Refrigerator - Types of Defrost Systems

No-Frost / Automatic Defrost:

Frost-free refrigerators and upright freezers defrost automatically either on a time-based system (Defrost Timer) or usage-based system (Adaptive Defrost). For more information, visit: Refrigerator - Automatic Defrost System

 

The defrost system activates a defrost heater in the evaporator section at the rear of the freezer. This heater melts frost off of the evaporator coils and then turns off.

  • During defrost there will be no running sounds, no fan noise and no compressor noise.

  • Most models will defrost for approximately 25 to 45 minutes, usually once or twice a day.

  • You may hear water dripping or sizzling as it hits the heater. This is normal and helps evaporate the water before it gets to the drip pan.

  • When the defrost heater is on, it is normal to see a red, yellow or orange glow from the freezer.

 

Manual Defrost or Partial Automatic Defrost (compact refrigerator):

You must manually defrost by turning off the refrigerator and letting it warm to room temperature. There is not a defrost heater in these models.

  • Defrost whenever frost becomes 1/4 inch to 1/2 inch thick.

  • Follow the instructions in the care and cleaning section of your Owner's Manual.

  • Fresh food compartment defrosting takes place automatically every time the refrigerator turns off. Melted frost water drains from the cooling coil into a trough on the rear wall of the cabinet and then down the corner to a drain tube at the bottom. Water flows into a pan behind the grille where it is evaporated.

 

Cycle Defrost:

The refrigerator fresh food section defrosts automatically by means of a thermostat affixed to the evaporator coils every time the unit cycles off (usually every 20-30 minutes). However, the freezer compartment must be manually defrosted whenever frost becomes 1/4 inch to 1/2 inch thick.

  • Fresh food compartment defrosting takes place automatically every time the refrigerator turns off. Melted frost water drains from the cooling coil into a trough on the rear wall of the cabinet and then down the corner to a drain tube at the bottom. Water flows into a pan behind the grille where it is evaporated.