Upright manual defrost freezer - a thing of the past?

[Brendan]

Anyways...I want to revisit this idea of "frost free" causing freezer burn. I've been worried to death about buying a new frost free model because practically every single article I read online says, "NOT FOR LONG TERM MEAT STORAGE." I'm encouraged after reading some of your comments that this problem may no longer be an issue with newer technology.

I put this earlier in the thread, but All BS in my mind with newer models - check out the post I made earlier in the thread with the temp ranges of my new upright vs. my chest freezer. If a freezer never goes above 0 F how is it going to cause freezer burn any more than a frost free model with the same temperature?

There are some advantages and disadvantages to upright vs. chest, but I don't think frost free vs. non is even an issue anymore when it comes to freezer burn.

 

[CoffeeGoat]

I like to freeze my meat on an aluminum baking sheet so wire or glass doesn't matter. Keeps everything nice and flat and good conduction to cool it down quickly. I do the same thing with veggies and berries. With meat it's usually in a vacuum seal bag already, but sometimes I'll even leave it out to dry a bit. It works great to freeze store bought breakfast sausage overnight them in the morning i throw them individually into a gallon Ziploc. Makes it easy to grab it just enough for breakfast.

 

[xajoles]

So far so good. Although, it's new to me this year. Replaced an older/smaller frost free that I had for 12 years (No freezer burn or defrosting issues with that either). Really like that I found it for $300 and sold my old one for $250!

https://www.lowes.com/pd/Frigidaire-20-2-cu-ft-Frost-Free-Upright-Freezer-ENERGY-STAR/50273097

I like that I can add/remove the drawers if I want, and add in another shelf if needed.

Einbau-Gefrierschrank No-Frost Test-Überblick: Die besten Einbau-Gefrierschränke No-Frost im Vergleich - KitchenProfy

Hi all have a candy built-in fridge freezer, fridge part is supposed to be frost free but for a while now there is a build up of ice in the bottom drain off area of the unit which I have to chip off every day. It is only 3 years old. Anyone got a solution?

 

[Wardamntexas]

Pulled the trigger on a GE freezer with great ratings. My hopes are high...

15 months later, how's it treating you?

 

[Steve from GA]

15 months later, how's it treating you?

Great. Probably fluctuates between -10 and 5 F, which is to be expected for frost-free. But anybody who says that it has a detrimental effect on food is full of it. Whether it's -10 F or 5 F, it's frozen solid and staying that way. Those fluctuations up to 5 F only happen every few days anyway.

 

[Wardamntexas]

Great. Probably fluctuates between -10 and 5 F, which is to be expected for frost-free. But anybody who says that it has a detrimental effect on food is full of it. Whether it's -10 F or 5 F, it's frozen solid and staying that way. Those fluctuations up to 5 F only happen every few days anyway.

Great to hear!

 

[Whisky]

I caved and bought a Frigidaire frost free upright. Only been using it for a week, so time will tell.
I did keep one of my chest freezers for longer term storage of bulk meats.

 

[mossyoak52]

6x7x8 walk in cooler with with removable wire racking problem solved also works well for hanging and aging wild game before butchering

 

[Gone4Days]

I have a frost free upright and use a temp monitor/alarm. My temps are consistently between -1° and -6°. The monitor tracks daytime highs and lows and the temps are never out of that range unless someone is in the freezer digging around with door open.

 

[Somedude]

Great. Probably fluctuates between -10 and 5 F, which is to be expected for frost-free. But anybody who says that it has a detrimental effect on food is full of it. Whether it's -10 F or 5 F, it's frozen solid and staying that way. Those fluctuations up to 5 F only happen every few days anyway.

Hi Steve,

Are you still happy with your GE? I just ordered one to store bulk meat. After I ordered it, I read many articles regarding frost free concerns for long term storage. I even called GE, and they too advised their chest freezer with manual defrost for long term storage. I just stumbled across the thread which seems very encouraging. Any feedback would be appreciated.

Thanks

 

[Steve from GA]

I’m very happy with it. Stays super cold. Zero issues here.

 

[Gone4Days]

I have a frost free and have a wireless temp monitor in there at all times that records high/low temps all week. My temp range from -10° for low to 0° for high temp. frost free doesn’t mean the freezer is getting up to 20-30° inside. just the coils warm up briefly

 

[Somedude]

I’m very happy with it. Stays super cold. Zero issues here.

That’s great to hear. I was quite surprised when GE said I needed the FF chest. Thank you!

 

[Somedude]

I have a frost free and have a wireless temp monitor in there at all times that records high/low temps all week. My temp range from -10° for low to 1° for high temp. frost free doesn’t mean the freezer is getting up to 20-30° inside. just the coils warm up briefly

Thanks for the info. Which freezer do you have?

 

[Gone4Days]

Thanks for the info. Which freezer do you have?

I’ll have to look when I get home

 

[Boarmaster]

I have always had manual defrost chest freezers in the past. Next one will be a upright frost free. I burn through my game meat in a year. I’m tired of trying to organize that chest freezer and having to move stuff around To find what I’m looking for. I just want open the door and grab what I need off the shelf. I’m old and have earned the right to have convenience in my life. LOL. Or so I claim.

 

[hunterjmj]

I've had a Kenmore upright frost free for about 6 years now and I've never noticed an issue. We don't store meat for more than a year so there is that. I'd buy the same freezer again if needed. I also have a small chest freezer but it's a royal pain in the butt.