An electrician has revealed the optimal time to keep beer in the freezer for perfect chilling, warning that leaving it too long can lead to messy explosions and damaged freezer components.
Chris Madikian from The Local Electrician says summer is peak season for beer-related freezer mishaps.
“Frozen beer explosions can damage freezer seals, interfere with temperature sensors, and sometimes short-circuit electrical components when liquid seeps into control panels,” Madikian said. “These repairs often cost as much as £100-200.”
“Beer will begin to freeze after about 90 minutes in a standard home freezer,” he said. “The exact timing varies based on alcohol content, with higher alcohol beers taking longer to freeze than lighter lagers.”
Madikian says that beer bottles or cans left in freezers too long often crack or explode due to the expansion of water as it turns to ice. This not only wastes good beer but can damage freezer components.
“The best time to chill beer in a freezer is between 30 and 40 minutes,” Madikian says. “This brings most beer bottles from room temperature to optimal drinking temperature without risking freezing.”
Glass or can? It matters
“Glass bottles are more likely to shatter than aluminium cans when their contents freeze,” Madikian pointed out. “Cans typically split at the seam rather than explode but can still create a big mess.”
Set a timer
Rather than eyeballing it, Madikian recommends setting a timer. “Most people put beer in the freezer, then forget about it,” he says. “That’s when things go wrong.”
Stronger beers freeze more slowly
Beers with higher alcohol percentages take longer to freeze due to the lower freezing point of alcohol compared to water. “Light beers around 4% alcohol content freeze quickest, while craft beers at 7% or more might take additional time to reach freezing point,” Madikian explained.
Watch for warning signs
“When removing a beer from the freezer, check for any cloudiness or slush forming inside the bottle,” he advised. “These show the beer has started to freeze and should be drunk right away.”
A hack for faster chilling
Madikian recommended alternatives for those who regularly need chilled drinks quickly. “A wet paper towel wrapped around the bottle before freezing can speed up cooling by about 50%, reducing wait time by 10-20 minutes,” he said.