How many degrees should be in the freezer

Temperature in freezer - An important criterion when choosing a refrigerator.

It would seem that long-term storage of perishable foods requires maximum cold, but this will only lead to a large consumption of electricity. Also, the life of the device will be reduced due to the increased load on the compressor. To avoid increased load on the unit, it is necessary to choose it based on the desired shelf life and type of products.

One of the options for sorting food into compartments

Temperature standards

In most modern models, temperature indicators range from –25 to –16 ° C. The set temperature affects the storage time and freshness of products, energy costs and the number of defrosts.

A temperature of –18 ° C is considered optimal for maintaining the climate in the freezer.

If the volume of products is small and they have already been frozen, then you can raise the temperature to –14. This will reduce energy consumption.

However, do not forget that from time to time the products heat up, because after turning off the compressor, an increase of up to –8 degrees occurs due to the transfer of cold to the common chamber.

Temperature control

There are two types of refrigerators for home use: with electronic and mechanical controls.

Mechanical involves setting the temperature using a pen with a pointer. Electronic control is performed on the touch panel, which allows you to adjust the climate in the refrigerator with an accuracy of one degree.

In some models, it is possible to set different indicators in each compartment and on each shelf. The temperature sensor in such devices is located not only in the freezer, but also in the refrigerator.

Food sorting depending on the area of ​​the refrigerator

Electromechanical control makes it possible to manually select the required temperature by turning the knob. This method is not accurate, it can only change the temperature and is present only in budget refrigerators.

The most modern is electronic control with mechanical or touch buttons. In such models there is an electronic unit with indicators and a digital display. Using a refrigerator with an electronic unit is much more convenient, and the display gives the equipment a stylish appearance.

Electronically controlled refrigerator in the interior of the kitchen

The advantages of such models:

• Proper storage of products, thanks to the most accurate temperature control in each compartment.
• The presence of a branch of "freshness." Using the control unit, you can set the required temperature in it (more often, close to zero), which will help to keep the products as fresh as possible. At the same time, other indicators can be selected in the freezer and in the main compartment. This zone can be of two types: a drawer and a separate compartment. Fresh-zone is intended for storing cheeses, sausages, dairy products (except cottage cheese), greens, vegetables and fruits.
  

  Fresh food storage

• The ability to set additional parameters: for example, humidity, various cooling and freezing modes, energy saving mode, set up notifications about all malfunctions.
• In general, such models of refrigerators are significantly exploited due to their autonomy and even some independence.

Quick freeze food

Such a function of modern refrigerators as “quick freezing” makes life much easier.However, the option is not suitable for all products.

So, cottage cheese, eggs, boiled potatoes, milk and mayonnaise, quick freezing is contraindicated.

However, other products subjected to such freezing, even after a few months will remain juicy and tasty, and most importantly, healthy.

Freezing retains taste and quality, but does not improve it, so only fresh and high-quality products should be frozen.

Frozen Vegetables

Packaging plays a big role. Properly selected containers will help maintain freshness, taste, nutritional value and the required amount of moisture.

The container or package selected for storage must meet some parameters:

• tightness: the package should not let air, moisture and odors;
• durable material that can withstand subzero temperatures;
• It should be easy to close and open.

Before freezing, it is necessary to inspect the products - they should not be rotten. Then peel, wash, cut and sort. Be sure to dry the washed vegetables and fruits, and hot - cool to 25 (room temperature).

Freezing should pass quickly so that ice does not have time to appear. If it appears, then all the juice will flow out, and this will lead to a deterioration in taste and a decrease in nutritional qualities. Hence, the temperature for freezing is –18 ° С.

Secrets of effective freezing:

• Food bags prepared for freezing should be stacked vertically, leaving a gap for air circulation.
• It makes sense to cut large vegetables into smaller pieces. This will speed up the freezing process and make it better.
• The freezer should not be overloaded. This will affect the effectiveness of freezing and taste.

Frozen foods have their expiration dates:

• stuffing - up to two months;
• pork, chicken, beef - up to six months;
• game - up to 10 months;
• seafood - up to three months, pieces of big fish - up to 6 months;
• in vegetables, fruits and berries, the longest shelf life is a year or more.

NO FROST system

In coolers with the No frost system, a cooler fan is built-in, with which cold air circulates. The evaporator itself is located in the compartment between the freezer and the refrigerator.

First, air enters, then it cools and exits from the other side. In this case, frost remains on the evaporator. The frost melts at a time when the compressor is not working. Then the water flows into a special tray, which is located on the back wall.

The advantages of this system include:

• continuous air circulation. Thanks to it, quick cooling of products occurs;
• the presence of the quick freeze function;
• Frequent and prolonged opening of the refrigerator doors does not affect the temperature, as it recovers very quickly;
• lack of ice cover and ease of defrosting.

Cons are also present:

• high power consumption caused by continuous fan operation;
• lower capacity than refrigerators with a drip thawing system;
• increased noise level;
• fast curing of products;
• high cost of the device.

Explanation of the symbols used in refrigerators

K - refrigerator;

G - freezer;

F - freshness zone;

N - no frost (without hoarfrost);

S - 2 compressors;

V - static freezer compartment.