Nobody likes opening a package of chicken breasts or a bag of frozen vegetables only to find gray, dried-out spots covered in ice crystals. Freezer burn doesn't make food unsafe to eat, but it certainly ruins the taste and texture—and wastes money you spent at the grocery store. Understanding what causes freezer burn and how to prevent it can save you easily $300 to $500 a year in spoiled food.
What Actually Causes Freezer Burn
Freezer burn happens when air reaches the food's surface inside your freezer. The cold, dry environment pulls moisture from the food through a process called sublimation, where ice crystals form on the surface while the food itself dries out. Those grayish-brown leathery patches you see are essentially dehydrated food. In San Antonio's climate, where we open our freezers more frequently during our long, hot summers to grab ice or cold drinks, warm air sneaks in more often—giving freezer burn extra opportunities to develop.
Proper Wrapping Makes All the Difference
The single best defense against freezer burn is creating an airtight barrier between your food and the freezer air. Here's what works:
- Wrap meat tightly in plastic wrap, then add a layer of aluminum foil or place it in a freezer bag, squeezing out all the air
- Use vacuum-sealed bags when possible—they remove nearly all air contact
- Choose freezer-specific containers and bags, which are thicker than regular storage bags
- Label everything with the date so you use older items first
- Leave minimal headspace in containers, but remember liquids expand when frozen
Store-bought packaging often isn't sufficient for long-term freezer storage. If you're planning to freeze something for more than a few weeks, rewrap it properly.
Temperature and Organization Matter
Your freezer should maintain 0°F or below. Many freezers run a few degrees warmer, especially if the door seal is worn or if the appliance is overdue for maintenance. Check the temperature with an inexpensive freezer thermometer—they run about $8 to $12 and provide peace of mind.
Organize your freezer so air can circulate freely. Don't jam items against the back wall or block the vents. Keep your freezer at least two-thirds full; frozen items help maintain cold temperatures, but leave enough room for air flow. During summer months in San Antonio, when your CPS Energy bill already climbs, an efficiently organized freezer runs more economically.
When Your Freezer Isn't Keeping Up
If you're doing everything right but still finding excessive ice buildup or freezer burn, your appliance may be struggling. Older units or those with worn door seals waste energy and fail to maintain consistent temperatures. A frost-free freezer in good working condition shouldn't require constant defrosting or leave you with ruined food every few weeks.
If it's time to upgrade, our $899 in-stock washer and refrigerator options include models with reliable freezer compartments designed to maintain proper temperatures and humidity levels. Sometimes the best prevention for freezer burn is simply having a freezer that works the way it should.