Walk-in freezers are amongst the most important commercial kitchen appliances. You want them to be working at their optimum to prevent walk in cooler repairs. And to do that, the freezer needs periodic defrosting. So, let’s discuss how often your walk-in freezer should defrost and how you can do it on your own.

Should I be bothered about defrosting?

Yes, defrosting is an important feature that helps prolong the performance and lifespan of the unit. Even though not all walk-in freezers are built to perform the same but utilize more or less the same mechanism. On average, a walk-in cooler should defrost at least two to four times a day.

If you have manually configured the defrosting process, the unit will run defrost cycles more frequently. Plus, the location of the unit also plays an important role in the frequency of defrosting. If the unit is located in a colder location, the defrosting cycles will be less, whereas if the unit is exposed to humidity and heat, you can expect comparatively more defrosting cycles.

In addition to that, many businesses tend to ignore the importance of defrosting since it is a tedious process. However, it is the single most important factor apart from regular maintenance. It prevents the accumulation of ice and keeps the unit from working under stress.

How many cycles are required by a walk-in freezer?

Typically, a walk-in freezer requires somewhere around two to three defrost cycles every day. In addition to that, the defrosting frequency also depends on the usage of the unit. If the unit is continuously used, the defrosting frequency will increase as well.

At the same time, you should schedule the defrosting process when the usage is at its lowest. For instance, lunchtime or in the evening will be perfect for allowing the unit to successfully perform the process.

Should defrosting be done manually or automatically?

If you own an older unit, you might have to defrost it manually, which is going to be a tiring task. On the other hand, if you have a newer version, you can use the automatic defrosting feature to avoid putting in the effort.

Moreover, walk-in coolers have become smart and intelligent with time. They come with sensors that detect ice accumulation and begin defrosting automatically. However, automatic defrosting can increase your electricity bills.

Above all, experts suggest that you should opt for manual defrosting every once in a while since freezers require regular maintenance and cleaning anyway. Even though you will need to put in some time and effort but at least you will be at peace knowing that the defrosting was done the right way. And plus, you won’t be eating up as much electricity either.

How do you prevent ice buildup in a walk-in freezer?

Ice accumulation is the prime enemy of your walk-in freezer. To prevent it from happening, you should make sure that all air channels are closed through which humidity can make its way inside. Plus, inspect every corner for leaks and fix them. And finally, check the insulation panel and remove any ice or water build-up.

How does defrosting work?

Freezers featuring the defrosting feature come with a heating element on the evaporator coil, which happens to be the cooling element of the freezer. The heating element is designed to melt the frost buildup in the freezer.

Therefore, when the defrost feature is activated, the heating element heats up the evaporator coils that begin to melt the accumulated ice. Depending on the unit, the defrosting process may take somewhere around 20-45 minutes.

Does the defrosting process require monitoring?

It is not necessary to monitor the defrosting process. However, keeping a close eye may help detect any problems beforehand. For instance, if the unit were to malfunction, you can simply turn off the unit and call an expert to fix the issue before it turns into an expensive problem.

Final Word

Concluding, walk-in coolers rely on annual maintenance and defrosting to function normally. And it is your responsibility as a business to ensure that it defrosts properly and frequently to prevent ice accumulation. And, if you plan on manually defrosting your refrigerator, you should consider hiring a commercial kitchen appliance repair Northern VA specialist who will get it done with fewer risks of damaging the unit.