How Long Can a Freezer Stay Frozen Without Power?

Power outages are a common issue, and for commercial kitchens and businesses relying on refrigeration, the consequences can be costly. When the power goes out, the clock starts ticking on how long your freezer can stay frozen. The answer depends on several factors, including the size of the freezer, its contents, and the external temperature. Here's everything you need to know about keeping your freezer intact during a power outage.

How Long Is Food Safe In An Unpowered Freezer?

For smaller commercial freezers, such as those found in restaurants or cafes, the safe window without power is typically between 4 and 6 hours. However, for larger, more robust commercial freezers that are filled to capacity, you can generally expect 48 hours of frozen food preservation. If the freezer is only half full, this time is reduced to around 24 hours. Essentially, the more space there is inside the freezer, the faster the temperature will rise.

Tips for Maximising Your Freezer’s Durability

Once the power goes out, it’s essential to act quickly to preserve your stock. The key is to keep the freezer door closed as much as possible. By doing this, you minimise the escape of cold air, thereby extending the time the food stays frozen.

One great way to enhance your freezer's performance during a power outage is by filling any empty space with containers of water. This ice mass acts as an additional cooling element, keeping the internal temperature lower for longer. Once the freezer is full of food again, you can replace the water with edible items.

If the power goes out for an extended period, adding blocks of ice to the top of the freezer will help to keep it cold for even longer. The ice will melt slowly, releasing cold air that helps to maintain the freezer's temperature.

Another useful trick is to place a container of water inside the freezer and place a coin on top once it's frozen. If the coin remains on top, you know the freezer hasn’t thawed. If the coin has sunk to the bottom, then the food inside has thawed and refrozen, which could indicate that the food may no longer be safe to eat.

When Should You Dispose of Food?

Food safety is critical in the commercial sector, and knowing when to discard food is essential. If meat, seafood, dairy, or poultry has been above 4°C for over two hours, it may not be safe to consume. This temperature range encourages bacterial growth, which can lead to foodborne illnesses.

Soft cheeses and shredded cheese should also be discarded if they've been left in an unsafe temperature zone for more than two hours. As a commercial kitchen or restaurant manager, it's crucial to regularly monitor food safety practices to avoid costly losses.

Need Reliable Refrigeration Services?

At Mitchell’s, we offer a wide range of refrigeration services to help keep your business running smoothly. From commercial refrigerator repair to full system installations, our team of qualified refrigeration engineers can ensure your refrigeration systems are always working at their best. Contact us today to learn more about our services and how we can help your business avoid costly downtime.