, the optimal freezer temperature, and four potential causes and solutions to explore.

WHAT HAPPENS IF YOUR FREEZER IS TOO COLD?

A freezer that’s too cold shouldn’t impact the quality of your food, but it can cause an uptick in your electricity bill. Some indicators—like ice crystals on food packaging or ice build-up on the walls—may mean that your freezer’s temperature is fluctuating too much, which can lead to further issues with internal temperature regulation.

WHAT TEMPERATURE IS TOO COLD FOR A FREEZER?

Storing frozen food at 0ºF (-17ºC) will help keep everything from homemade maple bacon ice cream to the week’s meal prepped ingredients preserved, but temperatures colder than 0ºF are unnecessary for food preservation. Reference your owner’s manual to find out more about adjusting your freezer’s temperature settings.

FREEZER GETTING TOO COLD: POSSIBLE SIGNS AND SOLUTIONS

From ice build-up to unusual sounds, your freezer may be sending signals that it is in need of troubleshooting. Read below to learn about four potential causes of a freezer that’s getting too cold and how to address them. 

1. BLOCKED AIR VENTS

Air flows between the freezer and refrigerator compartments to help keep temperatures stable, but if the vents are blocked, cold air can get trapped in the freezer compartment and lead to a freezer that’s too cold. Reference your owner’s manual to determine the location of your refrigerator and freezer vents, then check to see if any food packaging is blocking the vents and disrupting proper airflow.

2. ICE MAKER ON BUT NOT CONNECTED

An ice maker that’s switched on but not connected to the water supply may cause your freezer compartment to get too cold. If this is the cause, you may also notice buzzing sounds coming from the ice maker or the food in the refrigerator crisper drawers freezing over. Shut the ice maker off, or connect it to the water supply, to help prevent overcooling in the freezer compartment.

3. TEMPERATURE CONTROLS MISSET

Your refrigerator and freezer default temperatures are likely set to accommodate normal household usage, but freezers in a garage or basement, for instance, may need to be set at a slightly warmer temperature to account for humidity and outside temperatures. In this case, make sure to only make minor adjustments to your freezer’s temperature to accommodate the surrounding environment, then wait 24 hours to check the results. Consult your owner’s manual for more information on freezer settings.

4. FREEZER COMPARTMENT FROSTING OVER

Ice build-up inside the freezer can block air vents and temperature sensors over time, making it harder for your freezer to regulate its internal temperature. A handful of causes can contribute to thickly frosted freezer walls, but ice typically accumulates as warm or moist air enters the freezer compartment when the door is left open too long or warm food gets stashed in the freezer. 

You can help prevent ice build-up by checking the freezer door gasket seal for any leaks or gaps and, if applicable, manually defrosting your freezer if ice is at least ¼" thick.

EXPLORE KITCHENAID^® REFRIGERATORS

Built-in and freestanding refrigerators from KitchenAid brand help keep your ingredients fresh so you don’t miss a beat in the kitchen. The Preserva^® Food Care System on select models features two independent cooling systems—one for the refrigerator and one for the freezer—to help keep fresh and frozen items tasting their best. Plus, the Custom Freeze Zone on select models lets you select 0ºF, 10ºF or 19ºF so you can create the optimal environment for whatever food you’re storing.