WHAT TO DO IF YOUR FREEZER IS TOO COLD
Your freezer helps preserve fresh food and store frozen favorites, making it convenient for mealtime or when you’re craving a frosty treat. To get the most out of your freezer, set it at the correct temperature to help frozen items last longer. If your freezer is too cold, it can affect the quality of frozen food and may indicate a potential problem. Read on for troubleshooting tips and possible solutions for a freezer that’s too cold.
If you’re a Maytag® freezer owner, you can also refer to the troubleshooting page for possible causes and fixes for your freezer or contact Service & Support.
CAN YOUR FREEZER BE TOO COLD?
Yes, your freezer can be too cold. If this is the case, you may need to adjust the temperature to 0ºF (-18ºC) or shift frozen items around to help encourage proper airflow. Parts of your freezer may also have worn out over time, affecting your appliance’s freezing capabilities.
Always check your owner’s manual for model-specific troubleshooting instructions. You can also learn the best freezer settings for optimal performance by understanding how your freezer works.
HOW CAN YOU TELL IF YOUR FREEZER IS TOO COLD?
There are a few things you may notice if your freezer is too cold. Frost or ice build-up on freezer walls can be one of the signs your freezer is too cold. First, check the temperature setting to make sure it’s within a degree of 0ºF (-18ºC) and adjust accordingly.
If you notice ice crystals on frozen food, these items may be freezer burned due to colder or fluctuating temps. Even though the food is likely safe to eat, freezer burn may affect the taste and texture of these items. While many frozen foods can be stored at 0ºF indefinitely, knowing how long food lasts in a freezer can help preserve the quality of items.
HOW TO TROUBLESHOOT A FREEZER THAT’S TOO COLD
If your freezer is too cold, there might be a simple fix, such as adjusting the temperature, resetting your freezer or reorganizing frozen food. Other causes may require the help of a professional or an appliance upgrade. Read on to learn how to help troubleshoot a freezer that’s too cold.
Before you schedule a service call, you can also explore how to troubleshoot problems and possibly find a solution to your freezer’s issues. Your freezer’s owner’s manual can also be a great resource.
Supplies
Baking soda
Mild dish soap (optional)
Tools
Soft cleaning cloth
Clean rags or towels
Cooler
STEP 1: CHECK TEMPERATURE SETTING
The temperature should be set at 0ºF (-18ºC) or within a range of -1ºF–1ºF. If you need to lower the temperature, and your control panel doesn’t show temperature degrees, change the control to the next higher setting and wait 24 hours. Repeat with small adjustments until you reach the correct temperature.
Keep in mind that a freezer in a garage or basement may need to be adjusted for environmental factors, such as outdoor temps or humidity.
STEP 2: RESET FREEZER
Your freezer may have a reset button to restart the appliance. Refer to your owner’s manual for resetting instructions. For a Maytag® freezer, unplug your appliance or turn off the circuit breaker(s) for up to 10 minutes. Then plug it back in or flip the circuit breaker(s) back on.
STEP 3: REORGANIZE FOOD
Locate your freezer air vents and make sure nothing is blocking the airflow. If your freezer is overcrowded, food items may restrict proper airflow by blocking the evaporator fan, which helps maintain the right temperature. Consult your owner’s manual if you’re unsure of the vent’s location.
STEP 4: AIRFLOW CONTROL
If you have a fridge/freezer unit, the airflow control regulates the air between your refrigerator and freezer compartments. If your freezer is too cold, you may need to adjust the control to decrease the cold airflow. The airflow control is typically located at the back of the freezer.
STEP 5: TURN OFF ICE MAKER
If your ice maker is on but not connected to a water supply, you’ll want to turn it off. This may be the reason your freezer is too cold.
STEP 6: REMOVE ICE BUILD-UP
Ice or frost build-up on interior walls may cause your freezer to be too cold. If you don’t have an auto-defrost feature, you can manually defrost your freezer once a year. Simply put your food in a cooler, unplug the freezer, open the door, place towels below and inside the freezer and allow the ice to melt.
After the ice is melted, wipe up any residual water with rags or towels. Then use a soft cleaning cloth with baking soda or a mild liquid soap to clean the interior. Wipe the freezer dry, plug it back in and wait to put the food back inside until the freezer has reached a temperature of 0ºF (-18ºC).
WHAT TEMPERATURE SHOULD A FREEZER BE SET AT?
The recommended freezer temperature is typically 0ºF (-18ºC). A range of -1ºF–1ºF should maintain the quality of your frozen food. To minimize freezer burn, set the temperature at the cooler end of the range. If you notice frost build-up on freezer walls, the temperature may be too low.
A freezer temperature that’s set slightly high can make ice cream too soft. Keep in mind that after a hot meal, you may want to cool your food before storing it in your freezer to prevent temperature fluctuations.
EXPLORE MAYTAG® FREEZERS
Maytag® freezers deliver dependable performance when you’re storing leftovers, stocking up on sale items and keeping frozen treats on hand. Select upright freezers and chest freezers from Maytag brand have a FastFreeze option that drops the freezer to its coldest temperature for 24 hours to help seal in freshness after a big grocery trip. Plus, select models are garage-ready, so they can withstand outdoor temperatures between 0°F and 110°F while keeping your frozen food at just the right temperature. Learn more about freezer features in this freezer buying guide.
DISCOVER MORE ABOUT HOW REFRIGERATORS AND FREEZERS WORK WITH MAYTAG BRAND
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How Does a Freezer Work? Freezers help us store more for longer. Find out how freezers work, learn about their parts and discover different types of freezers with this guide.
