Is a frost free under counter chiller better?

The frost-free under-counter freezer solves the problem caused by the thick frost layer formed inside the traditional freezer. The design enables the frost-free model to work efficiently without the need for manual defrost. Although a frost-free under counter freezer is a convenient home appliance, there are pros and cons to consider before purchasing a freezer. Are frost-free under counter freezers really right for you?

 

l   Definition of frost-free under counter freezer

l   Advantages and disadvantages of a frost-free under counter freezer

l   Underfloor freezer purchase guidelines

 

Definition of frost-free under counter freezer

These models have the same basic cabinet structure, with the main differences being the thermostat and the cooling system. The under counter freezer models measure as small as 24 inches wide and as large as 119 inches. Although under counter freezer refrigerators and under counter freezers look similar to countertop units, which will be discussed later, they are not the best choice for use as a work space or fixed countertop device. Some manufacturers offer dual-temperature under counter chillers with both a refrigerator and a freezer to provide greater versatility.

 

Traditional freezers frost because the water vapor that forms around the coil turns into a liquid and freezes immediately. Frost-free models prevent this by periodically defrosting the storage area automatically. The built-in timing mechanism turns off the cold air compressor and turns on a small heater to melt the ice crystals. After the frost is cleared, the freezer will turn off the heater so that cold air can store your food at a safe temperature.

 

Advantages and disadvantages of a frost-free under counter freezer

Advantages: Low maintenance. The main advantage of having a frost-free under counter chiller is that you don't need to defrost the unit, saving you time and effort. To keep a traditional freezer in good working order, it must be thawed and drained at least once a year or whenever the frost layer reaches 1/4 inch thick. Manually defrosting a under counter chiller is labor-intensive and time-consuming, up to 24 hours at a time. With a frost-free model, you only need to clean the storage area once a year, and then wipe it with 1 tablespoon of baking soda solution to resolve spills and odors per quart of hot water.

 

Cons: Total cost. Frost-free under counter chillers are usually more expensive to buy than traditional freezers. In addition, frost-free models typically have higher operating costs. According to a September 2013 report from the U.S. Energy Information Administration, a frost-free 15-cubic-foot freezer that costs 12.5 cents per kilowatt-hour will cost you about $ 219 per year, while an equivalent manual defrost freezer costs only annually $ 144. The frost-free model is more expensive to run because it uses heaters to melt ice crystals, uses fans to circulate cold air, and uses sensors to monitor frost accumulation.

 

Pros: No frost damage. under counter chiller burns can occur when ice crystals form on the surface of stored food. Affected foods are unpleasant and often have unpleasant textures. Since the frost-free model prevents ice crystals from forming on any surface within the storage area, no frost will form on your stored food. Packing items with polyethylene plastic bags, plastic-coated frozen paper, or durable aluminum foil can further protect food from cold damage. No frosting on food packaging means that the label should be legible and the packaging itself should not stick together.

 

Pros and cons: Storage space. Since frost does not accumulate in the food storage area of the under counter chiller, you should never lose total storage space. However, frost-free models use fans to blow cold air into the pantry. Many people's freezers are filled with water, which means that air cannot circulate properly in food. Read and follow the manufacturer's instructions for food storage to ensure that your under counter chiller is not overloaded and therefore cannot be defrosted properly.

 

Underfloor freezer purchase guidelines

1.         Height. When it comes to the height of the under counter chiller you want to look at, it's important to understand the meaning of jargon, read the spec sheet carefully, and figure out the tape measure! A typical under counter chiller is about 36 inches tall (including casters or feet). Most manufacturers also offer "low profile" and "ADA height" versions of the cabinet. This is where you need to pay attention. For example, many manufacturers' "ADA Height" models are approximately 34 inches tall, sitting on a typical ADA height (American Disability Act) work surface. If you want to install your own under-counter equipment under the ADA height counter, you need to buy a "short" version with a height of only 32 inches.

2.         Compressor position and clearance. You also need to pay attention to the location of the compressor air inlet and exhaust. Depending on the layout of the area where you want to place the cabinet, some adjustments may be required. For example, if the exhaust vent is on the right side of the device, it cannot be placed flush with a wall or cabinet. Some models offer a "front breathing" design, which means that the air intake and exhaust are located at the front of the cabinet, which helps reduce the requirement for left and right clearance. If in doubt, read the spec sheet carefully for any installation requirements and permits. If the equipment is found to be incorrectly installed, many manufacturers will not accept the warranty.

3.         Door and drawer. under counter freezers are available with doors and drawers. When you start looking at multi-part models, you usually have the option to mix and match door and drawer parts. The drawer section has less overall storage space than the one with the door, but it may be more convenient because you can load the food tray directly into the drawer. It depends on your environment which is most convenient for you. The advantage of a glass door is that you can see what's inside without opening the door. They also allow a certain sales effect in front of the house. The trade-off is that you will lose a bit of energy efficiency because the sturdy door is better insulated.

 

Although a frost-free under counter freezer can provide you with a lot of convenience, you should consider which type of freezer to buy based on your lifestyle and shopping budget. If you want to buy high-quality under counter freezer with reasonable price, Meibaijia Electrical Technology Company can provide you with the best products.