Frozen food should be stored at a temperature of 0°F (−18°C) or lower to stay safely frozen and maintain quality.

Quick Scoop

Safe temperature in one line

For home kitchens and commercial freezers alike, the recommended storage temperature is 0°F (−18°C) or below , with the goal of keeping food completely frozen and stopping bacterial growth.

Why 0°F (−18°C) matters

  • At around 0°F (−18°C), harmful bacteria are essentially stopped from multiplying, which keeps frozen food microbiologically safe.
  • Food agencies and food-service guides consistently cite 0°F (−18°C) or colder as the ideal standard for long‑term frozen storage.

Quality vs safety

  • Frozen food kept continuously at 0°F (−18°C) or below can remain safe for a very long time, but texture and flavor gradually decline over months.
  • If temperatures rise above −18°C (for example during frequent door opening or poor freezer performance), food can develop freezer burn, discoloration, and nutrient loss, even if it is still technically safe.

Practical tips at home

  • Set your freezer to 0°F (−18°C) and confirm with an appliance thermometer placed inside, not just by relying on dial numbers.
  • Keep the freezer reasonably full, avoid overcrowding vents, and limit how often the door is opened to help maintain a stable, safely low temperature.

TL;DR: Frozen food should be stored at a temperature of 0°F (−18°C) or lower for safety and best quality.

Information gathered from public forums or data available on the internet and portrayed here.