Frost Free Vs. Frost Freezers

Manual-Defrost Freezers

• Manual-defrost freezers, may require a lot more maintenance than the frost-free type. They should be defrosted at least once a year, or when a quarter-inch of frost develops across much of the surface. Excess frost on the freezer will increase its energy and operating costs, while making it more difficult to store items. As long as you clean and defrost your freezer adequately, its cost-efficiency makes it a smart investment for a home.

Frost-Free Freezers

• Many new freezer designs offer an internal defroster mechanism that monitors and melts away the ice automatically. Most manual defrosting labor can be avoided with these appliances, but they cost more to operate. According to Colorado State University, a frost-free 15-cubic-foot freezer running at 7 cents per kilowatt hour costs roughly $123.27 per year, while the equivalent frost freezer may cost $81.37. It's no wonder that automatic defrosting types cost more to run, as they incorporate a defroster with a heating cycle as well as a fan motor and sensors. These numerous parts also raise the potential for repair needs.

Manual Defrosting

• The first step when manually defrosting your freezer is to set aside your frozen items. These will need to be temporarily stored in an ice chest or cardboard box for a few hours. Disconnect the electricity from the freezer and review your manufacturer's instructions for defrosting. The quickest method may be different based on your freezer type, but the basic and universal method is to simply let it defrost naturally and break up the ice as it melts. Open the freezer and place towels beneath it to catch the water. For some freezers, you can speed up the process by placing pans of hot water inside and closing the door.

General Care

• Whether you are working with a frost-free or manual-defrost freezer, proper care is necessary to keep it in good shape. Place it in a cool, dry place with plenty of air circulation and allow two to four inches of space behind exposed coils. Even frost-free freezers may require defrosting from time to time if the door is left open and moisture gets inside. In any case, you should clean your freezer out once a year. Clean your freezer with a combination of water and baking soda to keep it in good running shape.