Learn the key differences
The Spruce / Michela Buttignol
What do you have more of, time or money?
A freezer without self-defrost is known as a manual defrost freezer.
With a self-defrosting freezer, the appliance’s heating elements cycle on and off throughout the day.
The Spruce / Michela Buttignol
A manual defrost freezer relies on the owner to remove the excess frost and ice from the cavity.
Key Features
Self-Defrosting
Self-defrost (or frost-free) is acleaningdesign feature in freezers.
Self-defrosting is an automatic defrost cycling process requiring no intervention from the user.
It works by heating coils inside the freezer at regular intervals to prevent frost build-up.
It requires the owner to manually defrost the freezer coils as frost builds up.
Appearance
Mostthough not allupright freezershave a self-defrost feature.
You’ll also find that most combination refrigerator-freezers have a self-defrosting feature.
Somechest freezerswill be labeled as frost-free.
Most (though again, not all) chest freezers have a manual defrost.
Chest freezers also lack theorganizing potentialand retrieval convenience of an upright self-defrost model.
A self-defrosting or manual defrost chest freezer will also usually require more horizontal floor space.
Best for Appearance: Tie
It depends on what style of freezer you prefer.
The drip tray is usually located behind the bottom trim plate of an upright freezer.
Tip
To make manual defrosting easier, place a fan near the freezer to help it defrost.
Best for Repair and Maintenance: Self-Defrosting
Those who use a frost-free freezer enjoy minimal maintenance.
Oftentimes, owners will often not want to return to a manual defrost freezer model.
Better compressors also make some noise as they work throughout the day.
However, many freezers are located in out-of-the-way areas where noise may not be an issue.
Best for Noise: Manual Defrost
Manual defrost freezers are generally quieter than self-defrosting freezers.
Though manual defrost freezers require more cleaning, they are cheaper to buy and cost less energy to operate.
The energy-saving aspect occurs for two reasons.
First, there is minimal cold air loss with a chest freezer (which is usually manual defrost).
In addition, a manual defrost freezer maintains a more constant freezing temperature.
It’s important to note that both self-defrosting and manual defrost freezers can carry an Energy Star rating.
Freezers with Energy Star ratings are at least 10 percent more energy-efficient than the minimum federal standard.
Installation
There is no difference in installation for a self-defrosting or manual defrost freezer.
In general, a freezer should always be plugged into its own outlet with the appropriate voltage rating.
This will provide the best performance of your freezer regardless of its defrosting function.
Cost
Self-defrost functionality, however, does increase the price of a freezer.
Nor is it often noted on the appliance tag or details.
There are still plenty of models across most brands of manual or self-defrosting freezers.
Lifespan
You may hear that freezers last about 20 years.
Top Brands
Energy Efficiency of a Refrigerator.Penn State College of Earth and Mineral Sciences.
