How Often Should One Defrost a Small Refrigerator?

Refrigerators need to be defrosted when ice builds up.

It Depends on the Level of Frost Buildup

There is no definite time frame for defrosting a refrigerator of any size. According to Energy Star, "A general rule of thumb is to not allow frost to build up more than one-quarter of an inch." This will keep your refrigerator running properly and decrease the amount of energy it uses.

Many Refrigerators Have Auto-Defrost

Most refrigerator models today, including mini-fridges, have automatic defrosters that prevent frost buildup by heating the refrigerator coils on occasion. According to American Eagle Appliances, "You don't need to manually defrost your self-defrosting refrigerator/freezer. Every six to eight hours, it heats up its cooling coils slightly and melts any frost accumulation on the coils."

Bottom Line

Whether your refrigerator is small or large, it needs to be defrosted when ice builds up. Monitor the amount of ice inside the refrigerator and freezer and defrost when necessary. According to Energy Star, "Defrosting should be done only when necessary, but should be done as soon as necessary. The amount of time duration in between defrosts varies as to how often the door is opened, and the relative humidity in your kitchen."

References

• Energy Star: How Do I Manually Defrost a Refrigerator?
• American Eagle Appliance: Fridge Tips