Thor Forums

[Irontent]

Originally Posted by cpmath

Strange, I just checking my freezer compartment in the home refrigerator, my freezer in the basement and the freezer compartment in my MH, all three of them are reading 28-26 degrees. I've never heard of a home or residential freezer going to 0 degrees. Foods will freeze at 31 degrees or lower, don't really see a need for zero degrees. My RV fridge takes approximately 6-8 hours to bring it down to operating temperature.

From .... University of Nebraska
https://food.unl.edu/refrigerator-and-freezer-storage

Keep your freezer at zero degrees (0°) or below to maintain the quality of frozen foods.

Most foods will maintain good quality longer if the freezer temperature is -10 to -20°F. At temperatures between 0 and 32°F, food deteriorates more rapidly. Fluctuating temperatures, such as those in self-defrosting freezers, also may damage food quality. Do not plan to store frozen foods for the maximum suggested time if your freezing unit cannot maintain zero degree temperatures. Even foods stored properly will lose color, texture, flavor and nutritional quality but will not cause food-borne illness.

Freezer temperatures, however, do not destroy pathogenic or spoilage microorganisms, which will begin growing under warmer temperature conditions. When frozen foods are thawed at room temperature, the surface of the food warms enough for microorganisms to grow and multiply.

If your freezer does not have a built-in thermometer, check the temperature frequently.

One easy way to estimate the freezer's temperature is to check the consistency of ice cream stored inside the compartment. If the ice cream is not brick-hard, the temperature of your freezer is too warm.

A warning light or other device may be installed to warn you if the freezer is not operating correctly. A plug protector may be used to keep the electrical plug in the outlet.

Time is an important factor in maintaining high-quality frozen foods. Frozen foods will not last forever. The chart on the associated page lists the maximum length of storage times to help you maintain quality food products.

Label frozen food items, maintain a rotation system and use the items with the oldest dates first.

Allow proper air circulation in the freezer.

More importantly, Ice Cream is too soft if kept close to 32.

Good luck