How are eutectic plates frozen? Rack, time and checks

For GEBHARDT plates the freezer runs at least 5 °C below the melting point, air stays free between plates, and a set leaves only when the filling is solid.

12 November 2021Updated 2 October 2026

Short answer

GEBHARDT eutectic plates are frozen on a freezing rack with air circulating between them, in a freezer at least 5 °C below the melting point: -8 °C for a -3 °C plate, -26 °C for a -21 °C plate. The recommended time is 24 hours, and it ranges from 8 to 24 hours depending on the cooling technology. A set is ready when the filling is completely solid.

A eutectic plate is a cooling element whose filling melts at a fixed temperature below zero and which is frozen and reused; the eutectic plate guide covers its melting points and sizes. GEBHARDT requires the filling to be completely frozen and solid before use, so the freezer is held at least 5 °C below the melting point of the plate. The recommended values are:

Melting point	Freezing temperature	Time
-3 °C	-8 °C	24 hours
-14 °C	-19 °C	24 hours
-18 °C	-23 °C	24 hours
-21 °C	-26 °C	24 hours

Depending on the cooling technology the time runs from 8 to 24 hours. Plates are not stacked; GEBHARDT plate freezing racks hold them with air between them so cold air washes both faces.

At dispatch, elapsed time or frost on the shell is not enough; the filling has to be solid, and the check is detailed in is the plate fully frozen. Sets in the freezer are kept apart from ready ones, and while one set is out on a round the second set freezes.