Difference Between Frost Free & Regular Freezer

Choosing the right freezer saves time on maintenance.

Frost-free freezers contain a mechanism to remove the frost that otherwise would build up on the interior. Most new household refrigerator-freezers are now frost-free types. Upright and chest freezers may be frost-free or manual defrost.

Function

Frost-free freezers contain automatic heating elements to warm the refrigeration coils and prevent frost accumulation. A timer triggers the defrost cycle at regular intervals. A thermostat prevents the heat coils from overheating during the defrost cycle.

Energy Use

Frost-free freezers use up to twice the energy of manual defrost freezers.

Considerations

Frost buildup reduces energy efficiency. Manual models require periodic defrosting, which can take up to 24 hours. Self-defrost models cost $100 to $150 more than manual defrost models. They also operate with less noise.

Maintenance

The drain tube on frost-free models should be checked occasionally for clogs that might interfere with operation. Manual defrost freezers should be defrosted when frost buildup reaches 1/4 inch.

The First Home Chest Freezer

In 1955, the first home chest freezer capable of freezing fresh food was sold in the United States. It was not, of course, a frost-free model.

References

• Energystar.gov: Freezers for Consumers
• Consumer Reports: Freezers
• 'Domestic Technology: A Chronology of Developments'; Nell Du Vall; 1988.

Resources

• Energystar.com: FAQ