Freezer safe
What it looks like
A snowflake, sometimes inside a square or above a temperature such as −18 °C.
What it means
Cold makes plastics brittle, so a tub that flexes at room temperature can shatter when dropped at −18 °C — this symbol says the material has been rated for that. Glass needs a further precaution the symbol does not cover: water expands about 9% as it freezes, so a jar filled to the neck will crack from the inside, and headspace matters more than the glass grade. The snowflake also does not mean the item can go from freezer to oven; that combination needs both symbols and a thermal-shock rating.
Defined by Manufacturer declaration. Where a symbol differs between standards, the difference is described above rather than resolved — both versions are in circulation on real labels.
Other cookware and containers symbols
| Symbol | Means |
|---|---|
| Microwave safe | The maker states the material is suitable for heating food in a microwave. |
| Do not microwave | Do not heat this container in a microwave. |
| Dishwasher safe | The item survives a normal dishwasher cycle. Some versions specify the top rack only. |
| Not dishwasher safe — hand wash only | Wash this by hand. |
| Oven safe | The item can go in a conventional oven, up to the stated temperature if one is given. |
| Not oven safe | Do not put this in a conventional oven. |
| Induction compatible | The pan has a ferromagnetic base and will work on an induction hob. |
| BPA free | The item contains no bisphenol A. It is a marketing claim, not a certification. |
| Do not use metal utensils | Use wood, silicone or nylon tools with this surface. |
Common questions
- What does the freezer safe symbol mean?
- The container can be used in a freezer without cracking or failing.
- What does it look like?
- A snowflake, sometimes inside a square or above a temperature such as −18 °C.
Related pages
- Oven safe The item can go in a conventional oven, up to the stated temperature if one is given.
- Four star freezer — freezes fresh food Reaches −18 °C or colder and can freeze fresh food from room temperature.
- Microwave safe The maker states the material is suitable for heating food in a microwave.
- Microwave safe The maker states the material is suitable for heating food in a microwave.
- Do not microwave Do not heat this container in a microwave.
- Dishwasher safe The item survives a normal dishwasher cycle. Some versions specify the top rack only.
- Not dishwasher safe — hand wash only Wash this by hand.
- Oven safe The item can go in a conventional oven, up to the stated temperature if one is given.
- Not oven safe Do not put this in a conventional oven.
- Induction compatible The pan has a ferromagnetic base and will work on an induction hob.
- BPA free The item contains no bisphenol A. It is a marketing claim, not a certification.
- Do not use metal utensils Use wood, silicone or nylon tools with this surface.
Sources
- Typical range compiled from manufacturer specifications — At One Place