Chest Freezer - Comparison of Manual Defrost and Auto Defrost

There are a couple of factors to consider when choosing between an auto defrost and a manual defrost chest freezer.

 

• The location of the freezer: Will it be in the kitchen where the appliance receives frequent door openings or the basement where it would only be opened infrequently?

• The lifestyle of the owner: Does the consumer object to manually defrosting the freezer?

 

Both auto and manual defrost freezers will keep the proper temperature (-5 to +5 degrees F.). Auto defrost models have heaters that cycle on and off throughout operation and it is possible that they could cause the food to dry out slightly.

 

As a rule of thumb, if the freezer will be opened frequently, it is best to get an auto defrost model. If it will only be opened 2 to 3 times a week, a manual defrost model is best.