Safe Freezer temp

[cmayna]

I finally went out and bought a larger Frigidare upright freezer.   I have noticed that at the freezer level #3 setting, the temp is 5 to 6 degrees above zero and the freezer reaches this temp pretty easy and shuts off when it reaches it. If I change to level 4, which is colder, it seems to run forever reaching a temp of around  minus 6 degrees, but can't say I have heard it shut off yet at that level. 

Since I store mainly frozen uncooked salmon and smoked salmon, would a temp of 5 to 6 degrees above zero be safe?  Do I cut the freezer shelf life of the foods?

 

[jp61]

I finally went out and bought a larger Frigidare upright freezer.   I have noticed that at the freezer level #3 setting, the temp is 5 to 6 degrees above zero and the freezer reaches this temp pretty easy and shuts off when it reaches it. If I change to level 4, which is colder, it seems to run forever reaching a temp of around  minus 6 degrees, but can't say I have heard it shut off yet at that level. 

Since I store mainly frozen uncooked salmon and smoked salmon, would a temp of 5 to 6 degrees above zero be safe?  Do I cut the freezer shelf life of the foods?

I have a Frigidaire upright set on 4 and it works fine. There's no reason why it wouldn't cycle off on setting 4 if it does on 3. It just takes longer to reach that set point.

 

[daveomak]

cmayna, morning....  

 ...  Below zero is considered the safe temp to run a freezer.... There is less chance of freezer burn on certain foods....  Some "food bugs" will die, after time, below zero.....   Dave 

 

[cmayna]

Well, I did a more detailed study yesterday while watching them GIANTS win the world series.  With my Fluke digital themometer wire lead located in the box I watched and timed the freezer and to when it came on and off.

Came on at   +4.  Turned off at  - 7 which took 35 minutes

Came back on again at +4 which took 45 minutes.

Taking 35 minutes to run while the box is not opened sure seems like a long time.

 

[chef jimmyj]

The USDA recommends that freezer be set for Zero degrees, refrigerator/freezer combos and less for long term storage. I have an Upright 19 cubic foot freezer and it is set at -10*F from the factory...JJ

 

[jp61]

Well, I did a more detailed study yesterday while watching them GIANTS win the world series.  With my Fluke digital themometer wire lead located in the box I watched and timed the freezer and to when it came on and off.

Came on at   +4.  Turned off at  - 7 which took 35 minutes

Came back on again at +4 which took 45 minutes.

Taking 35 minutes to run while the box is not opened sure seems like a long time.

Is this a new freezer or used? You may want to check the door seal to make sure it's tight when door is shut. Depending on what type of item and how much you put in it will effect the on/off cycle. If it's new and you think it's not working properly you may want to contact Frigidaire. Good luck!