Defrosting dilemmas: Mastering your freezer's hidden features
Are you considering defrosting your freezer and worried about how to do it correctly? Although it may seem like a complicated process, it is actually quite straightforward if you avoid a few common mistakes. Additionally, it's worth knowing that many freezers have hidden features that can be extremely helpful.
Freezers differ from one another, so they require an individual approach. To start, check if your freezer is equipped with the "No Frost" function. Thanks to this function, found in many modern models, you won’t need to worry about ice build-up. However, if you have an older appliance, regular defrosting is necessary.
Defrosting the freezer - Why is it so important?
When you notice that the freezer drawers are harder to close and there is thick frost on the walls, it's a sign that it's time to defrost the appliance. We often decide to take this step only when the frost becomes problematic. Ideally, you should repeat the process every three months.
A freezer without excess ice uses less energy and is less likely to malfunction. Reduced energy consumption means lower bills, which is important as the freezer is a household appliance that consumes a significant amount of electricity. In clean equipment, food stays fresh longer and tastes better. If it's been a while since the last defrosting, now might be the right time to consider it.
Winter weather is an added advantage – you can store products from the freezer on the balcony during defrosting. It's a simple way to avoid defrosting delicate items like ice cream or frozen vegetables.
How to properly defrost a freezer?
When preparing to defrost, first remove all the shelves and open the freezer door, then disconnect it from the power or turn off the breakers if that makes the task easier.
After disconnecting the power, you can let the ice melt on its own. However, check if your freezer has a special valve or funnel at the bottom where melting water can drain. You should open or pull it out at the beginning of the entire process. Its location and appearance depend on the freezer model, so you may need to use the user manual to locate it. However, it might be that your model doesn't have this particular feature.
An important step is to place a container under the funnel – a baking tray will work well in this case. It's worth protecting the freezer threshold with a towel to prevent any remaining water from spilling onto the floor. A larger capacity might be needed depending on the amount of frost accumulated in the freezer.
When the ice has completely melted, wipe the inside of the appliance with dish soap, dry it, then replace the drawers and plug the appliance back in (or turn on the breakers). This will ensure the freezer operates efficiently and is ready for the next few months of use.
