How long does it take to defrost a freezer? Depending on the freezer you have, and how much frost/ice build-up there is, defrosting your freezer can take anything between 2 hours and 24 hours to defrost naturally.
Let the ice melt
The easiest way to defrost a freezer is to simply let the ice melt on its own. After you unplug your appliance, leave the door open and wait for the ice to melt on its own. If you want to expedite the melting process, you can put a fan near your freezer to help it defrost.
The key to successfully defrosting and cleaning your freezer is to prepare in advance. The longest it should take, without rushing the process is 16 hours. However, you can reduce this dramatically and, if you have a good freezer, you will find it can be done in as little as 5 or 6 hours.
As for freezer defrost cycles, there are also two different methods; Auto defrost (frost-free) and Manual defrost. Auto-defrost freezers are similar to the refrigerators, incorporating a timer and heater which typically cycles 2-3 times within 24 hours.
Freezer frost occurs when moisture comes into contact with the evaporator coils inside your freezer and then freezes. The most common culprits of frost buildup include: A damaged or worn-out door seal: Your freezer's door seal (also called a gasket) keeps cold air in and warm air out.
There are 3 common issues as to why you may be experiencing a defrosting issue with your freezer. A faulty defrost timer, a defective defrost heater and a defective thermostat. Any frost-free refrigerator has a defrost system that controls the cooling and defrost cycle.
To Defrost a Frost Free Freezer or Fridge Freezer:
Professionally engineers recommend you remove all food and containers in the freezer and leave it switched off with the door open for a minimum of 36 to 48 hours to ensure all ice has had chance to defrost.
Making an Informed Decision
Manual defrost freezers offer superior temperature consistency and lower energy use, making them ideal for long-term storage. On the other hand, frost-free freezers provide unmatched convenience and ease of maintenance, which is perfect for those with a busy lifestyle.
Open the freezer door and position the fan so that air circulates into the freezer. The room temperature air will help the ice melt at a slightly faster pace. Another popular method for defrosting a freezer quickly is to use steam to melt the ice.
During defrost there will be no running sounds, no fan noise and no compressor noise. Most models will defrost for approximately 25 to 45 minutes, usually once or twice a day. You may hear water dripping or sizzling as it hits the heater. This is normal and helps evaporate the water before it gets to the drip pan.
The freezer is finished defrosting once all of the ice inside melts, which can take anywhere from 2 to 24 hours.
Wait for the freezer to defrost. This can take several hours. Do not try and speed up the process and do not use sharp objects to remove ice. Whilst the freezer is defrosting, quickly clean the appliance's interior using a damp cloth.
Avoid the temptation to use boiling water straight from your kettle — the risk of a serious scold just isn't worth the potential reward. Also, place each bowl onto a thick towel. Excess heat might cause serious damage to the inner surfaces of your freezer. Hot water cools very quickly inside a cold freezer.
To defrost a freezer without turning it off, first remove all the items from your freezer, and pack them tightly into the fridge, being careful to shut the door properly. Then cover the floor with towels to soak up excess water that comes from the freezer during the defrosting process.
Full-Size Models (9 Cubic Feet Capacity or Larger): All full-sized Refrigerators have defrost drains tubes except for some older manual defrost models. The drain tube goes to a drip pan underneath the Refrigerator. Water created by the self-defrost cycle goes into the drip pan where it is evaporated.
The most common frost-free fridge freezer fault is a build-up of ice on the evaporator. If evaporator ice builds up, it's going to affect the airflow, resulting in the temperature never getting low enough.
DON'T Close the door when defrosting.
You need all the warmth you can get and should let the air circulate inside.
For fast defrosting, place food in a leak-proof plastic bag and immerse it in cold water. (If the bag leaks, bacteria from the air or surrounding environment could be introduced into the food. Tissues can also absorb water like a sponge, resulting in a watery product.)
There's no need to forcefully break up any ice or you could damage your freezer. You may choose to use a hair dryer to defrost a freezer, but it's not something we'd recommend - since water and electricity don't mix. Plus, blasting hot air into your freezer can damage any freezer elements.
2. Slightly Higher Energy Consumption. As mentioned earlier, the defrost cycle does use additional energy. While modern frost-free freezers are designed to be as efficient as possible, they may still consume slightly more electricity than manual defrost models.
On average the lifespan of a frost-free freezer ranges from 12 to 20 years.
Frost-free refrigerators usually defrost automatically on a usage-based system or on a time-based system. Voltas Beko frost-free double door refrigerators activate a defrost heater in the evaporator section at the rear of the freezer. Most models defrost for approximately 25 to 45 minutes, usually once to twice a day.
Freezer frosting is the build-up of frost on the walls and shelves inside a freezer. This can happen when there are fluctuations in temperature or when too much moisture gets into the freezer. The frost can also be caused by air coming into the freezer, which brings humidity and causes it to freeze.
A frost-free freezer is a more energy efficient appliance than an auto defrost model. Both freezer types do reduce energy bills because they prevent frost buildup, but a frost-free model is better. For many people, this will offset the higher frost-free freezer purchasing price and the running costs will be lower.