Cookaholics Bulletin Board

I've decided I want to get a full-size freezer to live in our garage. There's one on craigslist I'm really interested in, but I'm reading conflicting information about whether a frost-free freezer would be a problem in a garage that frequently gets below freezing in the winter.

Thoughts?

Amy

I believe the issue with a self defrosting or frost free freezer being used at less than the recommended 40º is related to the defrost heaters and the possibility that there could be some drainage from inside the freezer that could freeze in a drain or evaporation pan and damage something.

There is also a possibility that freezing temperatures can upset temperature controls or damage the compressor. I do not believe that is the case, but manufacturers recommendations should always be followed to the letter.

That said, what I would do is to check online for an appliance repair specialist that sells parts for the freezer that you are considering to see if you can determine whether the freezer will function OK without the self defroster being hooked up. If it can, it is simple enough to remove the wires from the defrost timer so it will not defrost during the winter.

If the contents of the freezer was valuable, I would monitor its temperature using a K probe and a meter. If you do not already have one, ThermoWorks can fix you up with one.

Amy,

You really should look at the Gladiator refrigerators. They are specifically made for outdoor use. http://www.gladiatorgarageworks.com/skip/appliances.cat

Tim

When I researched this, it seemed that there was no real 'pattern'; some models were designed for cold temperatures, and some were not. You had to look at the specs for the individual models. For my environment in my garage, which can get to -10C , very few seemed spec'd to go that low and operate correctly.

I sspect as Jim says, the defrost heaters might have a pretty rough time if you garage is very cold.

Jim and Paul, I found those stats as well...

I talked to the guy about where it lived in his house, and lo and behold, it lived in the garage, and his garage regularly sees temps for days on end below 0 degrees. He said he's never had a problem with it. I could just tell the guy is trustworthy, so I bought it. It was such a good deal (excellent shape and relatively young) if it only lasts me two years it will still have been worth it.

Tim, I know of the Gladiators, but I don't need more fridge space...only freezer. Makes everything much less complicated.

Thanks all!

Amy

P.S. I'm now going to buy a quarter of beef, and a half of a pig!

We bought a lamb & 1/2 a pig. You won't believe how long this lasts. We don't eat out often, but this is way too much food for us.
K

Kathy,

I'm sure...

Hopefully, I'll be able to use some of both for catering jobs.

Amy

Uhm, not that i have too many fridges or freezers....
For 20 years I have had a freezer in the garage. The first was replaced about 12 yrs ago simply because it was a manual defrost. The second one does fine, occasionally getting a little ice buildup around the top left inside corner in the heat of summer. When it dies I will surely get another. Much more convenient than trouncing to the basement.