Definition: Self-defrost is a term used to identify a freezer that is designed with an automatic defrost cycling system that requires no intervention from the homemaker. A self-defrost freezer cycles on/off periodically to melt and remove ice that would otherwise build up in the freezer's interior. This water is then discharged to a drip tray positioned at the base of the unit. There is no need to empty this water tray; it tends to evaporate on its own. The drip tray is usually located behind the bottom trim plate of an upright freezer.
Most (not all) upright models of freezers have a self-defrost feature. Also known as a frost-free or auto-defrost, this is a feature many consumers love for ease of cleaning and in terms of saving time and labor. A self-defrost feature does increase the price of a freezer and consumers should confirm the presence of this feature before buying, since it's not always easy to detect the presence in a freezer's design.
A freezer without a self-defrost feature is known as a manual defrost freezer. Most chest (not all) freezers have manual defrost. Defrosting a freezer manually involves a hands-on, time consuming and tedious task. Learn more about a manual defrost freezer.
Though manual defrost (chest) freezers require more cleaning, they are cheaper to buy and cost less in energy to operate. However, they lack the organizing potential and retrieval convenience of an upright self-defrost model.
A self-defrost feature reduces freezer maintenance considerably, but it does have a down side. Because of the on/off cycling routine, temperatures tend to fluctuate and the freezer must work harder to restore the ideal interior temperature. This increases operating costs, leads to a noisier operation and foods are also more prone to freezer burn than in a manual defrost freezer.
Consumers should consider all freezer features along with operation, energy and maintenance before making a freezer buying decision.
Read More About Freezers:
Freezers 101 - From Buying to Caring for a Freezer
Freezer Installation - Install for Best Convenience, Efficiency
Chest vs Upright Freezers - Which is Best for You?
Convenience of a Freezer Light
Before You Buy a Freezer
Go to Home Page
Most (not all) upright models of freezers have a self-defrost feature. Also known as a frost-free or auto-defrost, this is a feature many consumers love for ease of cleaning and in terms of saving time and labor. A self-defrost feature does increase the price of a freezer and consumers should confirm the presence of this feature before buying, since it's not always easy to detect the presence in a freezer's design.
A freezer without a self-defrost feature is known as a manual defrost freezer. Most chest (not all) freezers have manual defrost. Defrosting a freezer manually involves a hands-on, time consuming and tedious task. Learn more about a manual defrost freezer.
Though manual defrost (chest) freezers require more cleaning, they are cheaper to buy and cost less in energy to operate. However, they lack the organizing potential and retrieval convenience of an upright self-defrost model.
A self-defrost feature reduces freezer maintenance considerably, but it does have a down side. Because of the on/off cycling routine, temperatures tend to fluctuate and the freezer must work harder to restore the ideal interior temperature. This increases operating costs, leads to a noisier operation and foods are also more prone to freezer burn than in a manual defrost freezer.
Consumers should consider all freezer features along with operation, energy and maintenance before making a freezer buying decision.
Read More About Freezers:
Freezers 101 - From Buying to Caring for a Freezer
Freezer Installation - Install for Best Convenience, Efficiency
Chest vs Upright Freezers - Which is Best for You?
Convenience of a Freezer Light
Before You Buy a Freezer
Go to Home Page
Pronunciation: self de.frost
Also Known As: Auto-defrost freezer, frost-free freezer
Alternate Spellings: Automatic defrost
Examples:
A self-defrost freezer can save you a lot of time when it comes to cleaning.
