Kitchen Large Electric Appliances - freezers, refrigerators?

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robj
12-29-06, 11:05 AM
Hello everyone,

I have a question. Somebody told me that refrigerator/freezer combination appliances go through a defrost cycle that will spoil food if left in the freezer for longer than one month but total freezers you can leave food in there for as long as 1-2 years. Is this true? Any help. Thanks

GregH
12-29-06, 06:06 PM
There are two reasons food could last longer in a chest freezer than the freezer compartment of a fridge.
The defrost cycle in a fridge does have something to do with shorter food storage times but improper wrapping also has a hand in it.
When a "frost free" fridge runs the evaperator coil in the freezer compartment accumulates frost which will automatically defrost three or four times a day.
This frost accumulation will create very dry conditions within the freezer, causing food that is not wrapped well to dry out as well.

Another problem with long term storage in a fridge is that the freezer compartment is not always able to operate at as low a temperature as a dedicated freezer.
The lower the temperature the longer food will last. You need temps lower than 0 degF or -18 degC for maximum food life.

Here is some good food storage info with storage times for various foods.:

http://www.azdhs.gov/phs/oeh/fses/sfstt.htm