When you’re getting ready to leave home for an extended period—whether it’s for a vacation, work trip, or just a weekend away—there’s a simple yet highly effective hack that could save you time, money, and peace of mind: putting a coin in your freezer. This clever trick can help you determine if your freezer lost power while you were away and whether the food inside is still safe to eat.

The Simple Hack: What You Need to Know

1. What You’ll NeedAll you need for this trick is a coin. It doesn’t matter whether it’s a quarter, dime, or penny—any standard coin will do. The important thing is that it’s small enough to place inside your freezer. You’ll also need a plate or a cup of water to freeze the coin on or inside.
2. The Purpose of the CoinThe primary purpose of placing a coin in your freezer is to monitor your freezer’s temperature while you’re gone. If the power goes out for an extended period, your freezer could warm up enough to allow your food to thaw. Once the power comes back on, the freezer will refreeze, but the food may no longer be safe to consume. The coin provides a visual cue to help you determine if your freezer’s contents were compromised.

How It Works

1. Freezing the CoinBefore you leave, place the coin on a plate or in a cup of water and set it in your freezer. The coin will freeze along with the water or the plate as your freezer operates normally. Once frozen, the coin will remain in place unless the temperature inside your freezer changes significantly.
2. Checking the Coin When You ReturnWhen you return home, check the coin. If the coin is still in place—whether frozen on top of the ice or sitting on a frozen plate—your freezer maintained a safe temperature, and your food is likely still safe to eat. However, if the coin has sunk to the bottom of the cup or is no longer sitting where you left it, it’s an indication that your freezer lost power long enough for the ice to melt. This suggests your food may have thawed and refrozen, which could mean it’s no longer safe to consume.
3. Understanding the RisksWhen food thaws, especially meat, dairy, and other perishable items, harmful bacteria can start to grow. If your freezer loses power and the temperature rises, these foods could become unsafe to eat. The coin trick gives you a simple way to gauge whether you need to throw out potentially spoiled items, reducing your risk of foodborne illness.

Why This Hack Is Beneficial

1. Peace of MindOne of the biggest benefits of this trick is peace of mind. By using a coin to monitor your freezer’s temperature, you can leave home without worrying about what will happen if there’s a power outage. Knowing you have a quick and easy way to check the safety of your food when you return can alleviate a lot of stress.
2. Saving MoneyFood waste is expensive, especially if you’re throwing out large amounts of food because you’re unsure whether it’s still safe to eat. The coin trick can help you avoid wasting food unnecessarily. If the coin hasn’t moved, you’ll know your food stayed frozen and can safely be used, potentially saving you hundreds of dollars each year.
3. Emergency PreparednessThis hack is particularly useful for people who travel frequently or live in areas prone to power outages. If you often leave home for extended periods or live somewhere with unreliable power, the coin trick offers an extra layer of protection for your food supply, ensuring you don’t come home to spoiled groceries after an outage.

Conclusion: A Simple Step for Big Peace of Mind

The next time you’re preparing to leave home for an extended period, don’t forget to put a coin in your freezer. It’s a quick and easy step that can save you time, money, and the stress of dealing with spoiled food. Whether you’re going on vacation, heading to work, or taking a short trip, this quirky tip provides an effortless way to monitor your freezer while you’re away.

By sharing this useful hack with friends and family, you can help them avoid the same worries. Sometimes the simplest ideas are the most effective, and this little trick is a great example of how a small step can make a big difference in your peace of mind.