Do Frost Free Freezers Work?
For many years, food freezers were only available in styles with visible coils that collected heavy concentrations of frost and ice and required regular defrosting to efficiently operate. The introduction of frost-free freezers in the early 1950's revolutionized the industry and they continue to outsell the original design. Does this Spark an idea?
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Frost-Free Technology
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Frost-free freezers have three main parts, a timer, a heating coil and a temperature sensor. About every six hours, the timer activates the heating coil, which is interspersed with the freezer coils, and melts the ice on them. These coils are embedded in the walls of the freezer and require no manual maintenance. When the defrosted freezer coils reach above-freezing temperatures (above 32 degrees Fahrenheit), the temperature sensor turns off the heater. When the ice melts, the water is either collected at the back of the freezer, where it evaporates, or air continuously blows through the interior of the freezer to eliminate the moisture in the air and prevent the build-up of frost.
Frost-Free Freezer Benefits
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Aside from eliminating the tedious task of defrosting, which normally takes several hours and requires carefully chipping away ice from the freezer coils, frost-free freezers are roomier inside than their counterparts. Because the coils are hidden, they do not compromise the storage area on the freezer shelves, so more food can be frozen than in conventional freezers, whereas ice covered coils can take up most of the interior space. The freezer shelves are also easier to maintain, as they are smooth, free of coils and ice, and can easily be wiped clean.
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Disadvantages of Frost-Free Models
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Frost-free freezers use more energy than types with coils because they are constantly going through the heating and cooling cycles. Food that is placed near the internal cooling coils warms slightly as the appliance cycles, which compromises the quality of the food and may cause it to form ice crystals on its surface, which is most common in foods with high fat content. If the freezer uses the air cooling technology, some foods may suffer from dryness or freezer burn from the air. Double or triple wrapping foods prior to freezing them reduces this risk.
Choosing A Freezer
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Both frost-free and conventional freezers successfully preserve food for long periods of time. The initial cost difference is minimal, although operating expenses are slightly higher for frost-free models. If you don't mind the task of defrosting, conventional freezers provide more consistent and even freezing because they do not go through the heating and cooling cycles that frost-free types do.
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