Pre-freezing overnight lets the machine skip most of the freeze-down phase, shortening the cycle and reducing compressor wear. One caveat on texture.

Weigh a tray, run two more hours, weigh again. If the number stopped falling, it is done. Snapping and cold spots are indicators, not proof.

Twelve to fifteen millimetres for most foods. Doubling thickness more than doubles cycle time, and a tray finishes at the pace of its thickest piece.