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The fact that -18°C happens to be 0°F probably might have something to do with why we set our freezers at that temperature, but do we really need to use all that energy to deep freeze our items?
Would -15°C be enough and also save on energy consumption? This blog by Gareth Turnbull (pictured), Director of Wessex Refrigeration Hire and Wessex Pop-Up Coldrooms, explores the temperature we need to set our freezer and why:
Here’s what you need to know if you’re using or renting commercial freezers, modular cold rooms, or refrigerated trailers from Wessex Refrigeration Hire. 
Why -18°C became the norm
The -18°C setpoint is rooted in a conservative approach to food safety. Global food standards, including those from the FDA, EU, and WHO, recommend storing frozen food at -18°C or colder.
This ensures that microbial activity is halted and food remains safe indefinitely. Some operators add a buffer and set freezers to -20°C to allow for temperature fluctuations.
But going colder than necessary comes at a cost, particularly to your energy bills and carbon footprint. Read more in our article ‘How Much Does it Cost to Run a Fridge Freezer‘
What the regulations actually say
Under EU and UK food safety regulations, -18°C is the minimum standard for frozen food. Temporary deviations up to -15°C are allowed during transport or brief door openings. However, the average storage temperature should be -18°C or lower.
This means you can store food safely at -18°C, but consistently operating at -15°C may not comply with regulations if you sell frozen goods.
What about food quality?
Food safety aside, quality can degrade more quickly at warmer temperatures:
Energy efficiency matters
Every degree counts when it comes to electricity usage. Studies show that raising the freezer temperature from -20°C to -15°C can reduce energy consumption by 5–10%. For larger freezers or high-usage operations, this can translate to thousands of pounds saved annually and a reduced carbon footprint.
Phil Pluck, CEO of the Cold Chain Federation, highlighted that: “ It had been nearly 100 years since the -18°C standard was last reviewed. During that time, the technology, equipment and processes used to manage temperature-controlled logistics have advanced beyond recognition.”
For emergency freezer rental or short-term commercial freezer hire, a setpoint of -15°C may be perfectly acceptable *supported by EU food safety allowances and cold chain case studies, as long as the food is already frozen and consumed within a reasonable timeframe.
The ‘Move to -15°C’ is a global refrigeration sector movement which was introduced at COP 28 and initially targeted the shipping industry. 
For customers renting from Wessex Refrigeration Hire, especially those using walk-in freezers for events, backup, cold storage, or emergency refrigeration, we can advise on the most energy-efficient settings based on your needs.
We can also provide real-time temperature monitoring, sending live data to your operations team as well as our engineers via the mobile app.
This enables us to track and record temperature data and make adjustments to ensure your room operates efficiently. Read more here: https://refrigerationhire.co.uk/remote-monitor/https://refrigerationhire.co.uk/remote-monitor/
Recommendations from Wessex Refrigeration Hire
Stick to -18°C if you’re storing food for commercial sale or long-term use. It meets all regulatory requirements and balances safety, quality, and efficiency.
Consider -15°C for short-term storage, backup cold rooms, or energy savings—as long as the food will be consumed soon and the freezer holds temp consistently.
Avoid setting freezers lower than -20°C unless absolutely necessary. It increases energy use without significant safety or quality benefits.
You may need to reach -20°C as a specific temperature for specialist applications such as Moth Infestations. Read more about how to Eliminate Moth Infestations here… https://refrigerationhire.co.uk/mothinfestation/
Use proper monitoring and ensure air circulation in all modular cold rooms and walk-in freezers to ensure even temperature distribution and efficient freezer operation. Our real-time temperature monitoring will help ensure the room is operating at its optimal efficiency.
Communicate with clients or partners if you’re providing storage services. Make sure everyone agrees on the target temperature and understands any trade-offs.
Wessex Refrigeration Hire understands the pressure to cut costs and operate sustainably, especially when renting cold storage for events, retail, or emergencies.
By working with our customers to carefully adjust freezer setpoints and understand the proper requirements of frozen food storage, you can save energy and reduce your carbon footprint without cutting corners on safety.
Get in touch with our team. We’re here to guide you on the most effective and compliant use of your refrigeration trailer, modular cold room, or walk-in freezer rental.
Visit www.refrigerationhire.co.uk to learn more.
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