Ice accumulation in freezers occurs when warm air enters, leading to increased energy costs. To alleviate this, experts recommend defrosting twice a year and employing home remedies like baking soda, cooking oil, and glycerin to reduce ice formation. The article provides a step-by-step guide for effective defrosting and tips for maintaining freezer efficiency. Additionally, it highlights top-rated refrigerator-freezer combinations from Stiftung Warentest, showcasing options for various budgets and needs.
Have you ever wondered why ice accumulates in your freezer? Each time you open the freezer door, warm air rushes in, bringing moisture along with it. As this warm air cools down, it transforms into ice, leading to increased energy consumption and escalating electricity bills over time.
Experts suggest defrosting your freezer biannually to minimize ice buildup. However, if you find your freezer freezing up shortly after defrosting, there are effective strategies you can employ to tackle this issue.
3 Effective Home Remedies to Reduce Ice Formation
Ice forms in the freezer due to the introduction of warm air and moisture. To combat this, regular defrosting is essential. But what can you do when ice reappears soon after you’ve defrosted? Here are three practical solutions.
Utilizing Baking Soda
A reliable home remedy for ice reduction is baking soda, easily found in drugstores and supermarkets. This simple ingredient helps prevent moisture accumulation in your freezer. Here’s how to use it:
Tip: When handling baking soda, it’s wise to wear gloves to protect your skin, as it can be irritating to sensitive areas.
Applying Cooking Oil
If you don’t have baking soda handy, cooking oil serves as an alternative to combat ice formation. Just apply a few drops onto a damp cloth and wipe down the freezer’s interior.
Using Glycerin
Glycerin is another effective option for delaying ice buildup. After thoroughly cleaning your freezer, soak a cloth in glycerin and wipe all interior surfaces. Glycerin has a lower freezing point than water, allowing it to slow the formation of ice. If ice does develop, it will be easier to remove during your next defrosting due to the protective glycerin layer.
Steps for Properly Defrosting Your Freezer
Preparation: Start by completely emptying both the refrigerator and freezer. Store frozen items in a separate freezer or cooler bag, then unplug the appliance.
Speeding Up the Defrosting Process: To expedite melting, place a large bowl of hot water inside the freezer. Collect the excess water in a bowl or on a baking tray.
During the Defrosting: Keep kitchen towels nearby to quickly absorb any melting water. The defrosting process typically takes around two hours.
Drying and Preventing Ice: After the freezer has fully defrosted, dry the interior walls with a towel and clean them with a damp cloth. To further inhibit ice buildup, treat the walls with baking soda, cooking oil, or glycerin as previously mentioned. Finally, plug the appliance back in.
Restocking: Carefully return food items to the refrigerator and freezer. If you’re unsure about the best storage practices, refer to our tips on food storage. Remember, some items should never be refrigerated, and we also have guidance on how to prolong the freshness of your food.
Top Refrigerator-Freezer Combinations from Stiftung Warentest
Refrigerator-freezer combinations are the ultimate space-saving solutions in kitchens, catering to the needs of couples and small families alike.
Stiftung Warentest routinely evaluates both freestanding and built-in refrigerator-freezer models. In this guide, we present our top recommendations and budget-friendly options based on their tests. For more detailed insights, continue reading.
Highlighted Refrigerator-Freezer Combinations from Stiftung Warentest
Top recommendation
Price tip
Alternative
Top recommendation
Price tip
Alternative
Freestanding
Freestanding
Freestanding
Built-in device
Built-in device
Built-in device
Good (Grade 1.7)
Good (Grade 2.1)
Good (Grade 1.9)
Very good (Grade 1.4)
Good (Grade 1.7)
Good (Grade 1.6)
Good (Grade 1.9)
Good (Grade 1.6)
Very good (Grade 1.5)
Good (Grade 2.1)
Good (Grade 1.6)
Very good (Grade 0.7)
Very good (Grade 1.4)
Good (Grade 1.9)
Good (Grade 2.1)
Satisfactory (Grade 3.0)
Satisfactory (Grade 2.9)
Good (Grade 2.5)
158 kWh
206 kWh
224 kWh
252 kWh
255 kWh
216 kWh
950 Euro
1,240 Euro
1,340 Euro
1,510 Euro
1,530 Euro