Set your freezer to 0°F for the best ice

0°F is the ideal freezer temperature for an ice maker. That’s the standard for a reason: it’s cold enough to freeze cubes fast without wasting energy or causing problems.

If your freezer sits warmer than that—say 5°F or 10°F—the ice maker will still work, but it’ll be slower and the cubes might come out soft, cloudy, or stick together. If it’s colder, like -10°F, you’re just paying extra electricity for no better ice, and some ice makers actually struggle to eject cubes because the mold freezes too aggressively.

Most freezers are already set around 0°F from the factory. If your ice is coming out slow or melting in the tray, grab a thermometer and check the actual temperature — the dial might be lying to you.

Your owner’s manual might give a slightly different number, but unless it says otherwise, 0°F is where you want to be. That’s also the FDA’s recommended freezer temp for food safety, so you’re covering both bases.