Last update: 17-11-2022 Home & Garden

Defrosting a Freezer Quickly - Discover How to Defrost a Freezer

Have you ever experienced a situation when the freezer accumulated so much ice that it was difficult to open it? Such occurrences are the reason you should defrost your freezer regularly. Thanks to it, you can avoid many problems, and prevent malfunction of the device. But the way you do it is equally important. Check how to defrost a freezer correctly. Learn about speeding up the process.

What does it mean to defrost a freezer?

Freezer defrosting is one of the most basic activities you should take care of if you want to enjoy a well-functioning device for a long time. Thanks to this process, you can get rid of accumulated frost and ice, which form as a result of low temperatures inside the cooling compartments, and water remaining on frozen packages.

Why is it so important to defrost the freezer regularly?

Many people wonder whether all freezers require manual defrosting. It’s a crucial process for devices without a ‘No Frost’ function. Although many manufacturers offer modern technologies, the market is still full of models without this convenient option. It’s important to defrost such a freezer, because thanks to it:

• the device is easier to use,
• there is more space available,
• you can save electricity,
• the quality of freezing improves,
• optimal temperature can be achieved,
• products are protected from over freezing and losing flavor,
• you can keep your frozen goods organized.

How often should you defrost a freezer?

Most devices available on the market require defrosting twice a year. But as stressed by experts, defrosting a freezer at least once a year is essential. Did you know that the frequency of this activity is determined not only by the device, but also its surroundings? As it turns out, if the freezer stands in a high-humidity room, and it’s opened regularly, it might need more frequent defrosting. Because of this, make sure to observe the interior’s circumstances, and react adequately.

How long does it take to defrost a freezer?

The time you need to spend on defrosting a freezer depends mostly on how big the device is, as well as its condition. If you do it regularly, taking care of everything will take you only several hours. The problem gets worse if you have neglected the issue, and as a result there’s a lot of ice in the compartments and drawers. In such a case, it might take you over ten hours to defrost the device.

How to defrost a deep freezer?

Deep freezers used to be highly popular in the past. No wonder they are still kept in many households. But it turns out that defrosting them is even easier than taking care of a fridge freezer combo. Just follow the instructions below – step by step.

• Take all products out of the freezer.
• Unplug the device from the power source.
• Remove the drain plug at the bottom (the drain might be located in another place).
• Put a bowl under the drain.
• Wait until frost and ice melt.
• Wash the device and wipe it dry.
• Put the products back into the freezer.
• Plug the device into the power outlet.

Are you wondering where to store the products while the freezer is defrosting? If you have some free space in the freezer compartment in your refrigerator, put some products there. What about the remaining ones? You can use thermal bags and boxes. They perfectly keep a low temperature for a few hours, sometimes more than ten.

Defrosting a drawer freezer

Defrosting a drawer freezer is similar to the previously described model. The only difference is that after removing the products, you also have to remove the drawers. We recommend placing them on cloths or towels, to absorb melting frost and ice. You can also put the drawers in a bathtub or a shower cabin to avoid getting water everywhere.

How to defrost a freezer without unplugging it?

There is no method recommended by manufacturers or specialists for defrosting a freezer without unplugging it. In each case, the appliance must be unplugged from the power outlet. The reason is the safety of the person defrosting the device. In addition, cutting the power off prevents cooling, so the frost and ice can melt.

How to speed up the process of defrosting a freezer?

Do you want to make the whole process of defrosting quicker, and are tempted by methods to make it faster? Don’t follow this path, otherwise you might have to purchase a new device. Using hot water or a hair dryer to defrost a freezer are methods recommended by some people on the Web, and an easy way to damage the appliance. What’s more, a manufacturer’s warranty doesn’t cover such failures. So, think twice before doing anything silly. It’s better to sacrifice a few hours more, and save money – especially because freezers aren’t the cheapest devices.

📍 What is the fastest way to defrost a freezer?

The best solution regarding defrosting a freezer is purchasing a device with a 'No Frost' function – this way, you don't have to be bothered by such a duty. But if it's currently out of question, follow the process step by step and don't look for shortcuts, as you might end up with a malfunctioning device. Unplug the appliance, take the products out, and wait.

📍 How to defrost a built-in freezer?

Defrosting a built-in freezer looks exactly the same as defrosting any other model. It might be more difficult to reach the drain plug because of decorative elements such as trim boards. But all you have to do is take them off, and the task will be easy.

📍 How to defrost a freezer in a fridge?

A freezer in a fridge gets usually defrosted along with the entire device. It's the most convenient solution, as the appliance has to be unplugged. Modern models typically come with a 'No Frost' system. In such a case, the freezer regulates itself – without the user's action.

📍 How to defrost a fridge-freezer combo?

A fridge-freezer requires unplugging from the power source. All products have to be taken out of the device. Then, you have to wait until the ice and frost melt. After washing the appliance, put the products back in and plug it into the power outlet.