| Frost Free Freezers |
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A frost free freezer saves you ever needing to defrost
it. Sounds good but how does it work and are their any disadvantages?
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FROST FREE
Every time you open up a freezer warmer air enters the freezer and that
air has moisture in it. This moisture freezes on the inside of the freezer,
mainly on the cooling coils. Over time this ice builds up which reduces
the efficiency of the freezer and also leaves less room for storage in
the freezer.
With a normal freezer you would need to defrost it which puts the freezer out of action for several hours. A frost free freezer may have heating elements on the coils and periodically these are automatically turned on. The ice melts and is collected as water at the back of the freezer. Another method used is to blow air through the cabinet which removes moisture laden air reducing the amount of frost build up.
The advantages of this are clear, you don't ever need to defrost your freezer! The disadvantage is that when the heating elements are turned on, food near the cooling coils will warm slightly. This constant change in temperature will result in lower quality food.
Foods most affected are those which are high in fat. The blowing of air through the freezer can also dry out some foods. The solution is to wrap food carefully before placing it in the freezer.
GO BACK TO FREEZER FEATURES INDEX
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