How Long Food Lasts Without Power

When the power goes out, your refrigerator, a household appliance that keeps perishable food cold to prevent spoilage becomes a ticking clock. Most people assume food spoils right away, but the truth is more nuanced. A full fridge can keep food cold for about 4 hours, the typical time food stays safely cold in an unopened refrigerator during a power outage if the door stays shut. A full freezer, a separate compartment designed to maintain temperatures below 0°F for long-term food storage can hold its temperature for up to 48 hours, the average duration a full freezer maintains safe temperatures without power. That’s why keeping it packed matters—more food = better insulation.

It’s not just about time—it’s about temperature. If your fridge rises above 40°F for more than 2 hours, bacteria start multiplying fast. Milk, eggs, meat, and leftovers are the first to go. You can’t always tell by smell or looks—some spoiled food doesn’t smell bad until it’s too late. The food safety, the practice of storing and handling food to prevent illness from contamination rule is simple: when in doubt, throw it out. Frozen food with ice crystals? Still safe. Thawed meat that’s warm to the touch? Don’t risk it. A $5 pack of ground beef isn’t worth a trip to the ER.

What about the freezer? If it’s half-full, you’re looking at only 24 hours. Keep the door closed. Don’t open it to check. Every time you do, you let cold air escape and warm air in. If you know a storm’s coming, freeze water bottles or gel packs ahead of time—they act like extra insulation. You can even group items together to create a cold block. If the power’s out for more than a day, consider using dry ice or asking a neighbor with a working freezer if you can store items there.

Some foods are tougher than others. Butter, hard cheeses, and whole fruits? They’ll last longer. But cooked rice, soups, and deli meats? Toss them after 4 hours. It’s not about being overly cautious—it’s about avoiding foodborne illness, which can hit hard and fast. And no, putting food outside in winter isn’t a reliable fix. Temperatures swing, sunlight warms it, and animals get into it.

There’s no magic formula, but knowing these timelines gives you control. You won’t panic when the lights go out. You’ll know what to save and what to let go. And that’s the difference between stress and calm during an outage.

Below, you’ll find real-world guides on what to do when your fridge stops working, how to test if your freezer is still cold enough, and what appliances can help you avoid these problems altogether. No fluff. Just what works.