It is not advisable to put something in a chest freezer after removing the power cord, defrosting, and leaving the lid open for several months. Several factors make this practice unsafe and potentially harmful to your food and the freezer itself:
Food Safety: Leaving the lid open for several months would have exposed the interior of the freezer to the surrounding environment, including dust, debris, and potentially pests. The temperature inside the freezer would have fluctuated, leading to food spoilage and potential bacterial growth. The safety and quality of any food placed inside under such conditions would be questionable.
Freezer Integrity: Chest freezers are designed to operate with the lid closed to maintain a consistent and low temperature. Leaving the lid open for an extended period can cause the interior components to deteriorate, affecting the freezer's performance and efficiency.
Moisture Accumulation: Keeping the lid open for an extended period allows moisture to accumulate inside the freezer. This can lead to rust and damage to the freezer's interior, compromising its ability to function correctly and potentially affecting the safety of the food stored in it.
Energy Efficiency: An open chest freezer will consume more energy as it tries to maintain a low temperature with the lid open. This can lead to increased electricity costs and further stress on the freezer's components.
If you have left your chest freezer open and unplugged for an extended period, it's essential to inspect it thoroughly for any damage or signs of deterioration. Clean and sanitize the interior properly, removing any accumulated debris or moisture.
However, I would strongly recommend against using the freezer to store food in this situation. Instead, consider donating or recycling the old freezer if it is no longer functioning correctly or has been left open for a prolonged period. If you need a new freezer for storing food, invest in a new one and follow the manufacturer's instructions for proper use and maintenance to ensure food safety and longevity.