How low in temperature should a commercial freezer be?
The temperatures for commercial freezers are usually much colder than those of commercial refrigerators. Many business owners believe their food must be safe because everything is frozen. But the truth is, food can still go bad. For proper storage, the ideal temperature for commercial freezers should remain at -18 ℃ (0 ℉).
What temperature should a commercial refrigerator be set at?
What temperature should a refrigerator be? The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) says the recommended refrigerator temperature is below 40°F; the ideal freezer temp is below 0°F. However, the ideal refrigerator temperature is actually lower: Aim to stay between 35° and 38°F (or 1.7 to 3.3°C).
What is the best commercial freezer?
Why Should You Buy A Commercial Freezer?
- Durable Design. Commercial freezers offer a highly durable design. ...
- Temperature Control. Like other freezers on the market, industrial freezers also allow you to control the temperature inside the unit.
- Corrosion Resistant. One of the best reasons to get a commercial grade freezer is the fact that they are highly resistant to corrosion.
- Easy To Clean. ...
What is the optimal temperature for a freezer?
- Keep the chest freezer temperature stable.
- You can blanch your uncooked vegetables before freezing.
- Repack your food in freezer-safe and air-tight containers. ...
- Fill your chest freezer at least 75 percent of its capacity. ...
- Properly label your frozen products by indicating the expiry or best-before dates. ...
What is the normal temperature range for a freezer?
0° FahrenheitThe Ideal Freezer Temperature It's pretty easy to remember: Your freezer temperature should be set to a chilly 0° Fahrenheit or below (-18° Celsius or below). Food stored at 0° Fahrenheit or below is safe to eat indefinitely (although quality and taste may be compromised as time passes).Jul 23, 2020
What temperature are commercial freezers?
0 degrees FahrenheitFor proper food storage, the ideal temperature for commercial freezers is at or below 0 degrees Fahrenheit. This keeps food completely safe for consumption by preventing bacteria from growing at the frigid temperature.Sep 25, 2019
What is commercial freezer?
Commercial freezer means a unit of commercial refrigeration equipment in which all refrigerated compartments in the unit are capable of operating below 32 °F (±2 °F).
What temperature should walk in freezers be?
For proper food storage, the ideal temperature for commercial freezers is at or below 0 degrees Fahrenheit. This keeps food completely safe for consumption by preventing bacteria ...
How long can you freeze meat?
The FDA recommends freezing the following foods for a specific period of time. See the full chart here. Bacon and Sausage - 1 to 2 months. Meat, uncooked steaks or chops - 4 to 12 months . Meat, uncooked ground - 3 to 4 months. Meat, cooked - 2 to 3 months.
Why does my freezer go up and down?
In a commercial kitchen, warm air and frequent openings of the freezer door will cause the unit’s temperature to go up and down. That can cause an inaccurate temperature reading if there is a prolonged exposure to outside air, not to mention a buildup of frost.
Why is frozen food important?
When food is frozen properly, it ensures that your foodservice operation is cooking and serving safe, high-quality food to your guests. Not only does that reduce food waste, but combined with energy-efficient refrigeration systems, the cost savings are even greater.
Temperature Monitoring
There will always be temperature fluctuation, especially in commercial freezers as they are being opened and closed regularly. While the correct temperature is at or below 0 degrees Fahrenheit, constant comings and goings to the freezer can make for inaccurate readings.
Different Types of Cooling
Commercial freezer regulations along with regulations in the food industry are incredibly strict when it comes to keeping foodstuff safe for consumption. There are various options when it comes to commercial freezers, and each option has its temperature requirements.
The Cold Truth About Commercial Freezers
Ensuring that you meet the standard requirements for commercial freezers is important for your business. Make sure that all of your staff members have been trained and aware of the importance of the temperature requirements, and know what to look out for.
What is the operating temperature of a commercial refrigeration unit?
The average temperature operating range for commercial refrigeration units is generally between 36F and 45F. If you store foods at a temperature lower than 36F you run the risk of freezing items that should not be, like milk and dairy products, where as if you store them at a higher temperature than 45F the food could spoil.
Why does refrigeration temperature rise?
Commercial refrigeration temperatures will rise the most when the equipment doors are open. Because equipment thermostats are located near the doors this can sometimes cause a false read. If temperatures are reading above normal try waiting 5 to 10 minutes with the door closed and then check the temperature again.
Why is refrigeration important?
This is especially true for commercial refrigeration products because the food service industry regulations are so strict. The temperature at which foods are stored can affect their appearance, taste, nutrient content and most importantly their safety. The purpose of a refrigerator is to keep foods at a cooler temperature in order to slow down ...
Why do we need a refrigerator?
The purpose of a refrigerator is to keep foods at a cooler temperature in order to slow down the growth of bacteria, making them ideal for perishable foods such as produce and cooked meats, while a freezer is intended to completely stop the growth of bacteria.
Is 38F a good temperature for refrigeration?
But the colder the food is the longer it will last, making 38F an ideal temperature for commercial refrigeration. Freezer temperature ranges are generally much colder. Some foods are more sensitive to cold temperatures than others, so the type of food you are storing as well as the type of refrigeration unit you are using will also affect ...
What Is the Danger Zone?
According to the USDA, the temperature range of 40 °F to 140 °F is where dangerous bacteria like Campylobacter, Escherichia coli, Salmonella Enteritidis, and Staphylococcus aureus multiply quickly. They can double in numbers in just 20 minutes within this temperature zone. No wonder it's called the Danger Zone !
Keep Refrigerated Foods Cold
Consistently cold temperatures help prevent microorganisms from increasing to levels that cause food to spoil. You can even help stop potentially deadly food-borne illnesses if food is refrigerated at a consistent, appropriate temperature (40 °F or below).
The Benefits of Eco-Smart Refrigeration
A smart, on-demand defrosting system prevents the harmful frost build-up that also contributes to freezer burn. It also offers significant cost savings in a commercial kitchen because it operates on demand rather than on a pre-set schedule.
Why Temperature is Important
Cold temperatures slow bacteria growth, allowing foods to last longer. Different bacteria thrive in different temperatures, and the same can be said for different types of food and drink.
Average Temperatures
You’ll find the average temperatures for restaurant fridges varies between 36F and 45F. Anything below 36 is at risk of freezing, while a temperature above 45 puts food at risk for bacteria and spoilage. Restaurant freezer temperatures are much lower, ranging from 5F to -20F.
General Guidelines for Cold Storage
Generally, your restaurant freezers and fridges should be set within the following temperature ranges:
New Restaurant Freezers and Fridges
Another consideration for your restaurant freezers and fridges is that when you buy a new refrigeration unit, you need to allow the temperatures to stabilize. So don’t plug it in and begin to stock it right away.
Temperature Reads
The more often your fridge or freezer is accessed, the more often the temperature has an opportunity to rise. This can make it difficult to maintain optimum temperatures but also provides incorrect reads of the thermostat. Since they tend to be located near the fridge door, they might read higher than the core inner temperature of the cabinet.
Reduce Access
To help maintain optimum temperatures, introduce a policy that limits staff access to the fridge or freezer. When staff are constantly and unnecessarily opening the doors in a kitchen, you will experience less than optimum temperatures.
Alarms
Last but not least, you might consider using a fridge or freezer alarm that warns you when the door is open or to signal a dangerous temperature rise. This is important for foods that are at risk of spoilage or where improper temperatures impact the quality of the food.
